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Empowering safe and resilient places
Introducing a new FOREVER Funds grant investment
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Many Memphians would agree that our community faces critical challenges related to safety and well-being. At the Community Foundation, we believe the most meaningful solutions come from those closest to the issues—people who understand root causes, prioritize trust, and are deeply connected to the neighborhoods they serve. That’s why we’ve launched the Community Solutions grant program, awarding $450,000 from the FOREVER Funds to five organizations working to build safe and resilient places.
These grantees, decided by our volunteer Community Initiatives Committee after a competitive process, are advancing bold, ground-level approaches.
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Decarcerate Memphis shifts power from punishment to community-led solutions, organizing and advocating alongside Black, Brown, and working-poor communities.
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Heal 901 is co-creating sustainable safety strategies driven by local voices.
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Memphis Artists for Change is equipping community fellows to lead public safety efforts rooted in arts and organizing.
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Playback Memphis brings people together across divides, using story and healing to foster long-term change.
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Stand for Children Tennessee is leading a coalition to improve community safety, reduce racial disparities, and promote alternatives to incarceration.
Together, they’re reimagining what’s possible. We look forward to sharing more about the grantees and their work.
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FOREVER FUNDS: HOW MEMPHIS MEETS THE MOMENT
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The FOREVER Funds is the Community Foundation’s community-voiced, community-centered investment in Greater Memphis.
Through the FOREVER Funds, the Community Foundation supports local nonprofits through annual, competitive grantmaking processes and through special initiatives. Learn more.
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One Mom's Story, Thousands Helped
Spotlight on Sweet Cheeks Diaper Ministry
| | Cori Smith turned her own struggle to afford diapers into a mission to help thousands of families. What began as a few Facebook donations has grown into Sweet Cheeks Diaper Ministry—now the Mid-South’s leading diaper bank, serving more than 10,000 families. Powered entirely by volunteers, the organization fills critical gaps left by federal programs, proving that dignity begins with meeting the most basic needs. | | IN HER OWN WORDS: SHANEA MCKINNEY | | | | |
One of the first graduates of the Community Foundation's Next Gen Philanthropic Initative was Dr. Shanea McKinney, a pharmacist with Cigna who, with her attorney husband, is raising her family in Memphis.
Next Gen participant awards a grant to a local agency selected after completing values exercises and careful research. She chose Sweet Cheeks Diaper Ministry as the recipient of her culminating grant.
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“As my husband, David, and I navigated our journey to parenthood, the thought of not being able to provide our son, David Gethers, with essentials like diapers, wipes, and formula never crossed our minds. Today, as proud parents, we cherish every moment with him and deeply appreciate our ability to meet his needs. Yet, we're acutely aware that not every family is as fortunate.
“That's why discovering Sweet Cheeks Diaper Ministry has touched our hearts so profoundly. Founded from personal experience and driven by a compassionate mission, this organization fills a critical gap often overlooked in our community—ensuring that families, especially those starting out like we did, have the essentials they need.”
- Shanea McKinney
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The Community Foundation is committed to spotlighting Black-led nonprofits like Sweet Cheeks Diaper Ministry, throughout the year—culminating in our annual Give 8/28 campaign in August.
To prepare for Black Philanthropy Month and the Give 8/28 giving day campaign, we’re updating our list of Black-led organizations and inviting others to join. Please share this short form with the Black-led organizations in your networks to confirm their current status or express interest in being featured.
This year, we've introduced a new definition of a Black-led organization, informed by the recommendation of our Black-Led Nonprofit Leadership Alliance advisory group. A nonprofit is considered Black-led if the most senior leader (e.g., Executive Director, CEO) is Black and the leadership team includes other Black leaders. The board should also reflect the community served—particularly when the organization’s work centers on Black communities.
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An inspiring Annual Meeting
Takeaways for effective and meaningful family philanthropy
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We were delighted to welcome donors, stakeholders, and friends this May for an inspiring event filled with connection, insight, and momentum for the future. In addition to hearing key financial highlights from fiscal year 2025—including $144.3 million in grants awarded to 1,993 nonprofits—guests gained valuable insights from Miki Akimoto of the National Center for Family Philanthropy, who shared the latest trends shaping the field.
Akimoto’s thought-provoking presentation echoed themes we’ve explored in our Greater Giving Moment radio series. Here are three powerful takeaways to guide your giving:
We invite you to dive deeper into these topics and continue shaping a more effective, thoughtful approach to family giving.
| | Supporting vulnerable populations | | |
This is an especially uncertain time for nonprofit organizations and, by extension, those they serve. Agencies face the potential loss of federal funding, increase in demand for services, and strained relationships with government partners. Among the most threatened are vulnerable populations including people experiencing homelessness, immigrants, and LGBTQ+ individuals.
This region is home to several strong, effective nonprofit organizations that meet the unique needs of these three vulnerable populations. Click the button below to explore a curated list of nonprofits and visit their LIVEGIVEmidsouth.org profiles that include information about agencies' mission, staff and board, major programs, and finances. You can donate to the organizations directly from their profiles.
| | The Community Foundation offers several ways to address community needs, support our vital nonprofit sector, and improve the Mid-South through smart, strategic philanthropy. Click each opportunity to learn more. | | Temporarily relocated to Crosstown Concourse | | The Community Foundation is renovating our longtime home at 1900 Union Avenue. During construction, we have temporarily relocated to Crosstown Concourse until fall 2026. Learn more. | | STAY CONNECTED WITH THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION | | | | |
