Forward Memphis
Forward Memphis is a Memphis, Tennessee public charity formed in 2022. It provides responsible small-dollar lending, financial guidance, and assistance intended to help underserved individuals and families address essential expenses and reduce reliance on predatory lending.
Forward Memphis at a glance
- Total assets
- $542,221
- +16.8% vs 2024
- Revenue (2025)
- $586,147
- -4.7% vs 2024
- Net investment income (2025)
- $12,697
- +1001.2% vs 2024
- Expenses (2025)
- $504,602
- +17.2% vs 2024
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated October 2026.
How to apply to Forward Memphis
- Contact
Mailing address: 255 N Highland, Memphis, TN 38111
Phone: (901) 290-8035
Website: https://forwardmemphis.com
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Forward Memphis funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Grant Size Distribution
18 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 18 grants of 18 (100%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
Forward Memphis is based in Memphis, Tennessee. Its website’s eligibility information for its client program includes people who live, work, worship, or attend school in Shelby County, Tennessee.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
In 2024 it made 18 grants totaling $20K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Laquita Chambers Memphis, TN | — | $2,500 |
| Iesha Newton Memphis, TN | — | $2,500 |
| Izola Walker Memphis, TN | — | $2,300 |
| Carol Wilson Memphis, TN | — | $1,747 |
| David Davis Memphis, TN | — | $1,595 |
| Kaylee Dodson Memphis, TN | — | $1,227 |
| Sandra Holloway Memphis, TN | — | $1,170 |
| Illya Roddie Memphis, TN | — | $1,000 |
| Bridjette Brown Memphis, TN | — | $950 |
| Charles Garner Memphis, TN | — | $944 |
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Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $542,221 | $586,147 | $504,602 | — | — | $12,697 |
| 2024 | $464,303 | $615,326 | $430,384 | $20,076 | 18 | $1,153 |
| 2023 | $276,031 | $611,937 | $363,844 | — | — | $259 |
| 2022 | $25,562 | $25,619 | $57 | — | — | — |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
Forward Memphis states that its mission is to provide responsible lending opportunities and financial empowerment resources to underserved individuals and families in the Memphis community, reducing reliance on predatory lending and promoting long-term financial stability.
Its 2025 filing describes small-dollar loans and financial assistance for emergency expenses, alongside financial guidance and support. The stated needs include housing, transportation, utilities, and other essential living expenses. The website says the program serves people who live, work, worship, or attend school in Shelby County, Tennessee.
Grantmaking
The IRS filing reports 18 grants totaling $20,076 in 2024, an average of about $1,115 per grant. It reports no grants in 2023 or 2025. The available information does not identify the grant recipients or describe a grant application process. The website’s application process is for its client assistance and loan program, not for outside grant applicants.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Travis Moody as executive director and CEO; Ephie Johnson as chairperson; Steven Brown as board treasurer; and Erin Bledsoe as board secretary. It also lists Stephanie Jones, Darin Johnson, David Lenoir, Evan Collins, and Jerry Corless as board members. The organization’s website identifies Moody as its founder and leader.
Forward Memphis is led by Travis Moody, Executive Director-Ceo since 2025 (on filings since 2022); 1 of 9 officers listed in 2025 is compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Travis Moody
Executive Director-Ceo
Chief Executive Officer → Executive Director - CEO, 2024
Executive Director - CEO → Executive Director-Ceo, 2025
On filings since 2022
40 hrs/week
$108K (2023) → $131K (2025)
Ephie Johnson
Chairperson
Board President → Board Chairperson, 2024
Board Chairperson → Chairperson, 2025
On filings since 2023
1.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Darin Johnson
Board Member
On filings since 2023
1.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Erin Bledsoe
Board Secretary
On filings since 2023
1.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jerry Corless
Board Member
On filings since 2023
1.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Stephanie Jones
Board Member
On filings since 2023
1.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Steven Brown
Board Treasurer
On filings since 2023
1.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
David Lenoir
Board Member
On filings since 2024
1.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Evan Collins
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
1.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2022–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $131K, to Travis Moody (Executive Director-CEO).
Frequently asked questions about Forward Memphis
How large is Forward Memphis?
Forward Memphis reported $542K in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $586K.
What does Forward Memphis fund?
Forward Memphis states that its mission is to provide responsible lending opportunities and financial empowerment resources to underserved individuals and families in the Memphis community, reducing reliance on predatory lending and promoting long-term financial stability. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Forward Memphis?
Forward Memphis has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check forwardmemphis.com for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
Where does Forward Memphis make grants?
Forward Memphis is based in Memphis, Tennessee. Its website’s eligibility information for its client program includes people who live, work, worship, or attend school in Shelby County, Tennessee.
What is Forward Memphis's EIN?
Forward Memphis's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 88-3796632. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2022–2025.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(2)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS May 29, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2022–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Forward Memphis's focus areas in our free grants database
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The filing figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0. About GrantGraph Open
Figures come from Forward Memphis's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
Forward Memphis down — hundreds of funders to go?