The Day Foundation
The Day Foundation is a private foundation established in 1960 and designated as a 501(c)(3) organization. Based in Memphis, Tennessee, the foundation operates with a mission to improve the quality of life for people through support to nonprofit organizations. The foundation is staffed by 3 employees and operates from its office at 5100 Wheelis Drive, Suite 300, Memphis, TN 38117-4532.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$159.5M
+5.0% YoY
Annual Giving
$11.5M
-5.9% YoY
Grant Count
31
+0.0% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$370K
-5.9% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
The Day Foundation's mission focuses on funding for education and community projects in the arts and social services. The foundation demonstrates particular emphasis on:
- Youth Development: Significant focus on at-risk youth and those transitioning out of foster care
- Education: Substantial scholarship programs and educational initiatives
- Arts and Culture: Community projects supporting arts initiatives
- Social Services: Major investments in youth services and programs supporting vulnerable populations
Grantmaking
The Day Foundation is an active grantmaker with consistent annual giving:
Grant Range
**: Approximately $393,000 (based on 2023 awards)
Average Grant
**: Approximately $393,000 (based on 2023 awards)
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Day Foundation's funding priorities center on Memphis, Tennessee and the Southeastern United States.
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of December 31, 2023:
- Total Assets: $151,808,164
- Total Revenue: $27,985,804
- Total Expenses: $13,733,293
- Net Income: $14,252,511
- Total Liabilities: $0
- Investment Income and Dividends: $2,430,313
As of 2024:
- Total Assets: $159 million
The foundation maintains a strong financial position with no liabilities and significant investment income growth (193.2% increase in investment income and dividends from 2022 to 2023).
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $159,451,113 | $151,808,164 | $145,059,253 |
| Revenue | $15,661,802 | $27,985,804 | $8,500,406 |
| Expenses | $13,042,682 | $13,733,293 | $8,821,622 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $11,746,395 | $12,576,462 | $7,339,892 |
| Net Investment Income | $14,970,317 | $27,289,356 | $7,367,190 |
| Distributable Amount | $7,543,542 | $6,603,892 | $7,155,440 |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
155 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for .
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The foundation's trustees include:
- J Richard Buchignani
- William G Griesbeck
- C Thomas Whitman
- Charlotte A Henderson (Trustee, as of November 2023)
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| J RICHARD BUCHIGNANI | PRESIDENT/TRUSTEE | 20 | $135,000 |
| CHARLOTTE A HENDERSON | VP-TREASURER/TRUSTEE | 20 | $135,000 |
| C THOMAS WHITMAN | TRUSTEE AS NECESSARY | 1 | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The Day Foundation announced a landmark $42 million legacy challenge grant to Youth Villages, demonstrating the foundation's extraordinary commitment to youth services and its role as a major funder in the Memphis community. This grant represents one of the foundation's most significant philanthropic commitments and reflects the foundation's dedication to honoring founder Clarence Day's legacy following his death in 2009.
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Data last updated April 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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