The Kemmons Wilson Family Foundation
The Kemmons Wilson Family Foundation is a private foundation based in Memphis, Tennessee. Created in Memphis in 1960, it makes investments in the city and partners with organizations working toward community- and systems-level change.
Key facts about The Kemmons Wilson Family Foundation
In short: The Kemmons Wilson Family Foundation gave $1.9M across 54 grants in 2024 (avg $36K), mostly in Tennessee. 26% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- EIN
- 62-6046687
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024
- Annual giving (2024)
- $1,929,177
- Grants made (2024)
- 54
- Average grant
- $35,726
- Median grant
- $17,500
- New grantees (estimate)
- 26% first-time grantees (14 of 54, 2024)
- Total assets
- $39,762,949
- Primary geography
- Tennessee (98% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- How to apply
- The foundation’s filing directs applicants to its grant application materials and lists Tate Wilson as the contact. Full details ↓
- Deadline
- The foundation’s filing lists January 15 and August 15.
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology). Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$39.8M
+2.8% YoY
Annual Giving
$1.9M
+34.9% YoY
Grant Count
54
-1.8% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$36K
+37.4% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The Kemmons Wilson Family Foundation reported a distributable amount of $1.6M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Is The Kemmons Wilson Family Foundation open to new grantees?
26%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 14 of 54 grantees (26%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $62K; repeat grants $26K. How we count
Medians: $10K first-time, $20K repeat.
- 70% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2021 to 2024 (+5%). Method
- In 2024 it paid out 145% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2020–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation’s mission is to honor its legacy by building “a future of possibility that ripples across the entire city.” Its vision is a joyful and just Memphis where families can thrive.
Building Strong Families provides multi-year operating funds to organizations working to break generational cycles of poverty in the Soulsville/South City area. Its anchor investments are in affordable housing, food equity, childhood and adult education, and employment pathways. The foundation says potential applicants may be doing work in Memphis ZIP codes 38126 or 38106, or planning to expand successful nonprofit work into those areas.
Innovation Grants support original and creative projects, including work aligned with Building Strong Families. The foundation identifies innovation, responding to emerging challenges or opportunities, serving disenfranchised and under-resourced people, and nonprofit partnerships among its criteria. Big Bets are larger investments intended to improve quality of life in Memphis, including by strengthening institutions and supporting sustained, long-term impact. First-time applicants are not eligible for Big Bets gifts.
Among 2024 grantees, Emmanuel Center says it prepares youth for success with resources, educational support, and encouragement. Knowledge Quest says it equips youth and families through education, wellness, and economic mobility. The Works says it rebuilds, restores, and renews Memphis neighborhoods through innovation, advocacy, and collaboration. Urban Renaissance Partners describes its work as facilitating redevelopment, revitalization, economic renewal, and stabilization in selected low-income communities.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the foundation reported 54 grants totaling $1,929,177. Grants ranged from $1,000 to $650,000, with a median of $17,500. The largest listed awards included $650,000 to the University of Tennessee Foundation, $150,000 to Emmanuel Center, $105,000 to Knowledge Quest, $102,500 to Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, and $100,000 to The Works. These grants were listed for general operating purposes.
Review Cycle
The foundation’s filing lists January 15 and August 15. The Innovation Grants page separately lists an application period of July 1 through August 1.
Open Grants
1 open opportunity from The Kemmons Wilson Family Foundation
Ready to take the next step with The Kemmons Wilson Family Foundation?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation states that its work is focused on Memphis. Building Strong Families specifically targets the Soulsville/South City area, including work in or expanding into ZIP codes 38126 and 38106. In 2024, 98% of grant dollars went to recipients in Tennessee, with 1% each going to Ohio and New York.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 54 itemized grants.
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $1.3M (2020) to $1.9M (2024). In 2024 it made 54 grants totaling $1.9M.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was University of Tennessee Foundation Inc ($650K). Together the top 10 received $1.3M.
Grant Size Distribution
267 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 234 grants of 267 (88%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| University of Tennessee Foundation Inc Knoxville, TN | General - Operating | $650,000 |
| Emmanuel Center Inc Memphis, TN | General - Operating | $150,000 |
| Knowledge Quest Memphis, TN | General - Operating | $105,000 |
| Memphis Brooks Museum of Art Inc Memphis, TN | General - Operating | $102,500 |
| The Works Inc Memphis, TN | General - Operating | $100,000 |
| Advance Memphis Memphis, TN | General - Operating | $50,000 |
| Christian Community Foundation of Memphis Memphis, TN | General - Operating | $50,000 |
| Urban Renaissance Partners Inc Memphis, TN | General - Operating | $50,000 |
| Soulsville Charter School Memphis, TN | General - Operating | $32,000 |
| Memphis Delta Preparatory Charter School Inc Memphis, TN | General - Operating | $30,000 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $39,762,949 | $7,705,366 | $2,892,535 | $1,929,177 |
| 2023 | $38,685,232 | $801,384 | $2,286,207 | $1,429,869 |
| 2022 | $36,539,189 | $1,181 | $2,186,944 | $1,292,500 |
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $39,762,949 | $38,685,232 | $36,539,189 |
| Revenue | $7,705,366 | $801,384 | $1,181 |
| Expenses | $2,892,535 | $2,286,207 | $2,186,944 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $2,323,690 | $1,829,517 | $1,717,423 |
| Net Investment Income | $7,195,819 | $341,605 | $236,207 |
| Distributable Amount | $1,603,590 | $1,843,947 | $1,933,460 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Tate Wilson as President/CEO; Carole Wilson West as Chairperson of the Board; and Kevin Geshke as Finance Chair. Directors listed are Adrian C. Blackney, Margaret W. Hodges, Wilson Moore, McLean T. Wilson, Robert A. Wilson, Stephanie B. Wilson, and Susan C. Wilson.
The Kemmons Wilson Family Foundation is led by Tate Wilson, President & CEO since 2024 (on filings since 2021); 1 of 11 officers listed in 2024 is compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Tate Wilson
President & CEO
Director → Executive Director, 2023
Executive Director → President & CEO, 2024
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$17K (2022) → $50K (2024)
Carole Wilson West
Chairperson of the Board
Director → President, 2023
President → Chairperson of the Board, 2024
On filings since 2020
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Kevin Geshke
Finance Chair
Vice President & Treasurer → Finance Chair, 2024
On filings since 2021
0.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Robert A. Wilson
Director
Vice President → Director, 2024
On filings since 2020
0.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Susan C. Wilson
Director
On filings since 2020
0.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Adrian C. Blackney
Director
On filings since 2023
0.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Margaret W. Hodges
Director
On filings since 2023
0.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
McLean T. Wilson
Director
On filings since 2023
0.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Stephanie B. Wilson
Director
On filings since 2023
0.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Webb Wilson
Director
New on the 2024 filing
0.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Wilson Moore
Director
New on the 2024 filing
0.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (14)
- Former: Betty W. Moore (2021–2023) — Director
- Former: Carrie Burke (2021–2023) — Former Executive Director
- Former: Donald W. Wilson (2023) — Director
- Former: C. Kemmons Wilson Jr. (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Carey W. Snider (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Eliot Morris (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Zach Ogale (2020–2022) — Assistant Secretary
- Former: Alison M. Buccini (2022) — Director of Programs
- Former: Cecil E. Carney III (2020) — Vice President & Treasurer
- Former: Elizabeth Wilson Moore (2020) — President
- Former: Gary C. McClain (2020) — Secretary & Assistant Treasurer
- Former: Jack Moore (2020) — Director
- Former: Rebecca Macsovits (2020) — Director
- Former: Spence L. Wilson (2020) — Director
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $50K, to Tate Wilson (President/CEO).
Contact
Application contact: Tate Wilson
Mailing address: 802 Rozelle Street, Memphis, TN 38104
Phone: (901) 346-8800
Email: twilson@kwff.org
Website: https://www.kwff.org
Frequently asked questions about The Kemmons Wilson Family Foundation
How much does The Kemmons Wilson Family Foundation give each year?
The Kemmons Wilson Family Foundation gave $1.9M across 54 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $1.4M across 55 grants.
What is The Kemmons Wilson Family Foundation's typical grant size?
The Kemmons Wilson Family Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $17,500, and its average grant was $35,726, across 54 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from The Kemmons Wilson Family Foundation that year got $62K on average.
Where does The Kemmons Wilson Family Foundation give grants?
The Kemmons Wilson Family Foundation gives mostly in Tennessee: 98% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Memphis, TN (48 grants) and Germantown, TN (2 grants).
Does The Kemmons Wilson Family Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 100% of The Kemmons Wilson Family Foundation's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (54 of 54) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are The Kemmons Wilson Family Foundation's largest grantees?
The Kemmons Wilson Family Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include University of Tennessee Foundation Inc ($650,000), Emmanuel Center Inc ($150,000) and Knowledge Quest ($105,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 47% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is The Kemmons Wilson Family Foundation?
The Kemmons Wilson Family Foundation reported $39.8M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $2.3M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $1.6M (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does The Kemmons Wilson Family Foundation fund?
The foundation’s mission is to honor its legacy by building “a future of possibility that ripples across the entire city.” Its vision is a joyful and just Memphis where families can thrive. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Kemmons Wilson Family Foundation?
The foundation’s filing directs applicants to its grant application materials and lists Tate Wilson as the contact. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is The Kemmons Wilson Family Foundation's EIN?
The Kemmons Wilson Family Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 62-6046687. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Here's the math on researching The Kemmons Wilson Family Foundation by hand.
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