United Way of the Mid South
United Way of the Mid-South is a public charity based in Memphis, Tennessee. Its mission is to improve quality of life in the Mid-South by mobilizing and aligning community resources to address priority issues. It funds human-service organizations and describes its community impact work as addressing poverty through investments in education, health, financial stability, and economic and social mobility.
United Way of the Mid South at a glance
In short: United Way of the Mid South gave $2.7M across 55 grants in 2025 (avg $49K), mostly in Tennessee. 7% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $2,684,085
- -32.2% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 55
- -17.9% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $48,802
- -17.4% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $26,262
- Total assets
- $18,058,555
- +5.9% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 7% first-time grantees (4 of 55, 2025)
- Primary geography
- Tennessee (95% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to United Way of the Mid South
- How to Apply
-
Complete a Statement of Interest to be notified of open opportunities. For the UWMS Equity Fund opportunity described by the organization, applicants could request access to an online application through an Interest Form. That opportunity sought community-identified neighborhood interventions addressing racial inequity; eligible applicants were 501(c)(3) organizations or fiscal agents applying for residents of a defined Memphis neighborhood. Its stated award range was $5,000–$20,000 for a grant period of up to 18 months.
- Contact
Mailing address: 1005 Tillman Street, Memphis, TN 38112
Phone: (901) 433-4300
Website: https://uwmidsouth.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who United Way of the Mid South funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Meritan ($237K). Together the top 10 received $1.5M.
Grant Size Distribution
392 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 277 grants of 392 (71%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The service area comprises Crittenden County, Arkansas; DeSoto, Tate, and Tunica counties, Mississippi; and Fayette, Lauderdale, Shelby, and Tipton counties, Tennessee. The organization’s general funding conditions specify that applying agencies must be physically located in one of these eight counties.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 55 itemized grants.
Cities
Is United Way of the Mid South open to new grantees?
7%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 4 of 55 grantees (7%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $37K; repeat grants $50K. How we count
Medians: $8K first-time, $27K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2021–2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2021 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $2.7M (2025) to $4.6M (2021). In 2025 it made 55 grants totaling $2.7M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Meritan Memphis, TN | $237,070 | |
| Porter-Leath Children's Center Memphis, TN | $209,552 | |
| Knowledge Quest Memphis, TN | $163,563 | |
| Boys and Girls Club of Memphis Memphis, TN | $159,512 | |
| Salvation Army Memphis, TN | $138,039 | |
| Alpha Omega Veterans Services Memphis, TN | $131,839 | |
| Memphis Public Interest Law Memphis, TN | $127,056 | |
| American Red Cross Mid South Chapt Memphis, TN | $108,213 | |
| Goodwill Homes Community Services Memphis, TN | $95,456 | |
| Grace House of Memphis Inc Memphis, TN | $91,571 |
Ready to take the next step with United Way of the Mid South?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $18,058,555 | $17,174,330 | $17,632,434 | $2,684,085 | 55 | $630,927 |
| 2024 | $17,051,794 | $11,885,491 | $14,669,734 | $3,956,181 | 67 | $20,641 |
| 2023 | $17,002,321 | $10,774,905 | $11,582,953 | $4,052,917 | 77 | $334,183 |
| 2022 | $15,939,575 | $10,736,980 | $11,541,479 | $4,405,536 | 85 | $602,671 |
| 2021 | $20,089,200 | $19,940,009 | $13,095,225 | $4,586,225 | 108 | $490,921 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The organization’s mission is to improve the quality of life for Mid-Southerners by mobilizing and aligning community resources to address priority issues. Its stated funding priorities include education, financial stability, equity, and health, with collaborative work to reduce poverty. Its Community Impact investments support nonprofit programs offering services and resources related to education, health care, and financial stability.
Examples of funded organizations illustrate the range of services supported. Meritan’s stated mission is to improve well-being and promote independence throughout life’s stages. Knowledge Quest says it equips youth and families through education, wellness, and economic mobility. Memphis Recovery Centers describes its work as treating youth and adults with substance addiction and co-occurring disorders. Alpha Omega Veterans Services says it provides housing, counseling, and job training for homeless and disabled veterans.
Grantmaking
The organization reports two funding channels: donor-designated funds benefiting nonprofit organizations, and program grants to agencies in its eight-county service area. Its 2024 filing describes grant funding to 73 agencies in that area; IRS filing data records 67 grants totaling $3,956,181 in 2024. These figures describe different reported measures and are presented separately. Its 2025 filing, the latest on this page, reports 55 grants totaling $2.7 million.
Examples of 2024 grants include $377,556 to Meritan, $255,401 to Knowledge Quest, $204,104 to Alpha Omega Veterans Services, and $152,000 to Goodwill Homes Community Services. Other reported recipients include Memphis Recovery Centers ($111,471), Memphis Child Advocacy Center ($96,364), Hope House ($94,995), and Memphis Urban League ($78,546).
The organization says nonprofit agencies submit applications for programmatic funding. A grant review committee evaluates community need, program quality and design, results, organizational strength, and fit with funding priorities; the board approves committee recommendations. Funded organizations must submit annual reports describing services, people served, results, and use of funds. General funding conditions include 501(c)(3) status, documented health or human-service needs, nondiscrimination, an active rotating volunteer board, sound program and financial management, and physical location in one of the eight service-area counties.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Tomeka Hart Wigginton as President and CEO and Darrell Cobbins as Chairman. It also lists Reginald S Boyce, Kevin Bradshaw, Ben Bricken, Martia Brown, Reggie Crenshaw, Rebecca Cullison, John Daniel, and Jon Paul Davis as board members.
United Way of the Mid South is led by Kenneth S Robinson, President & CEO since 2025 (on filings since 2021); 6 of 37 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Kenneth S Robinson
President & CEO
President → President & CEO, 2025
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$225K (2021) → $195K (2025)
Tomeka Hart Wigginton
President & CEO
New on the 2025 filing
40 hrs/week
$10K (2025)
Darrell Cobbins
Chairman
Community Im → Chairman, 2023
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kevin Woods
Public Policy Chair
Public Polic → Public Policy Chair, 2025
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Angelia Allen
Vice President Strategic Development
Vice President Strategic → Vice President Strategic Development, 2025
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$111K (2021) → $153K (2025)
Gia Stokes
CFO
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$158K (2021) → $159K (2025)
Jarvis Harris
Vice President of It, Ops & Data
Vice President of It → Vice President of It, Ops & Data, 2025
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$90K (2021) → $144K (2025)
Cynthia Graham
Cmdo
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$40K (2023) → $146K (2025)
David May
Investment Committee
Investment C → Investment Committee, 2025
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jean M. Morton
Board Member
Uwms Board C → Board Member, 2025
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
John Pettey
Board Member
Tocqueville → Board Member, 2025
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Josh Poag
Board Member
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Keith Townsend
Board Member
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Leticia Towns
Marketing & Communications
Marketing → Marketing & Communications, 2025
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Mary Ann Jackson
Secretary & Counsel
Secretary → Secretary & Counsel, 2025
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Melanie A Keller
Board Member
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Rebecca Cullison
Board Member
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Richard Wright
Treasurer & Finance Ch
Treasurer → Treasurer & Finance Ch, 2025
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Ayoka Pond
Board Member
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Scott Hendricks
Board Member
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Beverly Robertson
Board Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Brett Harris
Board Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
John Daniel
Board Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jon Paul Davis
Board Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Reggie Crenshaw
Board Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Doug McGowen
Board Member
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Erin Pryor
Board Member
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Evan Iverson
Board Member
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jeff Peterson
Board Member
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kevin Bradshaw
Board Member
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Martia Brown
Board Member
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Niqualus Nibley
Board Member
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Tammy Alexander-Epps
Board Member
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Ben Bricken
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Carolyn McCormick
Chief Marketing & Engagement
New on the 2025 filing
40 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Reginald S Boyce
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Ted Miller
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (26)
- Former: Eric Brown (2021–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Robert C. Klesges (2021–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Shannon A. Brown (2021–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Todd Lochner (2021–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Ursula Madden (2021–2023) — Board Member
- Former: James Jones (2022–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Chris Anderson (2023) — Board Member
- Former: Chris Vansteenberg (2021–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Craig L. Weiss (2021–2022) — Catalyst Cha
- Former: Jeffery Greer (2021–2022) — Human Relati
- Former: Jt Young (2021–2022) — Board Chair-
- Former: Nataline Purdy (2021–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Nexi Catron (2021–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Randy Stokx (2021–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Christopher Wyatt (2022) — Cmdo
- Former: Alisa Haushalter (2021) — Board Member
- Former: Cathy Culnane (2021) — Board Member
- Former: Charles Thomas (2021) — Board Member
- Former: Christopher Anderson (2021) — Board Member
- Former: Irvin Calliste (2021) — Labor Partic
- Former: Jw Gibson (2021) — Board Member
- Former: Laura Russel (2021) — Director of
- Former: Lori Robertson (2021) — Chief Communications
- Former: Marsha Smith (2021) — Board Member
- Former: Michael Barnett (2021) — Board Member
- Former: Scott Fountain (2021) — Immediate Pa
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2021–2025. "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 $195K, to Dr Kenneth S Robinson (President & CEO (former)). 6 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about United Way of the Mid South
How much does United Way of the Mid South give each year?
United Way of the Mid South gave $2.7M across 55 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $4.0M across 67 grants.
What is United Way of the Mid South's typical grant size?
United Way of the Mid South's median grant in 2025 was $26,262, and its average grant was $48,802, across 55 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from United Way of the Mid South that year got $37K on average.
Where does United Way of the Mid South give grants?
United Way of the Mid South gives mostly in Tennessee: 95% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Memphis, TN (42 grants), Olive Branch, MS (2 grants) and Nashville, TN (2 grants).
Does United Way of the Mid South give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 55 grants with a stated purpose on United Way of the Mid South's 2025 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "See Sch O" (55 grants).
Who are United Way of the Mid South's largest grantees?
United Way of the Mid South's largest 2025 grantees include Meritan ($237,070), Porter-Leath Children's Center ($209,552) and Knowledge Quest ($163,563), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 23% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is United Way of the Mid South?
United Way of the Mid South reported $18.1M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $17.2M.
What does United Way of the Mid South fund?
The organization’s mission is to improve the quality of life for Mid-Southerners by mobilizing and aligning community resources to address priority issues. Its stated funding priorities include education, financial stability, equity, and health, with collaborative work to reduce poverty. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from United Way of the Mid South?
Complete a Statement of Interest to be notified of open opportunities. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is United Way of the Mid South's EIN?
United Way of the Mid South's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 56-1010742. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2021–2025.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 29, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 10, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS January 25, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 22, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS January 13, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2021–2025
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in United Way of the Mid South's focus areas in our free grants database
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). United Way of the Mid South funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 4, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/united-way-of-the-mid-south-morg_945dba3f49904f2c949367847c4b9b59
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_561010742_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{United Way of the Mid South funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/united-way-of-the-mid-south-morg_945dba3f49904f2c949367847c4b9b59},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-04. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from United Way of the Mid South'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.
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