Community Solutions Grants

Community Solutions Grants

Status: Active (launched May 2025)

Geographic Scope: Memphis and Mid-South region

Focus Areas:

Community safety and well-being

Systemic issue resolution

Community empowerment

Justice system reform

Public safety

Program Description:
Multi-year initiative funding organizations executing ground-level, community-driven strategies to tackle systemic issues and empower communities. The initiative focuses on supporting Safe and Resilient Places by funding organizations working to create innovative, tangible solutions to address critical challenges related to community safety and well-being.

Eligibility Requirements:

Deeply connected to the communities served

Active collaboration with community members to design and implement solutions

Preference for organizations led by executive directors/CEOs of color (80% of funded agencies in inaugural round)

Funding Amount: $450,000 awarded in first round (May 2025)

Individual Grant Range: $50,000 - $150,000 (based on 2025 awards)

Funding Source: FOREVER Funds

Review Process: Decided by Community Foundation's volunteer Community Initiatives Committee

2025 Grantees:

Decarcerate Memphis: $50,000 (transparent enforcement, rights education)

Heal 901: $100,000 (justice system prevention, conflict intervention, healing support)

Memphis Artists for Change: $150,000 (resident training, community safety leadership)

Playback Memphis: $81,250 (theater-based storytelling, trust building)

Stand for Children Tennessee: $68,750 (youth incarceration alternatives, crisis teams)

Contact: Community Foundation of Greater Memphis

Phone: (901) 728-4600

Address: 1350 Concourse Avenue, Suite 458, Memphis, TN 38104