Community Solutions Grants

Community Solutions Grants

Funder: Community Foundation of Greater Memphis

Status: Active - Launched May 2025 (multi-year initiative)

Geographic Scope: Greater Memphis and Mid-South region

Focus Areas:

Community safety and well-being

Safe and resilient places

Community-driven strategies to tackle systemic issues

Justice system reform

Public safety advancement

Ground-level, tangible solutions

Community empowerment

Program Description:
Multi-year initiative funding organizations executing community-driven strategies to tackle systemic issues and empower communities. Supports nonprofits working to create innovative, tangible solutions to address critical challenges related to community safety and well-being.

Total Funding Awarded (First Round - May 2025): $450,000 to five organizations

Award Examples from 2025 Round:

Up to $150,000 (Memphis Artists for Change)

$100,000 (Heal 901)

$81,250 (Playback Memphis)

$68,750 (Stand for Children Tennessee)

$50,000 (Decarcerate Memphis)

Eligibility & Priorities:

Organizations deeply connected to and collaborating with communities they serve

Priority to organizations led by executive directors/CEOs of color (80% of 2025 funded agencies met this criterion)

Nonprofits with community-driven approaches

Organizations designing and implementing transformative solutions

Funding Source: FOREVER Funds

Decision Process: Community Foundation's volunteer Community Initiatives Committee

2025 Grant Recipients:
1. Decarcerate Memphis - $50,000: Working to change harmful police practices, making enforcement more transparent, helping residents understand their rights
2. Heal 901 - $100,000: Helping teens and young adults stay out of the justice system by building trust in high-risk neighborhoods, stopping conflict, connecting to healing and support
3. Memphis Artists for Change - $150,000: Training local residents to talk with neighbors about safety, listen to concerns, lead projects making communities safer
4. Playback Memphis - $81,250: Using theater to help people share stories, connect with each other, build trust in communities affected by violence and loss
5. Stand for Children Tennessee - $68,750: Bringing people and organizations together to support alternatives to youth incarceration, investing in community-based responses like crisis teams and reentry programs

Contact:

Community Foundation of Greater Memphis

1350 Concourse Avenue, Suite 458

Memphis, TN 38104

Phone: (901) 728-4600