Community Solutions Grants

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

Application Process

Specific application details and step-by-step process were not provided in the source material. However, the following is known:

Application Structure:

• Competitive process
• Reviewed by volunteer Community Initiatives Committee
• Multi-year commitment expected

For complete application details and next funding cycle information, contact:

• Community Foundation of Greater Memphis
• (901) 728-4600
• Visit: cfgm.org/grants