Community Solutions Grants

Total Program Funding: $450,000 (first round, May 2025)

Geographic Scope: Greater Memphis and Mid-South region

Purpose: Multi-year initiative to invest in nonprofits executing ground-level, community-driven strategies to create safer, more resilient communities. Funds organizations tackling systemic issues and empowering communities through innovative, tangible solutions.

Focus Areas

• Primary Focus: Safe and Resilient Places
• Community safety and well-being
• Transparent police practices and community rights
• Youth diversion from justice system
• Community-driven safety initiatives
• Theater and storytelling for community healing
• Alternatives to youth incarceration
• Community-based crisis response and reentry programs

Key Details

• Powered by: FOREVER Funds
• First Round Awards: May 2025 - $450,000 to five organizations
• Award Range: $50,000 - $150,000 (based on first round recipients)
• Leadership: 80% of funded agencies led by executive directors/CEOs of color
• Decision Making: Volunteer Community Initiatives Committee
• Duration: Multi-year funding

First Round Recipients (May 2025)

1. Decarcerate Memphis - $50,000
   • Making police enforcement more transparent
   • Helping residents understand their rights
2. Heal 901 - $100,000
   • Keeping teens and young adults out of justice system
   • Building trust in high-risk neighborhoods
   • Conflict prevention and healing support
3. Memphis Artists for Change - $150,000
   • Training local residents on community safety dialogue
   • Resident-led safety projects
4. Playback Memphis - $81,250
   • Using theater to share stories and build community trust
   • Supporting communities affected by violence and loss
5. Stand for Children Tennessee - $68,750
   • Supporting alternatives to youth incarceration
   • Community-based crisis response and reentry programs

Eligibility Requirements

• Deep connection to communities served
• Active collaboration with communities in solution design and implementation
• Ability to address systemic issues related to safety and well-being

Contact Information

Community Foundation of Greater Memphis

• Address: 1350 Concourse Avenue, Suite 458, Memphis, TN 38104
• Phone: (901) 728-4600
• Website: cfgm.org