Community Solutions Grants

Community Solutions Grants

Funder: Community Foundation of Greater Memphis

Status: Multi-year initiative launched May 2025

Geographic Scope: Memphis and Mid-South region

Focus Areas:

Community safety and well-being

Systemic issue resolution

Community resilience

Justice system reform

Public safety innovation

Violence prevention

Community empowerment

Program Description:
A multi-year funding initiative supporting nonprofits executing ground-level, community-driven strategies to tackle systemic issues and empower communities. First round awarded $450,000 across five organizations in May 2025.

Eligibility:

Nonprofits deeply connected to communities they serve

Organizations actively collaborating with communities on solution design and implementation

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

What They Fund:

Innovative, tangible solutions for community safety

Programs addressing critical challenges related to community safety and well-being

Community-driven strategies

Police reform and transparency initiatives

Youth justice alternatives

Community healing and conflict prevention

Theater-based community engagement

Resident training and neighborhood empowerment

Recent Awards (May 2025):

Decarcerate Memphis: $50,000

Heal 901: $100,000

Memphis Artists for Change: $150,000

Playback Memphis: $81,250

Stand for Children Tennessee: $68,750

Decision Process:

Volunteer Community Initiatives Committee

Contact:

Community Foundation of Greater Memphis

1350 Concourse Avenue, Suite 458

Memphis, TN 38104

Phone: (901) 728-4600

Website: cfgm.org

Funding Source: FOREVER Funds