Hyde Family Foundations Grant

Hyde Family Foundations Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Hyde Family Foundations
Last Updated: January 22, 2026

Summary

The Hyde Family Foundations Grant supports nonprofits in Memphis with a focus on education, community development, arts, and civic engagement. Established in 1961, the foundation has grown to over $175 million in assets, granting about $20 million annually. Organizations can apply for funding three times a year, with specific eligibility criteria. The foundation aims to empower initiatives that foster equity, improve quality of life, and enhance the community's cultural landscape, ensuring a thriving environment for all residents.

Overview

Hyde Family Foundation The Hyde Family Foundation, which began with an initial $1 million investment by Joseph Hyde Sr. in 1961, is a philanthropic fund founded by members of the Hyde family. Today, the assets of the Hyde Family Foundation total more than $175 million, and approximately $20 million is granted annually to nonprofit organizations dedicated to building a thriving, unified Memphis for all. Grant Program The Hyde Family Foundation makes grants that empower the people and programs making real differences in the community. We support initiatives that focus on these four impact areas: High-Quality Education We firmly believe that every child in the city of Memphis deserves access to a high-quality education. One of our key areas of emphasis is mastering early literacy skills. We recognize that literacy is the cornerstone of a child’s educational journey. Through our partners’ initiatives, we help children develop strong reading skills from an early age. We are also leaning into improving attendance and reducing chronic absenteeism. The reasons students miss school are varied and can be complex. However, we understand the impact strong attendance can have on student achievement and the barriers created when students miss too many days of school.We are committed to creating a better Memphis for all through high-quality education. Together, we can transform lives, close the achievement gap, and empower the next generation of leaders. Vibrant Spaces and Communities We believe Memphis can be a city of vibrant neighborhoods with high-quality options for housing, economic opportunity, public spaces, and transportation that are driven by the specific needs of residents. We invest in organizations and initiatives aimed at improving overall quality of life, creating pathways for upward economic mobility, and the connectivity of places where we live, work, and play. Access to safe and affordable housing is essential for every citizen, and we strive to expand pathways to home ownership and affordable rental options. We also understand the importance of equitable access to amenities that promote healthy living. That’s why we are dedicated to ensuring that the city’s greenways and trails, bike lanes, and public spaces connect and benefit all Memphians. Thriving Arts and Culture We believe in the transformative power of arts and culture to create a better Memphis for all. Our investment in arts and culture initiatives reflects our deep-rooted commitment to nurturing a vibrant and diverse community that thrives on authentic, artistic expression and the creative spirit of its people. We see arts and culture as more than just the “icing on the cake” of a community; they are the essential glue that binds a city together. By investing in organizations that champion the arts and culture of Memphis, such as the National Civil Rights Museum, Hattiloo Theatre, the Brooks Museum of Art, and many others, the Hyde Family Foundation actively contributes to the city’s economic growth, social vitality, and cultural identity. These institutions serve as beacons of artistic excellence, nurturing emerging talents, showcasing renowned artists, and providing educational opportunities for all. Engaged Leadership and Civic Pride We believe that merging unified leadership, dedicated philanthropic support, and civic participation and pride will catapult Memphis into the future. Our city’s leaders are diverse, entrepreneurial, and collaborate across sectors to address the challenges we face. The Hyde Family Foundation recognizes the importance of nurturing and supporting these leaders, as they are the driving force behind the progress we envision. We are committed to providing the necessary resources and opportunities to empower leaders in our community. We invest in programs and initiatives that cultivate the skills, knowledge, and capacity of emerging and established leaders. By equipping them with the tools they need, we help enable them to effectively navigate complex challenges and drive meaningful change in Memphis. We prioritize grants to organizations that focus on leaders of color, youth leaders, early/career emerging leaders, public sector leaders, and nonprofit board members. We also provide support to build the operational capacity of our partner nonprofits and intermediaries to ensure that they are equipped to fulfill their missions.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Most of our grantmaking is initiative-driven in nature, but we will accept requests from 501(c)(3) organizations that serve Memphis or influence policy change at the statewide level.If the project or program serves the city of Memphis or influences policy change at the statewide level then it's okay if an organization is outside of the Memphis area.Proposals for projects are only accepted from within the United States.

Ineligibility

We do not accept requests from political organizations or individuals.