Memorial Foundation Grant

Memorial Foundation Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Memorial Foundation
Last Updated: February 04, 2026

Summary

The Memorial Foundation, established in 1994, aims to enhance community quality of life by supporting nonprofit organizations in areas such as health care, social services, and education. With a focus on data-driven, trauma-informed initiatives, the Foundation funds projects that address critical needs and promote lasting impact. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt and demonstrate community support. Grants are not available for individuals or certain specific projects, ensuring resources are allocated effectively for community enhancement.

Overview

Note: Prior to submitting a grant, an organization must contact Memorial Foundation and arrange a brief meeting to determine the potential eligibility of the request. At this meeting, Foundation staff will explain the procedure for applying for a grant. This is necessary for each grant request. Memorial Foundation Memorial Foundation was established in April of 1994 with an endowment fund generated from the sale of the assets of Nashville Memorial Hospital in Madison, Tennessee. At that time, members of the hospital’s Board of Directors became members of the Board of Trust of the Memorial Foundation. The Foundation’s Board of Trustees serve as volunteers, regularly meeting to review grant applications and to make decisions on the allocation of Foundation funds. The Board is led by Board Chair David McKee, M.D., Vice Chair Varina Buntin, and Secretary Alfonzo Alexander. The Foundation’s President is Scott S. Perry. In keeping with its roots, The Memorial Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life for people through support to nonprofit organizations. The Memorial Foundation responds to diverse community needs, assisting agencies that focus on: Access to Quality Health Care Services, Human & Social Services, Education, Senior Citizen Enrichment Services, Youth and Childhood Development, Substance Abuse Programs, and Community Services. The Foundation also strives to respond to immediate, critical needs that arise in the community. With assistance from the Foundation, organizations including The Salvation Army, The American Red Cross, Second Harvest Food Bank, and YWCA have received funds. Whether offering ongoing support or responding in times of crisis, The Memorial Foundation will continue to partner with nonprofit organizations in addressing the needs and improving the quality of life in our community. Focus for Funding The Foundation places special emphasis on assisting data-driven, trauma-informed organizations that focus on: Access to Quality Health Care Services (e.g., physical & mental health; wellness programs) Human & Social Services (e.g., families & children; immigrants & refugees; domestic violence & sexual abuse survivors; veterans; people experiencing homelessness; people in crisis) Education Youth and Childhood Development Senior Citizen Enrichment ServicesCommunity Services

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. An applicant organization must be exempt from federal taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and not be a private foundation as described in Section 509(a) in order to be eligible.The Memorial Foundation awards grants to nonprofit organizations that provide services to people who live in the geographic area served by Nashville Memorial Hospital. Requests for support outside this area are not considered.Requests for capital projects and general operating support are eligible for consideration.An organization should be able to demonstrate a broad base of financial support for a proposed grant from its own community and constituency prior to asking for support from the Foundation. Requests for start-up projects may be considered for new initiatives that address important, unmet community needs and demonstrate a potential for ongoing operational support from other sources.Organizations must have a full and updated GivingMatters.com profile to be considered for funding.

Ineligibility

The Memorial Foundation does not fund grants for the following:individuals; newsletters, magazines; churches and religious organizations for projects that primarily benefit their own members (exception: church-based programs with broad community support and separate financial statements); disease-specific organizations seeking support for national research projects and programs; Advertising or sponsorship of events; legislative lobbying or other political purposes; retire accumulated debt; bricks and mortar capital projects for colleges, universities, and private/public school education; multi-year grants for operating funds.