Penny Hardaway Essay Contest Scholarship
Funding Amount
$1,000 per scholarship (Top 10 winners)
Deadline
Deadline not published
Grant Type
Foundation
Deadline history & next window
- Cycle
- Annual
- Tracked since
- April 2026
Source: the cycle recorded on this listing. Confirm dates with the funder.
Can we apply?
Check your organization against each line. Taken from the listing; confirm with the funder's guidelines.
Eligible organizations
- Shelby County, TN
- Tipton County, TN
- Crittenden County, TN
- DeSoto County, TN (includes areas in Mississippi)
- Primary focus: Memphis area high schools
- 11th grade high school students
- Attending high schools in Shelby, Tipton, Crittenden, or DeSoto counties
Other requirements
- Must submit essay of 500 words
- Essay Topic (As of 2016-2017): "Penny Hardaway: A Great Memphis Role-Model" OR essay focused on Penny Hardaway's strength of character, perseverance, and commitment to community
Overview
Geographic Scope:
- Shelby County, TN
- Tipton County, TN
- Crittenden County, TN
- DeSoto County, TN (includes areas in Mississippi)
- Primary focus: Memphis area high schools
Award:
- Top 10 Winners: $1,000 college scholarship each
- Top 100 Finalists: Free ticket to University of Memphis basketball game + opportunity to meet Penny Hardaway
Eligibility:
- 11th grade high school students
- Attending high schools in Shelby, Tipton, Crittenden, or DeSoto counties
- Must submit essay of 500 words
Essay Topic (As of 2016-2017): "Penny Hardaway: A Great Memphis Role-Model" OR essay focused on Penny Hardaway's strength of character, perseverance, and commitment to community
Purpose:
- Invest in Memphis' future leaders
- Pay tribute to core character values of Penny Hardaway (King Cotton spokesperson and Memphis NBA legend)
- Provide financial support for college, community college, or trade school education
- Recognize student essays on character and perseverance
Scholarship Uses: Can be applied to:
- Accredited colleges
- Community colleges
- Trade schools
Contact Information:
- Email: impact10@monogramfoods.com
- Phone: (901) 654-2869
- Mailing Address: Monogram Foods, ATTN: Penny Hardaway Essay Competition, 530 Oak Court Dr. Suite 400, Memphis, TN 38117
How to Apply
Application Process
- Write Essay: Compose a 500-word essay on the designated topic ("Penny Hardaway: A Great Memphis Role-Model" or related to his character and perseverance)
- Include Cover Letter: Attach the Cover Letter available on the Monogram Foods website
- Submit by Deadline: Submit via one of two methods:
- Mail: Monogram Foods, ATTN: Penny Hardaway Essay Competition, 530 Oak Court Dr. Suite 400, Memphis, TN 38117
- Email: impact10@monogramfoods.com
- Review and Selection:
- All essays reviewed by Monogram Foods team members
- Top 100 entries selected → receive basketball game tickets
- Top 10 entries selected from the 100 → receive $1,000 scholarship
- Winners Announced: Winners notified and invited to University of Memphis basketball game to meet Penny Hardaway
Required Materials:
- 500-word essay on designated topic
- Cover Letter (available on Monogram Foods website)
- Student name and high school
Deadlines (Historical):
- 2016-2017: October 10 - December 2, 2016
- Game attendance: Scheduled for University of Memphis basketball game (date varies)
Note: Check website for current year deadline and topic.
What Monogram Foods Loves Kids Foundation actually gave
Source: IRS Form 990, 2024 — the most recent filing with itemized grants
Monogram Foods Loves Kids Foundation reported $34K in grants for 2025 as a total without an itemized list; the grant details below are from 2024, its most recent itemized filing.
- Grants in 2024
- 3
- Total given
- $8,000
- Median grant
- $2,500
- Range
- $2,500–$3,000
- By dollars: Tennessee 69%, Iowa 31%. Top recipient cities: Dickson, TN; Memphis, TN; Denison, IA.
Example grants
Tennessee Blaze · Dickson, TN
$3,000
White Station High School · Memphis, TN
$2,500
American Legion Post 8 · Denison, IA
$2,500
Focus Areas & Funding Uses
Fields of Work
- Education
- College prep
Categories
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Based on past cycles
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