The Assisi Foundation of Memphis Grant

The Assisi Foundation of Memphis Grant supports nonprofit organizations in improving community health, education, social justice, cultural enrichment, and capacity building. Grants are available for organizations in specific Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi counties, with eligibility focused on tax-exempt entities. Applications are accepted quarterly, with specific deadlines for different focus areas. The foundation seeks innovative ideas that align with its philanthropic mission and encourages organizations to apply for funding that promotes positive community transformation.

Note:
Digital Media Organizations: Applications from eligible digital news organizations will only be accepted for review the third quarter of the year.Literacy Service Providers: We will resume accepting applications for literacy-based programs in Q2 of 2026. For specific dates and additional information, please refer to the Application Deadline section.
Creating Positive Change
At The Assisi Foundation, we work with nonprofit organizations to address pressing challenges and search for root causes with the goal of healthy, positive transformation. Our focus areas are listed below.
Areas of Focus
Health and Human Services: The Foundation supports initiatives that enhance the spiritual, mental and physical health and well-being of the Mid-South community. Grantees include organizations that address a variety of social determinants through the provision of direct care, research or preventive measures.Education and Lifelong Learning: The Foundation strives to strengthen our community’s educational well-being through programs that develop tools for life and focus on the awareness and importance of accepting social responsibilities. The Foundation funds nonprofits that build the organizational capacity of provider agencies, provide professional development, promote collaboration, and leverage local, state and federal resources.Social Justice and Ethics: The Foundation values organizations that help individuals strive to reach their greatest human potential. The Foundation funds projects and programs that strengthen ethical values among Mid-South citizens and promote social justice—initiatives that lead to a better understanding of, and a more effective response to, the economic and social challenges of the community.Cultural Enrichment and the Arts: Seeking to foster an even greater appreciation of Memphis arts and culture, The Foundation supports some of our area’s cultural icons and groups that work to promote the cultural and artistic heritage of the Greater Memphis area.Community Enhancement  & Capacity Building:  For grant applications that don’t fit neatly into other named categories, The Foundation welcomes the opportunity to explore activities that offer clear community benefit valued by named beneficiaries; address gaps and promote effectiveness within the socioecological system; and strengthen community resilience.

Eligibility

Your organization must have tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code.The Assisi Foundation of Memphis acknowledges and appreciates your statements of values and faith that guide the practices of your nonprofit and many other faith-based organizations. If, however, your organization precludes or prohibits individuals of a different faith from participation, or receiving services from your organization, and/or from serving on the staff or governing board of your organization, the Foundation asks that you seek funding from other sources. To clarify further, even if you have volunteers and employees, and serve clients from ALL faith traditions, if you have never had non-Christians on your Board and have no plans to select non-Christians to serve on the board, we ask you to seek funding from other sources.Your organization and program must be located in Shelby, Fayette and Tipton Counties in Tennessee; Crittenden County, Arkansas; or Desoto County, Mississippi.Cultural Enrichment and the Arts:Requests may be considered for:capital campaigns/endowments,renovations and repairs, andunderwriting special programming/artists (after all other options have been explored). Any other types of requests (such as requests for audience development, marketing, or arts education and outreach) will be referred to Arts Memphis. This will not affect any current grant relationships we have with arts organizations.

Ineligibility

National fundraising drives
Events (including but not limited to): auctions, dinners, benefits/fundraisers, festivals, health fairs, conferences, tournaments, workshops
Evangelization (religion)
Program expenses that occur on a regular basis (i.e. annual workshop series, membership dues, regularly needed medical equipment or patient care)