Private foundation · Memphis
H W Durham Foundation
Key facts
- Grants in Tennessee
- 21 totaling $414K
- Typical grant
- $8,000 to $30K (middle half of its Tennessee grants)
- A realistic first ask
- About $15K, its median Tennessee grant. New grantees usually get less than long-time ones.
- Where it gives
- Shelby County, Madison County, Dyer County, Williamson County · plus 2 grants outside Tennessee
- Buildings & equipment
- None of its Tennessee grants in this filing were for buildings or equipment
- Funds new groups?
- 48% of the Tennessee groups it funded in 2025 were new (not funded in 2023–2024): 10 of 21.
- Total giving that year
- $475K
Giving by year
| Tax year | Total grants paid | To Tennessee | Tennessee grants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $475K | $414K | 21 |
| 2024 | $377K | $341K | 18 |
| 2023 | $341K | $314K | 15 |
How to apply
- Contact
- Caitlyn cooper · Nashville · 9016266264 · catcooperhwdf@gmail.com
- What to send
- Letter of intent outlining idea, purpose and organization description.
- Limits
- Grants are made to benefit the elderly primarily in Memphis, Tennessee and the Mid-South (including West Tennessee, northeast arkansas & northwest mississippi). Some exeptions exist for projects of national significance that could be replicated in the local area.
As the foundation reported to the IRS for tax year 2025. Check its website or call before sending anything, because contacts and deadlines change.
Board and officers
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- Christopher CooperExecutive director
- Jenks E MccroryPresident
- John B Coleman JrVice president
- Kaye D BrooksbankSecretary
- Justin TaylorTreasurer
- Frank CarneyDirector
- J J DoughtieDirector
- Linda NicholsDirector
- Katie MidgleyDirector
- Caitlyn CooperAssociate director
- Erich DurhamAssociate director
As listed in its 2025 IRS filing. Many foundations decide through their board, so a personal connection often matters more than a perfect application.
What it funds most often
- Support for seniors
- Providing flowers to spread joy and inspire kindness
- Community support services
- Medical care for seniors
- Legal services
- Senior arts
- Support for church operations
- Financial counseling
Tennessee organizations it funded
Largest first. Groups it already funds are good people to ask what the foundation looks for. Select a group to see who else funds it.
| Recipient | Where | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 901 Petals of Purpose | Memphis, Shelby County | Providing flowers to spread joy and inspire kindness | $60K |
| Church Health Center | Memphis, Shelby County | Medical care for seniors | $36K |
| Creative Aging Memphis | Memphis, Shelby County | Senior arts | $33K |
| Forward Memphis | Memphis, Shelby County | Financial counseling | $30K |
| Community Legal Center | Memphis, Shelby County | Legal services | $30K |
| Mifa | Arrington, Williamson County | Support for families and seniors | $30K |
| Memphis Brooks Museum | Memphis, Shelby County | Support for access to the arts | $26K |
| Habitat for Humanity Jackson TN | Jackson, Madison County | Support for community housing | $25K |
| Pet Compassion Center | Memphis, Shelby County | Support for shelter animals | $25K |
| Regional Inter-Faith Association | Jackson, Madison County | Support for community building | $23K |
| Catholic Charities | Memphis, Shelby County | Community support services | $15K |
| Dyer County Office On Aging | Dyersburg, Dyer County | Support for seniors | $15K |
| Spay Memphis | Memphis, Shelby County | Support for spay and neuter services | $15K |
| Page Robbins | Collierville, Shelby County | Support for seniors | $12K |
| Porter Leath | Memphis, Shelby County | Support for children | $10K |
| Memphis Botanic Garden | Memphis, Shelby County | Support for the environment | $8,000 |
| Memphis Library Foundation | Memphis, Shelby County | Support for library operations | $7,378 |
| Memphis Theological Seminary | Memphis, Shelby County | Support for religious education | $5,000 |
| Southern Reins | Collierville, Shelby County | Support for equine therapy | $5,000 |
| Emmanuel United Methodist Church | Memphis, Shelby County | Support for church operations | $2,500 |
| Mid South Food Bank | Memphis, Shelby County | Support for access to food | $1,000 |
Foundation website All its IRS filings (ProPublica) Sign in to save