Private foundation · Memphis
Grace Foundation of Memphis Inc.
In 2024 it gave 41 grants worth $2.1 million to Tennessee groups. A typical grant was $5,000 to $25,000. Most often for: “Religion”.
Takes applications. See how to apply below.
Key facts
- Grants in Tennessee
- 41 totaling $2.1 million
- Typical grant How we figure this
- $5,000 to $25,000 (the middle half of its Tennessee grants)
- A realistic first ask How we figure this
- About $10,000: the middle grant to the 8 Tennessee groups it funded for the first time in 2024.
- Where it gives
- Shelby County, Madison County, Fayette County, Wilson County · plus 20 grants outside Tennessee
- Buildings & equipment
- None of its Tennessee grants in this filing were for buildings or equipment
- Funds new groups? How we figure this
- 20% of the Tennessee groups it funded in 2024 were new (not funded in 2022–2023): 8 of 41.
- Total giving that year
- $3 million
Giving by year
| Tax year | Total grants paid | To Tennessee | Tennessee grants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $3M | $2.1M | 41 |
| 2023 | $1.7M | $1.1M | 45 |
| 2022 | $2.1M | $1.5M | 43 |
All grants paid To Tennessee
How to apply
- Contact
- Shana R South · Memphis · (901) 682-6201
- What to send
- Letter of request detailing full background and financial statements
As the foundation reported to the IRS for tax year 2024. Check its website or call before sending anything, because contacts and deadlines change.
Board and officers
Does your board know anyone here?
Checked in your browser only. The names are kept on this device for other foundation pages and are never sent to GrantMe.
- Harry L SmithChairman of the board
- Mary Elizabeth SmithVice chairman of the board
- Leslie JonesSecretary/treasurer
- Shana R SouthChief financial officer
- B Rex JonesPresident/chief executive
As listed in its 2024 IRS filing. Many foundations decide through their board, so a personal connection often matters more than a perfect application.
What it funds most often
- Religion (13 grants)
- Educational (7 grants)
- Human service (6 grants)
- Health, general (6 grants)
- Housing, shelter (1 grant)
- Sports/leisure (1 grant)
- Food, nutrition (1 grant)
- Crime (1 grant)
How big its Tennessee grants are
| Grant size | Grants |
|---|---|
| Under $1,000 | 3 |
| $1,000 to $4,999 | 4 |
| $5,000 to $9,999 | 13 |
| $10,000 to $24,999 | 10 |
| $25,000 to $99,999 | 6 |
| $100,000 or more | 5 |
From its 2024 IRS filing. Small groups: look at how many grants sit in the bands you'd ask for.
Tennessee organizations it funded
Largest first. Past winners are good people to ask what the foundation looks for. Select a group to see who else funds it.
| Past winner | Where | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Church Health | Memphis, Shelby County | Health, general | $1M |
| Bellevue Baptist Church | Cordova | Religion | $301K |
| Union University | Jackson, Madison County | Educational | $125K |
| Bellevue Foundation Inc. | Cordova, Shelby County | Religion | $109K |
| Arise2read | Memphis, Shelby County | Educational | $100K |
| Disciple Makers Network | Memphis, Shelby County | Religion | $70K |
| West Cancer Foundation | Germantown, Shelby County | Health, general | $66K |
| Agape Child & Family Services Inc. | Memphis, Shelby County | Program support | $50K |
| Neighborhood Christian Centers | Memphis, Shelby County | Human service | $45K |
| Mid South Food Bank | Memphis, Shelby County | Food, nutrition | $25K |
| The Salvation Army | Memphis, Shelby County | Human service | $25K |
| Calvary Rescue Mission | Memphis, Shelby County | Human service | $20K |
| Memphis Union Mission | Memphis, Shelby County | Religion | $15K |
| Christ Community Health Services | Memphis, Shelby County | Health, general | $10K |
| Downline Ministries | Memphis, Shelby County | Religion | $10K |
| Eikon Ministries Inc. | Memphis, Shelby County | Housing, shelter | $10K |
| Highland Church of Christ | Cordova, Shelby County | Religion | $10K |
| Memphis Teacher Residency | Memphis, Shelby County | Educational | $10K |
| Morning Center - Memphis | Memphis, Shelby County | Health, general | $10K |
| Ronnie Tullos Evangelistic Association Inc. | Ellendale, Shelby County | Religion | $10K |
| The Collegiate School of Memphis | Memphis, Shelby County | Educational | $10K |
| Pioneer Missions Global | Jackson, Madison County | Religion | $9,000 |
| Memphis Oral School for the Deaf | Germantown, Shelby County | Educational | $7,500 |
| Red Zone Ministries | Memphis, Shelby County | Program support | $7,500 |
| Christian Community Foundation of Memphis | Memphis, Shelby County | Program support | $5,000 |