Private foundation · Memphis
T W Briggs Foundation Inc.
Takes applications. See how to apply below.
Key facts
- Grants in Tennessee
- 26 totaling $690,550 · 26 in Shelby County
- Typical grant
- $15,000 to $40,000 (the middle half of its Tennessee grants)
- A realistic first ask
- About $20,000, its middle Tennessee grant. First-time winners usually get less than repeat ones.
- Where it gives
- Shelby County · plus 1 grant outside Tennessee
- Buildings & equipment
- None of its Tennessee grants in this filing were for buildings or equipment
- Funds new groups?
- 85% of the Tennessee groups it funded in 2024 were new (not funded in 2022–2023): 22 of 26.
- Total giving that year
- $691,550
Giving by year
| Tax year | Total grants paid | To Tennessee | Tennessee grants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $692K | $691K | 26 |
| 2023 | $635K | $625K | 29 |
| 2022 | $475K | $475K | 25 |
How to apply
- Contact
- THOMAS W BRIGGS FOUNDATION INC · memphis · 9016800276
- What to send
- the request must be in writing. the material submitted must include a copy of the organization's tax exemption letter, a list of board of directors, sources of funding, the history and goals of the organization, financial statements, current operating budget and the specific purpose for which the grant will be used. additional information can be found at http://thomaswbriggsfoundation.org/funding/
- Deadlines
- August 1 and February 1
Next one: Feb 1, 2027 if the dates haven't changed since its 2024 filing - Limits
- Memphis 501c3 Arts, Civic, Education, Social Service and Youth efforts.
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.
- Donna NashExecutive director
- Douglas ScarboroDirector
- V Lynn EvansDirector
- Larry JensenDirector
- Demetri PatikasDirector
- Dr Kenneth S RobinsonDirector
- Carol SeamonsDirector
- Keva LathamDirector
- Rufus SmithDirector
- Allison CatesChair/director
- Meg CrosbyVice chair
- Hunter WitheringtonTreasurer/director
As listed in its 2024 IRS filing. Many foundations decide through their board, so a personal connection often matters more than a perfect application.
Tennessee organizations it funded
Shelby County grants are listed first, then the largest. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overton Park Conservancy | Memphis, Shelby County | Program Support | $70K |
| Neighborhood Christian Center | Memphis, Shelby County | Program Support | $60K |
| Redzone Ministries | Memphis, Shelby County | Program Support | $60K |
| Christopher A Pugh Center | Cordova, Shelby County | Program Support | $50K |
| Circuit Playhouse Inc. | Memphis, Shelby County | Program Support | $50K |
| Alcy Ball Development Corporation | Memphis, Shelby County | Program Support | $40K |
| World Relief | Memphis, Shelby County | Program Support | $40K |
| Beautiful Spirited Women | Memphis, Shelby County | Program Support | $33K |
| Creative Aging | Memphis, Shelby County | Program Support | $25K |
| Dorothy Day House of Hospitality Inc. | Memphis, Shelby County | Program Support | $25K |
| Memphis Allies | Memphis, Shelby County | Program Support | $25K |
| Room in the Inn | Memphis, Shelby County | Program Support | $25K |
| A Step Ahead Foundation | Memphis, Shelby County | Program Support | $20K |
| Bevo Boys Fitness Academy | Memphis, Shelby County | Program Support | $20K |
| Hattiloo Theater | Memphis, Shelby County | Program Support | $20K |
| Memphis Inner City Rugby | Memphis, Shelby County | Program Support | $20K |
| New Ballet Ensemble | Memphis, Shelby County | Program Support | $20K |
| Museum of Science & History- Pink Palace | Memphis, Shelby County | Program Support | $15K |
| Music Export Memphis | Memphis, Shelby County | Program Support | $15K |
| My Cup of Tea | Memphis, Shelby County | Program Support | $15K |
| Shelby Farms Park Conservancy | Memphis, Shelby County | Program Support | $15K |
| Tennessee Nonprofit Network | Memphis, Shelby County | Program Support | $15K |
| United Way of the Midsouth | Memphis, Shelby County | Program Support | $10K |
| Contemporary Arts Memphis | Memphis, Shelby County | Program Support | $2,250 |
| Donna C Nash | Memphis, Shelby County | Program Support | $200 |
Grants approved for future years
In its tax-year 2024 IRS Form 990-PF the foundation listed grants it had approved but not yet paid: 6 to Tennessee groups totaling $295,000. These are multi-year commitments, so they show what it has promised to keep funding. Some may have been paid since.
| Recipient | Where | Purpose | Amount | Tax year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| National Civil Rights Museum | Memphis, Shelby County | Program Support | $120K | 2024 |
| Alpha Omega Veterans Services | Memphis, Shelby County | Program Support | $70K | 2024 |
| Memphis Botanic Garden | Memphis, Shelby County | Program Support | $50K | 2024 |
| Memphis Teacher Residency | Memphis, Shelby County | Program Support | $25K | 2024 |
| Play Where You Stay | Memphis, Shelby County | Program Support | $20K | 2024 |
| Beale Street Caravan | Memphis, Shelby County | Program Support | $10K | 2024 |
Data: GivingTuesday Data Commons, ODbL
Foundation website All its IRS filings (ProPublica) Sign in to save