Private foundation · Memphis
The Kemmons Wilson Family Foundation
Key facts
- Grants in Tennessee
- 52 totaling $1.9M · 50 in Shelby County
- Typical grant
- $10K to $25K (middle half of its Tennessee grants)
- A realistic first ask
- About $18K, its median Tennessee grant. New grantees usually get less than long-time ones.
- Where it gives
- Shelby County, Fayette County, Knox County · plus 2 grants outside Tennessee
- Buildings & equipment
- None of its Tennessee grants in this filing were for buildings or equipment
- Funds new groups?
- 29% of the Tennessee groups it funded in 2024 were new (not funded in 2023): 15 of 52.
- Total giving that year
- $1.9M
Giving by year
| Tax year | Total grants paid | To Tennessee | Tennessee grants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $1.9M | $1.9M | 52 |
| 2023 | $1.4M | $1.4M | 54 |
How to apply
- Contact
- Tate wilson · Memphis · 9013468800 · twilson@kwff.org
- What to send
- See our website at http://www.kwff.org/our-grant-process/grant-application-process/
- Deadlines
- January 15 and august 15
Next one: Jan 15, 2027 if the dates haven't changed since its 2024 filing - Limits
- Contact tate wilson at twilson@kwff.org for more information.
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
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- Tate WilsonPresident/ceo
- Carole Wilson WestChairperson of the board
- Kevin GeshkeFinance chair
- Adrian C BlackneyDirector
- Margaret W HodgesDirector
- Wilson MooreDirector
- Mclean T WilsonDirector
- Robert A WilsonDirector
- Stephanie B WilsonDirector
- Susan C WilsonDirector
- Webb WilsonDirector
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
- General - operating
Tennessee organizations it funded
Shelby County grants are listed first, then the largest. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emmanuel Center Inc. | Memphis, Shelby County | General - operating | $150K |
| Knowledge Quest | Memphis, Shelby County | General - operating | $105K |
| Memphis Brooks Museum of Art Inc. | Memphis, Shelby County | General - operating | $102K |
| The Works Inc. | Memphis, Shelby County | General - operating | $100K |
| Advance Memphis | Memphis, Shelby County | General - operating | $50K |
| Christian Community Foundation of Memphis | Memphis, Shelby County | General - operating | $50K |
| Urban Renaissance Partners Inc. | Memphis, Shelby County | General - operating | $50K |
| Soulsville Charter School | Memphis, Shelby County | General - operating | $32K |
| Memphis Delta Preparatory Charter School Inc. | Memphis, Shelby County | General - operating | $30K |
| Christian Brothers University | Memphis, Shelby County | General - operating | $25K |
| Innovate Memphis | Memphis, Shelby County | General - operating | $25K |
| Lemoyne-Owen College | Memphis, Shelby County | General - operating | $25K |
| One Family Memphis Rox | Memphis, Shelby County | General - operating | $25K |
| Rhodes College | Memphis, Shelby County | General - operating | $25K |
| Soulsville Foundation | Memphis, Shelby County | General - operating | $25K |
| Streets Ministries | Memphis, Shelby County | General - operating | $25K |
| University of Memphis Foundation | Memphis, Shelby County | General - operating | $25K |
| Visible Music College | Memphis, Shelby County | General - operating | $25K |
| Allmemphis | Memphis, Shelby County | General - operating | $20K |
| Apple Seeds Inc. | Germantown, Shelby County | General - operating | $20K |
| Memphis Black Arts Alliance | Memphis, Shelby County | General - operating | $20K |
| Score Cdc | Memphis, Shelby County | General - operating | $20K |
| Slingshot Memphis Inc. | Memphis, Shelby County | General - operating | $20K |
| South Memphis Alliance | Memphis, Shelby County | General - operating | $20K |
| Vance Avenue Youth Development Center | Memphis, Shelby County | General - operating | $20K |
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