Private foundation · Memphis
The Sims Family Charitable Trust
This foundation says it only funds groups it chooses itself. Don't send an unsolicited application. If your work fits, the usual path is an introduction through someone the foundation already knows, such as a board member or a current grantee. See its board and officers below: do you or your board know any of them?
Key facts
- Grants in Tennessee
- 24 totaling $278K
- Typical grant
- $3,000 to $14K (middle half of its Tennessee grants)
- A realistic first ask
- About $6,500, its median Tennessee grant. New grantees usually get less than long-time ones.
- Where it gives
- Shelby County, Marion County, Franklin County · plus 4 grants outside Tennessee
- Buildings & equipment
- None of its Tennessee grants in this filing were for buildings or equipment
- Funds new groups?
- 21% of the Tennessee groups it funded in 2025 were new (not funded in 2023–2024): 5 of 24.
- Total giving that year
- $289K
Giving by year
| Tax year | Total grants paid | To Tennessee | Tennessee grants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $289K | $278K | 24 |
| 2024 | $214K | $194K | 21 |
| 2023 | $215K | $180K | 18 |
How to apply
The foundation's filing doesn't describe how to apply. Look for a website, or send a short letter asking whether it accepts requests.
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.
- First Horizon BankTrustee
- J Walker SimsAdvisor
- Sherrie J SimsAdvisor
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
- Gift
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Shakespeare Co | Memphis, Shelby County | Gift | $75K |
| Memphis Univ School | Memphis, Shelby County | Gift | $40K |
| The Catholic Diocese of Memphis | Memphis, Shelby County | Gift | $25K |
| St Paul Institute | Memphis, Shelby County | Gift | $17K |
| Steorts Prop Dba City Retreat Mphs | Memphis, Shelby County | Gift | $17K |
| Christ Church Memphis | Memphis, Shelby County | Gift | $14K |
| Monteagle Sunday School Assembly | Monteagle, Marion County | Gift | $10K |
| St Louis Catholic Church | Memphis, Shelby County | Gift | $9,000 |
| Pew Ministries Inc. | Memphis, Shelby County | Gift | $9,000 |
| St Peter S Church | Memphis, Shelby County | Gift | $8,000 |
| Hutchison School | Memphis, Shelby County | Gift | $8,000 |
| Tennis Memphis Inc. | Memphis, Shelby County | Gift | $7,000 |
| Memphis Zoo | Memphis, Shelby County | Gift | $6,000 |
| Memphis Botanic Garden | Memphis, Shelby County | Gift | $5,000 |
| Boys & Girls Clubs Greater Memphis | Memphis, Shelby County | Gift | $5,000 |
| Larry Hatchett Fishing Foundation | Memphis, Shelby County | Gift | $4,000 |
| Theatre Memphis | Memphis, Shelby County | Gift | $3,000 |
| University of the South | Sewanee, Franklin County | Gift | $3,000 |
| Ronald Mcdonald House Charity | Memphis, Shelby County | Gift | $3,000 |
| Humane Society of Mphs & Sh Co | Memphis, Shelby County | Gift | $2,000 |
| Community Foundation of Gtr Memphis | Memphis, Shelby County | Gift | $2,000 |
| Calvary Rescue Mission | Memphis, Shelby County | Gift | $2,000 |
| Dixon Gallery & Gardens | Memphis, Shelby County | Gift | $2,000 |
| Dorothy Day House of Hospitality Inc. | Memphis, Shelby County | Gift | $2,000 |