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General Grants

The Assisi Foundation of Memphis, Inc. (The Foundation) supports innovative and established programs that address the needs of Mid-South residents in the categories of: Healthcare and Human Services, Education and Literacy, Social Justice/Ethics, Cultural Enrichment and the Arts.

The Foundation makes grants only to organizations that are classified as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and as public charities under Section 509(a) of that Code. The Foundation uses its resources for charitable endeavors that advance the well-being of people and institutions located in Shelby, Fayette, and Tipton Counties in Tennessee; Crittenden County, Arkansas; and Desoto County, Mississippi. The Foundation is not allowed to make grants to individuals or to for-profit organizations.

Program Categories

Health and Human Services: Applications will be accepted for Healthcare and Human Services projects/programs designed to promote the health and well-being of the Mid-South community and to help the healthcare system respond more effectively to community needs.

Education and Literacy: Applications will be accepted for projects/programs that build organizational capacity of provider agencies, provide professional development to service providers, promote collaboration among provider agencies, and leverage local, state, and federal resources.

Social Justice/Ethics: Applications will be accepted for projects/programs that strengthen ethical values among Mid-South citizens and promote social justice leading to a better understanding of and a more effective response to economic or social threats to the community.

Cultural Enrichment and the Arts: Applications will be accepted for projects/programs that foster an appreciation of the arts in the Greater Memphis community.

Preference is given to proposals that:

  • Address a critical community need or opportunity;
  • Address root causes of a problem;
  • Include clearly stated goals, time-lines, objectives, and measurable outcomes;
  • Include an effective mechanism for measuring the impact of program/project and funding received;
  • Exhibit sound and realistic financial plans as well as a diversification of funding sources;
  • Will not duplicate existing services unless there is a clear need for additional services;
  • Can be replicated by other organizations;
  • Involve collaboration and cooperation with other organizations or agencies;
  • Promote activities that build and sustain connections among diverse groups.

The requesting organization should:

  • Demonstrate the expertise and experience necessary to accomplish the project;
  • Operate under sound financial principles;
  • Have a plan for ongoing financial and community support to insure the future of the organization and program.

LIMITATIONS & RESTRICTIONS

Geographic area: The Foundation considers grant applications from nonprofit organizations that provide services in the Greater Memphis area: Shelby, Fayette, and Tipton Counties in Tennessee; Crittenden County, Arkansas; and Desoto County, Mississippi.

IRS status: The organization must have tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code.

School systems: Requests from public school systems must come from the Superintendent's office: for universities and colleges, through the office of the President or equivalent office.

Multi-department/branch grantees: Requests from large organizations with many branches or departments (e.g. colleges, universities, the YMCA and public libraries) must come through the office of the President or equivalent office.

No grants are made to or for:

  • Individuals.
  • National fundraising drives.
  • Projects that address the needs of only one congregation.
  • Tickets for benefits.
  • Political organizations or candidates for public office.
  • Lobbying activities.
  • Recurring budget deficits.
  • Tournament fees and /or travel for athletic competitions.

Ordinarily, grants are not made for:

  • Program expenses that occur on a regular basis (i.e. annual workshop series, membership dues, regularly needed medical equipment or patient care).
  • Regularly supported activities of fundraising organizations.
  • Replacement of government funding cuts.

Perpetual ongoing support for programs will not be provided.

DEADLINES are set to coordinate with quarterly meetings of the Board of Directors of The Foundation.

Click here for the calendar

NOTIFICATION OF THE BOARD DECISION

You will receive notification of the decision about your proposal within two weeks after the meeting of the Board of Directors of The Foundation. For approved grants, the notification letter will state the terms and any contingencies, the procedure for requesting the funds, and the requirements for submitting progress reports.

Click here for Grant Application Process and Forms