Linda Hendershot’s Philanthropic Journey

(March 4, 2025) When Linda Hendershot retired in 2023 after 37 years as a researcher at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, she knew she wanted to stay engaged with her community but wasn’t sure where to start. She had spent decades solving complex problems, pushing scientific discovery forward, and mentoring the next generation of researchers. Even after closing her lab, she stayed connected as an emeritus faculty member, reviewing data and collaborating on projects. But as she stepped further away from research, she started thinking about what kind of impact she wanted to have next.

Her partner had been retired for ten years and was already active in the community. With her two adult children living in other cities, Hendershot had the flexibility to explore new ways to invest her time and resources. She had always been thoughtful about her giving, but she wanted to be more strategic. She didn’t just want to write checks. She wanted to understand where her support could make the biggest difference.

Through conversations with others in the nonprofit sector, she learned about the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis and how it helps donors align their giving with their values. She met with Managing Director of Philanthropic Services Caroline Kuebler to talk through her options.

Through their conversations, not only did she recognize that establishing a donor-advised fund would enhance her giving, but she also gained clarity through the personalized philanthropic guidance that Kuebler provided.  

Kuebler led Hendershot through a Motivational Values™ exercise, which helped her focus on the causes that mattered most to her. She wanted to support work that tackled systemic issues, especially in women’s health, justice, and education. She also wanted to make sure her giving was practical and targeted, considering the challenges facing Tennessee.

Once she had a clearer sense of direction, Hendershot sought ways to learn more about the work already happening in the city. She started attending donor education events and panel discussions hosted by the Community Foundation. Listening to nonprofit leaders and subject-matter experts gave her a deeper understanding of the challenges Memphis is facing, as well as the progress being made.

“I didn’t realize how much was being done locally until I started attending these panels and events,” she said. She left the Foundation’s 2024 annual meeting feeling inspired, especially by the work of FOREVER Funds grantees MICAH, Just City, and the Greater Memphis Housing Justice Project, the recipients of funding in the Foundation’s Reforming the Housing and Justice Systems grant category. While some people she knew felt like change in Memphis was slow, she saw a different reality. Nonprofits were working every day to create meaningful solutions, and she wanted to be part of that progress.

Over time, Hendershot refined her approach to giving. She believes in making larger, more intentional grants to fewer organizations rather than spreading small amounts across many. She also values the role the Community Foundation plays in making sure donor intent is honored and in providing ongoing philanthropic partnership. “The personal follow-up and attention they give is something a larger national organization just can’t provide,” she said.

For Hendershot, giving isn’t just about donating money. It’s about learning, engaging, and making thoughtful decisions that have a lasting impact. She sees philanthropy as a way to stay connected to the city she calls home and to invest in solutions that move Memphis forward.

If you’re considering how to make a meaningful impact with your giving, the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis is here to help. Email Managing Director of Philanthropic Services Caroline Kuebler or call her at (901) 722-0036 to explore the many ways you can support the causes that matter most to you.