Meeting the Moment: New Responsive Grants

The Community Foundation of Greater Memphis is launching a new grant funding initiative— Responsive Grants, offering flexible general operating support to help nonprofits sustain essential services and stability during a time of uncertainty. Funded through the FOREVER Funds, this $800,000 grant program allows the Foundation to remain nimble and responsive to the most pressing needs of historically under-resourced communities.

What we are hearing

At the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis, we know that our region’s nonprofits are on the frontlines of change—meeting urgent needs, strengthening communities, and sustaining hope through uncertain times. This year, as we continue our long-term commitments to reforming the housing and justice systems and advancing public safety through Community Solutions grants, we are also taking an important step to respond directly to what we’re hearing from nonprofits across the Mid-South about their current challenges and needs.

Earlier this year, we invited organizations from across the region to share their realities. More than 100 provided feedback. What we heard was clear:

• Some nonprofits are already feeling the strain of funding cuts, freezes, and policy shifts that force reductions in services.
• Others are bracing for what’s ahead—anticipating more funding reductions from both government and philanthropy.
• Flexible, general operating support remains the most critical need, helping organizations sustain services, retain staff, and adapt to shifting conditions.

To meet these needs, the Foundation is launching a new round of Responsive Grants, designed to provide the kind of support that nonprofits themselves have told us matters most.

How we are responding

Responsive Grants provide general operating support—flexible funding that allows nonprofits to meet immediate challenges while maintaining stability for the future. These grants are intended to help organizations:

• Continue essential services
• Sustain core operations
• Navigate instability in funding or policy environments

Priority will be given to organizations serving communities that have been historically under-resourced, overlooked in public funding, or excluded from traditional philanthropic investment.

Approximately $800,000 will be awarded through this program in December 2025, following a competitive process. Individual grants are expected to range from $20,000 to $25,000. Learn more about applying for funding.

Powered by the FOREVER Funds

Responsive Grants are made possible through the FOREVER Funds, our community-voiced, community centered investment in Greater Memphis. Because of the generosity of donors who have invested in the FOREVER Funds, the Community Foundation can be nimble and responsive to both long-standing challenges and new, emerging needs. This flexibility ensures that philanthropy in Memphis continues to meet the moment—whatever the moment may bring.

Grant decisions will be made by our volunteer Strengthening Nonprofits Committee, composed of 22 dedicated members who reflect the diversity of our region and bring deep experience in nonprofit leadership, industry knowledge, and philanthropy.

We look forward to sharing more about the Responsive Grants program and its impact.