The Assisi Foundation of Memphis Grant is sponsored by The Assisi Foundation of Memphis, Inc.. Supports nonprofit organizations in improving community health, education, social justice, cultural enrichment, and capacity building in specific Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi counties. Seeks innovative ideas aligned with its philanthropic mission for positive community transformation.

Grantseekers – The Assisi Foundation of Memphis, Inc. At The Assisi Foundation, we work with nonprofit organizations to address pressing challenges and search for root causes with the goal of healthy, positive transformation. Our focus areas are listed below.

However, it should be noted that whether or not an organization falls neatly within one of these categories, we always invite the exploration of good ideas that align with our mission of philanthropy, done well. Literacy Service Providers: We will resume accepting applications for literacy-based programs in Q2 of 2026. For specific dates and additional information, please refer to the Application Deadline section.

Digital Media Organizations: Applications from eligible digital news organizations will only be accepted for review the third quarter of the year. The Foundation supports initiatives that enhance the spiritual, mental and physical health and well-being of the Mid-South community. Grantees include organizations that address a variety of social determinants through the provision of direct care, research or preventive measures.

Education & Lifelong Learning The Foundation strives to strengthen our community’s educational well-being through programs that develop tools for life and focus on the awareness and importance of accepting social responsibilities. The Foundation funds nonprofits that build the organizational capacity of provider agencies, provide professional development, promote collaboration, and leverage local, state and federal resources.

Special Notice: Please see eligibility guidelines about the specific deadline annually to apply for this focus area as well as requirements for academic institutions. We do not accept applications from charter schools at this time. The Foundation values organizations that help individuals strive to reach their greatest human potential.

The Foundation funds projects and programs that strengthen ethical values among Mid-South citizens and promote social justice—initiatives that lead to a better understanding of, and a more effective response to, the economic and social challenges of the community.

Cultural Enrichment & The Arts Seeking to foster an even greater appreciation of Memphis arts and culture, The Foundation supports some of our area’s cultural icons and groups that work to promote the cultural and artistic heritage of the Greater Memphis area. Special Notice: Please see eligibility guidelines about the specific deadline annually to apply for this focus area.

Requests may be considered for (1) capital campaigns/endowments, (2) renovations and repairs, and (3) underwriting special programming/artists (after all other options have been explored). Any other types of requests (such as requests for audience development, marketing, or arts education and outreach) will be referred to Arts Memphis. Any organization submitting an application must meet the eligibility criteria.

This will not affect any current grant relationships we have with arts organizations. Community Enhancement & Capacity Building For grant applications that don’t fit neatly into other named categories, The Foundation welcomes the opportunity to explore activities that offer clear community benefit valued by named beneficiaries; address gaps and promote effectiveness within the socioecological system; and strengthen community resilience.

To be eligible for funding, your organization must meet the following requirements: IRS status: Your organization must currently hold tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code. Organization Location: Your organization must be located in the Greater Memphis area. Additionally, services and programming must as well.

Faith Nondiscrimination Policy: Organizations that exclude individuals based on their faith are not eligible for funding. This includes, but is not limited to, requiring participants, staff, or board members to sign a statement of faith affirming specific religious beliefs or limiting services, employment, or leadership opportunities to individuals of a particular faith.

Your organization is required to certify that it welcomes individuals of all faith traditions, both Christian and non-Christian. Read our full policy with clarification here. For more details on eligibility, please review the Grantseeker Packet linked below.

Applications that do not meet these three requirements cannot be processed.

Grants are not made to or for: Individuals (including personal financial assistance or scholarships) National fundraising campaigns Events (including but not limited to): auctions, dinners, fundraisers, festivals, health fairs, conferences, tournaments, workshops, or event tickets Capital improvements, operations, outreach projects, or ministries of an individual church or religious organization Political organizations, candidates, or lobbying efforts Financial shortfalls, such as recurring budget deficits or government funding cuts Athletic competitions, including tournament fees and travel expenses Evangelization or proselytizing efforts Ongoing program expenses, such as annual workshop series, membership dues, regularly needed medical equipment, or patient care costs Regularly supported activities of fundraising organizations Your organization and services must be located in Shelby, Fayette and Tipton Counties in Tennessee; Crittenden County, Arkansas; or Desoto County, Mississippi.

All proposals must be submitted through our online portal by 5:00 p. m. (local time) on the listed application due date.

Submissions are time-stamped at the moment they are received. Please note that certain types of applications are only reviewed during specific times of the year. If you’re unsure which category your proposal falls into, we encourage you to contact us before submitting to confirm the appropriate timing for your request.

1st Quarter Grants – 2027 Attention: We accept arts and culture related applications this quarter only, along with applications that do not fall under another program area with a designated annual deadline.

Deadline: November 6, 2026 Notification: February 2, 2027 2nd Quarter Grants – 2027 Attention: This quarter, we accept applications for education-related programs (including literacy-focused initiatives) and programs that don’t fall under a program area with a designated annual deadline.

Deadline: February 5, 2027 Notification: May 1, 2027 3rd Quarter Grants – 2026 Attention: We accept digital news-related applications this quarter only, along with applications that do not fall under another program area with a designated annual deadline. Deadline: May 8, 2026 Notification: August 1, 2026 4th Quarter Grants – 2026 Attention: We accept applications that do not fall under a program area with a designated annual deadline.

Notification: November 1, 2026 Please download our Grantseeker Resource Packet—required reading for all applicants. Included are more details regarding eligibility, a timeline for the application process, and answers to frequently asked questions. We have linked a word doc version of our application to help you prepare: Application Word Doc Please contact one of our Program Officers with questions regarding your specific project.

Please review our eligibility requirements, exclusions, deadlines, and Grantseeker Packet to confirm your organization qualifies for funding. IMPORTANT NOTE: If you are unable to register, please contact us. You may already have an existing Organization or Contact record in our system, and we can help ensure your registration is completed successfully.

Please email us at grants@assisifoundation. org Click Here for the Registration Guide Click Here for Application Best Practices A MISSION OF EFFECTIVE PHILANTHROPY