The Community Foundation of West Tennessee plays a unique and essential role in rural West Tennessee. As the only organization of its kind serving our region, it is dedicated to building a stronger community by connecting donors with the local causes that matter most to them. The Community Foundation offers diverse charitable giving options that help individuals, families, and businesses make a lasting impact. 

Founded in 1985 to strengthen the health and well-being of West Tennessee, 2025 marks the organization’s 40th anniversary, and they are excited to celebrate this milestone throughout the next year to reflect on their history and to plan for an evergreen vision of continued growth. 

As a regional leader in philanthropy and the nonprofit sector, the Community Foundation takes pride in being a trusted partner. They strive for the highest level of transparency and best practices, earning Candid’s Platinum Seal of Transparency in 2025. Their donors have trusted them with over $116 million in contributions, and they have invested those dollars back into the community, totaling $78 million in grants, scholarships, and assistance distributed throughout the last four decades.

 The Community Foundation loves building meaningful connections with people throughout the community from donors and agency partners to those in need. It is incredibly rewarding to be able to step in and provide financial assistance during critical moments like medical emergencies and unforeseen hardships. Our close-knit community allows them to witness firsthand the impact of their support, whether directly assisting individuals or strengthening the efforts of fellow nonprofits, bringing hope and resilience to our friends and neighbors.

Beyond the daily operations to support donors and funds, the Community Foundation loves to celebrate West Tennessee at their largest annual event each fall, The Charity Gala. It brings together leaders and businesses from across our region to raise funds for critical community initiatives and to recognize leaders through awards. Proceeds from The Charity Gala support their annual Community Impact Grants and provide grant funding to local nonprofits for projects and programs that benefit our residents. Since launching the grant program in 2016, the organization has funded a variety of projects in arts, healthcare, education, legal services, and more, investing $336,000 into nonprofits through these grants alone.

The Community Foundation is committed to building on its legacy of impact and will continue to innovate and adapt to meet the evolving needs of West Tennessee. As your partner in philanthropy, their goal is to foster new generations of donors and advocates and to create programs and grants that address the funding gaps in our area.

In June, the Community Foundation will be awarding $100,000 in grants through the Community Impact Grant Program. Stay tuned for grant recipient announcements coming soon!

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