Thomas W. Briggs Foundation Grant Program

The Thomas W. Briggs Foundation is a private philanthropic organization based in Memphis, Tennessee, with a core mission of advancing the well-being of the local community through strategic investments. The Foundation operates with a strong emphasis on impact, targeting sectors that foster a dynamic, equitable, and resilient Memphis. Its areas of focus include Thriving Youth and Families, Vibrant Quality of Life, and Advancing Community Pathways. In alignment with these priorities, the Foundation supports organizations and initiatives that promote educational opportunities, stabilize family structures, support youth beyond the classroom, enhance civic life through the arts and infrastructure, and address systemic issues affecting under-resourced neighborhoods. Briggs funding prioritizes projects and organizations that demonstrate a strong alignment between their mission and the requested funding effort. Funding types include seed money, capital support, annual operating costs, and innovative or entrepreneurial initiatives that help existing efforts scale. The Foundation shows a clear preference for programs in economically underserved areas within the city of Memphis and generally does not fund outside Shelby County, Tennessee. Each year, Briggs distributes approximately $750,000 in funding across two cycles, reviewing around 12 proposals per cycle: 10 for core funding and 2 through its Equity Fund. The Briggs Equity Fund, introduced in 2021, specifically supports BIPOC-led organizations, especially younger nonprofits that may not typically meet traditional grantmaking standards. These organizations must exhibit strong, creative strategies even if they lack extensive experience. While still required to meet the Foundation’s general standards, such as possessing 501(c)(3) nonprofit status and a Child Protection Policy, Equity Fund grantees submit informal quarterly reports and must contact the Foundation prior to submitting an application. Application deadlines fall twice yearly—on August 1 and February 1. Interested applicants are required to initiate discussions with the Foundation by June 10 for the August cycle or by December 10 for the February cycle. Only after these preliminary discussions and a positive response will invitations to apply be extended by June 25 or December 20. The application packet must include a formal proposal, project budget, staff qualifications, organizational documents (e.g., board list, annual budget, audit, financial statements), and proof of nonprofit status. Applications are submitted electronically to Donna Nash, the Foundation's Executive Director. The review process includes a detailed review by the Briggs Review Committee, followed by a final decision by the Board of Directors. Notification of funding decisions is sent via email in mid-November for August applications and mid-April for February submissions. Organizations working with individuals under 18 must provide documentation of staff training policies in child abuse prevention. The Foundation funds organizations biennially, meaning once a grant is received, the recipient must wait two years before reapplying. Additionally, organizations may not apply in two successive cycles, and those with outstanding pledges are ineligible until those are fulfilled. For more information or to discuss potential eligibility, interested organizations should contact Donna Nash at 901.680.0276 or via email at dnash@briggsmemphis.org.