Community Impact Grant

The Community Impact Grants are administered by the Community Foundation of West Tennessee to support nonprofit organizations delivering impactful programs and services across West Tennessee. Established in 2016, the grant program has allocated over $456,000 to initiatives in arts, education, health care, legal aid, and other community-driven sectors. These grants serve as a strategic investment in localized efforts aimed at improving the well-being of residents across 19 counties in the West Tennessee region. For the 2026–2027 cycle, the application window opens on February 9, 2026, and closes on March 31, 2026. All applications must be submitted via the Foundation's online portal, and late submissions will not be considered. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations that have maintained 501(c)(3) status for at least three years or are recognized funds under the Community Foundation of West Tennessee. Proposed programs must directly benefit residents in one or more of the eligible counties, which include Benton, Carroll, Chester, Crockett, Decatur, Dyer, Fayette, Gibson, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Henderson, Henry, Lake, Lauderdale, Madison, McNairy, Obion, Tipton, and Weakley. Grants are awarded for a one-year period from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. Funding may not be used to support unrestricted operating costs, debt services, fundraising events, endowments, or grants to individuals or governmental entities. Each program may receive funding for no more than two consecutive cycles. This is a reimbursement-based grant, requiring grantees to submit receipts and formal requests for disbursement. Award decisions will be made by June 1, 2026, and applicants will be notified via email. A grant agreement must be signed before funds are distributed. Applicants are required to submit an IRS determination letter unless they are an active fund of the Foundation, along with a detailed budget that includes sources and uses of funds. Supporting documentation such as permits, licenses, or letters of support may also be required. If selected for further review, applicants may be invited to present their proposals in person to the review committee. The application form includes structured narrative questions. These cover a brief project summary, an overview of the applicant organization, a needs assessment supported by data, a detailed program delivery plan with quantifiable deliverables, a strategy for measuring results, and a financial sustainability plan. An Impact Report must be submitted by June 30, 2027, detailing accomplishments, data, and visual documentation of the project’s outcomes. Failure to submit the report may affect future eligibility. For inquiries or to schedule an informational session about the Community Impact Grants, applicants may contact Haley Fortune via email at [email protected] or by phone at (731) 984-2146. Full grant guidelines and FAQs are available in PDF format on the Foundation's website.

Provide clear measurable outcomes and a complete financial plan; late or incomplete reports may affect future eligibility.