The Community Grant Program

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS | GRANTS WILL BE AWARDED IN OCTOBER 2024

We are on a mission to support people in our local communities as they work toward 100% financial wellness.

In addition to financial literacy programs and financial management tools, the Memphis Area CRA Association offers the Community Grant Program. The program awards community-driven donations every quarter to local nonprofits and schools that are making a difference in the communities we serve. Donations range from $100 to $2,500. Grants will be made to organizations that serve the Greater Memphis Area – including Shelby, Tipton, Fayette and DeSoto Counties.

Our goal? Strengthen financial education and equity of low- and moderate-income groups and communities in the areas we serve.

The Memphis Area CRA Association Community Grant Program accepts donation applications four times a year or once every quarter. Please take this into consideration when applying for a program or event. Donation requests received during the quarter will be reviewed and awarded to selected recipients during the first month of the following quarter.

Uplifting Communities Through Philanthropic Grants 

While we wish we could support all the requests we receive, the Memphis Area CRA Association focuses on the following areas. 

  • COMMUNITY

    We focus on funding programs that provide children, families, individuals and groups in underserved or low- to moderate-income communities with services that promote health, and financial educational needs and well-being.

    Examples include:

    • Healthcare clinics and other initiatives that provide services to those with limited access

    • Community services that assist families in crisis

    • Organizations that serve the well-being of low- to moderate-income individuals, families, children and the elderly

    • Services that help stabilize low- to moderate-income families

    • Financial education and literacy services

  • EDUCATION

    We assist schools and community-based nonprofit organizations that enhance the educational development of local children.

    Examples include:

    • After-school programs and organizations that provide children with constructive learning and mentorship opportunities

    • School partnerships to establish a bank savings program and financial literacy program

  • AFFORDABLE HOUSING

    We focus on supporting nonprofits with housing solutions for those in need.

    Examples include:

    • Housing services for displaced families and individuals, including transitional housing, shelters, referrals and social services

    • Rental payment assistance for low to moderate-income families

    • Educational programs that provide home-buying resources

Step One: Complete the grant program application.

The application is available online. Please prepare the items listed below and submit them through our online application portal here:

Prepare a proposal letter no longer than three typed pages with the following information:

  • Organization Description: Summary of mission and objectives, contact name, phone number and e-mail address.

  • Project Description: Donation amount requested, project history, number and demographics of persons served, expected results, marketing and promotional plans, dates and ticket prices or fees of performances or events, if applicable.

  • Volunteerism: Opportunities for Memphis Area CRA Association volunteer involvement that might be associated with the donation or project.

  • Tax Exempt Status Letter: Copy of your organization’s IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status letter.

  • W-9: Signed and dated Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification.

Step Two: Collect and attach additional information

The following documents would be helpful but are not absolutely required:

  • Project/program budget detailing expenses, anticipated income sources and any previous funding by the Memphis Area CRA Association

  • Current list of business and foundation donors to your organization with their contribution levels

  • Current list of donors to the proposed project with their contribution levels

  • Current annual operating budget with income and expenses

  • List of your organization’s board of directors, including names, titles and affiliations

  • Impact or annual report (i.e., communities supported, number of low to moderate- income individuals or families benefited, types of services provided, etc.)

Schools: Submit your request on official letterhead and attach only the first two documents requested.

Step Three: Submit

But first, make a copy for your records. 

Then, submit all materials through the Memphis Area CRA Online Application Portal. 

Our donation committee will review your request, make funding recommendations, and contact you if we need additional information.

Questions?

Please email info@memphiscra.org. For press inquiries, please email Michelle Couch or Paula Gagnier.

We are unable to fulfill requests from: 

  • For-profit organizations

  • Programs outside the areas served by the Memphis Area CRA Association 

  • Religious organizations for religious purposes

  • Advocacy or research groups

  • Educational institutions for regular instructional programs

  • Individuals

  • Political organizations