
Creating Positive Change
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 Providers: The Foundation is taking time to assess efforts to improve literacy in our community acknowledging the enormous efforts and significant resources that many have invested by to date. While we continue to deliberate, we will not accept Literacy requests during the Education quarter this year (2025).
Digital Media Organizations: Applications from eligible digital news organizations will only be accepted for review the third quarter of the year.
Areas of Focus
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.
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.
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.
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.
Eligibility Criteria
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 based in the Greater Memphis area.
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.
For more details on eligibility, please review the Grantseeker Packet linked below. Applications that do not meet these three requirements cannot be processed.
Exclusions
Grants are not made to or for:
- Literacy-based programs (Applications will not be accepted until further notice)
- 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
- Religious outreach projects that serve only one congregation
- 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
- Sponsorships
- Emergencies
- Charter Schools
- Summer Camps
Geographical Location
Your organization must be located in Shelby, Fayette and Tipton Counties in Tennessee; Crittenden County, Arkansas; or Desoto County, Mississippi.

Important Application Dates
1st Quarter Grants – 2026
Attention:Arts & Culture organizations may apply this quarter only.Deadline: November 7, 2025 Notification: February 1, 20262nd Quarter Grants – 2026
Attention:Education related proposals can be submitted only in this quarter. We will not be accepting literacy based requests at this time.Deadline: February 6, 2026 Notification: May 1, 20263rd Quarter Grants – 2025
Attention:Digital New organizations may apply this quarter only.Deadline: May 9, 2025 Notification: August 1, 20254th Quarter Grants – 2025
Attention:Arts & Culture, Education, and Digital News proposals are not accepted this quarter.Deadline: August 8, 2025 Notification: November 1, 2025What to Know
Please download our Grantseeker Resource Packet—required reading for all applicants. Included are more details regarding eligibility, a timeline for the application process, answers to frequently asked questions, and instructions on how sign up and navigate the portal.
Please contact one of our Program Officers with questions regarding your specific project.
Apply Now
Please review our eligibility requirements, exclusions, deadlines, and Grantseeker Packet to confirm your organization qualifies for funding.
Our new portal is live!
New Users: Register using the link below.
Returning Users: If you had an active award as of March 2025, your user account has been migrated to our new system. Your username remains your email address, but you will need to reset your password by following the “Forgot Password” link after clicking on the Login button below.
For assistance, please email us at grants@assisifoundation.org. We’re working out the kinks of the new system and appreciate your patience.