WHAT IS STRENGTHENING COMMUNITIES?

Every year, the Strengthening Communities initiative awards capacity-building and small grants to grow and develop community organizations, enhance student skills and knowledge, and further the engaged scholarship goals of the faculty. 

Strengthening Communities is an initiative of the School of Urban Affairs and Public Policy and the Institute for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership at the University of Memphis, the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis, and the United Way of the MidSouth.

Small grants are awarded to nonprofits for a one-time community development project, preferably to support initial work that will lead to a future capacity-building grant.
Capacity building grants are  awarded to community nonprofit organation + University of Memphis faculty 'teams' who collaboratively implement innovative, neighborhood-based projects that address one of the following areas: economic development, education, health, housing, transportation, or safety issues. 

Grant Cycle Timeline: 

October: RFPs posted on the University of Memphis website

October – December: Interest meetings (typically 3) held for potential applicants

January: Applications due at the end of the month

February and March: Proposals reviewed by University of Memphis students, a group of community and University volunteers, and the Executive Committee 

April: Grant recipients announced by the end of the April

August: Funding distributed______

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The Strengthening Communities Initiative is funded by: