The Women's Foundation for a Greater Memphis (WFGM) is a
501(c)(3) nonprofit grant-making organization. Fostered by an initial gift from local philanthropist Mertie Buckman, WFGM was established in 1995 to encourage philanthropy and foster leadership among women and to support programs that enable women and children to reach their full potential.

The Women's Foundation strives to assure that these issues are addressed locally in the belief that when a woman is given an opportunity, her family and ultimately the entire community will benefit. The Womens Foundation for a Greater Memphis is the agent for change committed to a community of wellbeing and prosperity, where women live in sufficiency, strength and safety, sharing their leadership and empowering their children. We seek to balance the scale for women and children and, in doing so, bring them into full participation in all aspects of our community.

The Women's Foundation is one of the fastest growing women's funds in the country dedicated to securing and granting funds to programs that enable women and their families to become economically self-sufficient. Through grant-making, research, community initiatives and public private partnerships, the Women’s Foundation has collectively raised nearly $13.7 million. Since 1996, $6 million has been awarded to 362 programs and $7.7 million has been raised for special initiatives, serving 15,875 people each year.

For the 2011-2012 year, WFGM has invested $500,000 directly into 31 self-sufficiency programs in five key areas of focus: economic and financial literacy, job readiness/career development, entrepreneurship, leadership development and non-traditional job training. In addition, we have allocated $116,000 to advocacy and research and technical support. 

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WFGM 2009-2010 Annual Report
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