She was driven by a desire to improve Memphis, and to improve the lives of women and girls living here. If a life well-lived can be an example to others, then Mertie’s is surely one of the best examples to those who knew her. In large and small ways, Mertie had the unique ability to give of herself freely, and this selflessness was recognized by everyone who had the privilege to know her. Through her giving, Mertie redefined what it means to be a philanthropist. Mertie gave of her financial resources and her personal investment of time and energy. The gifts she made without recognition are what set her apart. Through her way of living, Mertie Buckman exemplified the true and holistic meaning of the word “philanthropist.”
History
In looking back over the years of great work, the Women’s Foundation celebrates the successful investment in women and their families. This legacy of philanthropy began with our own Legend – Founder, Mertie Buckman.
Mertie Willigar Buckman (1904-1999) will always have a place in Memphis history – she was one of the city’s greatest philanthropists, and her imprint can be seen everywhere, including Christian Brothers University, Rhodes College and Girls Inc. Mertie made a very personal statement about her own values with her special philanthropic project – the Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis –providing the seed money for its creation in 1995.
About WFGM:
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1995
In 1995, under Mertie Buckman’s leadership, a group of 10 women gathered with a powerful idea: if women pooled their resources, they could accomplish more in their community than each could individually. From this initial group grew a task force known as Women in Philanthropy, which later blossomed into the first board of directors and the official launching of the Women’s Foundation. -
1996
WFGM Celebrates a phenomenal first year with $60,000 in grants awarded to 18 programs. -
2000
The Women’s Foundation becomes an independent organization and moves into its very own office downtown at 8 South Third St., awards $146,600 in grants to 8 programs and is named Foundation of the Year by the Association of Fundraising Professionals. -
2004
In 2004, the Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis (WFGM) became a key partner with the City of Memphis and the Memphis Housing Authority (MHA) in securing $42 million in grants from HUD (Housing and Urban Development) for community revitalization of two public housing locations – Lamar Terrace/University Place and Dixie Homes/Legends Park. -
2005
The Women’s Foundation celebrates 10 years of existence and accomplishments and awards $367,401 in grants to 21 programs. -
2009
WFGM hosts the first Legends Award Reception pay tribute to women whose work embodies the mission and vision of the organization. The purpose of the Legends Award is to applaud these Honorees, whose visionary and innovative work is paramount in their specialized areas of outreach. There are now 74 Legends Award Honorees. -
2010
WFGM celebrates its 15-year anniversary, A Legacy of Philanthropy, and make record-breaking history at the Annual Tribute Luncheon with over 1,500 attendees. -
2013
The Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis is recognized by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as a recipient of the Secretary’s Award for Public-Philanthropic Partnerships. The award honors philanthropic funders for their innovative public-philanthropic collaborations designed to address housing and community development challenges. -
2015
WFGM celebrates 20 years of serving the Greater Memphis Area and announces the Vision 2020 Strategic Plan to reduce poverty by five percent in ZIP code 38126. -
2018
WFGM helps Memphis become one of seven cities to implement the Evidence2Success™ program, framework designed by the Annie E. Casey Foundation that uses an evidence-based approach to promote healthy child development and academic success. -
2020
WFGM celebrates 25 years of serving the Greater Memphis area; is named a Tennessee Community Cares Grant Administrator, one of six nonprofits and the only women’s foundation in the state responsible for part of the distribution of $150 million in coronavirus relief funds. WFGM’s investment in ZIP code 38126 totals more than $5.8 million and over 5,400 individuals have benefited from Vision 2020.