Philanthrophy. Leadership. Impact.

We are so grateful to the Memphis community for rallying with us during our Annual Meeting held in June. We are celebrating an incredible number of firsts, milestones and landmark accomplishments at the Women’s Foundation. Our leadership has been expanded with the addition of six new board members; the Memphis HOPE Project at Legends Park will open its first phase of residential housing this fall; and we continue to be tapped to engage our organization in national dialogue regarding women and children in poverty through the Women’s Economic Security Collaborative. The philanthropic giving from our community allows the Women’s Foundation to strengthen the role of women’s leadership and carve out a lasting impact of social change in Memphis. We will celebrate our 15th Anniversary in 2010, guided by the vision of our founder Mertie Buckman. Thank you!

Please click here to view the 2008-2009 Annual Report.

WFGM Reaches Goal for Women and Children

Our 2008-2009 fundraising fiscal year (July 1-June 30) was a record-breaking success raising the most money ever for the Annual Fund! We increased our donor base and total dollars raised from all sectors of the philanthropic community. Board members, volunteers, staff, foundation and corporate funders worked tirelessly to reach out to our friends and family through more phone-a-thons than ever before. We also launched two new events in April – expanding our Annual Tribute Luncheon – with the inaugural Legends Award Reception and the Power of the Purse Auction. Special thanks to the Hyde Family Foundations Challenge Grant, which, for the seventh year, motivated new and return donors with the ability to have their gifts matched up to $50,000. At a time when the needs are greater for nonprofits due to the economic decline, we are pleased to report that we are increasing our core grant-making for the 2009-2010 year. This amazing accomplishment happened because of YOU!

The 2009-2010 grantees will be announced at the Annual Grants Showcase on October 8, 2009.

Click here for more information.

Announcing New Board Members and Officers

We are pleased to welcome six dynamic women to serve on the 2009-2010 Women’s Foundation Board of Directors.

New Board Members

2009-2010 Board of Directors (PDF)

Memphis H.O.P.E. (Health, Opportunity, Pride and Empowerment)

U.S. Secretary of Labor and Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Deputy Secretary Tour Memphis HOPE

The redevelopment of the housing projects in Memphis continues to gain national attention. John Gimmel, Field Office Director of HUD in Memphis, and Robert Lipscomb, Director of Memphis Housing Authority, recently hosted two site visits – one with Hilda Solis, Secretary of Labor, on June 24 and another with Ronald Sims, HUD Deputy Secretary, on August 3. These distinguished guests visited University Place and Legends Park to learn how Memphis is successfully revamping public housing.

The Urban Strategies, Inc./Memphis HOPE project provides a new model for comprehensive community supportive services for over 700 former public housing families in Memphis. This is a partnership with City of Memphis, Memphis Housing Authority and other local and national funders. The Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis is proud to lead the fundraising component for community supportive services in the housing projects redevelopment

Read about these visits in The Commercial Appeal article, "Mixed-income developments replacing housing projects, gaining nods from feds"

Research Findings about the HOPE VI Program and Case Management Services for Memphis Public Housing Residents

Laura Harris, Assistant Professor of Public and Nonprofit Administration at the University of Memphis, is the local evaluator for Memphis HOPE. She recently testified to the Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity for the United States House of Representatives. In her testimony, Harris cited three key barriers prevalent in Memphis for low-income and public housing families: low levels of education and literacy, health problems that are undiagnosed or do not meet federal guidelines as “disabilities” and a lack of personal, or accessible public, transportation. She then spoke about the strategies being used in Memphis to address these issues.

To read more about Laura Harris' testimony, please click here.

Learn more about the Memphis HOPE project. (PDF)

Women’s Economic Security Collaborative (WESC) Update

WESC is a part of the Women’s Philanthropy and Poverty Cluster and the Women’s Foundation is pleased to host the final cluster meeting in Memphis, TN, December 2-4, 2009. The Women’s Philanthropy and Poverty Cluster, funded by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, works to leverage the assets, networks and expertise of women’s foundations to build the long-term economic security and well-being of low-income single women and their children by addressing issues that perpetuate poverty

Read more information about WESC. (PDF)

PHILANTHROPY

WFGM supporters attend Annual Tribute Luncheon and Power of the Purse Auction.

New York Times Magazine Publishes Special Issue Dedicated to Women

The work of women's funds both nationally and locally is highlighted in this powerful issue. The magazine's articles discuss Why Women's Rights are the Cause of our Time. The Women Moving Millions campaign is featured in the Power of the Purse article, along with interviews with Women's Funding Network President and CEO Chris Grumm and philanthropists Helen LaKelly Hunt and Swanee Hunt.

Read more about the celebration of "sisterhood" from a financial perspective. (PDF)

LEADERSHIP

“Strong, Smart and Bold” – Girls Inc. Celebrates Its Annual Luncheon

Girls Inc. held its Annual Luncheon on July 23, 2009 at Minglewood Hall. The Luncheon was a smashing success with over 350 in attendance. Dr. Shirley Hilliard, a 30-year veteran of Memphis City Schools was presented with the Strong award; the Smart award was bestowed upon Susan Stephenson, President and CEO of Independent Bank and WFGM board member; and Ruby Bright, Executive Director of the WFGM, received the Bold award.

Memphis Magazine Lists Who’s Who in Memphis

Women leaders were highlighted in the August issue of Memphis Magazine in the Who’s Who section, a guide to our city’s movers, shakers and news makers. Click here to read more about these women leaders.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

On Cable Tonight with the Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis

Tuesday, August 25, 2009, 6:30 p.m.

Tune into the live broadcast of On Cable Tonight with the Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis on Channel 17 at 6:30 p.m. Our guest will be representatives from Girl Scouts Heart of the South.

Hilton Hollis Fall 2009 Trunk Show

Thursday – Friday, August 27 – 29

Fashion Designer Hilton Hollis returns to Joseph for Fall 2009 Trunk Show beginning August 27 through August 29. Join Joseph at a Wine and Cheese Reception honoring Hilton Hollis and the Women’s Foundation on Thursday, August 27, from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. The Women's Foundation will receive 10 percent of the proceeds from sales of Hilton Hollis’ fashions. Learn more about this event.

DeNeuville Learning Center for Women – Fall Class Session

Monday, August 31, 2009

The Fall Class session begins on August 31. For more information, call 901.726.5902.

Legends Award Art Exhibition

Tuesday, September 15, 2009 at the First Tennessee Building.

The Legends Award Art Exhibition will open at First Tennessee, on the corner of Madison and Third, from 3:45 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on September 15, 2009. The exhibition is open to the public.

Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis Annual Grants Showcase

Thursday, October 8, 5:30 p.m.

The Women’s Foundation will host its Annual Grants Showcase and Volunteer Recognition on October 8, 2009 at Memphis Botanic Gardens, 750 Cherry Road. RSVP for this exciting event by calling 901.578.9346 by October 5.