The Community Foundation of West Tennessee awarded $100,000 in Community Impact Grants to 12 organizations during a celebration on June 23, 2026. The grants will support programs and services that address critical needs across the region, including food insecurity, workforce development, youth substance abuse prevention, and more.

“These grants represent opportunities for people across West Tennessee to thrive,” said Melissa Spurgeon, CEO of the Community Foundation. “From supporting veterans and caregivers to expanding access to food, transportation, workforce development, and services for individuals with disabilities, we are investing in the programs that strengthen our community. We are proud to partner with these agencies as they carry out this important work.”

2026-2027 Community Impact Grant Recipients:

• ‍Area Relief Ministries received $15,000 to support the purchase of a van to transport homeless individuals to obtain identification, attend medical appointments, and access employment services.‍
• For the Caregivers was awarded $2,000 to provide monthly meals, education, and peer support for family caregivers in Jackson.‍
• ‍Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee received $15,000 to support its four-week Construction Training Program in Jackson, helping residents overcome barriers to construction careers.‍
• Homeless Essentials was awarded $2,000 to expand access to essential hygiene supplies and supportive outreach services for individuals experiencing homelessness.‍
• RIFA Jackson received $15,000 to provide consistent access to fresh fruits and vegetables for older adults in two low-income Jackson neighborhoods.‍
• Ronald McDonald House in Jackson was awarded $5,000 to assist in keeping the Community Kitchen/Food Pantry and NICU Lounge fully stocked with food items and beverages.‍
• Rotary Heart and Sole received $10,000 to help provide clean, new, and properly fitting socks and shoes to students at a Jackson-Madison County elementary school.‍
• The Dream Center of Jackson was awarded $5,000 to purchase essential items needed for a therapy playroom.
• ‍The STAR Center received $12,000 to provide driving simulation training for individuals with disabilities seeking a driver’s license to gain and maintain employment.‍
• Union University was awarded $6,000 to design and replicate customized assistive devices that improve independence and quality of life for West Tennesseans with disabilities.‍
• Weakley County Prevention Coalition received $2,500 to help reduce youth substance abuse in Weakley County through family engagement and community-wide events.‍
• Working Dogs for Vets received $10,500 to provide trauma-informed service-dog training for West Tennessee veterans through the No Veteran Left Behind Program.

 The grant celebration welcomed representatives from each organization, who learned their award amounts for the first time during the event.

“It has become a tradition for us to keep the grant award amounts a secret until the celebration,” said Melissa Spurgeon, CEO of the Community Foundation. “The room is so energetic as we surprise each organization with a big check, announcing their grant. It’s a special moment to see how meaningful these funds are to each of them and the people they serve.”

Community Impact Grants were created in 2016 to serve as funding opportunities for local nonprofits and programs to make an impact on the region. The grant term is July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027.

 Applications for the next cycle of Community Impact Grants will open in early 2027.