News
See how generosity turns into impact. From Community Impact Grants to local success stories, discover the latest news and updates shaping West Tennessee.
Taylor Risley Announced as New Chief Financial Officer
The Community Foundation of West Tennessee is pleased to announce the appointment of Taylor Risley as its new Chief Financial Officer.
Melissa Spurgeon Named CEO of Community Foundation of West Tennessee
The Community Foundation of West Tennessee announces the appointment of Melissa Spurgeon as its next President/Chief Executive Officer. Spurgeon will assume leadership of the nonprofit following the retirement of Dr. Frank McMeen, who has guided the Foundation since 2000.
Community Foundation Announces President’s Retirement and Search for Successor
The Community Foundation of West Tennessee’s Board of Trustees announced that its President, Dr. Frank McMeen, will retire from his position. The board has initiated a search for his successor with the goal of filling the position by the end of the year.
Community Impact Grants
Community Impact Grants are one of the primary ways the Community Foundation of West Tennessee invests in local nonprofits and strengthens communities across the region. Since its launch in 2016, the program has awarded more than $556,000 to organizations addressing critical needs in education, healthcare, the arts, and community services. Each year, through a competitive grant process, funding is awarded to projects that create meaningful, measurable impact across West Tennessee.
Applications
Community Impact Grant applications are accepted annually during a designated application period. Please check back for updated dates and details for the next cycle.
All submissions must be received by the posted deadline, and funding decisions are shared with applicants following the review process.
For eligibility guidelines and future application instructions, please contact the Community Foundation.
Explore the latest Community Impact Grant announcements and funded projects below.
The Community Foundation of West Tennessee awarded $100,000 in grants to 12 organizations for the 2026-2027 Community Impact Grant cycle.
Become A Member
Are you ready to join 100 Women Who Care? Make your annual membership donation today. We offer flexible giving options for women in all walks of life. Donations are payable in installments or as a one-time gift. You may donate online or make checks payable to Community Foundation c/o 100 Women, 74 Directors Row Jackson, TN 38305.
Your level of giving determines the number of votes you receive:
Member: Join as a member by donating $100 annually and receive 1 vote.
Friend: Be a Friend by donating $250 annually and receive 2 votes.
Advocate: Become an Advocate by donating $500 annually and receive 3 votes.
Champion: Be a Champion by donate $1,000 annually and receive 4 votes.
We also have business sponsorship opportunities available at $500 and $1,500. Our business partners help cover the cost of our annual awards luncheon, allowing 100% of our members' donations to go directly back to nonprofits in the community.
Learn about Grants
100 Women Who Care: West Tennessee awards annual grants to eligible 501(c)(3) organizations serving West Tennessee. Applications open each January, with proposals reviewed by a volunteer committee before finalists present at the annual awards luncheon, where members vote to select grant recipients. Grants may be used for operating support or specific projects. The next application cycle opens in January 2027. For questions, contact us at 100women@cfwtn.org or (731) 984-2140.
