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Frequently Asked Questions


Funding Interests
  • What types of projects do the Hyde Family Foundations fund? We take a proactive, initiative-driven approach to charitable giving. Therefore, it is critical that organizations submitting unsolicited requests for support be engaged in activities that align wholly with our funding interests. Our current program interests are transforming education, investing in authentic assets and strengthening neighborhoods. For specific information on each program area, please see Grant Criteria.
  • How can my organization become a Key Organization? An organization cannot apply to become a Key Organization. These annual grants are made at the discretion of the trustees to a limited number of organizations we feel are key to carrying out our philanthropic mission.
  • Are there dollar limits on the grants you make? We do not have a minimum or maximum dollar amount for our grants. Request amounts should be realistically based on the applicants’ project or organizational budget and take into account other sources of income.

Eligibility
  • Who may apply for grants from the Hyde Family Foundations? Although our grantmaking is proactive and initiative-driven in nature, we will accept requests from organizations that have received the 501(c)(3) designation from the Internal Revenue Service and serve the city of Memphis, Tennessee or influence policy change at the state level. We do not accept requests from political organizations or individuals.
  • My organization is outside of the Memphis, Tennessee, area. Am I eligible for funding? We primarily fund organizations that serve the city of Memphis, Tennessee, or influence policy change at the state level.
  • Do you accept proposals for projects outside the United States? No.
  • I am an individual seeking financial assistance. Can I apply for a grant? We do not accept requests from individuals.
  • Is it possible for my organization to receive a grant from the Hyde Family Foundations if we have never received funding from you before? We will review funding requests from organizations that we have not supported in the past. However, your organization must align with our program interests and follow our application guidelines to be considered for funding.

Application Process
  • I meet your eligibility criteria, and I am interested in applying for funds for my project. How do I apply? The first step in the application process is to submit an application electronically via our website, or to submit a concept letter and cover sheet via mail. For more information on what to include, please see How To Apply.
  • Where can I find a copy of your grant guidelines? Our grant guidelines are available by going to the Useful Documents and Grantmaking Guidelines sections of our website on the Grant Information page.
  • What happens after I submit a concept letter? All concept letters are carefully reviewed by staff.  You will be notified promptly when the Hyde Foundations receive your concept letter, and will then be notified regarding the status of your request within six to eight weeks of submission.
  • Can I change my concept letter and cover sheet once they have been submitted? If there is information that needs to be added to or changed in your concept letter or cover sheet, please contact us immediately.
  • What time period should I use for my project budget? Your project budget should cover the year(s) in which you will be implementing the program for which you are requesting funds. Applicants invited to submit full proposals will be required to submit additional financial information such as an organization budget and audited financial statements.
  • What attachments should I submit with my concept letter? For a list of attachments to submit with your concept letter, please see How To Apply.

Contact Information
  •  If I wish to apply via mail, where should I send my concept letter?
    Send concept letters to:

    Courtney Leon, Grants Manager
    Hyde Family Foundations
    17 West Pontotoc Ave., Suite 200
    Memphis, TN 38103
     
  • How do I contact you if I have questions about the application process? Please direct inquiries about the application process to: Courtney Leon at (901) 685-3400 or cleon@hydefoundation.org.

Other
  • Where does the Hyde Family Foundations' money come from? The Hyde Family Foundations are a pair of philanthropic funds created by members of the Hyde family over a 48-year period, beginning with an initial $1 million investment by Joseph Hyde Sr. in 1961. For more information about the history of the Hyde Family Foundations, click here.
  • I am a current grantee of the Hyde Family Foundations. Where can I find a copy of your reporting requirements? Our reporting guidelines and report cover sheet are available as PDFs. If you have questions about reporting, please feel free to contact us.
  • Can you direct me to an organization that offers resources for proposal writing? The Alliance for Nonprofit Excellence (formerly The Grant Center) offers a variety of services for grantseekers in eight Mid-South counties. It is located at 606 S. Mendenhall, Suite 108, Memphis, TN 38117. For more information, call (901) 684-6605 or e-mail info@npexcellence.org.