About Us
Rooted in family.
Dedicated to Memphis.
Created by Barbara and Pitt Hyde, Hyde Family Foundation is grounded in generations of giving to create a thriving Memphis for all.
“To whom much is given, much is required”
A Legacy of Giving
The Hyde family philanthropic legacy dates back to 1961 when J. R. Hyde Sr. (Pitt’s grandfather) founded the J. R. Hyde Sr. Foundation. As a teenager, Pitt joined the board of Hyde Sr. Foundation where he learnt the family mantra: “to whom much is given, much is required”. The foundation operated successfully in Memphis for more than 50 years.
A New Philanthropic Vision
In 1992, Barbara and Pitt together created Hyde Family Foundation. Driven by a desire to work strategically and entrepreneurially, the foundation set out to build a better Memphis with bold ambitions and the collective power to achieve them. With a firm belief in the power of innovation, strategic leadership, and sweat equity, Hyde Foundation works locally to set best practice nationally. We seek to prove that a mid-size city can compete and succeed on a global scale. There can be no better place than Memphis to demonstrate and scale the solutions to pervasive urban challenges.
A Strategic Approach to Urban Transformation
Today, Hyde Foundation focuses its work on giving every child a high-quality education, leveraging Memphis’ distinct assets to give the city a competitive advantage and on increasing the quality of life for all Memphians. We invest in making Memphis a place where Memphians want to stay and grow and that welcomes the world to enjoy our unique culture.
Core Beliefs
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Memphis First
Our roots run deep here. We’re committed to building a brighter future for Memphis and Memphians.
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Empowering People
We believe solutions come from those closest to the problem. We support collaborative change over top-down philanthropy.
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Impact Focused
Our work is focused on strategies designed to create transformative change and lasting positive impact.
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Active Partnership
We don’t just fund projects, we roll up our sleeves and get involved to support our partners.
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Leveraging Strengths
We support and advance Memphis’ unique assets, its people, culture and public spaces, alongside ambitious champions and advocates.
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Acting Optimistically
We believe in a brighter future, meeting challenges with tenacity and staying ambitious in face of adversity.
Our People
Staff
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George Abbott
Communications Director
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Becca Cook
Administrative and Grants Assistant
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Holly Coleman
Senior Program Director for Education
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Matthew Hurt
Program Officer for Education
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Lauren Jenkins
Director of Grants Management & Administration
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Rachel Knox
Senior Program Officer for Arts & Culture
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Ian Nunley
Senior Program Officer for Neighborhoods & Public Spaces
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Melodye Ruby
Events Manager
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Teresa Sloyan
President
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Lauren Taylor
Senior Vice President of Programs & Learning
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Kim Tobin
Executive Assistant to the President
Board of Trustees
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Barbara R. Hyde
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Pitt Hyde
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John Pontius
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Alexander J. Hyde
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Allen B. Hyde
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Claire R. Hyde
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Margaret E. Hyde
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Susannah M. Hyde
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William Rhodes
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Charles Tuggle
In the News
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"This determined, intelligent, long-running, and brave giving and civic leadership is changing the texture of Memphis."
Evan Sparks | Making Miracles in Memphis
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"Pitt Hyde has spent more than four decades doubling down on bold civic initiatives to strengthen opportunity and community resilience."
John Hyatt | Inside a Billionaire’s Fight to Save Memphis
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"What differentiates the Hydes from other philanthropists is that they invest in relationships and build community."
Anna Traverse | An Afternoon with Pitt and Barbara Hyde
Inspired by Memphis.
Invested in the world.
Hyde Family Foundation is supported by Pittco Management, a single family office that provides investment, accounting, tax and financial services.