Neighborhoods & Public Spaces

Great neighborhoods and public spaces are the foundation of a thriving city.

We invest in the places, organizations, and policies that make Memphis neighborhoods vibrant, affordable, and connected, from signature parks and public spaces to community development organizations working block by block. When neighborhoods thrive, residents have more options, more stability, and more opportunity.

Intended Outcome

Vibrant, connected communities expand economic opportunity and improve quality of life for all Memphians.

Funding Priorities

  • Focus neighborhoods

    We concentrate resources in four Memphis neighborhoods where we believe sustained investment can drive lasting change: Downtown, South City, the Medical District, and Binghampton. In each, we work alongside community organizations to support vibrant, livable places with strong small businesses, quality jobs, and an inviting public realm.

  • Parks, trails and public spaces

    Memphis' parks, greenways, and public spaces are assets for everyone — and they're worth investing in seriously. We support signature parks and trail systems, neighborhood green spaces, and the organizations responsible for managing them well over the long term.

  • Quality affordable housing

    A vibrant neighborhood means nothing if residents can't afford to stay. We invest in the production and preservation of affordable housing and support the policies and organizations working to expand access to stable, quality homes across Memphis.

  • Strengthening community development

    The organizations doing neighborhood work every day need resources, capacity, and connection to each other. We invest in the intermediaries, training, and infrastructure that make the community development sector in Memphis more effective and more sustainable.

Featured Projects

  • A scenic view of a park by the river with playgrounds, sports courts, walking paths, and lush greenery, with a city skyline in the background.

    Tom Lee Park

    Designed and managed by Memphis River Parks Partnership, Tom Lee Park is a new icon for our city and a signature park for all, attracting thousands of people to enjoy their riverfront everyday.

    Learn more →

  • Adults and children outdoors, with face paint and activities, participating in a community or family event.

    SCORE CDC

    The Community Development Corporation designed to strategically advance grassroots civic engagement activities in the South City community.

    Learn more →

  • Outdoor community gathering or event with many people sitting at picnic tables and standing around in front of a large brick building, with a stage set up on the left side.

    Memphis Medical District Collaborative

    A community development organization designed to strengthen the connections, communities, and campuses in the Medical District so they are more vibrant, prosperous, and equitable.

    Learn more →

All Grantees

  • Binghampton Community Land Trust

  • Binghampton Development Corporation

  • BLDG Memphis

  • City Parks Alliance

  • Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis

  • Innovate Memphis

  • The Land Trust for Tennessee

  • LISC Memphis

  • Memphis Inner City Rugby

  • Memphis Parks Fund

  • Memphis Public Interest Law Center

  • Memphis River Parks Partnership

  • Mid-South Development District

  • MyCityRides

  • Overton Park Conservancy

  • Protect Our Aquifer

  • Shelby Farms Park Conservancy

  • United Housing

  • Wolf River Conservancy

Interested in applying?

Contact Ian Nunley, Senior Program Officer for Neighborhoods & Public Spaces, to explore whether your project aligns with our strategy and available resources.

Email Ian →