Our Story

Dedicated to Memphis. Rooted in family.

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

Memphis First

Our roots run deep here. We’re committed to building a brighter future for Memphis and Memphians.
Empowering People

We believe solutions come from those closest to the problem. We support collaborative change over top-down philanthropy.
Impact Focused

Our work is focused on strategies designed to create transformative change and lasting positive impact.
Active Partnership

We don’t just fund projects, we roll up our sleeves and get involved to support our partners.
Leveraging Strengths

We support and advance Memphis’ unique assets, its people, culture and public spaces, alongside ambitious champions and advocates.
Acting Optimistically

We believe in a brighter future, meeting challenges with tenacity and staying ambitious in face of adversity.

"This determined, intelligent, long-running, and brave giving and civic leadership is changing the texture of Memphis."

Evan Sparks | Making Miracles in Memphis

Read Article
"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

Read Article