Nonprofits

For over a century, the Woman’s Exchange of Memphis — one of the city’s longest continually operating nonprofits — has been paving the way for seamstresses and craftspeople, artisans and consignors, to carry on the tradition of helping others to help themselves.

For five decades, REACH Memphis has been helping program participants to reach excellence – both in and out of the classroom.

Now in its 10th year, Giving Tuesday was created to encourage donations to causes that will better one’s community.

St Jude Children’s Hospital recently named its new Memphis research facility the Inspiration4 Advanced Research Center in honor of Inspiration4, the world’s first all-civilian space mission.

Despite increased demand for essential services, nearly all nonprofit organizations in the country have seen a negative financial impact from coronavirus. Charitable giving is almost at a halt, particularly for smaller organizations.

Just 1% of locally grown produce finds its way to Memphis tables. To change this, Diane Terrell and Heather Jamerson founded the 275 Food Project, a nonprofit committed to shifting food spending to local producers.

Last month, we wrote about private companies offering rentable scooters. But one nonprofit has another model for making transportation affordable.

Indoor rock climbing has never been the cheapest activity. But Memphis Rox doesn’t turn anyone away even if they can’t pay.

In the heart of Cordova, there’s a nonprofit that’s been quietly helping support orphanages, schools, and food and education centers for vulnerable children for over 20 years.

Cities are defined by the leaders they produce. For 40 years, the nonprofit Leadership Memphis has been empowering community members through its leadership programs.

For minority business owners, one of the most promising developments of 2018 was the launch of The 800 Initiative. Announced last spring by Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland, it combines public and private sector resources to assist the roughly 800 black-owned businesses in the city.

With end-of-year giving near the top of everyone’s list, it can be difficult to determine which organizations to serve. From shelters to schools, there are so many people doing amazing work. Here are some questions to guide your personal giving this year:

Memphis-based nonprofit Youth Villages recently awarded $10 million in matching grant funds to expand services to help young people successfully transition out of foster care.

Since surviving the Rwandan genocide and becoming an orphan after witnessing the murder of her parents as a young girl, Jeanne Celestine Lakin has addressed her dark past and enlightened audiences with her memoir, “A Voice in the Darkness.” Furthering her mission to help others, she is proud to announce the creation of her nonprofit, One Million Orphans.

More and more students are attending the University of Memphis, and other organizations have taken notice. One nonprofit wants to give these students more transportation options.

Since 1945, Memphis Union Mission has served the homeless men of Memphis, giving them food, shelter and Christian fellowship. Soon, the nonprofit will have a new facility, where it can offer the same services and more.

Whether you’re passionate about rappelling or just looking for a thrill, the Exchange Club Family Center is inviting you to go over the edge next month for a good cause.

CBS’ Steve Hartman goes On the Road with Kayla McKeon, Manager of Grassroots Advocacy for the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) and the first registered lobbyist with Down syndrome. Kayla lobby’s U.S. Congress advocating for the passage of laws that would give individuals with disabilities the opportunity to earn fair and equal wages.

The in-store shopping experience is antiquated and inefficient, especially for today’s busy and informed customer. That’s why Clu Technologies is creating a b2b retail solution that puts shoppers in control by allowing them to access the information they need using touchscreen LED devices.

Drive through Downtown Memphis on a given morning, and you’re likely to find dozens of homeless locals lined up, hoping to be chosen for the Hospitality Hub’s Work Local program. If selected, they will have the chance to receive $50 and a meal in exchange for five hours of work cleaning up around the city.

If you’re saddened by the departure of Geoff Calkins from the Commercial Appeal, you’re not alone. Although the paper’s staff continues to shrink, rumor has it that a new, nonprofit media outlet is coming to Memphis – one that promises to provide in-depth coverage of the everyday issues facing Memphians.

Leadership Memphis has earned the Commitment Award in the annual Excellence in Tennessee recognition program, administered by the Tennessee Center for Performance Excellence.

#GivingTuesday launched in 2012 as a counterbalance to the consumerism surrounding retail-based “holidays” like Black Friday and Cyber Monday. This global day of giving encourages donations of money or time to various philanthropies. It’s raised hundreds of millions of dollars since its inception. Want to start your own fundraiser?

The RISE Foundation, which helps transform the lives of low-income working Memphians through financial literacy programs, is inviting partygoers to follow the yellow brick road to its annual gala, “An Evening of Change.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Mid-South recently celebrated its 20th Anniversary SportsBall Black Tie and Tennis Shoe Gala at Minglewood Hall, which raised $125,000 for the nonprofit.

SRVS is celebrating its 55th anniversary. The nonprofit has helped thousands of local people by providing services for those with disabilities to help them live meaningful lives.

There is an organization that connects community with faith to decrease the homeless rate in Memphis — Room in the Inn (RITI). Volunteer-based, RITI gathers churches across the city that serve as host sites to offer the homeless hospitality and a comfortable night’s sleep, as well as help them take steps to permanent housing. Some sites include Calvary Episcopal Church, Heartsong Church and Trinity United Church.

Leadership Memphis and Volunteer Memphis, along with nine other organizations throughout the Memphis area, have been awarded grants through a new initiative of the Kresge Foundation called the American Cities Practice.

It’s not something we like talking or thinking about, but human trafficking happens in our city.

Virtual reality technology is evolving from its use in movies and video games. Nonprofit organizations have recognized the potential it has and are taking action.