The Foundation reflects the beliefs, interests and passions of the family and recognizes the importance of giving to organizations that impact the community in a direct and positive manner. The Foundation expects the grant-receiving organization to be careful stewards of the funds entrusted to them.

Mission: The Kemmons Wilson Family Foundation is a family-run foundation which honors the legacy of giving established by its founder, Kemmons Wilson. The Foundation intends to positively impact and transform the Memphis community through its grant-making and has established the following categories for giving:

The Foundation has made a strategic financial commitment to the growth and advancement of Memphis. The type and level of support varies depending on the specific needs of the organization and the level of relationship the Foundation has with the organization. The Foundation has been known to direct its gifts to new initiatives and educational programming as well as to organizational infrastructure and building campaigns.

The Foundation is currently governed by the five children of Kemmons and Dorothy Wilson: Spence Lee Wilson, Bob Wilson, Kemmons Wilson Jr., Carole Wilson West, Betty Wilson Moore. The Foundation also has established an Advisory Board of five additional family members who review applications and assist in making recommendations for funding.

By words and deeds, Kemmons Wilson believed in investing in people and improving their quality of life through the combined efforts of hard work, dedication and a solid vision. One of his Twenty Tips for Success best expresses his belief...

The Kemmons Wilson Family Foundation was created out of Kemmons Wilson's passion for enhancing the community in which he lived, a passion which was shared by his wife Dorothy and passed down to their five children and their families.

We have five grant categories which we use as guidelines for making funding decisions. Please review the following categories to ensure that your organization aligns with the mission and priorities of the Kemmons Wilson Family Foundation. We do not respond to general or generic solicitations for funds.

"It is not how much you have, but how much you enjoy that makes happiness."
 -Kemmons Wilson

Community Service and Outreach
This category includes any activities, programs or community service organizations that enhance or strengthen Memphis neighborhoods by placing emphasis on at least one of the following:

• Identifying and meeting the important needs of a neighborhood or community
• Assisting individuals or families in creating lives of opportunity and independence

Empowerment of Youth
This category supports programs that provide youth who have limited opportunities to develop their potential as leaders in their community through a variety of structured experiences. These programs may promote learning and growth through venues such as cultural awareness activities, leadership training and community involvement, all of which enable youth to become positive role models and more productive citizens in the Memphis area.

Enrichment of Education
This category supports programs, which further the advancement of public or private education in the Memphis area. This support focuses on individuals or individual projects and may include supporting youth in their elementary, secondary or college educational endeavors.

Faith-Based Ministries
This category funds ministries in the Memphis area that are dedicated to enriching the spiritual growth of individuals and families by faithfully ministering the message of God's love. Such programs may vary in services from providing hope and encouragement for families to improving society's structures and institutions.

Health and Research-Related Organizations
This category funds organizations and programs that are committed to improving the overall health and well-being of Memphians through research and active practice. This may include such interests as educational programming, current research endeavors or treatment facilities. All programs must be diligent in their approach to creating healthy lifestyles for individuals and families of the Memphis community.

Grant applications may be submitted online or mailed to: Kemmons Wilson Family Foundation Attn: Lauren Young, Executive Director 8700 Trail Lake Drive West, Suite 300 Memphis, TN 38125 lyoung@kwilson.com 901-328-5037 Any questions or correspondence regarding your grant application should be directed to Lauren Young.