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Memphis City Council Community Grant Program

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125 N. Main, Room 514 Memphis, TN 38103

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(901) 636-6786

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(901) 636-6796

Greetings from the Memphis City Council Community Grant Program,

Thank you for your interest in the Memphis City Council Community Grant Program.

What is the Community Grant Program?

The Community Grant Program provides an opportunity to nonprofit organizations to further their influence within the Memphis community through funding allocated by the Memphis City Council.

Our Goal:To empower nonprofit organizations that seek to improve the Memphis community through local programs that target the City of Memphis priorities: Crime and Drug Prevention, Youth Empowerment, Economic Development, and Poverty.
To be eligible to apply for the Memphis City Council Community Grant, see the following requirements:
• Be registered as a tax exempt 501(c)(3) organization
• Have an official address within the City of Memphis
• Have been in operation for two years prior to applying
• Attend one of the Grant Writing and Administration Workshop
• Complete and submit the City Council Grant Program Application by July 19, 2024 at 12:00 PM.

Helpful Tips:
The nonprofit must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
The IRS Determination letter must be included with your application.
The organization must have been in operation for at least 2 years under its nonprofit status at the time of application.
Non-profit must be registered to an address within the City of Memphis.
Complete a signed IRS W-9 form.
Complete IRS Form 990 from tax year 2022 to the most recent tax year.
Must have been filed with the IRS and signed prior to submission.

Please make sure that the organization’s tax filing and nonprofit status are in good standing on the IRS site HERE.

The name and address on the IRS Forms and Insurance must match.

Certificate of Insurance in the nonprofit’s name that indicates that the organization has General Liability Insurance.

Example of COI- Must be completed by your insurance company and the COI certificate holders’ section needs to read:
City of Memphis
Attn: Risk Management
170 North Main Street, 5th Floor
Memphis, TN 38103-14817

Budget presentation: must provide annual expenses and City of Memphis expenses (please total each column)
Please click HERE to access the FY25 application.

All applicants are required to participate one of the Grant Writing and Administration Workshops.

Grant Workshop Dates:

June 20, 2024 at 2 PM
Microsoft Teams
Meeting ID: 283 744 328 149
Passcode: zfKukk

June 24, 2024 at 2 PM
Microsoft Teams
Meeting ID: 291 048 658 859
Passcode: 2Tkf4Q

June 29, 2024 at 10 AM
Microsoft Teams
Meeting ID: 256 970 607 964
Passcode: nNZPvn

July 11, 2024 at 6 PM
Microsoft Teams
Meeting ID: 219 891 051 587
Passcode: LjCcrk

July 16, 2024 at 11 AM
Microsoft Teams
Meeting ID: 269 066 285 241
Passcode: 2wUJJi

*Fraudulent Information: Providing fraudulent information will disqualify your organization for the next three fiscal years. It can also lead to prosecution. *

If you have any additional questions, please email [email protected] or call 901-636-6782.

FY25 Grantee Budget Presentation Template
Example Budget presentation
Grant Workshop
Example-COI-Template

Community Initiative Grantee FAQ

Who can apply for a Memphis City Council Community Grant?

Any 501(c)(3) organization with an official address listed within the City of Memphis that has been in operation under its tax-exempt status for two years prior to the application.

Applicants should be able to provide proof of current programming and successful track record in providing the services for which they are requesting funding.

What materials and documents do I need to apply for a Memphis City Council Community Grant?

a. Proof of your non-profit, charitable, or civic organizational status. Examples of acceptable documentation include a 501(c)(3) determination letter issued by the federal government or a IRS issued tax exempt number; or documentation of registration with the Tennessee Secretary of State as a non-profit organization.

b. Copy of your most recent tax filing or most recent 990 or 990EZ submissions.

c. Copy of your W-9

d. Copy of a Certificate of Insurance from your current liability carrier.

e. Complete and attach your Budget Presentation. Please follow the template included in the application.

How do I obtain the Charitable Organizations filing?

Visit https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/tax-exempt-organization-search and search for your organization based on name, location, and EIN number of the organization applying to receive a grant.

What happens if the information provided in the application does not match my organization’s Charitable Organizations filing or the IRS forms, as verified on the IRS website?

Your application will not be considered for the Memphis City Council Community Grant Program for FY23.

How much should my financial request be?

This is up to the organization’s specific need. However, requests exceeding more than 30% of total operating budget as reported on the most recent tax filing, will not be accepted.

Will someone from the Council office be able to assist me with my application?

The Memphis City Council staff may answer general questions only. The staff cannot advise or assist applicants in completing the application.

If I make an error on my application, can I correct it?

No. The application must be resubmitted.

Can I mail or hand-deliver my application?

All applications must be submitted online.

How do I know if my application was submitted?

Once the application is submitted, the applicant will receive a confirmation email from DocuSign. If it’s not in the inbox, please check the spam folder. If no confirmation is received, the applicant must resubmit the application.

How do I know if my organization has been selected for a Budget Presentation before the City Council?

Each organization that is selected to present will receive notification from City Council staff. The contact information provided in the application will be used to provide notice. Please ensure this information is accurate.

Would I need to provide a separate presentation if I’m selected to present before City Council?

No. The presentation submitted with the application will be the only presentation used. Please ensure all information requested in the template is provided and accurate.