The Kemmons Wilson Family Foundation
The Kemmons Wilson Family Foundation (KWFF) is a Memphis-based private family foundation created in 1960 that supports programs focused on Building Strong Families, Innovation Grants, and Big Bets to improve outcomes for families in Memphis. The foundation site provides about/history information, program descriptions, staff and board listings, and contact details.
Source: Website · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
A Memphis- or Tennessee-based nonprofit focused on family services, education (including charter schools), youth development, or community-building with demonstrated local impact and capacity for general operating support.
Good Fit
- • Program work based in Memphis or elsewhere in Tennessee.
- • Direct services or systems work serving families, children, education, or community development.
- • Request framed as general operating support or sizeable multi-year impact work (typical awards include mid-four-figure to six-figure ranges).
- • Local credibility and willingness to engage the foundation staff before submitting an application.
- • Capacity to report on outcomes and community-level impact.
Geography
Giving is heavily concentrated in Tennessee—about 98% of dollars stayed in-state in the latest year, with most grants focused in the Memphis area despite three states appearing in the data.
Recipient Variety
The foundation funded roughly 50–55 distinct recipients each year (54 in the latest year) with a steady mix of new and returning grantees, indicating a broad portfolio of independent recipients rather than a tiny closed circle.
New Applicants
Direct evidence of new entrants exists (32 new recipients in 2023, 18 in 2024), and a public application path is published (website, grant portal, and set deadlines), although the foundation asks applicants to contact the CEO before applying.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
