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For the Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis, the story of South Memphis has never been about what once stood there.
It has always been about what is possible when communities are met with intentional investment, strong partnerships, and long-term commitment.
For more than 30 years, Vance Avenue Youth Development Center (VAYDC), a longtime Grantee Partner of the Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis, has served as a safe haven for children and families in South Memphis.
At the Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis, we believe opportunity should never be out of reach because of financial barriers or life’s unexpected challenges.
The Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis is proud to welcome Anne-Carolyn Bird, Director of Development, and April Golatt, Major Gifts Officer, to the Foundation’s growing team.
The Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis was recently honored alongside members of the National Philanthropic Collaborative of Young Women’s Initiatives at The New York Women's Foundation 2026 Celebrating Women Breakfast in NYC.
The Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis is honored to celebrate President and CEO Shante Avant on being named Girls Inc. of Memphis’ 2026 Woman of the Year.
Celebrate the power of Vision. Collaboration. and Impact. with the 2026 Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis Signature Scarf!
The Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis is proud to invest in the next generation of leaders.
During Women’s History Month, ABC 24 honored the legacy of Women’s Foundation of Greater Memphis (WFGM) founder Mertie Buckman in a special video spotlight.
On Friday, March 6, the Women’s Foundation of Greater Memphis proudly partnered with the Memphis Grizzlies and Nike for the 8th Annual Girls Summit presented by Nike.
Meet Leslie Shaw—advocate, changemaker, and proud Lead Volunteer Ambassador for the Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis.
This month, we join communities across the nation in celebrating the achievements, resilience, and leadership of women — especially here in Memphis.
WFGM’s Young Women’s Initiative (YWI-Memphis) continues to build momentum as 21 members have officially been oriented into the 2025–2026 cohort. The initiative, designed to be girl-led from start to finish, centers the voices of young women and girls of color ages 12–24 as they work to increase equal access to opportunity, economic security, safety, and leadership.
LaRose Elementary continues to demonstrate the powerful impact that strategic partnerships can have on a school community. As one of our key feeder schools, LaRose recently showcased what is possible when organizations across the region work together to prepare students for long‑term financial success.
The spirit of giving was alive at the South City Holiday Celebration at the Emmanuel Center, hosted in collaboration with the Memphis Housing Authority and Urban Strategies, Inc. This joyful event was a heartwarming reflection of generosity, partnership, and community spirit.
At the Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis (WFGM), grantmaking lies at the heart of our mission to invest in women, families, and our community.
Right now, women and families in our community need us more than ever.
Right now, women and families in our community need us more than ever.
Across Memphis, organizations that provide essential services are facing funding cuts—at a time when demand continues to grow. At the Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis (WFGM), we remain committed to supporting women and families right where they are, ensuring access to the resources and opportunities needed to move forward.
This holiday season, you can give a gift that truly gives back.
WFGM demonstrates formidable leadership through our presence, impact, and commitment to creating a stronger Memphis. Our Board of Directors and Trustees is comprised of philanthropic women leaders from diverse sectors—business, finance, law, healthcare, and community service—who are deeply engaged through their time, influence, and financial support.
The Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis (WFGM) is growing—and we’re looking for passionate, purpose-driven professionals to join us in advancing social and economic mobility for women and families.
Join Shante K. Avant, President & CEO of the Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis, on The Sidebar Podcast with Eric Barnes!
At our recent Annual Meeting, we proudly shared highlights from the 2024–2025 Annual Report, Celebrating 30 Years of Philanthropy, Leadership & Collaboration. This special edition reflects on three decades of impact while spotlighting the powerful progress of our Vision 2025 Strategic Plan.
The Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis (WFGM) is making its largest investment to date—granting $1.9 million to 36 local nonprofits and funding advocacy and research initiatives.
The Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis (WFGM) is honored to be the recipient of the TBR Regents Award for Excellence in Philanthropy, nominated by Southwest Tennessee Community College (SWTCC).
School’s out — but for too many young people in Memphis, summer brings more than a break. It means fewer safe, enriching spaces to learn, grow, and dream.
Celebrate Women’s History Month with a night of music, art, and empowerment at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art—while honoring 30 years of impact with the Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis!
Join the Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis at FedExForum on Friday, March 14 for Ladies Night Out, as we celebrate 30 years of Philanthropy, Leadership, and Collaboration during Women’s History Month!
March is Women's History Month, a time to reflect on the incredible contributions of women throughout history and in 
our own communities. At the Women's Foundation for a Greater Memphis (WFGM), this moment is even more special as we launch the Power of HER—a campaign that honors the strength, leadership, and legacy of women who inspire change every day.
The South City Holiday Celebration at the Emmanuel Center in collaboration with the Memphis Housing Authority and Urban Strategies, Inc., was a heartwarming showcase of generosity and community spirit. Thanks to your incredible support during our Giving Tuesday campaign, we raised $7,950 and provided essential holiday supplies to 265 families in need.
This #GivingTuesday, the Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis was honored to receive a generous $25,000 donation from BlueOval SK to strengthen programs that empower women and families to achieve their full potential. We are grateful for this partnership that reflects our shared commitment to creating meaningful opportunities and drive positive change in West Tennessee.
Looking for a meaningful way to give back this holiday season? Shop at Kendra Scott from December 13-15, and let your gifts make a difference!
#GivingTuesday is a global celebration of generosity, where people come together to give back in meaningful ways—through acts of kindness, gifts of voice, time, talent, or treasure. It’s a powerful reminder of the good we can create when we work together to support our communities.
On October 21st, we participated in the Tomorrow’s City Today virtual webinar hosted by the University of Memphis’ Department of Public and Nonprofit Administration.
Largest year-to-date community investment in the organization’s history
The Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis (WFGM) has unveiled its 2024-2025 Grant Cycle, awarding a record $1.8 million to 38 Memphis-based organizations.
Together with our grantee partners, donors, and supporters, WFGM is breaking the cycle of poverty and creating systemic change for the Memphis community, one family at a time.
The Young Women’s Initiative (YWI-Memphis) is dedicated to empowering young women of color, ages 12-24, by building leadership skills and providing equal access to opportunities, economic security, and safety.
By bringing together diverse voices and perspectives, we're fostering collaboration and driving innovative solutions to address the most pressing challenges faced by women and families today. For the past few months, WFGM has been dedicated to meeting the needs of families in our community through the new Food and Essentials Hub at Booker T. Washington Community School.
We are thrilled to announce the grand opening of the Phase V Foote Park at South City Senior Apartments, where WFGM recently gave remarks and participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
In collaboration with Southwest Tennessee Community College, the Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis initiated a pilot program aimed at increasing access to vocational schools and raising graduation rates among low-income women to improve their economic well-being.
