The Collierville Community Fund is an endowed fund. Because only a percentage of its annual income is given as grants to eligible 501(c)(3) organizations, the fund will continue to grow. The Community Fund's benefit therefore is permanent. It is there for us today. It will be here for us tomorrow.
It is the goal of the advisors of the Collierville Community Fund to increase the principal amount of this Fund through a sustained fund-raising effort. It is our hope to attract multi-year gifts and pledges from individuals and corporations who care about the future of Collierville.
Role of the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis
The Collierville Community Fund is administered by the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, tax-exempt, publicly supported organization. Founded in 1969, it is one of the largest community foundations in the United States and administers more than 1,000 philanthropic funds, including the Collierville Community Fund.
Guidelines and Strategies
Specific operational guidelines and strategies for achieving the objectives of the Collierville Community Fund include:
1. The Fund will make grants that enhance the sense of community and build on the historic and small town qualities of Collierville, while responding to the changing needs and strengths of the Town. The Fund will accomplish this by providing grants to a broad range of charitable activities including education, health, human services, the arts, culture and community development. The Fund will not provide operating funds or make grants to individuals. The Fund will invest in activities that mobilize community assets, celebrate diversity, and increase the capacity of individuals, organizations and institutions to build on the community's strengths. The amount of funds available to be used to make grants will be based on the income earned on the fund principal at the time grant applications are due.
2. The Collierville Community Fund may let a competitive Request for Proposal (RFP), when funds are available, to address community issues that are not currently being met in the Town of Collierville, but which have been identified by the citizens.
3. The Collierville Community Fund may convene local non-profit and civic organizations 1-2 times per year to enhance communication between these groups, and encourage collaboration.
4. The Fund will raise money from a wide range of donors who are generally indigenous to Collierville to assist them in fulfilling their philanthropic interests. Only unrestricted gifts will be acepted to help build a flexible, permanent endowment.
