Community Foundation of West Tennessee Improving Lives
Home to nearly 500 funds, The Foundation focuses on the health and well-being of area residents.
Sponsored by: Community Foundation of West Tennessee
For nearly four decades, Community Foundation of West Tennessee has focused on enhancing the community by supporting local philanthropic initiatives to improve physical health and quality of life in Jackson and the surrounding area.
In This Article
What’s in a Name?
The word “foundation” is defined as a basis on which something is supported or built, and this definition encompasses what the Community Foundation of West Tennessee is to the community. The Foundation works behind the scenes as a catalyst for positive changes in health care, education, the arts and other causes.
The Foundation has established strong roots in Jackson and West Tennessee. As the organization grows, it will continue the critical work of making the region a better place to call home and provide a foundation for other great accomplishments to be built.
“For 38 years, we have provided support to our communities,” says Jeb Campbell, chairman of The Foundation’s board of trustees. “Our purpose reflects the heart of our work in serving West Tennessee, and we are excited about our future as we continue to make a positive impact on our region.”
On a Mission
Home to nearly 500 funds, The Foundation’s focus on the health and well-being of area residents remains unchanged.
Recognizing the vast majority of “health care” happens outside the clinical setting, The Foundation provides support to initiatives addressing equity and the social determinants of health with an emphasis on the five key domains identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
• Economic stability
• Education access and quality
• Health care access and quality
• Neighborhood and the built environment
• Social and community context
From sponsorships and grants supporting community agencies to scholarships for individuals, the mission takes on many forms, including direct financial assistance, overseeing donor-advised funds and endowments, and providing funding to bridge service gaps.
While much of The Foundation’s work is behind the scenes, the organization provides funding and guidance to those on the frontlines tackling critical issues such as affordable housing, homelessness, pathways to citizenship, food insecurity, mental health, addiction and healthy aging.
“Every day we see the challenges our friends and neighbors across West Tennessee are facing,” says Beth Koffman, vice president of Community Foundation of West Tennessee. “Through our assistance funds, we are able to step in and give them the financial support they need during medical emergencies, catastrophic illnesses and other setbacks.
“So many times, what we need is to feel like someone else sees our struggle, and it is rewarding for our organization to offer a glimmer of hope to those who are experiencing these difficult situations,” she continues.
In addition to helping those in crisis, Koffman says The Foundation also works to promote well-being by supporting the arts and education, which deeply impact quality of life and keep residents engaged and active.
An Expanded Reach
Since being founded in 1985, the Community Foundation of West Tennessee has enjoyed incredible growth both in terms of resources and geographical reach. Today, the organization has eight chapters across West Tennessee and more than $52 million in assets under management.
In 2022, The Foundation invested nearly $3.45 million back into the region with nearly $3 million designated for nonprofits addressing the five social determinant domains. The organization also provided close to $300,000 to individuals in need.
Ways To Get Involved
Whether you are a newcomer or lifelong resident, community involvement connects neighbors and enhances quality of life. There are numerous ways to support the mission of Community Foundation of West Tennessee, from direct donations to taking part in fundraising events.
With so many funds under one roof, you can direct your donation to address a specific community need or make a broad contribution to the Community Impact Fund. Make a one-time or repeating donation online or call The Foundation office at 731-984-2140 for information on mailing checks, donating stock or setting up planned gifts.
Mark your calendar for Nov. 11, 2023, for the 32nd annual Charity Gala at the Carl Perkins Civic Center. The Foundation’s largest fundraising event includes a cocktail reception, silent auction, seated dinner, award presentations and live music. Break out your best attire and your dancing shoes for a night that puts the fun in fundraising.
To donate or learn more about the organization and upcoming events, visit cfwtn.org.
Look What a Little Funding Can Do
Over the past six years, the Community Foundation of West Tennessee has provided more than $200,000 in grants for local initiatives in Madison County alone. Just last year, The Foundation provided $55,000 to six organizations for specific projects:
All Saints Immigration Services:
$20,000 to fund a full-time legal representative.
Habitat for Humanity:
$10,000 to fund home repair projects for low-income senior homeowners.
Jackson Arts Council:
$5,000 to fund the Jackson Art Box project to provide an art therapy outlet in the Jackson-Madison County School System.
Jonah Affordable Housing:
$5,000 to fund assistance for low-income to moderate-income tenants to obtain affordable housing and/or retain housing during times of hardship.
Regional Interfaith Association (RIFA):
$10,000 to fund Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) fresh produce boxes distributed by Jackson Housing Authority to low-income senior adults.
Scarlet Rope Project:
$5,000 to fund trauma therapy for victims of sex trafficking.
