Celebrating 40 Years of Impact in West Tennessee

40 years of impact

Community Foundation of West Tennessee has a rich history of serving the community. As a hub for local philanthropy, the organization has dedicated the last four decades to identifying and meeting the evolving needs of the region.

The photo below features past members of our Board of Trustees.

Our Impact

$
78
m
invested in the community since 1985
$
116
m
in contributions received from our generous donors since 1994
$
336k
in community grants
awarded since 2016
Pinnacle Moment

A Pinnacle Moment

To celebrate this milestone, we have put together moments and numbers from the past 40 years to highlight the work we have done together. View our Pinnacle Piece to reflect on 40 years of impact.

Photo: Our organization officially rebranded in 2023 to become the Community Foundation of West Tennessee, further broadening the scope of our services.

pinnacle piece
Charity Gala 2023

A Pinnacle Moment

To celebrate this milestone, we have put together moments and numbers from the past 40 years to highlight the work we have done together. Explore our Pinnacle Piece to reflect on 40 years of impact.

Photo: Our organization officially rebranded in 2023 to become the Community Foundation of West Tennessee, further broadening the scope of our services.

pinnacle piece
Our Roots

Rooted in Community

In 1985, a passionate group of individuals had a vision to create an organization rooted in serving our community and addressing the needs of residents. After months of planning, Jackson-Madison County Health Care Foundation Inc. was granted its charter in March 1985.

Photo: Jim Moss presents at a Foundation Board of Trustees meeting in the late 1990s.

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Looking Ahead

An Evergreen Vision

We are committed to building on our legacy of impact. We will continue to innovate and adapt to meet the evolving needs of West Tennessee. As your partner in philanthropy, our goal is to foster new generations of donors and advocates and to create programs and grants that address the funding gaps in our area.

We are proud to serve 20 counties in West Tennessee, and we look forward to continuing our expansion and presence in our underserved neighborhoods to strengthen our communities.

An Evergreen Vision

We are committed to building on our legacy of impact. We will continue to innovate and adapt to meet the evolving needs of West Tennessee. As your partner in philanthropy, our goal is to foster new generations of donors and advocates and to create programs and grants that address the funding gaps in our area.

We are proud to serve 20 counties in West Tennessee, and we look forward to continuing our expansion and presence in our underserved neighborhoods to strengthen our communities.‍

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Grow with Us

Let's Plant a Legacy Together

Since 1985, Community Foundation of West Tennessee has been a catalyst for positive change. Join us in celebrating 40 years of impact by investing in the future of our region and donating to our Community Impact Fund. Your generous contributions fund grants to local nonprofits, assistance for individuals in need and other critical community initiatives.

Together, let us continue to nourish the seeds of philanthropy in West Tennessee and grow a stronger community for our friends and neighbors.

donate

Stories of Impact

From arts and education to animal welfare, healthcare and more, the Community Foundation is working to enhance the quality of life for West Tennessee residents by touching all corners of our diverse community and supporting programs, initiatives and nonprofit agencies in the area.

Explore these stories of impact.

First Endowments Created

Our first three endowments were established in July 1987 - Georgia Wilson Endowment, Dr. Chester Jones Endowment, and Joe Hamilton Heart Center Endowment.

read the article

Storm Aid Concert

After a F4 tornado devastated Jackson in May 2003, the Community Foundation organized the Storm Aid Concert, featuring Amy Grant, Vince Gill, and Darryl Worley. These fundraising efforts brought in $600,000 to help with disaster relief for our friends and neighbors.

Learn more

The Beebe Family

In 2023, a grant from the Community Foundation helped the Beebe Family with the final payment for a service dog for their son, Caleb.

read about the beebes
Get Involved

The Charity Gala

Join us for a special Charity Gala on November 8, 2025, as we reflect on the generosity of our donors and partners and highlight the rich history of the Community Foundation.

Photo: The 19th Annual Charity Gala was "An Evening in the Imperial Palace" hosted on November 10, 2007, in downtown Jackson.

Learn More
Charity Gala 2023

The Charity Gala

Join us for a special Charity Gala on November 8, 2025, as we reflect on the generosity of our donors and partners and highlight the rich history of the Community Foundation.

Photo: The 19th Annual Charity Gala was "An Evening in the Imperial Palace" hosted on November 10, 2007, in downtown Jackson.

LEarn more