Pyramid Peak Foundation

Quick Stats

Annual Giving: $37,025,000 (2023)
Success Rate: Not applicable (no public application process)
Decision Time: Not applicable (proactive funding approach)
Grant Range: Varies significantly (individual grants not publicly disclosed)
Geographic Focus: Greater Memphis, Tennessee area

Contact Details

Address: Memphis, TN 38104
Phone: (901) 818-5239
Website: No public website
Email: Not publicly available

Note: The foundation does not maintain a public website and does not provide contact information for grant inquiries.

Overview

The Pyramid Peak Foundation was established in 2012 by O. Mason Hawkins, founder and chairman of Southeastern Asset Management. The foundation is one of Memphis's largest private philanthropic organizations, with reported assets supporting substantial annual giving. In 2021, the foundation made nearly $80 million in total grants, while in 2023, totals were $37 million. The foundation has "a passion for privacy" and channels nearly all of its yearly grantmaking through the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis, making it difficult to track specific grant recipients. The foundation heavily prioritizes education—particularly K-12 and early childhood development—and community development initiatives in the greater Memphis area. Past grants have supported youth athletic programs, outdoor recreation, local schools, and cultural institutions. Together with the Poplar Foundation (also funded by Southeastern Asset Management), these foundations have given more than $100 million to causes ranging from youth athletics to Soulsville to bike paths.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Pyramid Peak Foundation does not operate specific named grant programs available to the public. Instead, the foundation:

Channels most funding through the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis
Makes strategic investments in education, health and wellness initiatives for children, and community development
Supports organizations through trustee discretion and proactive identification of funding opportunities

Priority Areas

Based on available tax filings and public records, the foundation prioritizes:

Education (Primary Focus)

K-12 education, particularly charter schools
Early childhood development organizations
Educational talent development and leadership programs
Academic support initiatives

Youth Development

Youth athletic programs
Youth leadership organizations (such as BRIDGES)
Out-of-school learning programs
Health and wellness initiatives for children

Community Development

Outdoor recreation and bike paths
Cultural institutions (e.g., Soulsville)
Organizations serving the greater Memphis area

Specific Areas of Interest:

Public charter school networks (foundation leadership has ties to KIPP Memphis, Aspire Public Schools, and Charter School Growth Fund)
Programs addressing systemic educational challenges
Community-driven strategies to tackle local issues

What They Don't Fund

Due to the foundation's private nature and lack of public guidelines, specific exclusions are not documented. However, the foundation:

Does not fund organizations outside the greater Memphis area
Focuses exclusively on education and community development (not arts, healthcare, or other sectors as primary areas)

Governance and Leadership

O. Mason Hawkins - Founder (2012)
Founder and chairman of Southeastern Asset Management, O. Mason Hawkins is one of the country's most highly regarded "value investors" who began his career at First Tennessee. Hawkins established the foundation with a focus on education reform and community development in Memphis. He has served as a board member of Charter School Growth Fund, which works to build networks of public charter schools.

Jim Boyd - Executive Director (Since October 2011)
Jim Boyd has been Executive Director of the Pyramid Peak Foundation since October 2011, focusing on public education and the challenges facing women. Boyd orchestrates all education investments at the foundation, which include academics, talent, and health and wellness initiatives for children. Boyd served more than 15 years as president of BRIDGES, a Memphis youth leadership organization, and sits on the board for local charter schools, including KIPP Memphis and Aspire Public Schools. Boyd studied political science at Vanderbilt University, attended Episcopal seminary in Washington, DC, and was ordained in 1977.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Pyramid Peak Foundation does not have a public application process. The foundation operates with a proactive funding approach, meaning:

The foundation identifies and approaches organizations for funding rather than accepting applications
Nearly all grants are channeled through the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis
Unsolicited applications are not accepted
There is no online portal, application form, or submission process

Grants are awarded through trustee discretion based on the foundation's strategic priorities and the leadership's knowledge of organizations working in their focus areas.

Getting on Their Radar

Given Executive Director Jim Boyd's extensive connections in Memphis education and youth development sectors, organizations may increase visibility through:

Sector Engagement

Active involvement in Memphis charter school networks, particularly KIPP Memphis and Aspire Public Schools where Boyd serves on boards
Participation in early childhood development initiatives in Shelby County
Connection to BRIDGES USA, the youth leadership organization where Boyd served as president for over 15 years

Community Foundation Route

Establishing a strong relationship with the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis, which distributes nearly all of Pyramid Peak's grants
Applying for and succeeding with Community Foundation grants, which may lead to visibility with Pyramid Peak trustees

Charter School and Education Reform Networks

Engagement with Charter School Growth Fund activities, where founder O. Mason Hawkins has served as a board member
Demonstrating measurable impact in K-12 education, particularly in addressing achievement gaps and systemic challenges
Participation in education reform initiatives in Memphis and the Mid-South region

Bloomberg Philanthropies Collaboration

The foundation has collaborated with Bloomberg Philanthropies on initiatives like Summer Boost, an out-of-school learning program in Memphis. Organizations working with similar national partners on Memphis-focused initiatives may gain attention.

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - the foundation uses a proactive funding approach rather than responding to applications on a set timeline.

Success Rates

Not applicable - the foundation does not accept unsolicited applications.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - there is no public application process for initial or repeat applications.

Application Success Factors

Since the Pyramid Peak Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications, traditional application success factors do not apply. However, organizations that have received funding typically share these characteristics:

Strategic Alignment

Strong focus on K-12 and early childhood education in Memphis
Demonstrated commitment to educational equity and access, particularly through charter school models
Community-driven approaches to addressing systemic challenges
Emphasis on measurable outcomes and data-driven strategies

Operational Excellence

Proven track record of impact in the Memphis community
Strong organizational leadership and governance
Financial sustainability and operational efficiency
Ability to scale successful programs

Relationship and Network Connections

Existing relationships with the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis
Connections to Memphis charter school networks (KIPP, Aspire, etc.)
Ties to youth development and leadership organizations in Memphis
Alignment with other major Memphis funders and collaborative initiatives

Focus on Youth Development Organizations that combine educational outcomes with youth athletics, health and wellness, or leadership development align with the foundation's holistic approach to supporting children and families.

Community Investment Organizations deeply rooted in Memphis neighborhoods with long-term commitment to the region (not just project-based engagement).

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

No public application process exists - Do not attempt to submit unsolicited proposals or applications to this foundation
Indirect pathway through Community Foundation - The most viable route is building a strong relationship with the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis, which channels nearly all of Pyramid Peak's grants
Education is paramount - K-12 and early childhood education, particularly charter schools and educational equity initiatives, dominate the foundation's grantmaking
Memphis-focused only - This foundation exclusively supports the greater Memphis area; organizations outside this region should not pursue this funder
Network connections matter significantly - Leadership ties to KIPP Memphis, Aspire Public Schools, BRIDGES, and Charter School Growth Fund suggest these networks may provide visibility
Scale and impact drive decisions - The foundation makes large grants ($37-80 million annually) and appears to support organizations capable of systemic community impact
Privacy is a core value - The foundation deliberately maintains a low public profile and does not publicize grant recipients, suggesting they value discretion and may prefer working with organizations that respect this approach

References

Research accessed December 2024