United Way of the Mid-South - Funder Overview

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $4,176,490 (2024)
• Number of Grants: 67 awards (2024)
• Total Revenue: $11.9 million (FY 2024)
• Geographic Focus: 8 counties across Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi
• Partner Agencies: Approximately 80 agencies funded
• People Served: 612,598 Mid-Southerners (FY 2024)
• Charity Navigator Rating: 4/4 Stars

Contact Details

Address: 1005 Tillman Street, Memphis, TN 38112

Phone: 901.433.4300

Driving The Dream Program: 888-709-0630

Email: carolyn.mccormick@uwmidsouth.org

Website: https://uwmidsouth.org

Funding Opportunities: https://uwmidsouth.org/funding-opportunities/

Overview

Founded in 1923, United Way of the Mid-South (UWMS) has served the Memphis region for over a century. The organization operates with the mission to improve the quality of life for Mid-Southerners by mobilizing and aligning community resources to address priority issues, with a particular focus on poverty reduction and economic mobility. As of June 2024, UWMS employed 96 individuals and generated $11.9 million in total revenue.

The organization has undergone significant transformation in recent years, most notably through the 2016 launch of Driving The Dream™, an innovative two-generation strategy that has led 15,000 individuals to financial stability to date. In December 2024, UWMS welcomed new President and CEO Tomeka Hart Wigginton, who brings nearly 30 years of experience in improving education outcomes and increasing social and economic mobility. UWMS has earned a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, demonstrating strong financial health and accountability.

The organization serves an eight-county region including Crittenden County (AR); DeSoto, Tate, and Tunica counties (MS); and Fayette, Lauderdale, Shelby, and Tipton counties (TN). Through Community Impact grantmaking, direct programs, and community partnerships, UWMS touched the lives of 612,598 Mid-Southerners in FY 2024, with 94% of program participants from low-to-moderate income households.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Community Impact Fund: Core grantmaking program providing aligned investments to approximately 80 high-performing nonprofits across the eight-county service area. In 2024, UWMS distributed $4,176,490 through 67 grants to member agencies with 126 funded programs that served 420,551 people. This fund supports programs in education, financial stability, and health that work collaboratively to reduce Mid-South poverty.

Catalyst Fund: Supports start-up or expansion of promising, innovative, research-informed, and partnership-focused solutions. Total awards of over $938,000 have been distributed through this fund. Recent awards include:

• $100,000 for Fayette County Child Advocacy Center
• $60,000 for Shelby County Healthy Homes Partnership
• $50,000 for 3rd Grade Reading Program expansion
• $26,250 for Domestic Violence Coordinated System of Care

Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP): Federal funds awarded through the Department of Homeland Security for 501(c)(3) agencies. Recent awards included $450,141 and $497,460 (Phase 40) for Shelby County organizations.

Driving The Dream™: A coordinated network connecting over 170 independent agencies and organizations in a comprehensive system of care for people living in, or at risk of, poverty. Rather than a traditional grant program, this initiative provides infrastructure and coordination for partner agencies.

Priority Areas

Education:

• Increasing children entering kindergarten ready to learn
• Improving third-grade reading proficiency
• Increasing high school graduation rates for college/career readiness
• Summer learning programs to prevent learning loss

Financial Stability:

• Improving financial stability for individuals and families
• Increasing economic self-sufficiency
• Free Tax Prep/VITA program (9,300+ returns filed in FY 2024, serving 13,000+ individuals with $11 million in refunds)
• Two-generation approaches to disrupt multi-generational poverty

Health:

• Increasing engagement in healthy eating and active living
• Reducing child abuse and domestic violence
• Transitional housing for domestic violence victims
• Coordinated systems of care

Equity: Programs that address systemic barriers and create equitable access to resources and opportunities for Mid-Southerners living in poverty.

What They Don't Fund

Based on eligibility requirements, UWMS does not fund:

• Organizations without 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status
• For-profit entities
• Organizations located outside the eight-county service area (Crittenden, DeSoto, Fayette, Lauderdale, Shelby, Tate, Tipton, or Tunica Counties)
• Organizations that do not provide health or human services
• Discriminatory organizations or those not in compliance with applicable laws
• Organizations without an active, rotating volunteer Board of Directors
• Organizations lacking sound program and financial management
• Programs not aligned with education, financial stability, equity, health, or poverty reduction priorities

Governance and Leadership

Executive Leadership

Tomeka Hart Wigginton, President & CEO (began December 2024): Former teacher and lawyer who served most recently as managing director and special advisor to Blue Meridian Partners, and previously as President and CEO of the Memphis Urban League. Wigginton brings nearly 30 years of experience in improving education outcomes and increasing social and economic mobility at local, state, and national levels. She stated upon her appointment: "I am honored to serve as the next leader of United Way of the Mid-South. United Way's impact on families is transformational and securing the future of Driving The Dream and expanding upon the mission will be critical for our community."

Rev. Kenneth S. Robinson, M.D. (Former President & CEO, served 9+ years): Led the organization's transformation, including the establishment of Driving The Dream™ in 2016 and diversification of revenue streams through grants, contracts, private foundation funding, and individual donations. Under his leadership, 277,345 people received services in a single year, with 94% from low-to-moderate income households.

Board of Directors

Darrell Cobbins, Chair (2023-present): President & Principal Broker, Universal Commercial Real Estate, LLC

Craig Weiss, Chair-Elect and Investment Committee Chair: Tower Ventures

Mary Ann Jackson, Secretary/Counsel: Baker, Donelson Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz

Richard Wright, Treasurer and Finance Chair: Ernst & Young, LLP

Jean M. Morton, Immediate Past Chair & Nominating Committee Chair: Truist Bank

Board Members:

• Shannon A. Brown, FedEx Express
• Jeffery Greer, Human Relations Chair, FedEx Freight
• John Pettey, III, Tocqueville Society Chair, Raymond James
• Keith Townsend, Corporate Engagement Chair, International Paper

The Board of Directors makes final decisions on Community Impact Fund investments, guided by recommendations from trained volunteer reviewers.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Organizations seeking funding through United Way of the Mid-South must meet eligibility requirements and go through a rigorous review process. While specific application deadlines and portal information are not publicly detailed on their website, interested organizations should:

1. Review Eligibility: Ensure your organization meets all requirements (501(c)(3) status, location in service area, health/human services focus, volunteer board, sound management)

2. Initial Contact: Contact UWMS through their Funding Opportunities page at https://uwmidsouth.org/funding-opportunities/ or email carolyn.mccormick@uwmidsouth.org

3. EFSP Applications: Organizations interested in Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds should initiate the process at https://form.jotform.com/UWMS/efsp-applicant-screening-tool

Decision Timeline

The application review process involves:

• Trained volunteers from all eight counties reviewing applications
• Subject matter experts evaluating programs
• Volunteers visiting agencies and reviewing budgets
• Investment recommendations forwarded to the Board of Directors
• Final decisions made by the UWMS Board of Directors

Specific timelines for application deadlines and decision notifications vary by program and should be confirmed directly with UWMS.

Application Success Factors

Volunteer Review Process: Community Impact Fund investment decisions are made through a rigorous process involving dozens of trained volunteers who examine financial records, visit agencies, and ensure organizations offer excellent services and operate efficiently and effectively. Hundreds of volunteer advocates make tough decisions involving millions of dollars each year.

Board Decision-Making: Final investment decisions are made by the United Way Board of Directors, with investments directed toward partner nonprofits with proven effectiveness in creating measurable contributions to moving the needle on poverty.

Performance Focus: UWMS emphasizes "aligned grantmaking to high-performing nonprofits," indicating that demonstrated results and alignment with strategic priorities are critical to funding decisions.

Application Success Factors

Alignment with Strategic Priorities

Organizations must demonstrate strong alignment with UWMS's focus on addressing Mid-South poverty through education, financial stability, equity, and health. As CEO Tomeka Hart Wigginton emphasized: "United Way's impact on families is transformational and securing the future of Driving The Dream and expanding upon the mission will be critical for our community." Applications should clearly articulate how programs contribute to economic mobility and long-term poverty reduction.

Collaborative Approach

UWMS prioritizes programs that "work collaboratively to reduce Mid-South poverty." The Catalyst Fund specifically gives priority to "efforts led by a non-profit agency in collaboration with other non-profits or organizational entities." Successful applicants demonstrate partnerships and avoid duplicative services. The Domestic Violence Coordinated System of Care grant ($26,250) exemplifies this, involving seven partner organizations including Agape Child & Family Services, Family Safe Center, City of Memphis, Memphis Police Department, and others.

Two-Generation and Whole-Family Models

Given UWMS's flagship Driving The Dream™ program's focus on the two-generation approach, applications that address both parent and child needs simultaneously are well-positioned. As Wigginton explained: "If a family that's suffering from food insecurity also suffers from housing insecurity, they may not have all the support they need for their children to go to school...So what Driving the Dream does is coordinate the partners and the agencies that serve in those multiple facets."

Innovation and Evidence-Based Practice

The Catalyst Fund supports "innovative, research-informed" solutions. Applications should reference evidence-based practices, successful models from other communities, or pilot data demonstrating promise. The fund has supported innovations like the standardized Transitions to Success® care model and Arizona Self-Sufficiency Matrix across partner agencies.

Measurable Impact

UWMS requires "proven effectiveness in creating measurable contributions." Applications should include clear metrics, baseline data, and realistic targets. The organization tracks detailed outcomes—for example, Free Tax Prep served 13,000+ individuals who received $11 million in refunds and saved over $2 million in estimated refund costs in FY 2024.

Financial Health and Governance

Volunteers examine financial records to ensure organizations "operate efficiently and effectively" with "sound program and financial management." Applications should demonstrate fiscal responsibility, diversified funding, and strong internal controls. Having an "active, rotating, volunteer Board of Directors as leadership that represents diverse elements of the community" is mandatory.

Geographic Coverage and Local Presence

Organizations must be "physically located in one of the 8 counties" and provide services "based on documented needs to an identifiable population and/or geographic area within the service area." Applications should clearly demonstrate local roots and understanding of community needs in Crittenden, DeSoto, Fayette, Lauderdale, Shelby, Tate, Tipton, or Tunica Counties.

Support for United Way's Mission

Organizations must "support, cooperate and identify with United Way." This suggests that organizations actively engaged with UWMS initiatives, participating in Driving The Dream™, or demonstrating alignment with United Way values have an advantage.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Collaboration is essential: UWMS strongly favors collaborative approaches over isolated programs. Demonstrate partnerships and how your program fits into the broader ecosystem of poverty-reduction services.

• Focus on long-term poverty reduction: All programs should clearly articulate how they address root causes of poverty and contribute to economic mobility, not just immediate needs.

• Two-generation thinking wins: Programs addressing both parent and child needs simultaneously, or at minimum showing awareness of whole-family impacts, align with UWMS's strategic direction under Driving The Dream™.

• Geographic specificity matters: Being physically located in one of the eight counties is mandatory. Demonstrate deep knowledge of local needs and conditions in your specific service area.

• Measurement and accountability are non-negotiable: Come prepared with clear metrics, baseline data, and realistic targets. UWMS uses trained volunteers to scrutinize program effectiveness and financial management.

• Consider the Catalyst Fund for innovation: If you're piloting something new or expanding a promising program, the Catalyst Fund (with awards ranging from $26,250 to $100,000+) may be more appropriate than the Community Impact Fund.

• Engage early: With dozens of trained volunteers and subject matter experts involved in review, and final decisions made by the Board, the process is thorough. Contact UWMS early to understand current priorities and application timelines.

• New leadership brings renewed focus on Driving The Dream: CEO Tomeka Hart Wigginton has signaled that "securing the future of Driving The Dream and expanding upon the mission will be critical"—programs that can integrate with or complement this coordinated network may have strategic advantage.

References

1. United Way of the Mid-South Official Website. Accessed February 24, 2026. https://uwmidsouth.org
2. United Way of the Mid-South, Funding Opportunities. Accessed February 24, 2026. https://uwmidsouth.org/funding-opportunities/
3. United Way of the Mid-South, Community Impact. Accessed February 24, 2026. https://uwmidsouth.org/community-impact/
4. United Way of the Mid-South, Our Team. Accessed February 24, 2026. https://uwmidsouth.org/about/our-team/
5. Charity Navigator, "Rating for United Way of the Mid-South." Accessed February 24, 2026. https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/561010742
6. Cause IQ, "United Way of the Mid-South." Accessed February 24, 2026. https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/united-way-of-the-mid-south,561010742/
7. Instrumentl, "United Way Of The Mid South 990 Report." Accessed February 24, 2026. https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/united-way-of-the-mid-south-9d0dac5e-1bd5-40f2-afc9-8e97e4803b73
8. United Way of the Mid-South, "United Way announces four Catalyst Fund grants supporting collaborative community solutions." Accessed February 24, 2026. https://www.uwmidsouth.org/united-way-announces-four-catalyst-fund-grants-supporting-collaborative-community-solutions-2/
9. United Way of the Mid-South, "Catalyst Fund." Accessed February 24, 2026. https://uwmidsouth.org/catalyst-fund-2/
10. Driving The Dream Official Website. Accessed February 24, 2026. https://dtd.uwmidsouth.org/
11. Local Memphis, "Tomeka Hart Wigginton named CEO of United Way of the Mid-South." Accessed February 24, 2026. https://www.localmemphis.com/article/news/local/outreach/tomeka-hart-wigginton-new-president-ceo-united-way-of-the-mid-south/522-d8fcd395-0213-4f5b-9949-2ef296843e09
12. United Way of the Mid-South, "United Way of the Mid-South Names Tomeka Hart Wigginton as the New President & CEO." Accessed February 24, 2026. https://uwmidsouth.org/united-way-of-the-mid-south-names-tomeka-hart-wigginton-as-the-new-president-ceo/
13. Memphis Magazine, "Tomeka Hart Wigginton Finds Her Way." Accessed February 24, 2026. https://memphismagazine.com/features/tomeka-hart-wigginton-finds-her-way/
14. United Way of the Mid-South, "Annual Reports and Financials." Accessed February 24, 2026. https://uwmidsouth.org/annual-reports-financials/
15. United Way of the Mid-South, "Emergency Food and Shelter Grant Funds Available." Accessed February 24, 2026. https://uwmidsouth.org/emergency-food-and-shelter-grant-funds-available/
16. United Way of the Mid-South, "Free Tax Prep." Accessed February 24, 2026. https://uwmidsouth.org/free-tax-prep/