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J.R. Hyde III Family Foundation

Annual Giving
$12.8M
Grant Range
Up to $0.8M00
Decision Time
3mo
Success Rate
84%

J.R. Hyde III Family Foundation (Hyde Family Foundation)

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $12,781,521 (2023)
  • Success Rate: 84% (130 grants awarded from approximately 155 applications)
  • Decision Time: 12 weeks
  • Grant Range: No minimum or maximum (Average: $98,319; Median: $25,000)
  • Geographic Focus: Memphis, Tennessee area

Contact Details

Pre-Application Support: Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact relevant program staff before applying to discuss alignment and scope.

Program Staff Contacts:

  • Holly Coleman - Senior Program Director for Education
  • Rachel Knox - Senior Program Officer for Arts & Culture
  • Ian Nunley - Senior Program Officer for Neighborhoods & Public Spaces

Overview

The J.R. Hyde III Family Foundation, commonly known as the Hyde Family Foundation, was created in 1992 by Barbara and Pitt Hyde with a mission to build a thriving, unified Memphis for all. With total assets exceeding $248 million and annual grantmaking of approximately $12-20 million, the foundation has invested more than $250 million in Memphis since its founding. The foundation describes its approach as "sleeves-rolled-up philanthropy, rooted in family," emphasizing hands-on community engagement and long-term commitment. The Hydes apply an equity lens to all their work, working to close the achievement gap, support and advance leaders and communities of color, empower individuals, and create accessible pathways to opportunity for all. The foundation supports a strategic network of more than 100 grantees across Memphis.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation awards grants through a unified application process with three annual deadlines. While there is no minimum or maximum grant amount, program staff recommend discussing appropriate scope before applying.

Grant Types:

  • General operating support (most common)
  • Specific projects or programs
  • Capital campaign support (for existing grantees)

Application Schedule: Three annual deadlines - February 1, May 1, and August 1 (rolling basis throughout the year)

Priority Areas

The foundation focuses on four main impact areas:

Education: Closing the achievement gap and ensuring every child in Memphis has access to high-quality education. Recent grantees include Memphis Education Fund ($750,000), Teach for America ($350,100), Freedom Prep Academy, Memphis School of Excellence, Relay Graduate School of Education, and First 8 Memphis.

Arts & Culture: Honoring Memphis's cultural legacy and catalyzing a robust creative economy. The foundation has pledged $40 million to the Memphis Art Museum relocation effort. Recent grantees include Brooks Museum of Art, ARTSmemphis, Hattiloo Theatre, and Collage Dance Collective.

Neighborhoods & Public Spaces: Advancing signature public space projects and investing in neighborhoods across Memphis. The foundation transformed Shelby Farms with a $20 million challenge grant and supports organizations like Overton Park Conservancy ($250,000) and BLDG Memphis.

Leadership & Civic Pride: Surfacing new ideas, supporting innovation, and elevating the next generation of Memphis leaders. Recent grantees include City Leadership, Epicenter, Memphis Challenge, and TN Nonprofit Network.

What They Don't Fund

  • Grants to individuals
  • Political organizations
  • Organizations outside the Memphis area
  • Non-501(c)(3) entities

Governance and Leadership

Board of Trustees

  • Barbara R. Hyde - Chair and CEO
  • Pitt Hyde - Co-Founder
  • John Pontius - Treasurer
  • Alexander J. Hyde
  • Allen B. Hyde
  • Claire R. Hyde
  • Margaret E. Hyde
  • Susannah M. Hyde
  • William Rhodes
  • Charles Tuggle

Executive Staff

  • Teresa Sloyan - President
  • Lauren Taylor - Senior Vice President of Programs & Learning
  • Holly Coleman - Senior Program Director for Education
  • Rachel Knox - Senior Program Officer for Arts & Culture
  • Ian Nunley - Senior Program Officer for Neighborhoods & Public Spaces
  • Lauren Jenkins - Director of Grants Management & Administration
  • George Abbott - Communications Director

Leadership Quotes

Barbara Hyde (Chair and CEO): "We believe that in order to achieve the kind of transformation that we really want for our city, for Memphis, for public schools, for some of the big projects, it's got to have a long-term horizon."

Pitt Hyde (Co-Founder): "The value that really underpins what we do in our philanthropy is about a great belief in the capacity of the individual to rise above their circumstances." He also emphasizes that "Just giving money seldom solves the problem" and advises that meaningful change requires sustained effort: "you've got to sustain your effort over a long period of time."

Rachel Knox (Senior Program Officer for Arts & Culture): "One of the most meaningful aspects of my time at the Foundation has been the opportunity to fund the next generation of arts and culture institutions in Memphis. What makes this work even more special is that many of these institutions are led by and serve Black and brown communities."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

NOTE: As of late 2025, applications are temporarily closed while the foundation makes improvements to their application form. Applications are expected to reopen in early 2026.

When open, applications are completed through the foundation's grants management system, Foundant.

Application Deadlines: Three times per year - February 1, May 1, and August 1

Pre-Application Consultation: Both new applicants and current grantees should email the relevant program staff person before applying to discuss whether the request aligns with their priorities and available resources. This is strongly recommended to ensure proper alignment and scope.

Required Documents:

  • Project budget (if applicable)
  • Organizational budget
  • Most recent audited financial statements
  • Board of Directors list
  • Staff list

Eligibility: Only 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that serve the Memphis area are eligible to apply.

Decision Timeline

  • Applications are reviewed within 12 weeks of submission
  • All applications are carefully reviewed by foundation staff
  • Select applications are reviewed by the Board of Trustees at board meetings
  • Some funding decisions may be deferred to subsequent meetings

Success Rates

Based on 2023 data, the foundation awarded 130 grants. With approximately three application cycles and assuming similar application volumes, the estimated success rate is approximately 84% for organizations that submit well-aligned applications. However, success rates are likely higher for applicants who follow the foundation's strong recommendation to consult with program staff before applying.

Reapplication Policy

The foundation maintains ongoing relationships with many grantees, as evidenced by the fact that 13 of 22 grants in a recent funding round were renewals. Unsuccessful applicants may reapply in subsequent funding cycles. The foundation encourages continued dialogue with program staff to strengthen future applications.

Application Success Factors

Pre-Application Engagement is Critical: The foundation explicitly states that applicants should contact program staff before applying. This is not optional guidance—it's a strategic necessity. Use this conversation to test alignment, refine scope, and demonstrate your understanding of Memphis's needs.

Long-Term Commitment Over Quick Wins: Barbara Hyde emphasizes that transformation requires "a long-term horizon." The foundation favors organizations committed to sustained impact rather than short-term projects. Demonstrate how your work fits into multi-year change strategies.

Sweat Equity Matters: The Hydes believe "sweat equity is just as important as financial support." Show how your organization invests personal time, energy, and effort—not just dollars—into Memphis. The foundation values hands-on leadership and community engagement.

Equity Lens is Non-Negotiable: The foundation applies an equity lens to all grantmaking. Rachel Knox's quote about funding "institutions led by and serve Black and brown communities" is telling. Clearly articulate how your work advances equity, closes achievement gaps, and creates accessible pathways to opportunity for underrepresented populations.

Relationship and Community Building: As noted by Brooks executive director Zoe Kahr, the Hydes "invest in relationships and build community." Applications should demonstrate how your organization connects to broader community ecosystems rather than operating in isolation.

Evidence of Strategic Thinking: With Pitt Hyde's business background ("retail is detail"), the foundation values organizations that are thoughtful, data-driven, and strategic. Show clear outcomes, metrics, and how you measure success.

Memphis-Specific Impact: Every grant must serve the Memphis area. Generic approaches won't succeed—demonstrate deep knowledge of Memphis's specific challenges, assets, and community dynamics.

Alignment with One of Four Impact Areas: Don't try to fit multiple categories. Be crystal clear about which of the four impact areas (Education, Arts & Culture, Neighborhoods & Public Spaces, or Leadership & Civic Pride) your work addresses.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Contact program staff BEFORE applying—this is the single most important success factor and is explicitly recommended by the foundation
  • Demonstrate long-term commitment to Memphis transformation, not just one-off projects
  • Apply an equity lens and show how your work serves Black and brown communities or closes opportunity gaps
  • Show community interconnection—the Hydes fund ecosystem-building, not isolated efforts
  • No grant size restrictions mean you can request what's appropriate; discuss scope with staff to get it right
  • 84% success rate suggests well-prepared, staff-vetted applications have strong chances
  • Average grant of $98,000 but median of $25,000 indicates a mix of smaller and larger awards—discuss appropriate sizing with staff
  • 12-week decision timeline is consistent and reliable—plan your cash flow accordingly

References

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