Second Presbyterian Church Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $2.255 million (2024)
• Success Rate: N/A (No public application process)
• Decision Time: Varies by fund type
• Grant Range: $10,000 - $738,000
• Geographic Focus: Memphis, National, International

Contact Details

• Website: https://www.2pcfoundation.org
• Phone: (901) 454-0034
• Email: vicki.simmons@2pc.org
• Address: 4055 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38111
• Executive Director: Vicki Simmons

Overview

The Second Presbyterian Church Foundation Inc, established as a 501(c)(3) public charity (EIN: 62-1744695), manages assets of $42.4 million and has distributed over $37.8 million in grants since inception. The foundation promotes the Kingdom of God through approved ministries of Second Presbyterian Church by developing, investing, and disbursing financial resources for strategic ministries in Memphis, America, and around the world. Operating from Memphis, Tennessee, the foundation channels millions annually to diverse Christian organizations, educational institutions, and community development initiatives, with a particular emphasis on Reformed theological tradition and local Memphis community transformation.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Strategic Initiatives Fund: Board-directed grants for strategic ministries
• Donor Advised Funds: $18 million distributed to date (donor-recommended grants)
• Memphis Inner-City Mission Fund: Supporting urban ministry in Memphis
• Seminary Support: $1.87 million in cumulative support for theological education
• Scholarship Programs: Including $135,000 to Neighborhood Christian Center

Priority Areas

• Christian ministries aligned with Reformed/Presbyterian theology
• International missions and church planting
• Memphis community development and urban ministry
• Education for disadvantaged communities
• Seminary and theological education
• Workforce development with faith-based components
• Youth and family services

What They Don't Fund

• Non-Christian organizations
• Ministries not approved by Second Presbyterian Church Session
• Direct political advocacy
• For-profit ventures

Governance and Leadership

Foundation Board of Directors (14 members)

• Executive Director: Vicki Simmons
• Financial Manager and Stewardship Manager on staff
• Separate governance from Second Presbyterian Church while maintaining alignment with church mission

The foundation operates under the oversight of Second Presbyterian Church's Session while maintaining independent board governance for strategic grant-making decisions.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. Grants are awarded through:

1. Session Approval: Organizations must first be approved by the Session of Second Presbyterian Church
2. Board Discretion: Strategic Initiatives Fund grants determined by Foundation Board
3. Donor Advised Funds: Individual donors recommend grants subject to Board approval
4. Pre-existing Relationships: Organizations identified through church connections

Getting on Their Radar

• Build relationships with Second Presbyterian Church leadership and members
• Connect with Executive Director Vicki Simmons for exploratory conversations
• Partner with existing grant recipients for introductions
• Engage with church's ministry teams in relevant focus areas
• Connect with donor-advised fund holders who share your mission

Decision Timeline

Varies by fund type and approval process - Session meetings and Board reviews occur on regular schedules throughout the year.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's grant history and mission:

• Theological Alignment: Strong preference for Reformed/Presbyterian theological perspective
• Church Connection: Organizations with existing relationships to Second Presbyterian Church members or leadership have significantly higher success
• Memphis Focus: Local Memphis organizations receive substantial support, particularly those serving inner-city communities
• Proven Track Record: Recipients like World Relief Cambodia ($370,000) and Memphis City Seminary ($640,000) demonstrate long-term partnerships
• Mission Integration: Organizations that clearly advance the church's mission of Kingdom promotion
• Multi-year Partnerships: Many recipients receive sustained, multi-year support rather than one-time grants

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• No public application process - relationship building is essential for access to funding
• Strong preference for Christian organizations with Reformed theological alignment
• Memphis-based organizations have significant advantage, especially those serving disadvantaged communities
• International missions organizations with proven track records receive substantial support
• Education initiatives, particularly seminary support and scholarships for disadvantaged youth, are high priorities
• Multi-year partnerships are common, suggesting the foundation values long-term relationships over one-time grants
• Donor advised funds offer an alternative pathway - connecting with individual donors who hold these funds may provide access

References

• Second Presbyterian Church Foundation Official Website. https://www.2pcfoundation.org (Accessed February 2026)
• Foundation Funds Overview. https://www.2pcfoundation.org/funds (Accessed February 2026)
• Grant Recipients and Impact Report. https://www.2pcfoundation.org/fruits-of-your-gifts (Accessed February 2026)
• Foundation Partners. https://www.2pcfoundation.org/partners (Accessed February 2026)
• Leadership Team. https://www.2pcfoundation.org/leadership-team (Accessed February 2026)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Second Presbyterian Church Foundation Inc. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/621744695 (Accessed February 2026)