The Day Foundation - Funder Overview

Quick Stats

Annual Giving: $12,183,139 (2023)
Total Assets: $159 million (2024)
Average Grant Size: ~$393,000 (based on 31 awards in 2023)
Number of Grants: 31 (2023), 28 (2022), 32 (2021)
Geographic Focus: Memphis, TN and Southeastern U.S.
Founded: 1960 (tax-exempt since January 1962)

Contact Details

Address: 5100 Wheelis Dr Ste 300, Memphis, TN 38117-4532
Phone: 901-682-2431
EIN: 64-6025122
Type: Private Foundation

Overview

The Day Foundation was established in 1960 by philanthropist Clarence Day, a 1952 graduate passionate about strengthening Memphis and empowering young people. Since receiving tax-exempt status in January 1962, the foundation has grown to hold $159 million in assets and distributed $12.2 million in grants during 2023. The foundation's mission focuses on improving the quality of life for people through support to nonprofit organizations, with particular emphasis on education and community projects in the arts and social services. Committed to honoring Clarence Day's legacy following his death in 2009, the foundation invests in transformative programs that foster opportunities strengthening Memphis and future generations. The foundation has demonstrated extraordinary commitment to specific causes, notably providing over $68 million to Youth Villages over multiple years, including a landmark $42 million legacy challenge grant.

Funding Priorities

Primary Focus Areas

Education: Significant scholarship programs at local universities, supporting Memphis and Shelby County students
Social Services: Major investments in youth services and programs supporting vulnerable populations
Arts and Culture: Community projects supporting arts initiatives
Youth Development: Particular focus on at-risk youth and those transitioning out of foster care

Major Grant Programs & Recipients

Scholarship Programs:

Day Foundation La Salle Scholars Program (Christian Brothers University): Up to ten full-tuition scholarships annually for Memphis and Shelby County high school graduates pursuing degrees in Sciences, Engineering, Business, or Education (minimum 2.5 GPA required)
Clarence Day Scholarship (Rhodes College): Six annual scholarships valued at $55,000 per year plus housing and meal plan for Memphis and Shelby County students demonstrating academic excellence and passion for Memphis leadership

Major Grantee Relationships:

Youth Villages: Recipient of over $68 million in cumulative grants, including:
- $42 million legacy challenge grant (paid over five years)
- $9 million commitment (2024) over three years for youth aging out of foster care
- $2 million for Transitional Living program (YVLifeSet)
- $1.5 million matching grant with State of Tennessee

What They Don't Fund

Based on typical private foundation patterns and the foundation's stated mission focus on community benefit, the foundation likely excludes:

Organizations without 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status
Individuals (except through established scholarship programs)
Programs outside Memphis/Southeastern U.S. geographic focus

Governance and Leadership

Board of Trustees:

J. Richard Buchignani - President/Trustee
Charlotte A. Henderson - Vice President/Treasurer/Trustee
C. Thomas Whitman - Trustee

The foundation operates with a small, focused board that exercises discretion in grantmaking decisions. The board reviews all grant applications and makes funding determinations based on alignment with the foundation's mission and strategic priorities.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a traditional public application process. The Day Foundation operates as a private foundation where grants are primarily awarded through trustee discretion and existing relationships. The foundation appears to identify and support organizations aligned with its mission rather than soliciting broad public applications.

For organizations seeking funding, the most effective approach is to:

Develop relationships with organizations already funded by the foundation
Ensure your work aligns closely with education, youth services, or arts in Memphis
Contact the foundation directly at 901-682-2431 to inquire about funding opportunities
Demonstrate clear community impact in Memphis and Shelby County

Getting on Their Radar

The Day Foundation's grantmaking pattern reveals specific strategies for organizations seeking to build relationships:

Educational Institutions: The foundation has established formal scholarship programs at Christian Brothers University and Rhodes College, indicating openness to structured partnerships with Memphis-area educational institutions serving local students
Long-term Strategic Partnerships: The foundation's relationship with Youth Villages demonstrates their preference for deep, sustained investments in organizations (over $68 million across multiple years) rather than one-time grants
Memphis-Focused Organizations: All documented grants and programs benefit Memphis and Shelby County, with particular emphasis on organizations that serve local youth and families
Community Leadership Events: Day Scholars at Rhodes College participate in "campus and community events related to the Day Foundation and Memphis leadership," suggesting the foundation hosts or sponsors community engagement activities where nonprofit leaders might connect with trustees

Application Success Factors

Given the Day Foundation's documented grantmaking patterns, organizations most likely to receive funding demonstrate:

Strong Memphis Roots and Impact:

Deep commitment to serving Memphis and Shelby County communities
Programs that directly benefit local youth, particularly those facing barriers to success
Clear alignment with the foundation's stated mission of "improving the quality of life for people"

Focus on Transformative Change:

The foundation's language emphasizes "transformative programs" that create lasting impact
Major grants to Youth Villages focused on systemic support for vulnerable youth (foster care transition programs, YVLifeSet)
Preference appears to be for programs that don't just provide services but change life trajectories

Educational Excellence and Opportunity:

Both scholarship programs target "outstanding" students demonstrating "academic excellence"
Emphasis on students who show "potential to become future leaders in Memphis"
Support for specific academic disciplines (Sciences, Engineering, Business, Education at CBU)

Long-term Partnership Potential:

Youth Villages relationship spans 15+ years with escalating investment levels
Scholarship programs are ongoing annual commitments, not one-time grants
Foundation appears to seek sustained relationships rather than one-off projects

Measurable Outcomes:

Scholarship programs have clear metrics (GPA requirements, enrollment criteria)
Youth Villages programs have specific populations (youth aging out of foster care) and defined interventions

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

Relationship-driven grantmaking: The Day Foundation operates through trustee discretion and established relationships rather than open competitive processes. Building connections with current grantees or trustees is essential.
Significant investment capacity: With annual giving of $12.2 million and demonstrated willingness to make multi-million dollar commitments (average grant ~$393,000), this foundation can be a major funder for aligned organizations.
Memphis loyalty required: Every documented grant and program serves Memphis and Shelby County. Organizations outside this geographic area should not pursue this funder.
Youth and education sweet spot: The foundation's largest investments target youth development, educational opportunity, and services for vulnerable young people—particularly those in or aging out of foster care.
Patience for partnership building: Youth Villages received over $14 million from founder Clarence Day before the $42 million legacy grant was announced. This foundation rewards long-term relationships and proven impact.
Quality over quantity: Making only 28-32 grants annually from $12+ million suggests preference for fewer, larger, more strategic investments rather than broad distribution of small grants.
Contact directly: Without a formal application portal, organizations should call 901-682-2431 to explore funding possibilities and understand current priorities.

References

Information compiled December 23, 2025