Engaged Leadership & Civic Pride
We believe a thriving city requires close attention to talent recruitment, development and retention, a deep commitment to leveraging strategic philanthropic investment and a steadfast emphasis on authentically telling the Memphis story.
We believe that Memphis needs aligned and visionary leadership to pave the way for a prosperous future. It is through the efforts of dedicated leaders that our city can thrive and create positive change in the lives of its residents.

In Memphis, leaders are diverse, entrepreneurial, and collaborate across sectors to address the challenges we face. The Hyde Family Foundation recognizes the importance of nurturing and supporting these leaders, as they are the driving force behind the progress we envision. We are committed to providing the necessary resources and opportunities to empower leaders in our community.

Our approach to fostering engaged leadership and civic pride involves several key strategies:

  1. Leadership Development: We invest in programs and initiatives that cultivate the skills, knowledge, and capacity of emerging and established leaders. By equipping them with the tools they need, we enable them to effectively navigate complex challenges and drive meaningful change in Memphis.
  2. Building the Philanthropic Bench: We believe in the power of philanthropy to make a lasting impact. That’s why we strive to engage donors across generations, encouraging their participation in supporting our city’s growth and development. By nurturing a philanthropic culture, we ensure a sustainable future for Memphis.
  3. Strategic Partnerships: Collaboration is at the heart of our work. We actively partner and align with both local and national philanthropic organizations to leverage collective resources and expertise. Together, we can amplify our impact and make a significant difference in the lives of Memphians.
  4. Authentic Storytelling: We understand the importance of showcasing Memphis’ unique assets and progress. By enabling our partner organizations to tell an authentic Memphis story, we promote a sense of pride and awareness among our community members. Through effective storytelling, we inspire a shared vision and foster a stronger sense of civic pride.
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    Looking ahead, the Hyde Family Foundation has ambitious goals for engaged leadership and civic pride in Memphis. We aspire to provide even greater support for recruitment and training of board members, ensuring that organizations across the city have access to the skilled and committed individuals they need to thrive.

    Additionally, we recognize the value of collaboration and coordination. By partnering with the community foundation and other stakeholders, we aim to expand training opportunities and resources for leaders at all levels. Furthermore, we are committed to working closely with branding and media partners to elevate the visibility of Memphis’ progress, celebrating our achievements and inspiring others to join us in building a better future.

    At the Hyde Family Foundation, we firmly believe that engaged leadership and civic pride are essential elements for creating a vibrant and thriving Memphis. Our mission is to empower leaders, cultivate civic engagement, and drive positive change for all. Together, we can shape the future of our city.

Grantee Spotlights
New Memphis

New Memphis fosters connections with talented Memphians and guide them to become actively involved in their community. Through Community Engagement and Leadership Development offerings a more prosperous and vital new Memphis is forged by developing, activating, and retaining talent.

memphis challenge
Founded in 1989 by Joseph “Pitt” Hyde, the Memphis Challenge coaches high-achieving students of color through leadership and professional development. Our program serves high school students in grades 9-12 from public, private, independent, charter, and parochial schools across the county.