The Kemmons Wilson Family Foundation has deepened its commitment to South Memphis over the past few years, specifically focusing on the South City and Soulsville neighborhoods. Through our "Building Strong Families" initiative, we aim to break the cycle of poverty by making strategic investments that foster long-term social change in this community. 

Conducted in partnership with the University of Memphis Institute for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership, the South Memphis Resident Led Community Assessment highlights the key challenges, assets, and solutions identified in collaboration with community members. This assessment was rooted in community-led research, with residents and local leaders actively participating through focus groups, interviews, listening sessions, and a community conversation. Their voices and insights were central to identifying the community’s most pressing challenges and shaping solutions, ensuring the findings and strategies reflect the true needs and aspirations of South Memphis. Our collective goal is to ensure that KWFF's investments are strategically targeted to meet the community's most pressing needs and create sustainable, long-term impact. We welcome anyone who could benefit from this research to access it, and we encourage you to share it with partners and colleagues in the work.