Julia McDonald

In today’s rapidly changing media landscape, local journalism is under real strain. Newsrooms have shrunk, advertising revenue has declined, and communities across the country are losing trusted sources of in-depth reporting. Yet strong local journalism is essential to a healthy democracy.

Historic Clayborn Temple is a sacred Memphis landmark for whom we manage a fund at our foundation and a recent recipient of a Responsive Grant providing unrestricted operating support during unprecedented challenges.

During National Groundwater Awareness Week, we’re highlighting the vital work of Protect Our Aquifer, for whom we manage a fund at the Community Foundation.

We’re spotlighting an important community effort for whom we manage a fund at the Community Foundation — the Lynching Sites Project of Memphis. This organization is committed to uncovering and telling the whole, accurate history of racial terror lynchings in Shelby County — believing that only through truth can healing and justice begin.

High school seniors throughout our region are making decisions about what colleges they’ll attend, and often the right scholarship opportunities play a big part in helping figure out the school that makes the most sense for them and their families. At the Community Foundation, we’re grateful that so many donors chose to create scholarship funds to honor a different person, profession, school, or educational goal.

The Community Foundation’s recent Responsive Grants program awarded nearly $1 million dollars total in unrestricted funds to 46 agencies who—along with their clients—are facing unprecedented pressures. One of those grants supports Advocates for Immigrant Rights, known as AIR—a nonprofit law firm providing guidance and representation to clients navigating an increasingly complex immigration system.

During Black History Month, we’re reminded that art is one of the most powerful ways to understand history—not just as something that happened, but as something lived, questioned, and shaped in real time. Black artists have long used creative expression to document injustice, celebrate identity, and respond to moments that redefine our nation.

January 28 is National Data Privacy Day—a reminder that protecting your personal information is essential to protecting your finances.

As we look toward the future and continue addressing challenges around food access and connection, nourishing our neighborhoods is more important than ever.

As we reflect on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we remember his fight against systemic racism, poverty, and inequality. Dr. King’s vision of economic justice remains as relevant today as it was during his lifetime.