Julia McDonald

The U.S. has seen major trends in philanthropy since our founding, and a notable one is Giving as Social Reform, or to solve social problems. This kind of giving became more prevalent in the 20th century, and it continues in many powerful forms.

When we look at our nation’s traditions of philanthropy, an important one is Giving as Improvement, or to maximize human potential. This kind of giving gained traction in the 19th century, and it continues today.

As we mark Independence Day this month, we’re taking a closer look at our nation’s traditions of philanthropy. Giving as Relief, or to alleviate suffering, is the longest-standing form of charity in the U.S., and it continues in many powerful forms to this day.

The Fourth of July is all about traditions, like hot dogs and fireworks. But did you realize there are also traditions of American philanthropy?

In 2014, Cori Smith was a new mom in crisis—pregnant, ill, and unemployed. When she discovered that federal aid programs like WIC and SNAP didn’t cover diapers, she realized a critical gap existed for families like hers.

Even the most generous donors can find themselves stuck. Why? The barriers aren’t always financial—they’re often psychological. From fear of failure to feeling overwhelmed by too many choices, giving can be paralyzed by uncertainty.

The Community Foundation recently welcomed to town Miki Akimoto from the National Center for Family Philanthropy to discuss the findings from its newest Trends in Family Philanthropy report.

Many Memphians would agree that our community faces critical challenges related to safety and well-being. At the Community Foundation, we believe the most meaningful solutions come from those closest to the issues—people who understand root causes, prioritize trust, and are deeply connected to the neighborhoods they serve.

This month, the Community Foundation hosted our Annual Meeting, where we shared the financial results of our fiscal year, which ended in April.

Supporting social development and emotional stability in children and youth is more important than ever. These are the building blocks of resilience, leadership, and brighter communities.