Community LIFT

05/12/2026

🏡✨ Join our Memphis Empowerment Fund grantee for a FREE homeownership workshop designed to help you shift from renting to owning. They will cover credit, savings, loans, and down payment assistance programs that could help make homeownership possible for you.

✅ Free to attend
✅ Lunch provided
✅ Real information. Real opportunities.

This workshop is made possible through the support of Community LIFT's Memphis Empowerment Fund.

Spots are limited — register today!

The kids will be out of school soon, and summer is around the corner. This is the perfect time to focus on your next move.

Join our lender partner and me as we walk you through the mindset shift that is required to move from renter to owner. And yes, it requires a new way of thinking.

We'll also talk about credit, savings, loans, and even down payment assistance programs that you may qualify for.

The best part? It is completely FREE to attend, and lunch will be provided, thanks to the generous support of Community LIFT through the Memphis Empowerment Fund.

Don't wait, register today!

Register 👉🏾https://luma.com/saijrealestate

04/06/2026

Memphis & Shelby County Ticket Subsidies Available
We are offering a limited number of ticket subsidies to support participation in this year’s summit.

Subsidies are available for:
• One-Day Real Estate Day - $175 value
• Full Summit Registration - $386 value

Whether you are focused on development, arts and culture, or community-based work, we want to ensure that cost is not a barrier to your participation.

Apply today 👉 https://bit.ly/4s7WOlQ

04/01/2026

We are pleased to announce that the City of Memphis and ARTSmemphis are supporting scholarships for Memphis locals to attend Building Bridges!

The scholarships cover full registration for the entire Summit. Scholarships will be awarded in the following professional categories:

- Artist of all disciplines
- Community Development and Economic Development
- Architects and related fields
- Real Estate Developers
- Students currently attending a Memphis College or University

You MUST live in the city of Memphis to qualify. Scholarships will be awarded on a first-come basis.

To apply, please visit the link below. The deadline to apply is Friday, April 10th, or until all scholarships are awarded.

http://bit.ly/4sdNXiP

Thank you for your interest in attending the South & Appalachian Creative Placemaking Summit in Memphis. A limited number of ticket subsidies are available to support artists, community leaders, students, nonprofit staff, and others whose participation would strengthen the conversations and collabor...

03/11/2026

🎟️ Ticket Subsidies Available for the 2026 South & Appalachian Creative Placemaking Summit

We especially encourage applications from:
🎨 Artists and culture bearers
🏘️ Community organizers and neighborhood leaders
🌱 Nonprofit practitioners and grassroots organizations
🎓 Students and emerging leaders
🌄 Practitioners from rural Shelby County communities
📍 Memphis and Mid-South residents

If cost is a barrier, we encourage you to apply.
📝 Apply for a ticket subsidy: https://bit.ly/3NjeInw
⏳ Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis while funds remain available.

Help us build a room that reflects the full ecosystem of people doing this work.

02/24/2026

Memphis isn’t just hosting the 2026 Creative Placemaking Summit, we’re embodying it. 🎶🏙️

From the legacy of Soulsville and the rhythm of Stax to neighborhood-led revitalization happening block by block, Memphis is a living laboratory for culture-driven community transformation. As the home of Community LIFT and a national hub for creative placemaking, our city shows what’s possible when arts, development, and community voice align.

In 2026, leaders from across the South & Appalachia will gather here to experience Memphis not as a backdrop, but as the blueprint.

Read why Memphis is the perfect home for the Summit:
👉 https://choose901.com/why-memphis-is-the-perfect-home-for-the-2026-creative-placemaking-summit/

Hosting the 2026 Creative Placemaking Summit in Memphis isn’t symbolic. It’s strategic. It’s grounded. And it’s exactly where this national conversation needs

01/26/2026

📣 Now Accepting Applications for the CDC Capacity Fund 📣

The CDC Capacity Fund is exclusively for CDCs; other community-based organizations are ineligible to apply. To be clear, we define CDCs as nonprofit, community-based organizations focused on community engagement and physical and economic revitalization of the areas in which they are located, typically low-income, underserved neighborhoods that have experienced significant disinvestment. While their ultimate goal may be comprehensive community redevelopment, CDCs generally focus on one or more program areas, such as housing development, economic development (job training, commercial development, small business assistance, etc.), neighborhood planning, infrastructure, and the development of community facilities.

If you are unsure about your eligibility, please contact Michael Cowan, Grants & Programs (901) 521-4232, [email protected], before beginning an application.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

All applications must be submitted via Community LIFT’s online application form by March 13, 2026 AT 11:59PM CST. Late proposals will not be accepted.

Information sessions are scheduled for CDC organizations, boards, and staff members to receive information on the grant and instructions for completing the online application. Please register for a session using the link below.

https://forms.gle/ZpDajPA8YBGAVHcx9

11/11/2025

Community LIFT is accepting applications for our Memphis Empowerment Fund Grant. Residents, neighborhood associations, grassroots nonprofits, and property/business owners are eligible to apply.

Use the link below to sign up for an information session:

Tuesday, November 18th at 4:00 PM Tuesday, December 9th at 4:00 PM

https://forms.gle/yh8BzbTspMWrMG7ZA

10/21/2025

🌟 Ready to grow your business? Join
Klondike Smokey City CDC for their Small Business Incubator Seminar, an evening designed to help entrepreneurs access resources, financing, and space to thrive right here in Memphis!

📅 Tuesday, October 28 | 6:00–7:45 PM
📍 915 Chelsea Ave, Memphis, TN 38107
🎤 Featuring keynote speaker Michelle Couch, Executive VP of Patriot Bank

Don’t miss this chance to connect, learn, and be part of the small business revolution happening in Klondike!

👉 Reserve your seat today!
Contact [email protected]

10/15/2025

Memphis artists, groups, and creative orgs — got a bold idea but need a little financial push? The Tennessee Arts Commission’s Special Opportunities grants (up to $5K) open Oct 15. Whether you’re launching a community art project, buying gear, or want help attending the Creative Placemaking Summit, this is for you.

The deadline is rolling, so you can start your application early.

More info at tnartscommission.org/grants/special-opportunities

Support for arts organizations and local governments to strengthen operations and expand community engagement statewide.

10/09/2025

📣 Exciting News!

We’re proud to spotlight grantee Rasheedah Jones and her work with emerging developers and support from Community LIFT, helping provide crucial resources and support for affordable housing. 🏘️✨

Read more about the new program aiming to incentivize affordable housing:
🌐 https://www.fox13memphis.com/news/new-program-aims-to-incentivize-affordable-housing/article_116c6e45-913e-48a0-903e-9fa90d7feb43.html

Rasheedah’s leadership and dedication are making a real difference, inspiring the next wave of developers and driving positive change in our community. Let’s celebrate her impact! 🎉

The Alliance for Housing Progress is launching the "Emerging Developer Academy," which will train and mentor developers to build much-needed housing across Memphis.