WHAT WE DO

MISSION

RISE Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization, empowers people in the Greater Memphis community to become self-sufficient by building and sustaining human and financial assets. We’ve pioneered strategies that help entry-level wage earners budget, save and accumulate assets. We use innovative techniques to equip adults, students and seniors with the financial literacy tools they need to transform their lives. Our work has led to a deeper understanding of the larger community issues working against families in Memphis and Shelby County.

VISION

RISE works to transform the lives of our low-income Memphis neighbors through financial literacy education. Families can achieve self-sufficiency when they are equipped with the right tools and knowledge.

HISTORY

RISE Foundation was founded in 1999 as a joint effort of the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis, Memphis Housing Authority and United Way of the Mid-South to help break the cycle of poverty and its effects, including bankruptcy, foreclosure, unemployment and crime. RISE stands for Responsibility. Initiative. Solutions. Empowerment.

RISE was initially designed to help Memphis public housing residents achieve financial self-sufficiency, thereby making the city a healthier place. Through community support, we’ve expanded tremendously over the years to serve a broader demographic.

Over the past 18 years, RISE has developed unique expertise in helping entry-level wage earners to budget, save and accumulate assets. Our work has led to a deep understanding of the larger community issues working against families in Memphis and Shelby County.