2026 Children’s Charities
A Carnival Community Focus Program
The Carnival Memphis Children’s Charity Initiative (CCI) was developed in 1999 to assist those who improve the quality of life for children throughout the community. Each year different agencies are selected to receive funds raised by Carnival and the Grand Krewes of Carnival Memphis at fundraisers throughout the year. Since the inception of the CCI (a 501c3 non-profit), over $5,600,000 with matching funds has been donated to local children’s charities.
PURE Academy prioritizes the development of well-rounded individuals by equally emphasizing academic excellence, personal growth, and athletic achievement. The PURE Academy mission is to develop young men for lifelong success by providing a comprehensive education within a supportive boarding school environment. They are committed to the holistic development of young men through blending academic rigor with practical experience, with a special focus on AgriSTEM education.
The TigerLIFE program uses a systematic approach to assess each student's academic, career, technical, independent living, and social skills to help create the best plan that matches the student's aspired goal for transition into employment and living a more meaningful life. TgerLIFE provides a post-secondary transition program which provides vocational and independent living training to young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Memphis Allies brings together community groups and resources to turn the most dangerous places in safe neighborhoods where families and businesses can thrive, and children can grow up to reach their full potential as adults. Memphis Allies identifies, connects and serves individuals at highest risk of involvement in gun violence ages 12 to 35 while dramatically increasing prevention services for youth and supporting community transformation.
Previous Children’s Charity Initiative Recipients
2025
2024
2023
Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital Seacrest Studio
2022
2020
Redzone Ministries
Thrive Memphis
Scouting Deserts
2019
Neighborhood Christian Centers, Inc.
Palmer Home for Children
Porter Leath
2018
Agape Child & Family Services
Emmanuel Center
Memphis Athletic Ministries
2017
The Erika Center at Bodine School
The Church Health Center
Knowledge Quest
2016
Best Buddies Tennessee
The Exchange Club Family Center
Stax Music Academy
2015
Madonna Learning Center
Peer Power Foundation
RedZone Ministries
2014
BAPTIST Kemmons Wilson Family Center for Good Grief
JIFF
Binghampton Christian Academy
2013
Perea Preschool
2012
Boy Scouts of America Scout Reach Program for the Raleigh-Frayser Area
School Advocates for Vision in Education (S.A.V.E.)
2011
Shelby Residential Vocational Service (SRVS)
2010
Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital
2009
Memphis Oral School for the Deaf
2008
Carnival Memphis Kids Café (Memphis Food Bank)
2007
United Cerebral Palsy of the Mid-South
2006
Shelby Residential Vocational Service (SRVS)
2005
Carnival Memphis Kids Café (Memphis Food Bank)
SMART
2004
Memphis Oral School for the Deaf
2003
Porter Leath Children’s Center
2002
Shelby Residential Vocational Service (SRVS)
Special Cargo (United Cerebral Palsy)
2001
Memphis Oral School for the Deaf
Perea Preschool
Shepherd School
2000
1999
Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis
Calvary Exodus Ministry