2025 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 $5,000,000 with matching funds has been donated to local children’s charities.

Liza's Light was established to honor the memory and legacy of Liza Wellford Fletcher, a former UofM soccer player, avid runner, beloved teacher, and an inspiring figure in the Memphis community; this fund is dedicated to building a state-of-the-art facility for the University of Memphis women’s and men’s soccer and track and field teams, and local community. 

For more information visit: https://www.lizaslight.org/ 

Visit Liza's Light

Since 1850 Porter-Leath has been a primary resource for children and families in the Mid-South.

Our mission is empowering children and families to achieve a healthy, optimal and independent lifestyle. By focusing on the essential building blocks of healthy development, Porter-Leath not only gives them access to the tools they need but also a sense of hope. 

For more information visit: https://www.porterleath.org/ 

Visit Porter-Leath

Celebrating their 25th anniversary, Stax Music Academy provides music education and unique performance opportunities to inspire primarily young people to enhance their academic and leadership skills and become facilitators of community change.

The Soulsville Foundation perpetuates the soul of Stax Records by preserving its rich cultural legacy, educating youth to be prepared for life's success, and inspiring future artists to achieve their dreams. 

For more information visit: https://staxmusicacademy.org/ 

Visit Stax Music Academy

Previous Children’s Charity Initiative Recipients

2024

Binghampton Christian Academy

Church Health

Girls Inc.

2023

For The Kingdom

Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital Seacrest Studio

Streets Ministries

2022

Memphis Child Advocacy Center

Southern Reins

Compass Community Schools

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

Ronald McDonald House

YWCA of Greater Memphis

2012
Boy Scouts of America Scout Reach Program for the Raleigh-Frayser Area

Jubilee Schools

School Advocates for Vision in Education (S.A.V.E.)

2011

Hope House

Memphis Athletic Ministries

Shelby Residential Vocational Service (SRVS)

2010

Memphis Child Advocacy Center

Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital

Knowledge Quest

2009

Memphis Oral School for the Deaf

Streets Ministries

Youth Villages

2008

Carnival Memphis Kids Café (Memphis Food Bank)

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

Harwood Center

2007

Emmanuel Episcopal Center

The Neighborhood School

United Cerebral Palsy of the Mid-South

2006

First Works

Madonna Learning Center

Shelby Residential Vocational Service (SRVS)

2005

Carnival Memphis Kids Café (Memphis Food Bank)

Martha’s Manor

SMART

2004

BRIDGES

Memphis Child Advocacy Center

Memphis Oral School for the Deaf

2003

Hope House

Porter Leath Children’s Center

Special Kids & Families, Inc.

Stax Music Academy

Youth Villages

2002

Exchange Club Family Center

St. Jude Children’s Hospital

Shelby Residential Vocational Service (SRVS)

Special Cargo (United Cerebral Palsy)

Harwood Center

2001

Streets Ministries

Madonna Learning Center

Memphis Oral School for the Deaf

Perea Preschool

Shepherd School

2000

Juvenile Diabetes Foundation

Neighborhood Christian School

New Hope Academy

Ronald McDonald House

Youth Villages

1999

Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis

Calvary Exodus Ministry

Emmanuel Episcopal Center

Special Kids & Families, Inc.

Target House