SchoolSeed: A Trusted Partner in Supporting Memphis Schools Through Strategic Fundraising and Community Partnerships

Memphis, TN — SchoolSeed Foundation has long been a cornerstone of support for Memphis's public schools, leveraging its proven track record to raise funds and facilitate impactful projects. As a trusted nonprofit, SchoolSeed has become the go-to organization for donors who want to make a significant difference in education, ensuring that their resources are used effectively and transparently.

One of SchoolSeed’s standout achievements is the construction of a beautiful courtyard at White Station High School. Community donors, trusting in SchoolSeed’s expertise, contributed nearly half a million dollars to bring this project to life. The courtyard, now a cherished space for students and staff, continues to be maintained through SchoolSeed’s stewardship.

Beyond the White Station project, SchoolSeed has been crucial in addressing food insecurity through its partnership with Project Stand. This initiative, active for over three years, provides essential food pantries to support students and their families in Memphis Shelby County Schools (MSCS).

SchoolSeed’s commitment is also evident in its pivotal role in the Jim Herbert STEM Center at Whitehaven High School. Working with Richard Myers of Whitehaven STEM, Inc., SchoolSeed has led a seven-year fundraising campaign to build this state-of-the-art STEM facility. Despite challenges such as the global pandemic and changes in central office leadership at MSCS, SchoolSeed successfully raised half of the $9.5 million required from private donors, with additional support from the City of Memphis, Shelby County Government, and MSCS. This project represents the largest private-public partnership for new construction on a public school campus in MSCS history.

In addition to these major initiatives, SchoolSeed collaborates with Levi Elementary and Riverview K-8 to run incentive stores that reward students for good attendance and behavior. These stores, supported by Valero Energy, offer items such as bikes and other popular rewards. Students earn points for their achievements, which they can save and use to make purchases in the incentive store. This program not only motivates students but also teaches them about earning and saving points to reach their desired goals. Schools have reported reductions in chronic absenteeism and improvements in school culture as a result of these incentive stores.

A recent milestone for SchoolSeed is the acquisition of Kindred Place, a 27,000 square-foot facility dedicated to strengthening families, which in turn strengthens communities and schools. Acquired effective July 1, 2024, this debt-free facility was entrusted to SchoolSeed with a $1.7 million investment. The acquisition of Kindred Place aligns with SchoolSeed’s mission to provide comprehensive support services, including family counseling, parent training, and child trauma counseling. Under SchoolSeed’s management, Kindred Place will continue its vital work, now integrated into the SchoolSeed portfolio, further amplifying its impact on Memphis communities.

Additionally, SchoolSeed has made significant strides in addressing youth homelessness through its Youth Homelessness Demonstration Project (YHDP) program. As one of only five organizations in Memphis with a dedicated Youth Navigator, SchoolSeed plays a critical role in assisting young adults aged 18-24 who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. The Youth Navigator provides personalized support by helping these individuals access housing, resources, and services to stabilize their lives. This role includes coordinating with community partners, advocating for necessary services, and ensuring that each participant receives the tailored support they need.

Over the past two years, the YHDP program has impacted more than 200 individuals. Although the program has faced challenges, it has achieved a 39% success rate in helping participants secure and maintain housing with family, friends, or community partners. This success reflects SchoolSeed's commitment to providing effective and compassionate support to vulnerable youth.

Another notable initiative is SchoolSeed’s Bridge Up Giddy Up program, which has been successfully immersing inner-city middle school students into the equestrian world for over two years. Directed by McKrell Baier, this program engages students and their families in a unique educational experience at the Southern Blues Equestrian Center in Collierville. Participants learn valuable life skills, such as responsibility and perseverance, through their involvement in equestrian activities. The program has led to significant achievements, with students frequently placing in the top five of various competitions. The integration of these equestrian lessons with classroom learning has notably improved school attendance and reduced behavioral issues, according to Dr. Darla Young, Principal of Havenview Middle School.

In its commitment to supporting Memphis’s immigrant community, SchoolSeed recently launched the Hola Memphis Directory in partnership with El Informante. This comprehensive directory, available entirely in Spanish, is designed to help immigrant families identify resources that can stabilize their lives. The directory includes information on essential services such as healthcare, legal assistance, language learning, housing, and education, and will be regularly updated to ensure continued relevance and usefulness.

Donors trust their investments with SchoolSeed because it is a tested, proven, and trusted organization. In 2009, the Gates Foundation entrusted SchoolSeed with managing a historic $90 million investment in Memphis schools. Locally, SchoolSeed has been entrusted with millions of dollars to support initiatives like student-based budgeting and has managed grant opportunities for youth-focused grassroots organizations. SchoolSeed has maintained stable leadership under its board of directors and founding CEO Vincent J. McCaskill, further solidifying its reputation as a reliable partner in educational philanthropy.

“SchoolSeed has proven to be a reliable and effective partner in driving educational change,” said Richard Myers, President of Whitehaven STEM, Inc. “When donors want to make a significant impact on a school, they turn to SchoolSeed. Their ability to manage resources and build strong relationships ensures that schools can focus on their primary mission of educating students. We are grateful for their commitment to making a lasting difference.”

As SchoolSeed continues to forge partnerships and secure resources, it remains a vital ally in the effort to enhance educational experiences across Memphis. By managing donor resources effectively and collaborating with school boards and superintendents, SchoolSeed ensures that the focus remains on what matters most—providing exceptional education to students.