About
The vision of the Thomas W. Briggs Foundation is to enhance the Memphis non-profit ecosystem that advances equity, promotes quality of life, and drives transformational impact.
Our Values
Connectors and collaborators by design, we are:
- Responsive to the needs of Memphis and its diverse residents.
- Equity-Driven to ensure equal opportunity and access to resources.
- Human-Centric in support of those making an impact and inspiring transformation.
- Multipliers leveraging our capacity to help drive measurable impact.
Our Equity Statement
At the Briggs Foundation, we are committed to supporting a diverse group of grantees; creating greater innovation, greater inclusivity and greater equity, and honoring the legacy of Thomas W. Briggs to achieve our mission of serving our community of Memphis, Tennessee.
Our Story
The Thomas W. Briggs Foundation traces its roots to 1928, when Memphis native, Thomas Winston Briggs, founded the Welcome Wagon Company. Through a network of hostesses, Welcome Wagon became a national symbol of hospitality by greeting new neighbors with helpful gifts and information about local services and organizations.
Women played an important role in the company’s growth, with several serving as CEO over the years. Mr. Briggs believed deeply in the power of community. He often said, “Work first to serve your community, and your business success will follow.”
In 1957, he established the Thomas W. Briggs Foundation to reflect those values. Its purpose was to support the community and provide care for longtime Welcome Wagon employees. The foundation returned all operations to Memphis in the 1980s and has remained grounded in Mr. Briggs’s original vision.
Today, the Foundation’s directors are dedicated to continuing his legacy of civic commitment. They view their work as a way to strengthen the community and carry forward the ideals Mr. Briggs championed throughout his life.
Our People
Executive Director
Donna Nash
2025 Board Members
Allison Cates
Erika Conley
Meg Crosby
Lynn Evans
Larry Jensen
Demetri Patikas
Douglas Scarboro
Carol Seamons
Rufus Smith
J. Lawrence Turner
Kathy Gale Uhlhorn
Hunter Witherington
Thomas W. Briggs Foundation Equity Statement
At the Briggs Foundation, we are committed to supporting a diverse group of grantees; creating greater innovation, greater inclusivity and greater equity, and honoring the legacy of Thomas W. Briggs to achieve our mission of serving our community of Memphis, Tennessee.
copyright © 2025 Thomas W. Briggs Foundation