Awards
Established in 1985, the Thomas W. Briggs Community Service Award is given annually as a memorial to Mr. Briggs.
Thomas W. Briggs Community Service Award
Each year since 1985, the Thomas W. Briggs Community Service Award honors a remarkable individual whose leadership has steered a Memphis-based nonprofit to thrive. This award shines a spotlight on those who go above and beyond in the field of community service – people whose creativity, dedication, professionalism, and vision have made a lasting impact on their organizations and the broader community.
The Briggs Foundation Board of Directors selects the recipient from a pool of nominees, carefully considering those who demonstrate exceptional initiative – the kind that drives their organization’s special mission.
By celebrating these leaders, the Foundation hopes to spark inspiration across Memphis. When we recognize what’s possible, we encourage others to reach further, lead boldly, and help our city become even stronger.
2025 Community Service Award
The Briggs Foundation Board of Directors has made the decision to suspend the Community Service Award for 2025, with a commitment to resume in 2026. This pause comes in recognition of the challenging times many nonprofits are experiencing. In place of the CSA and its award reception, the Board decided to direct those funds into grants, strengthening the Briggs Foundation commitment to stand alongside Memphis nonprofits and support the impactful work they are doing in our community.
Community Service Award Resumes 2026
Past Community Service Award Recipients
2024 Lisa Anderson, Room In The Inn
2023 David Jordan, Agape Child & Family Services
2022 Tina Sullivan, Overton Park Conservancy
2021 Natalie McKinney, Whole Child Strategies
2020 Katie Smythe, New Ballet Ensemble
2019 Steve Nash, Advance Memphis
2018 Cordell Walker, Alpha Omega Veterans Services
2017 Todd Richardson and McLean Wilson with Chris Miner of Crosstown Arts for the Crosstown Concourse Development
2016 Ken Steorts, Visible Music College
2015 David Montague, Memphis Teacher Residency
2014 Nancy Coffee, New Memphis Institute
2013 Dorothy Gunther Pugh, Ballet Memphis
2012 Jackie Nichols, Playhouse on the Square & Circuit Playhouse
2011 Jim Duncan, Memphis Botanic Garden
2010 Richard Nathaniel Donlon, M.D., Christ Community Health Services
2009 25th Anniversary Celebration, Honoring All Previous Recipients
2008 Beverly Robertson, National Civil Rights Museum
2007 David Loebel, Memphis Symphony Orchestra
2006 Margaret Craddock, MIFA
2005 Kaywin Feldman, Memphis Brooks Museum of Art
2004 James R. Boyd, BRIDGES
2003 Kenneth R. Bennett, Streets Ministries
2002 Colenzo J. Hubbard, Emmanuel Episcopal Center
2001 Larry B. Lloyd, D. Min., Hope Christian Community Foundation
2000 Douglas R. Noble, D.P.A., The Pink Palace Family of Museums
1999 Brad F. Baker, Young Life
1998 Jeffrey D. Nesin, Memphis College of Art
1997 Patrick W. Lawler, Youth Villages
1996 Josephine H. Walt, The Neighborhood School
1995 Michael J. Labonia, WKNO-TV/FM
1994 Eleanor Prest, Thomas W. Briggs Foundation
1993 Roger T. Knox, Memphis Zoological Society
1992 Gid H. Smith, Community Foundation of Greater Memphis
1991 JoeAnn Ballard, Neighborhood Christian Center
1990 John E. Buchanan, Jr., The Dixon Gallery and Gardens
1989 G. Scott Morris, M.D., Church Health Center Memphis
1988 Patricia C. Howard, Girls Incorporated of Memphis
1987 James C. Carlile, Boys Club of Memphis
1986 Virginia L. Dunaway, Memphis Food Bank
1985 Father Donald Mowery, Youth Service USA
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