St. Mary's Community Fund

Established in 1998, the St. Mary's Community Fund is a student-run organization that has granted over $500,000 to over 50 local agencies directly benefitting Mid-South children. It also promotes community service and provides experiences for young women to learn first-hand about philanthropy and grant making.

Each member involved in St. Mary's Community Fund volunteers through hands-on service within the funded agencies. In addition, they participate in the entire grants process. By reading grant applications, presenting them at monthly committee meetings, organizing site visits, and choosing reliable and deserving grant recipients, the girls learn the process of philanthropy as well as its important effect in the community.

Committee members raise money through personal solicitations and campus fundraisers such as GIVE901. 

In 2022-2023, the St. Mary's Community Fund granted $40,000 to six non-profit Mid-South agencies:

  • Carpenter Art Garden
  • Girls on the Run Memphis
  • Memphis Brooks Museum of Art
  • Memphis Child Advocacy Center
  • Porter-Leath
  • STREETS Ministries

For More Information:

Susan Whitten Graber '86
Director, St. Mary's Community Fund
901-351-9363

Community service is especially valuable at St. Mary’s since it is not a requirement, but rather something we feel compelled to do. It is highly encouraged and practiced, whether through our 'service skip days,' our frequent donation drives, or just the excitement that comes with the opportunity to help our community. I have learned more about how we can help our community in ways both big and small.Averie Howell ‘24, St. Mary’s Community Fund