Memphis in May Selected as Safer Communities Grant Recipient
Memphis in May Selected as Safer Communities Grant Recipient to Support Junior World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest.
Memphis in May International Festival is honored to announce it has been selected as a recipient of the City of Memphis’ Safer Communities Grant, administered through the Joint Office of Neighborhood Safety & Engagement (JONSE). Memphis in May is one of 34 nonprofit organizations awarded funding as part of the City’s $600,000 investment to strengthen community-based efforts focused on violence prevention and neighborhood stability across the 901.
“Every one of these organizations helps make our neighborhoods safer and stronger,” said Mayor Paul Young. “Their work supports people in critical moments and helps Memphis rise toward greater stability and peace.”
Memphis in May will utilize the grant to support and enhance its Junior World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, a youth-focused program that provides mentorship, workforce skill-building, and positive engagement opportunities for young people in a safe, structured, and supportive environment. The program introduces youth to teamwork, leadership, discipline, and community pride while fostering strong connections with adult mentors and peers.
This round of Safer Communities Grants reflects the City of Memphis’ commitment to investing in organizations that lift neighborhoods every day. Grant funding supports initiatives centered on prevention and intervention, including mentoring, mental health services, crisis response, and outreach efforts that open pathways to safety and stability for families and young people. Memphis in May’s Junior Barbecue Cooking Contest aligns with the Prevention category by creating positive alternatives, reducing risk factors, and strengthening protective factors for youth.
“Programs like the Junior World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest are about much more than cooking—they’re about connection, confidence, and creating a sense of belonging for young people,” said Tiffani Perry, Director of Marketing and Communications for Memphis in May International Festival. “We are grateful to the City of Memphis for recognizing the value of youth-centered programming and for investing in opportunities that help young people thrive and see.”
The FY26 Safer Communities Grant cycle follows national best practices and federal guidance, including 2 CFR Part 200, and incorporates insights from the National Offices of Violence Prevention Network. All grantees will participate in structured training, data reporting, and citywide convenings to ensure transparency, accountability, and measurable impact.
Memphis in May International Festival is proud to stand alongside fellow grantees working collectively to prevent violence, support families, and strengthen neighborhoods throughout Memphis. For more information about Memphis in May International Festival and the Junior World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest.
For more information about the Safer Communities Grant program, visit Memphistn.Gov/Joint Office.
