RISE Foundation logo

RISE Foundation in Memphis, TN

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RISE Foundation is a Memphis-based nonprofit providing financial literacy programs and asset-building tools to low-income working families. Founded in 1999, they help clients save, budget, and achieve financial self-sufficiency.

Data compiled from public sources

RISE Foundation Review

RISE Foundation was established in 1999 as a collaborative effort between the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis, Memphis Housing Authority, and United Way of the Mid-South. Originally designed to serve public housing residents, the organization has expanded significantly to serve a broader demographic of low-income working people across Memphis and Shelby County. The organization is structured as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a mission to empower people to become self-sufficient by building and sustaining human and financial assets.

RISE offers multiple financial literacy and asset-building programs including Save Up, Goal Card, Common Cents, Silver Neighbors, and GMFEC (Greater Memphis Financial Empowerment Center), which operates in partnership with the Shelby County Trustee's office. Their approach emphasizes teaching financial skills rather than providing direct financial assistance, with their philosophy centered on giving families "the tools to build better lives by their own hands." Programs serve youth, adults, and senior citizens with year-round programming and educational initiatives.

The organization distinguishes itself through its deep experience context in helping entry-level wage earners specifically, developed over a decade of targeted community work. RISE provides measurable outcomes through asset-building support, having helped clients purchase 134 homes, save for and purchase 139 vehicles, expand 38 small businesses, fund 28 higher educations, and purchase 110 computers as of 2020. The GMFEC partnership with local government provides accessible counseling by appointment (901-390-4200), integrating their services into established county infrastructure.

As a legitimate nonprofit with established community partnerships and documented impact metrics, RISE Foundation serves an important role in the Memphis financial services landscape. However, as a financial literacy and counseling organization rather than a direct financial services provider, they do not offer loans, credit repair, or emergency funding. Clients seeking short-term cash access solutions or credit dispute services will need to seek alternative resources. Their programs require active participation and behavior change, which may not suit individuals seeking quick-fix solutions.

Services & Features

Asset accumulation guidance
Budget planning and money management coaching
Common Cents financial literacy program
Community workshops and events
Email newsletter and ongoing communications
Financial literacy education and training
GMFEC counseling through Shelby County Trustee partnership
Goal Card program
Save Up program (savings and asset-building)
Silver Neighbors program (seniors focus)
Volunteer engagement opportunities
Youth financial education programs

Feature Checklist

Mobile App
Online Portal
Score Tracking
Credit Education
Personal Advisor
Identity Theft Protection

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Established 501(c)(3) nonprofit with 25+ years of track record serving Memphis community
  • Partnership with Shelby County Trustee's office provides integrated government services access
  • listed experience context in helping entry-level wage earners budget, save, and build assets
  • Documented impact: 134 homes purchased, 139 vehicles financed, 38 businesses expanded by clients
  • Multiple program tracks addressing different life stages (youth, adults, seniors)
  • Year-round programming with flexible scheduling options
  • Free or low-cost services funded through donations and community partnerships

Cons

  • No direct financial assistance or emergency funding available—purely educational/counseling
  • Geographic limitation to Memphis and Shelby County only
  • Requires active client participation and sustained engagement; not suitable for those seeking quick solutions
  • No credit repair, dispute resolution, or credit-building loan products offered
  • Limited information on website about specific program costs or duration requirements

State Consumer Finance Context

This is state-level context for Free Help consumers in Memphis, TN. It does not confirm that RISE Foundation or this specific location is licensed.

State regulator

Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions

Key state rules to check

  • Payday loans (deferred presentment) capped at $500 with maximum fee of 15% of the advance.
  • Maximum loan term is 31 days.
  • Borrowers limited to two outstanding payday loans at a time.

Source: CreditDoc state-law summary and listed public regulator resources. Verify licensing directly with the listed state regulator before relying on a provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

What services does RISE Foundation offer?

RISE Foundation offers 12 services including Save Up program (savings and asset-building), Goal Card program, Common Cents financial literacy program, Silver Neighbors program (seniors focus), GMFEC counseling through Shelby County Trustee partnership, and 7 more.

What profile signals are listed for RISE Foundation?

RISE Foundation has profile signals associated with Low-income working Memphis residents seeking to build savings and financial literacy skills, Individuals preparing for major purchases (homes, vehicles) and needing budgeting guidance, Senior citizens in Shelby County interested in financial empowerment programs, Small business owners needing foundational financial management education.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of RISE Foundation?

Key strengths: Established 501(c)(3) nonprofit with 25+ years of track record serving Memphis community; Partnership with Shelby County Trustee's office provides integrated government services access; listed experience context in helping entry-level wage earners budget, save, and build assets. Areas to consider: No direct financial assistance or emergency funding available—purely educational/counseling; Geographic limitation to Memphis and Shelby County only.

How does RISE Foundation compare to similar companies?

In the Free Help category, comparable providers include Christian Community Services, Inc., City Title, Greater Memphis Financial Empowerment Center. Each company has different strengths, so compare services, pricing, and consumer complaint records before deciding what to do next.

Quick Facts

Headquarters
1355 Lynnfield Rd, Memphis, TN 38119
BBB Accredited
No
Visit RISE Foundation

CreditDoc Profile Note

Research Note on RISE Foundation

RISE Foundation is profile signals for Memphis-area low-income working families and seniors seeking nonprofit financial education, budgeting guidance, and asset-building support rather than emergency loans or credit repair. The main caveat is that they provide tools and education only—not direct financial assistance, credit dispute services, or emergency funding—so applicants with short-term cash needs should explore alternative resources first.

Profile Signals

  • Low-income working Memphis residents seeking to build savings and financial literacy skills
  • Individuals preparing for major purchases (homes, vehicles) and needing budgeting guidance
  • Senior citizens in Shelby County interested in financial empowerment programs
  • Small business owners needing foundational financial management education
Updated 2026-05-08

Similar Companies

Christian Community Services, Inc. logo

Christian Community Services, Inc.

Non-profit empowering underserved families toward economic self-sufficiency through mentoring, financial counseling, and homeownership support since 1997.

BBB: NR

Profile signals: Nashville-area underserved families seeking to transition from government assistance to self-sufficiency, Families actively committed to homeownership and willing to engage in ongoing mentoring relationships

City Title logo

City Title

City Title (Tennessee Title Services, LLC) is a Middle Tennessee title insurance agency offering real estate closings, title exams, and deed preparation across 11 locations.

BBB: NR

Profile signals: Home buyers in the Nashville metro area needing a local title and closing agent, Home sellers seeking net sheet estimates and deed preparation in Middle Tennessee

Greater Memphis Financial Empowerment Center logo

Greater Memphis Financial Empowerment Center

Non-profit financial counseling center in Memphis offering free certified financial counselor services and credit education for Shelby County residents.

BBB: NR

Profile signals: Shelby County residents seeking free, professional financial counseling, Consumers needing general financial guidance and education

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Quick Summary

  • RISE Foundation is listed as a Free Help provider in Memphis, TN on CreditDoc.
  • Use this page to check contact details, location, listed services, review signals, FAQs, and similar providers before deciding what to do next.
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