Menu
The Soulsville Foundation is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit that operates two distinct but connected entities on our vibrant campus at the original site of Stax Records in the heart of the South Memphis community known as Soulsville USA: the Stax Museum of American Soul and Music, Stax Music Academy. (The Soulsville Foundation also oversees our sister organization, The Soulsville Charter School, which has its own 501 (c) 3 status and its own board of directors. Unlike the Stax Music Academy, the school receives per-pupil funding from the government.)
We depend on grants, donations, and sponsorships from individuals, foundations, corporations, and other organizations to carry out our mission to perpetuate the soul of Stax Records by preserving its rich cultural legacy, educating youth to be prepared for life success, and inspiring future artists to achieve their dreams.
Soulsville Foundation is the world’s only organization whose programs are based on Stax Records’ legacy of hope, determination, empowerment, inclusion, and hard work. This has shaped our core values of Culture of Collaboration, Transparency, Commitment to Community, Celebrating the Legacy, and Valuing Youth. Our vision is to be the Global Capital of Soul ensuring the legacy of Stax Records impacts all through music, education, and authentic community engagement.
The vital work we do is distinctive and replicable. After over two decades of changing lives through the power of music, it is also worthy of celebration and ongoing investment from donors to ensure that the 800-plus youth we educate and mentor every day have a path to a successful adult life.
The Soulsville Foundation has a proven track record in delivering social impact-informed return on investment. We are on an upward trajectory of not only breaking the generational cycle of poverty in Memphis for youth and their families, but also positioning ourselves to share lessons that national policy makers can model and replicate. With our new strategic plan completed in 2020, our commitment to being a meaningful part of the caring community of high performing schools, vital historic and cultural sites, and creative youth programs in our city is stronger than ever. The Soulsville Foundation is an integral part of amplifying this newer, brighter future in Memphis and beyond.
For more information about how you can help or to schedule a tour of our campus, please contact our Development Director Candace Lester at candace.lester@soulsvillefoundation.org.
We thank you in advance for your interest.
Special Note: When you make a donation to the Soulsville Foundation, your contribution benefits the Stax Museum of American Soul Music and Stax Music Academy. If you want to your donation to benefit The Soulsville Charter School, you must contribute to the school specifically.