Alcy Ball Development Corporation

Alcy Ball Development Corporation is an organization dedicated to connecting and empowering residents of the historic Alcy Ball neighborhood in South Memphis to build a thriving, resident-led community. Their “connect-train-restore” model fosters strong neighbor relationships, providing financial literacy training, homebuyer education, and small business support, while actively restoring blighted properties to increase homeownership opportunities in the community. The organization renovates and builds homes, organizes community events and clean-ups, and helps long-time residents achieve greater financial stability and quality of life in a neighborhood that has faced significant challenges with vacancy and decline.

Forward 901 is proud to support Alcy Ball Development Corporation in transforming vacant or deteriorated properties into renovated homes available for purchase or rental, helping to reverse blight and rebuild neighborhood pride. Through a $15,000 microgrant in 2025, Forward 901 helped aide in ongoing efforts to address blight in the neighborhood through property restoration and community-building initiatives.

Carpenter Art Garden

Carpenter Art Garden, located in the Binghampton neighborhood, is an organization that has transformed spaces once marked by blight into vibrant places of learning, expression, and connection where children and families are empowered to imagine and create brighter futures.

Forward 901, Inc. is proud to support this inspiring mission. Through a $5,000 microgrant in 2025, we were honored to stand alongside Carpenter Art Garden as they continue their work with the Seeds of Peace Program turning blight into beauty creating safe, welcoming spaces where young people can grow, express themselves, and thrive.

Their work is a powerful reminder that when we invest in creativity and community, we can transform not only spaces but lives.