Carnival Memphis

What Carnival Memphis does

Carnival Memphis is a Memphis-based 501c3 nonprofit civic organization founded in 1931 (originally as the Cotton Carnival) that promotes Mid-South commerce, hosts signature social and fundraising events, and channels proceeds to local children's charities. Its product portfolio consists of tiered annual memberships ($75–$2,500 across Individual, Family, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Diamond, Board, Non-Profit, and Alumni tiers), event tickets and sponsorships for the Business & Industry Salute Luncheon, Krewes for Kids, Love 4 Lilley, and Carnival Week (Crown & Sceptre Ball, Princess Ball), Royal Court participation fees, and branded merchandise, all distributed through a Shopify-powered e-commerce site and on-site office pickup. The organization is supported by nine Grand Krewes and the Secret Order of Boll Weevils as affiliated volunteer and membership groups, and through its Carnival Children's Charity Initiative has donated over $6.3 million with matching funds to local children's charities since 1999, supporting three causes annually. Revenue mechanics are diversified across recurring membership dues, event ticket sales, donations, and corporate sponsorships underwritten by regional businesses in financial services, insurance, real estate, and professional services.

Name

Carnival Memphis

Legal name

Carnival Memphis

Website

https://carnivalmemphis.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1931

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Carnival Memphis is a Memphis-based nonprofit civic organization founded in 1931 that hosts annual celebrations, membership programs, and fundraisers to support Mid-South commerce and local children's charities through nine Grand Krewes and signature events.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Civic Nonprofit / Charitable Community Organization

NAICS

All Other Amusement and Recreation Industries (71399), Amusement, Gambling, and Recreation Industries (713)

SIC

Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990), Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Community Parades, Carnivals & Street Fairs (MPAGAEAE)

akta.pro secondary industry

Local Community & Multi-Category Fairs (MPAGAFAO)

Keywords

• Nonprofit civic organization
• Children's charity fundraising
• Annual carnival celebration
• Membership event society
• Community fundraiser events

Headquarters

HQ city

Memphis

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Carnival Memphis generates revenue through various membership tiers including Individual, Family, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Diamond, and Board memberships, with prices ranging from $75 to $2,500 annually. These memberships provide access to events, discounts, and community involvement opportunities.
2. Event Tickets: Revenue from ticket sales for major events including the Business & Industry Salute Luncheon (individual tickets and table sponsorships), Krewes for Kids fundraiser ($125 advance tickets), Love 4 Lilley fundraiser, and Crown & Sceptre Coronation Ball.
3. Merchandise Sales: Sale of branded merchandise including ties ($40-$70), scarves, socks, jackets, shirts, and accessories through the organization's online store.
4. Donations: The organization accepts donations at various levels ($25-$2,500) with options to direct funds to specific Grand Krewes or general operations, supporting their mission of funding children's charities in the Mid-South.
5. Royal Court Fees: Participation fees for the Royal Court include Royal Court Fee ($4,500), Royal Court Page Fee ($2,200), Royal Scarabs Fee, and Escort payments ($300 per escort), which fund the annual carnival celebrations.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Carnival Memphis is a civic nonprofit that sells annual memberships (Individual through Diamond tiers, plus Family, Board, Non-Profit, and Alumni tiers), event tickets and table sponsorships for signature fundraisers (Business & Industry Salute Luncheon, Krewes for Kids, Love 4 Lilley, Carnival Week celebrations), Royal Court participation fees, and branded merchandise, with proceeds channeled to local children's charities via the Carnival Children's Charity Initiative (CCI). Founded in 1931 and headquartered in Memphis, the organization operates a nine-Krewe community network to deliver its programming across the Mid-South.

Product overview

Carnival Memphis is a non-profit civic organization that operates primarily as an event-based membership society rather than a technology company. Its product portfolio consists of: (1) annual membership tiers (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Diamond, Individual, Family, Non-Profit, Board, and Krewe Discount) ranging from $75-$2,500 with varying event access and benefits; (2) event tickets and sponsorships for signature fundraisers including the Business & Industry Salute Luncheon, Krewes for Kids, Love 4 Lilley, Carnival Week (Crown & Sceptre Ball, Princess Ball), and Children's Charities Day; (3) Royal Court participation fees including Royal Court Fee ($4,500), Page Fee ($2,200), and Escort Payments; (4) branded merchandise including commemorative ties (2016-2024), apparel (Nike/Adidas shirts, jackets, raincoats, vests), and accessories (bow ties, scarves, socks, make-up bags); and (5) general donations. The organization has donated over $6.3 million with matching funds to children's charities since 1999 through its Carnival Children's Charity Initiative (CCI).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Premium Membership Tiers (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Diamond) Tiered annual membership offering increasing complimentary event tickets, priority seating, magazine listings, and commemorative pins to members. Bronze ($300) includes 2 B&I Luncheon tickets; Silver ($750) includes 1 table (10 seats) to B&I Luncheon; Gold and Diamond provide additional complimentary tickets to Crown & Sceptre, Princess Ball, and B&I Luncheon plus priority seating.
• Individual and Family Memberships Entry-level annual memberships for individuals and families participating in Carnival Memphis activities, including discounts, invitations, magazine listings, and commemorative pins. Krewe Discount rates apply to Grand Krewe members.
• Board Membership and Board Membership Plus Premium memberships with leadership involvement; includes Carnival Association membership, B&I Luncheon tickets, and Krewes for Kids tickets. Board Membership Plus additionally includes a Krewes for Kids Supporting Sponsorship and 2 sponsor tickets.
• Non-Profit Organization Membership Membership for 501c3 charities and nonprofit organizations, foundations, civic organizations, and social clubs to participate in Carnival Memphis activities, with Facebook promotion, calendar inclusion, and event ticket discounts.
• Alumni Association Membership Annual membership ($25) for past Royal Court participants — Princesses, Ladies of the Realm, Escorts, Scarabs, Pages, Kings, Queens, and Presidents — offering magazine listing, Krewes for Kids invitation, event discounts, and monthly newsletter.
• Krewes for Kids Annual Fundraiser Annual signature fundraiser hosted by Carnival Memphis and its nine Grand Krewes featuring live music, auctions, food, and drinks, with proceeds benefiting Children's Charities chosen annually. Advance tickets priced at $125.
• Business & Industry Salute Luncheon Annual cornerstone celebration event honoring the year's industry, civic leaders, and businesses, featuring awards including the Cook Halle Award, King's Award, President's Award, and Chairman's Award. Sold via individual tickets, tables of 10 ($600), and table sponsorships ($1,500).
• Carnival Week Celebrations Week-long annual celebration featuring the Crown & Sceptre Coronation Ball (white-tie event), Princess Ball, King's and Queen's Children's Charities Day, and associated Royal Court programming.
• Love 4 Lilley Fundraiser Special fundraiser supporting Sergeant Sam Lilley and his family, featuring live music, live auction, food and refreshments. Tickets sold as single tickets and VIP tables of 10.
• Royal Court Participation Fees Fees for Royal Court participation during Carnival Week, including Royal Court Fee ($4,500 for Princess/Lady of the Realm), Royal Court Page Fee ($2,200), Royal Scarabs Fee, and Escort payments ($300 per escort, $600 for 2+ college escorts), with payment plan options.
• Branded Apparel and Accessories Branded merchandise sold through the online store, including commemorative ties ($40–$70), Bow Tie & Cummerbund set ($110), Nike and Adidas golf shirts, Columbia and Colorado Clothing jackets, Port Authority raincoats and vests, vineyard vines Lady's Scarf, women's make-up bag ($80), and branded socks ($20).
• Charitable Donations Program Tax-deductible donations to support Carnival Memphis and Children's Charities, with preset amounts from $25–$2,500 or custom amounts. Donors can designate funds to specific Grand Krewes or general operations.

Quantifiable outcome

• $6.3 million+ donated to children's charities since 1999 with matching funds
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Southern SecuritycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsors Krewes for Kids event and appears as a premier sponsor. Southern Security is a financial and security services company supporting the organization's signature fundraiser.
• Forvis MazarscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor of the 2026 Business & Industry Salute Luncheon. A major accounting and consulting firm providing event sponsorship and support.
• The Crump FirmminorGTM or Marketing PartnerArchitecture firm listed as a sponsor supporting Carnival Memphis events and initiatives.
• OrgillminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHardware/distribution company sponsoring Carnival Memphis activities.
• Raymon James (Swain)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerFinancial advisory firm sponsoring Carnival Memphis events.
• Townsend DevelopmentminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDevelopment company supporting the organization as a sponsor.
• Hilton MemphisminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHotel venue partner for events including Love 4 Lilley fundraiser.
• Confluent StrategiesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerStrategic consulting firm supporting as sponsor.
• Collier InsuranceminorGTM or Marketing PartnerInsurance agency sponsoring Carnival Memphis.
• Boll Weevil Charity FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCharitable foundation affiliated with the Boll Weevils group that supports children's charity initiatives.
• Panther Creek FarmminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAgricultural business listed as a sponsor.
• Avison YoungminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCommercial real estate services firm supporting as sponsor.
• Memphis Botanic GardenminorGTM or Marketing PartnerVenue partner hosting Krewes for Kids 2026 event.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Krewe of Endymion: Large New Orleans Mardi Gras krewe known for its massive membership, signature Endymion Extravaganza ball, and parade. Comparable to Carnival Memphis in operating large-scale member-funded balls and parades with tiered Krewe involvement.
• Krewe of Bacchus: New Orleans Mardi Gras super-krewe with membership tiers, ball events, Royal Court-style figureheads (King, Queen, Duke), and parade participation. Directly comparable as a private civic krewe society that monetizes membership and ticketed balls to fund operations and philanthropy.
• Azalea Festival: Wilmington, NC's signature spring civic celebration featuring a parade, balls, concerts, and a Queen's coronation with similar structure to Carnival Memphis. Comparable as a community-driven annual civic festival supporting local causes.
• Mystic Krewe of Comus: Oldest continuously active New Orleans Mardi Gras krewe, with invitation-based membership and formal ball-and-parade format. Highly comparable to Carnival Memphis in structure: tiered membership, white-tie ball, and themed Krewe identity.
• Krewe of Orpheus: New Orleans krewe founded by Harry Connick Jr., known for the Orpheuscapade ball with celebrity-led entertainment and a parade. Comparable to Carnival Memphis as a private membership-based krewe monetizing balls and parades.

Regional players

• First Night Charleston: Regional New Year's Eve civic celebration featuring ticketed events, family programming, and arts-focused programming in Charleston. Comparable to Carnival Memphis as a nonprofit, event-driven civic celebration with ticketed programming and community philanthropy.
• Mobile Carnival Museum (Mobile Mardi Gras): Mobile, Alabama's Mardi Gras tradition, the oldest in the United States, featuring mystic societies with formal balls and parades. Operates as a peer civic-celebration tradition comparable to Carnival Memphis though in a different regional market.

Emerging players

• St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee (Savannah): Organizes Savannah's annual St. Patrick's Day Parade and related civic events, including fundraising and community philanthropy. Comparable to Carnival Memphis as a Southern civic parade and fundraising organization but with a single signature event format.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/carnivalmemphis
• Instagraminstagram.com/carnivalmemphis
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/carnival-memphis

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Subsidiaries10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Carnival Memphis