Search Through Nashville Grants for Nonprofits in Tennessee

Ingram Charities comprises the Ingram family and business philanthropy and is the way in which Ingram gives back to the community.

Ingram Charities provides grants for programs and nonprofit organizations that make Nashville a better place to live and work. Our funding typically focuses on programs that are making an impact in Middle Tennessee through the arts, education, and health and human services.

Memorial Foundation

Memorial Foundation was established in April of 1994 with an endowment fund generated from the sale of the assets of Nashville Memorial Hospital in Madison, Tennessee. At that time, members of the hospital’s Board of Directors became members of the Board of Trust of the Memorial Foundation.

The Foundation’s Board of Trustees serve as volunteers, regularly meeting to review grant applications and to make decisions on the allocation of Foundation funds. The Board is led by Board Chair David McKee, M.D., Vice Chair Varina Buntin, and Secretary Alfonzo Alexander. The Foundation’s President is Scott S. Perry.

In keeping with its roots, The Memorial Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life for people through support to nonprofit organizations. The Memorial Foundation responds to diverse community needs, assisting agencies that focus on: Access to Quality Health Care Services, Human & Social Services, Education, Senior Citizen Enrichment Services, Youth and Childhood Development, Substance Abuse Programs, and Community Services.

The Foundation also strives to respond to immediate, critical needs that arise in the community. With assistance from the Foundation, organizations including The Salvation Army, The American Red Cross, Second Harvest Food Bank, and YWCA have received funds.

Whether offering ongoing support or responding in times of crisis, The Memorial Foundation will continue to partner with nonprofit organizations in addressing the needs and improving the quality of life in our community.

Focus for Funding

The Foundation places special emphasis on assisting data-driven, trauma-informed organizations that focus on:

• Access to Quality Health Care Services (e.g., physical & mental health; wellness programs)
• Human & Social Services (e.g., families & children; immigrants & refugees; domestic violence & sexual abuse survivors; veterans; people experiencing homelessness; people in crisis)
• Education
• Youth and Childhood Development
• Senior Citizen Enrichment Services
• Community Services

Grants

For over 40 years, we have been dedicated to sustaining and improving the quality of life in Nashville and the broader Middle Tennessee area by investing in nonprofit organizations. We focus on agencies that address significant community challenges in comprehensive and collaborative ways.

Our Approach

The Frist Foundation partners with agencies serving Davidson County residents in the following focus areas: Arts & Culture, Food Insecurity, Health Disparities, Immigrants & Refugees, Nonprofit Infrastructure, and Unhoused Neighbors.

Types of Grants

General Grants

The Frist Foundation is interested in funding projects that will increase service capacity or ensure an organization’s long-term sustainability. These might include capital needs, the creation of earned revenue streams, or supporting consulting expenses for strategic planning or financial management. This does not include operational expenses, including salaries or programmatic expenses.

Technology Grants

The technology grant program is designed to help agencies work differently and more effectively using technology. In a rapidly changing environment, we see technology as integral to agency collaboration, data collection, workflow and improving the level of service to clients. This does not include hardware upgrades.

Additionally, we provide annual support for Hands On Nashville’s GeekCause, which matches Nashville tech experts with community partners in need of their services. From tech consultation to solution implementation, GeekCause provides a low-cost platform for agencies to solve tech-based challenges through the support of skilled volunteers. We often recommend agencies reach out to GeekCause before applying for a technology grant.

Operational Grants

The Frist Foundation makes dozens of operational grants each year, the most significant being to The Frist Art Museum. The Foundation also supports organizations that we describe as “Nonprofit Infrastructure,” including The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, The United Way of Greater Nashville, Hands On Nashville, Community Resource Center, and Young Leaders Council, among others.

Please note: The Foundation is not currently making new grants for operating or programmatic expenses.

Tommy Wells Foundation

The TWF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization that sponsors events each year to raise money that goes directly to support youth in hockey or music programs.

The Tommy Wells Foundation (TWF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization created in response to everyone who asked how they can “pay forward” the many ways that Tommy helped them personally or professionally.

With your support, the TWF raises money for youth who need financial assistance to learn and play music or hockey. The two places Tommy loved best - behind the drums and on the ice!

Funding 

The TWF is committed to supporting youths (4‐18 years old) who need financial assistance in order to experience the joy of learning and playing hockey or music. We expect that funds will be requested for youths whom you think will best benefit from this support. If funded, you will be asked within 12 months of funding to confirm funds were used as intended. 

Louie M. & Betty M. Phillips Foundation Grant

Proposals are accepted and reviewed throughout the year. Decisions on proposals are generally made at the semi-annual meetings held in June and November. The deadline for submitting proposals is the last business day of May and October for the June and November meetings. Only one request per organization will be considered during the calendar year.

Established in 1978, the Louie M. and Betty M. Phillips Foundation has distributed more than $13,000,000 to Nashville Area Nonprofit Organizations.

The Foundation most frequently awards funding for General Operating Support and Programming or Project-Specific grants, typically in the $2,500-$5,000 range. 

​Statement of Purpose

The Louie M. & Betty M. Phillips Foundation supports a variety of organizations in the fields of health, human services, civic affairs, education and the arts. The organizations are funded out of budget allocations established by the Committee on Beneficiaries on an annual basis. Priority consideration is given to organizations serving the greater Nashville community and to those having long-standing relationships with our founders or the Phillips Foundation leadership. By setting aside specific percentages for areas such as education and the arts, the Phillips Foundation can balance competing interests and ensure that a variety of community needs are met. 

Types of Support

Sustaining Operating 

Support for selected organizations contributing significantly to the Nashville area. Grants are awarded one year at a time and are subject to review on an annual basis.

Project and Program

Funding for specific projects, equipment or programs incorporating well-defined objectives and timetables and promising broad benefit. They are usually awarded for a maximum term of one year, with evaluation required at the end of the grant period.

Capital - *The Foundation is not currently accepting multi-year grant requests*

Support for major capital projects of organizations with strong records of community service. They must provide a credible fund-raising plan, as well as demonstrate the capacity to maintain buildings and equipment once they are in place. The maximum term is usually five years.

Director Designated

Members of the Committee on Beneficiaries can elect to direct a certain amount of grant funding to eligible nonprofit organizations of their choosing. While these grants may not reflect the overall funding priorities of the Foundation, they do reflect the diverse interests of the committee members. Since these grants are initiated internally, uninvited proposals will not be considered.

Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee

For over 30 years, Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee (CFMT) has been driving meaningful, positive change in our community. We do this by bringing together those who want to help and those who need help. Through the power of collective philanthropy, our goal is to amplify donor intent while remaining flexible enough to ensure that resources are directed to where they can do the greatest good.

We know the greater Nashville area. We understand its neighborhoods, its most pressing challenges, its unsung nonprofit heroes, and its emerging partnerships with the greatest potential. As our region continues to rapidly change, that knowledge gives us a unique vantage point to bring people and places together to do what none of us can do on our own—build a more thriving and inclusive community.

Mission: Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee strives to build a more thriving and inclusive community — today and for generations to come — by transforming thoughtful generosity into positive change.

Animal Welfare Grant Program

The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee supports organizations that provide care, humane treatment, and resources toward all animals across Middle Tennessee. The Community Foundation encourages grant requests for program/project support.

Funding Goals

• Increase free or low-cost spay/neuter services and educational programming on the effects of pet overpopulation
• Sponsor retention programs that would help keep pets in low-income homes.
• Provide a safe and healthy home for a pet available for adoption
• Promote education and the humane treatment of animals through animal adoptions, injured animal rescue, and the use of animals for therapeutic services for people.

Nonprofits may request grants up to a maximum of $15,000.

Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee

For over 30 years, Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee (CFMT) has been driving meaningful, positive change in our community.

We do this by bringing together those who want to help and those who need help. Through the power of collective philanthropy, our goal is to amplify donor intent while remaining flexible enough to ensure that resources are directed to where they can do the greatest good.

We know the greater Nashville area. We understand its neighborhoods, its most pressing challenges, its unsung nonprofit heroes, and its emerging partnerships with the greatest potential. As our region continues to rapidly change, that knowledge gives us a unique vantage point to bring people and places together to do what none of us can do on our own—build a more thriving and inclusive community.

Mission: Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee strives to build a more thriving and inclusive community — today and for generations to come — by transforming thoughtful generosity into positive change.

Bellevue Community Foundation

In 2007, the Bellevue Community Fund was established in association with the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee with a goal to grow the fund and create a pool of charitable dollars to support programs serving the Bellevue Community. In 2020, the name evolved to become the Bellevue Community Foundation, an organization committed to working in collaboration with like-minded civic organizations in Bellevue.

Organizations located in the Bellevue area (37221 zip code) are welcome to apply for consideration for funding from the Bellevue Community Foundation. The Community Foundation encourages grant requests for program/project support. 

Nonprofits may request grants up to a maximum of $5,000.

Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee

For over 30 years, Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee (CFMT) has been driving meaningful, positive change in our community. We do this by bringing together those who want to help and those who need help. Through the power of collective philanthropy, our goal is to amplify donor intent while remaining flexible enough to ensure that resources are directed to where they can do the greatest good.

We know the greater Nashville area. We understand its neighborhoods, its most pressing challenges, its unsung nonprofit heroes, and its emerging partnerships with the greatest potential. As our region continues to rapidly change, that knowledge gives us a unique vantage point to bring people and places together to do what none of us can do on our own—build a more thriving and inclusive community.

Mission: Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee strives to build a more thriving and inclusive community — today and for generations to come — by transforming thoughtful generosity into positive change.

Ernest and Selma Rosenblum Fund for the Performing Arts

Ernest and Selma Rosenblum always valued music and the performing arts. Born in Chausy, Russia, Ernest and Selma immigrated to Nashville, Tenn. in the early 1900s. Ernest was an accomplished violinist, Selma played the piano, and to the delight of their eight children, their house was always filled with music, song and dance. In 2008, Dr. Marvin J. Rosenblum, son of Ernest and Selma, established the Fund in honor of his parents, who considered music and the performing arts a vital part of life and education.

While the arts play an integral part in the lives of Middle Tennesseans, exposure and education are a constant priority to maintain that. From grand orchestras to a theater in the heart of a small town, the spirit of Ernest and Selma Rosenblum can be heard and felt across Middle Tennessee. The tradition of the Rosenblum family is carried on so others can be as enriched as they were.

The Community Foundation encourages grant requests for program/project support. 

Funding Goals

• Support for Performing, Musical, and/or Related Arts

Nonprofits may request grants up to a maximum of $15,000.

Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee

For over 30 years, Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee (CFMT) has been driving meaningful, positive change in our community.

We do this by bringing together those who want to help and those who need help. Through the power of collective philanthropy, our goal is to amplify donor intent while remaining flexible enough to ensure that resources are directed to where they can do the greatest good.

We know the greater Nashville area. We understand its neighborhoods, its most pressing challenges, its unsung nonprofit heroes, and its emerging partnerships with the greatest potential. As our region continues to rapidly change, that knowledge gives us a unique vantage point to bring people and places together to do what none of us can do on our own—build a more thriving and inclusive community.

Mission: Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee strives to build a more thriving and inclusive community — today and for generations to come — by transforming thoughtful generosity into positive change.

The Sports Fund

The Sports Fund exists to help ensure that children across this community can become part of activities using a team approach, such as sports, teams, troupes, to keep children and youth out of trouble, particularly in the critical afterschool hours

Funding Goals

• Organizations with programs using a team approach which provide children and youth with a sense of belonging and hope.

Nonprofits may request grants up to a maximum of $5,000.

Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee

For over 30 years, Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee (CFMT) has been driving meaningful, positive change in our community.

We do this by bringing together those who want to help and those who need help. Through the power of collective philanthropy, our goal is to amplify donor intent while remaining flexible enough to ensure that resources are directed to where they can do the greatest good.

We know the greater Nashville area. We understand its neighborhoods, its most pressing challenges, its unsung nonprofit heroes, and its emerging partnerships with the greatest potential. As our region continues to rapidly change, that knowledge gives us a unique vantage point to bring people and places together to do what none of us can do on our own—build a more thriving and inclusive community.

Mission: Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee strives to build a more thriving and inclusive community — today and for generations to come — by transforming thoughtful generosity into positive change.

The Women’s Fund

The Women’s Fund, an endowment fund within the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, is dedicated to fund long-term solutions to transform the lives of women and girls in Middle Tennessee.

Funding Goals:

• Increase Economic self-sufficiency for women;
• Improve strategies for the prevention of violence against women and girls;
• Promotion of health, well-being, and talent of women and girls.

The Women’s Fund grants:

• Are classified as unrestricted operating support. Funds may be used at the discretion of the organization to cover any costs necessary to carry out its core mission and programs within one of The Women’s Fund focus areas.

• Have a maximum grant award of $20,000 for organizations 3 years or older. Organizations under 3 years old may request up to a maximum of $5,000.

• Are prioritizing support for organizations with a total operating budget of less than $3,000,000.

• Are prioritizing support for organizations with the significant majority (75% or more) of its work focused on women and/or girls.

Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee

For over 30 years, Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee (CFMT) has been driving meaningful, positive change in our community.

We do this by bringing together those who want to help and those who need help. Through the power of collective philanthropy, our goal is to amplify donor intent while remaining flexible enough to ensure that resources are directed to where they can do the greatest good.

We know the greater Nashville area. We understand its neighborhoods, its most pressing challenges, its unsung nonprofit heroes, and its emerging partnerships with the greatest potential. As our region continues to rapidly change, that knowledge gives us a unique vantage point to bring people and places together to do what none of us can do on our own—build a more thriving and inclusive community.

Mission: Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee strives to build a more thriving and inclusive community — today and for generations to come — by transforming thoughtful generosity into positive change.

CFMT William N. Rollins Fund for the Arts

Bill Rollins’ passion was the breathtaking and intricate collages he created from origami paper. A Nashville native, Bill graduated from University School, attended college in Massachusetts, and then lived in Boston working in art galleries, staging art shows and painting. After returning to Nashville to continue pursuing his artistic dream, he was diagnosed with a terminal illness. He worked with his family and his advisors to create a legacy for himself and a continuing source of funding for the arts he loved.

Funding Goals

• Support primarily for Visual Arts programs
• Support for Arts Education programs
• Support for Art Therapy programs

Nonprofits may request grants up to a maximum of $15,000.

First Horizon Foundation

Through the First Horizon Foundation we are constantly investing in organizations across our footprint that do important work every day to make the places we serve better and stronger.

Contributions from the Foundation include the following areas.

• Arts and Culture
• Education & Leadership
• Environment
• Financial Literacy
• Health & Human Services

Our contributions are targeted to strengthen these pillars of the communities we serve:

• Improving the well-being of our communities
• Investing in the financial future
• Educating and developing the next generation of leaders
• Promoting excellence and enrichment in the arts
• A more sustainable tomorrow and future

About the Holloway Family Foundation

Located in North Central Texas, the Holloway Family Foundation was founded onthe core values of its founders, Graham and Carolyn Holloway, and continues to be driven by these principles today. The personal experience of drastically altering their financial circumstances through a good job, elevating their sense of self-worth via the arts and benefitting from a transformative relationship with a mentor were all components that molded Graham and Carolyn’s lives. Today, the foundation carries on their unique story in an effort to provide similar opportunities to others.

Our Mission

To enhance the quality of life for people in our communities regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation or religion through:

• a comprehensive and holistic approach to financial security
• creative expression for children and youth from under resourced communities
• mentorship focused on individual development

General Funding Areas

• Pathways to financial stability through workforce development
• Creative expression for children from under resourced communities
• Mentorship for youth development

At the Holloway Family Foundation, we focus our philanthropic efforts in three intentional ways that speak to our family’s heritage.

Creative expression for children from under resourced communities

With Carolyn’s influence, the Holloway Family Foundation trusts in the transformative power of individual expression and acknowledges the multi-faceted developmental benefits for children who participate in artistic endeavors. Therefore, the foundation proudly supports non-profits that bring creative opportunities to families who are not in a position to provide them to their children on their own.

Pathways to financial stability through workforce development

Because of the founder’s strong work ethic and his intrinsic belief in the inherent value of work, the Holloway Family Foundation focuses on funding programs that provide career development training for individuals who otherwise would not have access to those prospects. The foundation recognizes that having a living-wage job not only provides economic stability to individuals and their families, but also gives people a sense of personal worth that comes from contributing to the greater good of society as a whole.

Youth mentorship

Readily admitting the powerful impact of a personal mentor during his youth, Graham actively sought opportunities to serve in this capacity for others throughout his life. For this reason, the foundation embraces one-on-one mentorship programs whose goals are to influence young people who are in need of guidance, often due to circumstances beyond their control.

About Us

For over 30 years, Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee (CFMT) has been driving meaningful, positive change in our community. We do this by bringing together those who want to help and those who need help. Through the power of collective philanthropy, our goal is to amplify donor intent while remaining flexible enough to ensure that resources are directed to where they can do the greatest good.

We know the greater Nashville area. We understand its neighborhoods, its most pressing challenges, its unsung nonprofit heroes, and its emerging partnerships with the greatest potential. As our region continues to rapidly change, that knowledge gives us a unique vantage point to bring people and places together to do what none of us can do on our own—build a more thriving and inclusive community.

Mission

Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee strives to build a more thriving and inclusive community — today and for generations to come — by transforming thoughtful generosity into positive change.

A.D. and Peggy Hewlett and Colonel David R. Inman Medical Scholarship

To create a legacy for their parents and Colonel David R. Inman, Steve Hewlett, Pam Inman and Faye Houston established this Fund to honor their caring and compassionate concern for others, their belief in the importance of a good education, their commitment to nurturing the thirst for knowledge, and their dedication to providing a foundation on which others might build a career in health care. Those who will benefit are: students planning to enter the field of nursing as LPN, RN or Nurse Practitioner; pharmacy or physical therapy; and all those who will be comforted and cared for as a result.

About Us

For over 30 years, Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee (CFMT) has been driving meaningful, positive change in our community. We do this by bringing together those who want to help and those who need help. Through the power of collective philanthropy, our goal is to amplify donor intent while remaining flexible enough to ensure that resources are directed to where they can do the greatest good.

We know the greater Nashville area. We understand its neighborhoods, its most pressing challenges, its unsung nonprofit heroes, and its emerging partnerships with the greatest potential. As our region continues to rapidly change, that knowledge gives us a unique vantage point to bring people and places together to do what none of us can do on our own—build a more thriving and inclusive community.

Mission

Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee strives to build a more thriving and inclusive community — today and for generations to come — by transforming thoughtful generosity into positive change.

Bishop Joseph and Stephaine Walker Scholarship

Bishop Joseph and Stephaine Walker Scholarship Fund benefits African-American students from Middle Tennessee (having lived here no less than one year), with a GPA of no less 2.5, and with a history of community service. Each year, no more than two to five scholarships can go to graduate students pursuing advanced degrees.

About Us

For over 30 years, Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee (CFMT) has been driving meaningful, positive change in our community. We do this by bringing together those who want to help and those who need help. Through the power of collective philanthropy, our goal is to amplify donor intent while remaining flexible enough to ensure that resources are directed to where they can do the greatest good.

We know the greater Nashville area. We understand its neighborhoods, its most pressing challenges, its unsung nonprofit heroes, and its emerging partnerships with the greatest potential. As our region continues to rapidly change, that knowledge gives us a unique vantage point to bring people and places together to do what none of us can do on our own—build a more thriving and inclusive community.

Mission

Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee strives to build a more thriving and inclusive community — today and for generations to come — by transforming thoughtful generosity into positive change.

Blakeford Scholarship Fund

The Residents of Blakeford established the Blakeford Scholarship for team members and their dependents to honor the dedication and commitment of the team members at Blakeford, Inc. to the residents. Residents appreciate the employees’ work and want to provide opportunities to assist employees in continuing their training or education. The scholarship may assist any team members (part or full-time) or their legal dependent to seek additional training or education.

About Us

For over 30 years, Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee (CFMT) has been driving meaningful, positive change in our community. We do this by bringing together those who want to help and those who need help. Through the power of collective philanthropy, our goal is to amplify donor intent while remaining flexible enough to ensure that resources are directed to where they can do the greatest good.

We know the greater Nashville area. We understand its neighborhoods, its most pressing challenges, its unsung nonprofit heroes, and its emerging partnerships with the greatest potential. As our region continues to rapidly change, that knowledge gives us a unique vantage point to bring people and places together to do what none of us can do on our own—build a more thriving and inclusive community.

Mission

Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee strives to build a more thriving and inclusive community — today and for generations to come — by transforming thoughtful generosity into positive change.

B’nai B’rith Maimonides Lodge #46 Scholarship

As the oldest Jewish service organization in Nashville, B’nai B’rith Maimonides Lodge #46 has a long tradition of community service. This includes 38 years of hosting an annual summer camp for visually-impaired children of Middle Tennessee. In commemoration of the camp, B’nai B’rith Maimonides Lodge has established this Fund to provide assistance to students who are legally blind and plan to attend a post-secondary educational program.

About Us

For over 30 years, Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee (CFMT) has been driving meaningful, positive change in our community. We do this by bringing together those who want to help and those who need help. Through the power of collective philanthropy, our goal is to amplify donor intent while remaining flexible enough to ensure that resources are directed to where they can do the greatest good.

We know the greater Nashville area. We understand its neighborhoods, its most pressing challenges, its unsung nonprofit heroes, and its emerging partnerships with the greatest potential. As our region continues to rapidly change, that knowledge gives us a unique vantage point to bring people and places together to do what none of us can do on our own—build a more thriving and inclusive community.

Mission

Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee strives to build a more thriving and inclusive community — today and for generations to come — by transforming thoughtful generosity into positive change.

Brandon Key Scholarship Fund

The Brandon Key Scholarship Fund was established in memory of a young man best known for his commitment to his community, volunteering for causes that were most important to him, and interest in human and civil rights. In addition to serving others, Brandon was a terrific athlete and thespian. During his high school years at Montgomery Bell Academy, he was involved with a variety of teams, clubs, and activities – namely football, wrestling, lacrosse, debate, and theater.

About Us

For over 30 years, Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee (CFMT) has been driving meaningful, positive change in our community. We do this by bringing together those who want to help and those who need help. Through the power of collective philanthropy, our goal is to amplify donor intent while remaining flexible enough to ensure that resources are directed to where they can do the greatest good.

We know the greater Nashville area. We understand its neighborhoods, its most pressing challenges, its unsung nonprofit heroes, and its emerging partnerships with the greatest potential. As our region continues to rapidly change, that knowledge gives us a unique vantage point to bring people and places together to do what none of us can do on our own—build a more thriving and inclusive community.

Mission

Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee strives to build a more thriving and inclusive community — today and for generations to come — by transforming thoughtful generosity into positive change.

Brown Center for Autism: Benjamin M. Liske Scholarship Fund

At the tender age of 23 months-old, Benjamin (Ben) MacArthur Liske was diagnosed with “severe autism, probable cognitive deficits, & significant sensory processing disorder” on April 23, 2002. On April 23, 2016, 15 year-old Ben was preparing to graduate (two full years early) from University School of Nashville as a National Merit Scholar Finalist with a multitude of full scholarship offers to pursue his two passions–Mathematics and Music.

The Brown Center for Autism, a nonprofit, 501(c)3 organization began here in Nashville on August 4, 2008. The mission of the Brown Center? “To help realize the potential of young children with Autism Spectrum Disorders through individualized and collaborative treatment, and parent and community education.” It was no accident that the Brown Center’s mission and model almost identically mirrored the early intervention program developed for Ben by his mother in rural Eastern Kentucky in 2002 out of sheer desperation and a profound lack of financial and therapeutic resources.

From 2008-2017, families from all over of Middle Tennessee, 14 U.S. states, and three foreign countries received comprehensive, wrap-around services through the Brown Center; hundreds of organizations and professionals received extensive training; and thousands of aspiring college students received top-notch internship and fieldwork opportunities—going forward as clinicians to serve thousands more. Today, the model design and research generated through the Brown Center lives on to help inform a statewide standard of care that can one day make comprehensive early intervention for Autism both affordable and maximally effective; helping every young person impacted by Autism realize an opportunity to one day pursue their passions.

In August 2017, the Brown Center Board of Directors unanimously voted to establish a scholarship fund in keeping with the legacy of the Brown Center for Autism, the vision of its Founder (Juli C. Liske), and its ultimate inspiration…Ben Liske.

About Us

For over 30 years, Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee (CFMT) has been driving meaningful, positive change in our community. We do this by bringing together those who want to help and those who need help. Through the power of collective philanthropy, our goal is to amplify donor intent while remaining flexible enough to ensure that resources are directed to where they can do the greatest good.

We know the greater Nashville area. We understand its neighborhoods, its most pressing challenges, its unsung nonprofit heroes, and its emerging partnerships with the greatest potential. As our region continues to rapidly change, that knowledge gives us a unique vantage point to bring people and places together to do what none of us can do on our own—build a more thriving and inclusive community.

Mission

Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee strives to build a more thriving and inclusive community — today and for generations to come — by transforming thoughtful generosity into positive change.

Carolyn Morrison Scholarship Fund

During her life, Carolyn Morrison was a highly regarded math and economics teacher at Upperman High School, served as a member of the Tennessee Higher Education Commission and successfully began and ran a business with State Farm Insurance. One friend characterized her by saying, “She lived to make a difference, was faithful to her commitments, and intensely thoughtful about the actions required.” Another noted, “This County has lost a great citizen. She loved Cookeville and she loved life.” A third noted, “If Carolyn is for you, who can be against you.” At her death, on June 22, 2009, Carolyn’s family created this Fund in her memory.

About Us

For over 30 years, Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee (CFMT) has been driving meaningful, positive change in our community. We do this by bringing together those who want to help and those who need help. Through the power of collective philanthropy, our goal is to amplify donor intent while remaining flexible enough to ensure that resources are directed to where they can do the greatest good.

We know the greater Nashville area. We understand its neighborhoods, its most pressing challenges, its unsung nonprofit heroes, and its emerging partnerships with the greatest potential. As our region continues to rapidly change, that knowledge gives us a unique vantage point to bring people and places together to do what none of us can do on our own—build a more thriving and inclusive community.

Mission

Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee strives to build a more thriving and inclusive community — today and for generations to come — by transforming thoughtful generosity into positive change.

Catie Summers Scholarship Fund

Catie Summers was a daughter, a sister, a friend and a cancer warrior. She was born at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, on July 3, 1991, and grew up in Clarksville, Tennessee. Catie loved school, played softball, and was a black belt in karate. In April of 2004, at age of 12, she was diagnosed with a rare type of osteosarcoma, a bone cancer. While undergoing cancer chemotherapy and multiple surgeries, she maintained straight A’s in middle school and high school and was twice named to the Mid-State Band as a baritone player. The Clarksville High School HOPE Club raised money in her name through sales of ‘Viva Catie’ bracelets and donated the proceeds to the Lance Armstrong Foundation. Because of their efforts, she was able to ride alongside fellow cancer survivor Lance Armstrong at the 2005 Ride for the Roses. A few months later, the cancer metastasized to her spine, eventually paralyzing her. Catie fought valiantly to the end, dying at home on December 16, 2007. She touched the lives of many people with her humor and courage. To honor her love of learning, her family established this Scholarship for a graduating senior in Middle Tennessee with preference for the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System who has also battled cancer. Viva Catie!

About Us

For over 30 years, Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee (CFMT) has been driving meaningful, positive change in our community. We do this by bringing together those who want to help and those who need help. Through the power of collective philanthropy, our goal is to amplify donor intent while remaining flexible enough to ensure that resources are directed to where they can do the greatest good.

We know the greater Nashville area. We understand its neighborhoods, its most pressing challenges, its unsung nonprofit heroes, and its emerging partnerships with the greatest potential. As our region continues to rapidly change, that knowledge gives us a unique vantage point to bring people and places together to do what none of us can do on our own—build a more thriving and inclusive community.

Mission

Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee strives to build a more thriving and inclusive community — today and for generations to come — by transforming thoughtful generosity into positive change.

Choose Your Future Scholarship Fund

This anonymous donor believes passionately in the value of education for a life of choice and opportunity. She also believes no one should be denied the opportunity to fulfill his or her potential due to financial constraints. A native Nashvillian, the donor has established this mechanism for helping the students of Davidson County achieve their educational goals.

LP Foundation

At LP, we believe in Building a Better World™ by supporting the communities where we live and work. Our teams share their time and expertise to help build strong communities and provide help where it is needed most by giving money, shelter, and services to our neighbors, as well as protecting the environment, and enriching education to attract the new generation of manufacturers.

The LP Foundation was established just eight months after LP was founded and has since donated over $22 million to deserving nonprofits and public schools in the communities where we operate.

The LP Foundation was granted charitable status in 1973 and is recognized as a U.S. 501(c)(3) tax-exempt private foundation based in the United States. It is separate from but entirely funded by LP.

The Foundation is managed by a seven-member Board of Trustees—comprised entirely of LP team members appointed by the company’s chief executive officer to serve three-year terms.

Community Grants

One of our most popular programs, LP Foundation Community Grants are awarded to nonprofits and public schools where our team members live and work. Each North American LP facility decides where to direct its annual grants based on community needs and team member requests. Grants range from $10,000 to $20,000 depending on the size of our workforce at the local LP facility. With over 20 North American facilities, community grants account for most of the LP Foundation’s annual giving.

To support LP’s headquarters in Nashville, Tennessee, the LP Foundation supports 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and public schools that fall within our giving categories which are assessed annually by LP’s Executive Team. These giving areas include programs that provide new homes and home repairs to those in need, environmental programs primarily focused on forests, and programs to attract the next generation of manufacturers, foresters, and construction tradespeople with an emphasis on attracting greater diversity and fostering inclusion in our industry. Grants and sponsorships are awarded by the LP Foundation’s seven-member Board of Trustees annually and approved on the basis of merit and alignment with our giving areas. To learn more about the application process, click here.

SCC Nashville Grant Program

Speedway Children's Charities is dedicated to helping our next generation exceed expectations and ensuring every child has the same opportunities, no matter the obstacles they face. Our organization is dedicated to caring for children to help them lead productive lives. Through our various events and activities, we strive to raise funds and provide grants to nonprofit children's organizations in middle Tennessee. In 2024, SCC Nashville distributed over $80,000 to local organizations.

Impact 100 Nashville

Our mission is to inspire women to collectively invest in social transformation in Greater Nashville. Our vision is to grow a large, vibrant community of philanthropic women.

Focus Area

Impact100 Nashville recognizes non-profit organizations that seek to end the cycle of any debilitating condition, including but not limited to homelessness, poverty, addiction, hunger, illiteracy, human trafficking, recidivism, etc. We are seeking to award these grants to non-profit organizations that offer creative and innovative services to their populations and can show how the results of their services end the cycle for the communities they serve. For 2025, we will have two grant types available for consideration: the $100,000 Transformation and Innovation Grant, as well as two $35,000 Spark grants. For both grant types, we are seeking to award grants to nonprofits who have a sustainable plan to drive social transformation in Middle Tennessee by innovating on the current state, whether that’s new services, populations, or geographies.

Spark Grant Category

Spark Grants are designed to fund a specific, self-sustaining project that will address a problem within Middle Tennessee in a new or elevated way. Our Spark grant is designed to “spark” new innovations in organizations of any size. 

Impact 100 Nashville

Our mission is to inspire women to collectively invest in social transformation in Greater Nashville. Our vision is to grow a large, vibrant community of philanthropic women.

Focus Area

Impact100 Nashville recognizes non-profit organizations that seek to end the cycle of any debilitating condition, including but not limited to homelessness, poverty, addiction, hunger, illiteracy, human trafficking, recidivism, etc. We are seeking to award these grants to non-profit organizations that offer creative and innovative services to their populations and can show how the results of their services end the cycle for the communities they serve. For 2025, we will have two grant types available for consideration: the $100,000 Transformation and Innovation Grant, as well as two $35,000 Spark grants. For both grant types, we are seeking to award grants to nonprofits who have a sustainable plan to drive social transformation in Middle Tennessee by innovating on the current state, whether that’s new services, populations, or geographies.

Transformation and Innovation Category

Grant applications should seek to transform the Middle Tennessee community in an innovative way, generally focusing on a new program, approach, or project. Our Transformation and Innovation Grant is designed for organizations that have a more established presence in Middle Tennessee and need a larger dollar amount to generate transformative change

Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee

For over 30 years, Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee (CFMT) has been driving meaningful, positive change in our community. We do this by bringing together those who want to help and those who need help. Through the power of collective philanthropy, our goal is to amplify donor intent while remaining flexible enough to ensure that resources are directed to where they can do the greatest good.

We know the greater Nashville area. We understand its neighborhoods, its most pressing challenges, its unsung nonprofit heroes, and its emerging partnerships with the greatest potential. As our region continues to rapidly change, that knowledge gives us a unique vantage point to bring people and places together to do what none of us can do on our own—build a more thriving and inclusive community.

Mission: Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee strives to build a more thriving and inclusive community — today and for generations to come — by transforming thoughtful generosity into positive change.

Community Impact Grants

Community Impact Grants focus on three strategic priority areas that are essential for Middle Tennesseans to thrive and have a greater sense of belonging.

ARTS & CREATIVE CULTURE

We envision a Middle Tennessee where all artists and art lovers thrive, belong, and inspire. Therefore, our Arts and Creative Culture Grants will invest in and partner with nonprofit organizations committed to ensuring greater cultural participation and equitable access to artistic experiences.

CHILD/YOUTH DEVELOPMENT & EDUCATION

We envision a Middle Tennessee where children and youth can thrive, belong, and reach their full potential. Therefore, our Child/Youth Development and Education Grants will support nonprofit organizations or networks that implement holistic approaches to address the diverse needs of young people’s overall growth, success, and lifelong resilience – inside and outside of school.

POSITIVE MENTAL HEALTH

We envision a Middle Tennessee where all residents thrive, belong, and experience positive mental health and well-being. Our Positive Mental Health Grants will support nonprofit organizations that provide mental and behavioral health services for vulnerable populations, especially children and youth, seniors, disabled/differently-abled communities, and caregivers.

Grant Request

Community Impact Grants are classified as unrestricted operating support. Funds can be used at the discretion of the organization to cover any costs necessary to carry out its core missional work within one of CFMT’s focus areas. Applicants may only apply to ONE focus area. Please choose the focus area that best describes your organization’s mission-aligned work. Grant awards are for a one-year term and requests must stay within our guidelines based upon the total size of the organization’s operating budget