Funds
As a community foundation, The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee is a tax-exempt public charity that enables people like you to easily and effectively support the issues and communities they care about. The Foundation consists of named funds established by many separate donors – individuals, families, corporations, and organizations – principally for the benefit of the Middle Tennessee area.
The distinction between giving “to” and giving “through” The Community Foundation is an important one. The Foundation is a tool to connect you with charitable causes that matter to you now and for helping you achieve your personal long-term philanthropic goals to enhance the quality of life in the community.
Contributions of all sizes are welcomed. You may contribute to an existing fund, or you can set up your own fund with a gift of $5,000 or more.
Existing Funds (click one of the categories below for a full listing)
- unrestricted/discretionary funds
- affiliate funds
- animal welfare funds
- arts and art education funds
- award funds
- community funds
- corporate funds
- disaster response funds
- education funds
- health and human services funds
- historic and cultural preservation and environment funds
- donor-advised funds
So where should you begin?
First you consider what you want to achieve: Giving back to the community by creating an endowment to meet its future needs? Ensuring that a favorite cause or organization will receive support far into the future? Finding a cost efficient way to make corporate gifts? Maximizing tax advantages in any given year? Finding a way to involve family members in philanthropy? Remembering or honoring a loved one?
Next you consider the giving options and decide how and when you want to give: An outright gift such as cash, securities, or real estate? A deferred gift using a vehicle such as a trust, insurance policy or IRA? A bequest through your will?
Then, in consultation with you and/or with your professional advisor, The Community Foundation will help you design a flexible and personal charitable legacy. The Community Foundation makes it easy for you to connect generosity with need.