Dear friends,
During my first year, I prioritized meeting with many people to understand their thoughts and hopes for our community foundation. These conversations were challenging, humbling, and inspiring. One question stood out: “You call yourself a community foundation, but how are you foundational to the community?” This question led me to ponder, “What is foundational to building community?”
Middle Tennessee is rapidly changing, bringing challenges like housing affordability, childcare shortages, and health disparities. No single entity can solve these alone. Solutions lie in communities that build trusting relationships, recognize everyone’s gifts, and believe in the possibility of change. Partnerships embodying these principles can achieve anything.
By embracing belonging, possibility, generosity, and relationships, we turn challenges into opportunities and become truly foundational to our community. The stories in this report showcase the positive impact we can achieve together. Thank you for your belief and partnership. We are grateful for our past and hopeful for our future.
Dear Friends,
During my first year in this role, I prioritized meeting with as many people as possible to hear their thoughts on community, the ever-evolving needs within it, and their hopes for this community foundation. Many of these conversations were challenging and a few were downright humbling. However, every single one was inspiring.
When I think about the hundreds of 1:1’s I had, one particular question stands out to this day: “You call yourself a community foundation, but how are you foundational to the community?”
It was a mic drop moment and I still walk around crafting different answers in my head. However, the more I thought about this question, the more another question emerged.
What is foundational to building community?
Whether you have been here for just a few months or your entire life, we all know how fast Middle Tennessee is changing. Every single week, it seems like we get a call or email from someone wanting to get together to talk about the challenges and deficits created by these changes—housing affordability, childcare shortages, health disparities, the new jobs that feel unattainable by those who live here, and on and on. It’s a daunting list, the solutions are complex, and there’s not a foundation, business, nonprofit organization or elected official who can solve any of them on their own.
The answers will only be found in community, but not just any community. They exist within communities that take the time to build trusting relationships and a deep sense of belonging. Communities that recognize we all have gifts to offer. Most importantly, communities that believe that change is truly possible. Show me a partnership where these four principles are alive and well, and I’ll show you a group that can make anything happen.
No matter the problem area, I believe that living out these principles will change that challenge to an opportunity, and in the process ensure that we truly are foundational to this community. The stories in this report offer a glimpse of what can happen when belonging, possibility, generosity, and relationships are our “how,” positive impact is our “why,” and you are our partner.
On behalf of the Board and staff of Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, thank you for believing in us and with us. We could not be more grateful for the past we have shared or more hopeful for the possibilities that lie in our future.
With deep appreciation,
For our 2023 Annual Report, we decided to share stories of healing, hospitality, connection, and growth. Each one of these are the byproduct of a healthy social fabric, sprouting from the cracks and crevices of four forces with the power to help our community to not just function, but flourish.
The Quality of Relationships.
We believe that the strength of a community is tied to the depth of relationships and the trust and cohesion that exists among all members. It is only when we are connected and sincerely care for everyone’s wellbeing that a healthy and thriving community is created.
The Sense of Belonging.
Belonging is the feeling of being accepted, seen, and valued for who you are. We know that when people feel like they belong, they are more likely to show up, share of themselves, and actively contribute to a community’s overall wellbeing and growth.
The Potential of Possibility.
While vision, goals, and purpose are important, we believe possibility—a declaration of what we want to create in the world each time we show up—is even more important. It is formed from small moments that ask, ‘what do we want to create, together?’
The Power of Generosity.
We believe that there is an inarguable connection between generosity and happiness. Whether it is through volunteering our time or sharing our resources, generosity is the bread and butter of feeling connected to others and to life. It is the fuel that moves us forward.”
Embracing Hospitality
Creating a bustling hub for Middle Tennessee’s greatest resource, its people
In April 2023, CFMT relocated to a stunning new campus at the corner of Belmont and Woodmont boulevards, made possible by generous donations from the Jane and Richard Eskind Family, The Frist Foundation, and the Truist Foundation. The new building boasts eco-friendly designs, including cross-laminated timber for carbon storage and community-friendly sidewalks. Inside, artwork reflecting CFMT’s values and diverse nonprofit partners creates an inspiring atmosphere.
The heart of the new headquarters lies in its meticulously designed meeting spaces: the Frist Foundation Board Room, the Building Bridges Education and Training room, and the Truist Conference room. These rooms are crafted to enhance communication, education, and collaboration.
Since moving in, CFMT has transformed its headquarters into a vibrant community hub, with 167 nonprofits and over 7,000 individuals using the meeting spaces for 271 events since May 2023. This initiative has fostered deeper community bonds and a sense of belonging among visitors. The welcoming environment, supported by dedicated staff, has empowered nonprofits and community leaders, enhancing CFMT’s mission and impact.
From Vision to Vibrancy
The Impact of Imagine Nashville and The Village on Nashville’s Future
In Nashville, two community-focused initiatives, Imagine Nashville and The Village, are demonstrating the power of collective action and shared visions in driving substantial community development. Imagine Nashville launched in 2023 to reshape the city through the input of its residents. This program drew insights from over 10,000 locals through a survey, guided by a 26-member steering committee, including Dr. Alex Jahinger, Renata Soto, and Rev. Dr. John Faison. This broad engagement allowed for a wide range of ideas to be transformed into strategic plans for the city, emphasizing mutual support and the importance of every contribution.
On the other hand, The Village has made significant strides in supporting Black-led organizations by providing an incubation space to foster growth and sustainability. This initiative focuses on connecting leaders from underserved communities with necessary resources and support, enhancing their capacity to serve and impact the community effectively.
Both programs underscore the crucial role of engagement in community transformation, advocating for reimagined social structures that leverage individual and collective strengths. As they progress, they have sparked a cycle of generosity and innovation, leading to tangible improvements in neighborhood vitality, housing, education, and infrastructure. The ongoing success of Imagine Nashville and The Village signals a shift towards a more inclusive and dynamic future, illustrating what can be achieved when a community unites around its goals and values.
Appalachian Echoes
Senora and Tyler Childers’ Legacy of Resilience and Community Uplift
Senora and Tyler Childers’ lives embody the powerful belief that understanding one’s roots is crucial for progress. Growing up in rural Appalachia, their deep connection to their heritage is evident in their music and community efforts.
During the pandemic, they established two funds at the Community Foundation, including the Hickman Holler Appalachian Endowed College Fund, which supports Appalachian students. Their philanthropic journey also includes the Hickman Holler Appalachian Relief Fund, aiding communities in Appalachia and Native American projects nationwide.
By leveraging music royalties, the Childers fund significant initiatives, including the Native American Indian Association of Tennessee. Their story highlights the resilience and culture of Appalachia, emphasizing the importance of giving back and creating a brighter, inclusive future.
Resilience Rising
A Tale of Tragedy and Triumph in Nashville
March 27, 2023, is a date that will forever haunt Nashvillians as an active shooter at The Covenant School claimed the lives of six individuals, including third graders Evelyn Dieckhaus, William Kinney, and Hallie Scruggs, and staff members Mike Hill, Katherine Koonce, and Cynthia Peak. In the wake of this tragedy, the community’s response was a powerful testament to compassion and solidarity.
Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee (CFMT) established the Caring for Covenant Fund, receiving over $2.3 million in donations nationwide. An advisory committee, led by Chair Matthew Fleming and including experts and community members, guided the distribution of these funds, emphasizing empathy and shared responsibility. The National Compassion Fund received $1,699,534.20 to support 186 individuals, while The Covenant School was granted $299,917.80 for essential services. The Covenant Heals initiative, funded with $275,000, has provided over 1,400 counseling sessions for those affected.
In December, tragedy struck again as eight tornadoes ravaged Middle Tennessee, claiming six more lives. CFMT and United Way of Greater Nashville collaborated on disaster response, directing funds to affected areas. Taylor Swift’s $1 million donation to CFMT’s Tennessee Emergency Response Fund highlighted the power of kindness and community. These efforts underscore the importance of unity and support in healing after crises.
OUR RENEWED COMMITMENT
In 2023, CFMT embarked on a journey to redefine its mission, vision, and values to better reflect its commitment to the community. This comprehensive effort involved engaging with stakeholders – staff, donor and nonprofit partners, and community leaders — gathering diverse perspectives and aligning on a shared direction for the future. The process was rooted in deep listening, learning, and collaboration, ensuring that the new guiding principles would resonate with and support the community’s needs and aspirations.
Mission
“To build a more thriving and inclusive community — today and for generations to come — by transforming thoughtful generosity into positive change.”
Vision
“We aspire to be the most trusted and valued partner, connector, solution seeker and servant leader, for those who share our commitment to build a more thriving and inclusive community.”
Values
- Seek to understand “the why.”
- Acknowledge every voice has meaning.
- Recognize that questions are more powerful than statements.
- Encourage and seek opportunities to grow and be challenged.
- Share information widely, intentionally, and openly.
- Communicate with kind and bold honesty.
- Be impeccable with your word.
- Set clear boundaries and expectations.
- Envision the best for myself and others.
- Offer dependable and timely support.
- Participate with curiosity and commitment.
- Be Present. Be a Presence.
- Recognize and celebrate unique gifts and strengths.
- Connect people with the opportunities needed to thrive.
- Lean into flexibility.
- Build inclusion into everyday experiences.
CFMT partners with donors to make a lasting impact. Whether your goals are to support a beloved nonprofit or find new and innovative solutions to our community’s most pressing challenges, we provide you with the connections and expertise to bring your charitable aspirations to life.
Nonprofit partners play a vital role in strengthening our community, and CFMT seeks to support and reinforce their impactful work through a variety of grantmaking opportunities. We are honored to invest in and partner with the agents and agencies of change who are working daily to address our most pressing issues.
Through CFMT’s various types of funds and our commitment to donor intent, financial gifts support nonprofit organizations, causes, and concerns in the Middle Tennessee community and beyond. Outside of our annual grantmaking process, CFMT’s fundholders direct their charitable gifts to lift what matters most to them.
Through our grantmaking initiatives, we have been able to fund and support projects that address some of our community’s most pressing challenges. This infographic serves as a testament to the collective effort and unwavering commitment to positive change.
AFFILIATE FUNDS
Designated to support a particular geographic area, be it a county, a community, or a specific region.
New Funds: 0
Total Funds: 12
Market Value of Fund Type:
$2.41 million
Fund Value Range:
$5,000-$1.35 million
AGENCY ENDOWMENT FUNDS
Established by nonprofits as a means of building charitable dollars for the future of their mission and work.
New Funds: 5
Total Funds: 145
Market Value of Fund Type:
$16.64 million
Fund Value Range:
$5,000-$2.68 million
DESIGNATED FUNDS
Ensure regular, endowed support in the form of a steady stream of income provided to specific charitable organizations the donors select.
New Funds: 12
Total Funds: 208
Market Value of Fund Type:
$41.07 million
Fund Value Range:
$5,000-$4.08 million
DONOR ADVISED FUNDS
Set aside charitable dollars when it is best for you, then over time make recommendations about the distribution of grants.
New Funds: 26
Total Funds: 713
Market Value of Fund Type:
$397.13 million
Fund Value Range:
$5,000-$106.55 million
EMPLOYEE CARE FUNDS
Create a charitable vehicle through which employees of participating companies who need assistance when facing serious personal financial hardship can apply for help.
New Funds: 6
Total Funds: 93
Market Value of Fund Type:
$9.14 million
Fund Value Range:
$5,000-$2.3 million
FIELD-OF-INTEREST FUNDS
Target support to broad areas of concern, such as education, the arts, the environment, youth services, the disabled, or geographic areas they choose.
New Funds: 8
Total Funds: 195
Market Value of Fund Type:
$94.16 million
Fund Value Range:
$5,000-$13.33 million
SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS
Help to further the education of students who are selected based on criteria donors outline, whether a student is from a particular geographic area, attending a certain school, or planning a career in a specific field.
New Funds: 8
Total Funds: 170
Market Value of Fund Type:
$22.85 million
Fund Value Range:
$10,000-$3.45 million
UNRESTRICTED IMPACT FUNDS
Provide the greatest flexibility, allowing the Community Foundation to respond to changing need and circumstance.
New Funds: 0
Total Funds: 24
Market Value of Fund Type:
$9.31 million
Fund Value Range:
$5,000-$2.38 million
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Adeline and Amelia Fund Alex and Laurie Nicholson Family Advised Fund Alyne Queener Massey Fund for Female Reproductive Health Arthur K and Sylvia S Lee Scholarship Foundation Fund Bean-Roulston Cemetery Endowment Fund BlueCross Healthy Place at Founders Park Maintenance Fund Bobette Dudley Scholarship Fund Caring for Covenant Fund Clay Blevins Charitable Fund Covenant Campus Fund December 2023 Tornado Transfer Account E&H Hardware Care Fund Erin and Kevin Rogus Fund Feedback Nashville Fund Friends of Aaittfama’ Archaeological Park Fund Friends of Covenant and our Nashville First Responders Fund Friends of South Cumberland State Parks Endowment Fund Friends of Stones River National Battlefield Endowment Fund Fund for Columbia State Community College Agriculture Program Fund for Maury County Fund for Maury County Public Library Fund for the benefit of Monteagle Sunday School Assembly H. Franklin Brooks Scholarship Fund Hallie Scruggs Fund Heart Like a Truck Helena Blevins Charitable Fund Housing Neighbors Fund Hylen Family Advised Fund Jack and Ellie Richmond Advised Fund Jackie Turner Scholarship Fund Jim and Linda Zralek Memorial Fund John B Garrett Masonic Lodge #711 F&AM Endowed Advised Fund Larry DeFrance Fund for Father Ryan Lacrosse Laurie Lawrence Fund Lebanon High School Football Fund Lucille Queener Courtney Fund for Domestic Abuse Mission Mutual Benevolence Fund |
Nashville African American and Civil Rights History Fund Nashville Visioning Project Fund Nashvillians for Smarter Growth Fund Nelnet Associate Caring Fund Papel Family Advised Fund Parental Alienation Study Group Endowment Fund Rachel Braun Fund Richland Country Club Scholarship Fund ScionHealth HOPE Fund Shirley and Martin Zeitlin Affordable Housing Fund Song Painter: The Mac Davis Fund for the Art of Songwriting Strength for Service Endowment Fund Tennessee Freedom Circle Education Fund Tennessee Municipal League Charitable Fund The 100 Day Challenge Fund The Biesman Family Advised Fund The Bonnie Davis Needham Fund The Buford Bonds Charitable Fund The Compadres Fund The Donald and Frances McDonald Endowed Scholarship Fund The Dr. Phil Ruben (DDS) Smile Endowment Fund The Easom, Poag and Grimes Family Fund The Hawkins Family Caring for Children Fund The Hawkins Family Education Fund The Head Down Eyes Up Fund The Joe Widick Missions Scholarship Fund The Lindsey Alaina Davis Charitable Fund The Maine Chance Endowed Scholarship Fund The McGill Charity Fund The Mollie and Blake Brookshire Family Advised Fund The Offor Mercy Fund The Ruger Fund The True Value Employee Assistance Fund The Village Fund Vivienne and Amelia Benskin Fund Voices for a Safer Tennessee Community Education Fund Walter G Donaldson Jr and Liz Martin Outdoor Spaces Fund Window World Care Fund |
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Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee is guided by a dedicated Board of Directors committed to the highest standards of governance and fiduciary responsibility. Our board members bring a wealth of experience, diverse perspectives, and a shared passion for making a positive impact in our community.
Our Trustee’s Council provides strategic guidance, institutional knowledge, fund development, and networking opportunities.
View Board Members and Trustees
Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee is a nonprofit organization committed to creating a more inclusive and thriving community. We do this by identifying the challenges facing our region and bringing together resources and relationships to address them.
Through tools for long-term charitable giving and local expertise, donors can help make a lasting difference in our communities and with our communities. CFMT currently administers more than 1,600 charitable funds, manages more than $700 million in assets, and awards more than $60 million in grants and scholarships each year.
