Celebrate Black Philanthropy Month 2026

Join Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee for an evening of connection, recognition, and community-building during Black Philanthropy Month.

The Gamechangers Celebration: Marketplace & Mixer will bring together nonprofit leaders, fundholders, board members, philanthropists, and community partners from across Middle Tennessee. Guests will have the chance to build new relationships, discover Black-led organizations doing meaningful work, and connect with leaders who are shaping the future of our region.

2026 Gamechangers Celebration: Marketplace & Mixer

This gathering is designed to create connections that continue well beyond the event.

Nonprofit leaders can meet fundholders, board members, community partners, and fellow nonprofit professionals while introducing more people to their work and learning about organizations serving communities across Middle Tennessee.

Fundholders and donors can discover Black-led nonprofits, hear directly from community leaders, and identify new opportunities to support organizations and causes aligned with their giving interests.

Board members and community leaders can deepen their knowledge of the region’s nonprofit community, strengthen relationships across sectors, and connect with leaders who may become future partners, collaborators, or board prospects.

All guests will have the opportunity to:

• Meet Black-led nonprofits through an interactive community marketplace
• Connect with nonprofit leaders from across Middle Tennessee
• Network with the 2024, 2025, and 2026 Gamechanger classes
• Build relationships with philanthropists, fundholders, board members, and civic leaders
• Learn about new opportunities to give, serve, partner, and collaborate

Heavy hors d’oeuvres and drinks will be served.

Celebrating Middle Tennessee’s Gamechangers

The evening will honor the 2024 and 2025 Gamechangers classes and introduce the 2026 Gamechangers:

• Christina Griffin, Owner and Chief Executive Coach, Griffin Coaching and Consulting Group
• Edwina Freeman, CEO, DYMON
• Judge Stephanie Williams, Honorable Judge of the Fourth Circuit Court of Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County
• Karen Coffee, Vice President, Jefferson Street Sound Museum
• Pamela Sessions, CEO, Renewal House
• Rev. Dr. Omaràn Lee, Managing Director, Centers for Wellbeing
• Rev. Rocky Major, Senior Associate Chaplain and Director, Center for Spiritual and Religious Life
• Tanisha “Tee” Wilson, Founder and CEO, B.E. Academy for Girls

Event Details

Thursday, August 27, 2026
Celebration: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Program: 6 p.m.

ELM Nashville
614 Rep. John Lewis Way S.
Nashville, TN 37203

We kindly request your RSVP no later than 8/25. 

Celebrated each August, Black Philanthropy Month recognizes giving to and by people of African descent. The 2026 theme, Many Voices, One Movement, reflects the many ways individuals, families, nonprofits, businesses, and community leaders contribute to a shared vision for stronger and more connected communities.

Since 2019, CFMT has celebrated Black Philanthropy Month by highlighting Black leadership, connecting donors with Black-led organizations, and creating space for conversations about the future of giving in Middle Tennessee.

CFMT is committed to providing a welcoming and accessible experience. For questions or accommodation requests, please contact [email protected]