Established 2013

The Chief Cares Charitable Fund at the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee was established by Eric and Katherine Church in 2013 to serve those in need and strengthen communities through compassion, action, and long-term investment.

Thus far, donations to the Chief Cares Fund have provided support to underprivileged families and children throughout Tennessee and Eric’s home state of North Carolina.

Around the country and across the world, funds have been utilized to supply beds and clothing to an orphanage in Nepal; create educational opportunities for children that otherwise would never have the chance to go to school; deliver bibles and aid to Haiti; provide financial assistance to the Humane Society’s no-kill animal shelters; and to support other efforts close to Eric and Katherine’s hearts.

In September 2024, to respond to the historic devastation left in the wake of Hurricane Helene, Eric and Katherine expanded their philanthropic efforts and founded the nonprofit Blue Haven, a Chief Cares Mission. Blue Haven provides homes as a ‘hand up’ to Community Pillars – those who hold their communities together – so they can stay rooted in the places they love and strengthen them for generations to come.

To date, the Chief Cares Fund has granted more than $8 million to over 100 charitable organizations worldwide.