CFMT Financial Management & Investment Strategy
Our Commitment to Financial Stewardship
At the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, we know that every dollar entrusted to us represents hope, purpose, and the desire to make a difference.
That’s why we’re committed to transparency, long-term sustainability, and thoughtful investment practices that honor our donors’ intent and strengthen our community for years to come.
Through our partnership with Marquette Associates, a nationally recognized, independent investment consultant, as well as other trusted independent investment advisors, we bring together expertise and care. Together, we manage charitable assets with clarity, discipline, and an unwavering focus on growing impact across Middle Tennessee.
How We Manage Your Funds
The Marquette Pool
With Marquette Associates, we steward funds across diversified portfolios shaped by three guiding goals:
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Preserving capital to support long-term philanthropic missions
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Balancing growth and risk through disciplined, diversified strategies
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Maximizing impact by integrating sustainable and responsible investing practices.
Marquette-Advised Funds
$372,799
1,521 funds
Diversified Fund Oversight
While Marquette Associates serves as our primary investment advisor, guiding the majority of our pooled fund strategy, we also work with a number of independent investment advisors who manage assets for specific donors and high net worth funds. This collaborative approach allows us to honor donor intent while maintaining strong oversight and performance. All funds, whether advised by Marquette or an independent advisor, are part of our collective mission to grow charitable resources and maximize impact in our community.
Independently-Advised Funds
$409,671
114 funds
Total Combined Funds
$782,470
1,155 funds
Note: “Independent investment managers” refers to advisors overseeing donor-specific funds outside of the Marquette pool, operating under CFMT’s oversight and investment policy.
Every investment decision is made with rigor and intention so your giving can keep making a difference, now and for generations to come.
Stewardship Summary under Marquette
All numbers up to date as of July 2025.
| Portfolio | 1 Mo | 3 Mo | 1 Yr | 3 Yrs | 5 Yrs | 7 Yrs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strategic Growth | 3.2 | 8.0 | 11.1 | 11.0 | 8.1 | 7.0 |
| Moderate | 3.2 | 6.5 | 11.8 | 11.2 | 8.5 | 7.5 |
| Conservative | 2.6 | 5.1 | 10.2 | 9.0 | 6.2 | 6.2 |
| Year | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strategic Growth | 10.5 | 13.8 | -14.6 | 11.2 | 11.9 | 19.8 | -5.6 | 14.5 |
| Moderate | 10.5 | 13.8 | -14.6 | 11.2 | 11.9 | 19.8 | -5.6 | 14.5 |
| Conservative | 10.5 | 13.8 | -14.6 | 11.2 | 11.9 | 19.8 | -5.6 | 14.5 |
The total return objective is to meet or exceed a 5% annual return in excess of the Consumer Price Index over a market cycle. Return is defined as income plus realized and unrealized capital appreciation minus investment management fees or performance net of investment management fees.
CFMT’s Investments
About 
CFMT partners with Marquette Associates to guide our investment strategy with integrity and expertise.
Marquette helps us:
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Design and manage diversified portfolios
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Monitor performance and manage risk
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Provide transparent, client-first advice aligned with our mission
This partnership helps ensure that the generosity of our donors remains a force for good—today and in the future.
Download Financial Documents
To view all our financial documents, including Form 990s and audit documents, visit Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee’s GivingMatters profile.
