Grantmaking in Times of Disaster

During emergency response grantmaking, The Community Foundation works with volunteer community leaders and experts on the ground to determine how best to utilize the funds available.

The Foundation makes grants for all phases of a disaster: immediate relief, short-term recovery, and long-term recovery.

As the emergency response continues, it is important to recognize that the long-term recovery phase for a major emergency can last for years, and the impact of these long-term needs on nonprofits and those they serve will be considered in making grants.

Activating Emergency Grantmaking Procedures

Every disaster is different and, so too, are the responses. Flexibility and agility must be maintained.

Following an emergency event, The Foundation may contact nonprofits and other community leaders for assessment and information. The Foundation has authority to approve emergency grants, without application.

Additionally, when grant applications are available, nonprofits serving the community are notified by The Foundation and grant applications are then submitted by local nonprofits to The Community Foundation for specific disaster response needs.

Transparency is a critical component in disaster grantmaking. The Community Foundation requires grantees to provide detailed reports on how the grant supported disaster response needs. Those reports will be shared broadly throughout the community.

CFMT-Disaster-Response Fund How It Work

Accountability

Accountability is a cornerstone of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee’s role as a grantmaker. In this role, we are a steward of donated resources,...

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the money collected for disaster relief going? Every penny donated for disaster relief is going back into the community to help people affected...

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March 2020 Tornado, Christmas Day 2020 Bomb, March 2021 Flood

Discover financial and grantee information for March 2020 Tornado, the Christmas 2020 Bombing and the March 2021 Flood impacting Davidson County and beyond. When disaster...

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December 2021 Tornado Grantmaking

Unseasonal late-night tornadoes and high winds tore through parts of the South and Midwest on December 10 and 11, 2021. They produced a series of...

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December 2023 Tornado Grantmaking

In response to the devastating tornadoes that struck our region on December 9, 2023, Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee (CFMT) and United Way of Greater...

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Contact Information

Amy Fair

Amy Fair

Vice President, Donor Services

  • afair@cfmt.org
  • x102