Community Impact Grants

Announcement and Changes for 2026-2027 Community Impact Grants

Over the past couple of years, nonprofit partners across Middle Tennessee have consistently shared an important truth with us: meaningful community change takes time, steady partnership, and flexible support. At the same time, traditional annual grant cycles often create unnecessary uncertainty and administrative burden.

“We’ve heard that clearly, and we believe our grantmaking should evolve in response.”

As a result, CFMT is beginning to explore a more long-term, partnership-centered approach to Community Impact grantmaking.

Priorities guiding this transition

Greater stability

Longer commitments give nonprofit partners room to plan and execute on mission.

Lighter administrative load

Reducing repetitive paperwork so staff time goes back to the work that matters.

Deeper relationships

Creating space for ongoing conversation, shared learning, and real partnership.

Aligned with real timelines

Funding cycles that match the pace at which community change actually happens.

OUR VISION

A multiyear partnership model designed around how community change really works.

OUR PATH FORWARD

What this means in practice

FOR CURRENT GRANTEESA Streamlined RenewalCurrent Community Impact grantees in good standing will be invited into a simplified renewal process for the 2026–2027 fiscal year — no full reapplication required while CFMT prepares the launch of the updated multiyear model in 2027.

FOR PROSPECTIVE APPLICANTSA Pause For This CycleCFMT will not open a new competitive Community Impact grant cycle during the 2026–2027 fiscal year. Additional details about future Community Impact opportunities and timelines will be shared in Q1 2027.

WAYS TO STAY ENGAGEDOther Opportunities ContinueSpecial Interest Grants continue to operate annually each January, and CFMT remains responsive to emerging community needs and opportunities throughout the year as this work evolves.

We know thoughtful evolution requires listening, trust, and partnership. In the months ahead, we look forward to continuing conversations with nonprofit leaders and community partners as we shape this next chapter together.

“Nonprofits do their best work when they have greater stability, stronger relationships, and more time focused on mission rather than paperwork.”

We remain grateful for the partnership and trust nonprofit leaders continue to share with us as we shape this work together. We’ll have more to share in the first quarter of 2027, so check back then for updates.

STAY CLOSE TO THE CONVERSATION

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