NASHVILLE, Tenn. — May 5, 2025 — Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee (CFMT), in partnership with the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, has launched The Belonging Fund, a new effort to support immigrants in Nashville during moments of crisis.
Our community’s strength lies in its diversity and the invaluable contributions of those who have chosen to make Nashville their home. Our immigrant neighbors power industries, enrich the city’s culture, and contribute to neighborhoods across the region. Yet, many face sudden and destabilizing challenges, often with little warning or support.
The Belonging Fund provides financial support to nonprofit organizations offering emergency assistance to immigrants in our region during times of crisis. These funds are intended for direct aid to individuals and families and are not used for organizational administrative costs.
Whether it’s housing instability, child care, transportation, food insecurity, or other urgent needs, the fund ensures support is available when it’s needed most. Nonprofit partners may recommend an immigrant family in need and receive funds to share with them in a time of crisis.
“Nashville is strongest when we look out for one another,” said Mayor Freddie O’Connell. “What’s clear today is that people who do not share our values of safety and community have the authority to cause deep community harm.”
“Their approach is not our understanding of what a Nashville for All of Us looks like, and we’re grateful to our community partners who make all of our residents feel welcome,” continued O’Connell. “The Belonging Fund is one way we can ensure that anyone who wants to can support people in our community so that they are met with support and solidarity, and all feel they are members of our community.”
The name of the fund is rooted in insights from Imagine Nashville, a citywide visioning initiative that gathered input from over 10,000 residents. Belonging emerged as one of Nashville’s most widely shared values, and the findings showed that seventy-five percent of Nashville’s Hispanic neighbors expressed a strong sense of belonging. This fund exists to reinforce that connection at a time when it may feel most at risk.
“Belonging is more than a feeling — it’s a sign of safety, stability, and community,” said Hal Cato, CEO of CFMT. “When immigrant families face a crisis, we want to ensure they’re not alone. This fund helps organizations on the ground respond quickly, compassionately, and effectively.”
All donations to the fund come from individual donors and private organizations — no government dollars are included. That means no taxpayer dollars are being used in the administration or distribution of the fund.
To help seed the new fund, the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition (TIRRC), Conexion Americas, and Tennessee Justice For Our Neighbors have committed more than $30,000 as initial contributors.
Partner organizations can use the fund flexibly to address urgent, unmet needs that put families at risk of falling further into crisis. From accessing a safe place to stay to covering transportation or groceries, the fund is designed to meet immediate needs.
“This moment requires action centered on human dignity,” said Lisa Sherman-Nikolaus, Executive Director of TIRRC.“The Belonging Fund shows that Nashville can be a place that chooses to care for its neighbors, regardless of where they were born.”
