When Beth and Brad Jones first moved to Middle Tennessee, they felt a strong desire to give back to their new community. Over time, their giving spanned a variety of causes, from church initiatives to their children’s school and local nonprofits. The couple soon realized their potential to make a more intentional and lasting impact which led them to establish the Beth and Brad Jones Fund at CFMT more than a decade ago.
For Brad, a cancer survivor, giving is personal. His journey through treatment shaped the family’s giving priorities, especially their support of Survivor Fitness and the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center — two organizations that offer essential resources for cancer survivors.
“We wanted our giving to reflect the challenges and triumphs we’ve experienced as a family,” explained Brad.
Beth’s professional life as the executive director of development at Vanderbilt University Medical Center also deeply influences the family’s giving strategy. For over 21 years, she has secured philanthropic support for the cancer center, further strengthening their commitment to cancer-related causes.
“I’ve seen firsthand the transformative impact of philanthropy in healthcare,” said Beth. “It’s something we want to continue supporting as a family.”.
Meanwhile, Brad has worked for Dell, Inc. for more than two decades as a corporate sales executive. He credits the company’s generous matching program with enabling their family to maximize the impact of their giving.
“Dell’s commitment to being a good community partner makes it easy for employees to double their impact,” he said. “It’s allowed us to grow our fund and support causes that are meaningful to us and our community.”
The couple also places great importance on involving their children — Parker, Ben, and Jett — in their philanthropy. From volunteering at events to discussing which organizations to support, the Jones family approaches giving as a collective effort.
“We want our kids to understand the importance of giving back and to see themselves as part of the community,” noted Brad.
Their “varsity philanthropies,” as The Jones affectionately call them, are closely tied to their values and personal experiences. In addition to Survivor Fitness and Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, the Jones family provides support to Nashville Public Radio. In fact, their connection to WPLN has become a cherished family tradition, with lively backseat discussions and a memorable Christmas trip to NPR headquarters.
Through their fund, the Jones family exemplifies how thoughtful giving can create a legacy that extends far beyond their immediate community, inspiring the next generation of philanthropists.
“Our goal is to continue growing the fund while raising our children to carry on the tradition of giving,” said Brad.
