[Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee](https://www.cfmt.org)

February 15, 2026 (Extended Special Interest Grants) | May 31, 2026 (2026 Special Interest Grant cycle)

Up to $15,000 per award; typically for one-year projects.

Supports Middle Tennessee nonprofits advancing animal care, humane education, pet retention, and therapeutic animal programs for lasting community impact.

--- ## Description This grant opportunity, offered by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, is designed to support nonprofit initiatives that improve animal welfare across Middle Tennessee. Funding is available for projects that expand access to veterinary care (including spay/neuter services), provide humane education, sponsor pet retention programs for low-income families, create safe havens for animals awaiting adoption, and promote the therapeutic use of animals. The goal is to make a meaningful and lasting impact on animal welfare and humane education in the region. --- ## Due Dates - **February 15, 2026:** Extended Special Interest Grants submission deadline (Animal Welfare) - **May 31, 2026:** Application deadline for 2026 Special Interest Grant cycle (Animal Welfare) --- ## Funding Amount - **Maximum request:** Up to $15,000 per organization. - **Duration:** Typically for projects running July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027. - Awards are competitive and aim to support impactful, one-year initiatives. --- ## Eligibility - **Who can apply:** - 501(c)(3) public charities with a current, complete profile on [GivingMatters.com](https://www.cfmt.org/givingmatters/nonprofits-training/) - Government entities (e.g., libraries, public schools, municipal departments) are eligible and exempt from the GivingMatters.com profile requirement. - **Geographic focus:** Programs must serve Middle Tennessee communities. - **Project focus:** Proposals must clearly address animal welfare, humane education, or related support services as described in the funding goals. - **Additional requirements:** Organizations may apply for multiple Special Interest Grants if eligible for each. --- ## Application Process 1. **Confirm Eligibility:** Ensure your organization is a 501(c)(3) public charity with a current GivingMatters.com profile, or a qualifying government entity. 2. **Register on the Grants Portal:** All applicants must create a new account in [CFMT’s Grants Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=cfmt). 3. **Prepare Application:** Review the [Special Interest Grants Guidelines (PDF)](https://www.cfmt.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2026-SpecialInterestGuidelines_r123125.pdf) and use the [Sample Application (PDF)](https://www.cfmt.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/SAMPLE_Special-Interest-Grant-Application.pdf) as a reference. 4. **Submit Application:** Log into the Grants Portal, select the Animal Welfare opportunity, and complete the application by the appropriate deadline. - [Apply Now for Animal Welfare](https://www.grantinterface.com/sl/gPWjuM) 5. **Reporting:** If awarded, a final report is required, typically integrated into the next application cycle. If not reapplying, a brief final report may be required separately. --- ## Additional Information - **Use of Funds:** Grant funds must be used solely for the purposes outlined in the application. No lobbying or electioneering activities are allowed. - **Unused Funds:** Any unused funds over $100 must be returned. - **Transparency:** Grant impact reports may be published on CFMT’s website for public transparency. - **Support:** CFMT provides resources such as a [Grantee Toolkit](https://www.cfmt.org/nonprofits/additional-grant-opportunities/additional-grant-opportunities-grantee-toolkit/) and monthly office hours for GivingMatters profile assistance. --- ## External Links - [CFMT Additional Grant Opportunities](https://www.cfmt.org/nonprofits/additional-grant-opportunities/) - [Special Interest Grants Guidelines (PDF)](https://www.cfmt.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2026-SpecialInterestGuidelines_r123125.pdf) - [Sample Application (PDF)](https://www.cfmt.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/SAMPLE_Special-Interest-Grant-Application.pdf) - [GivingMatters Nonprofit Resource Guide](https://www.cfmt.org/givingmatters/nonprofits-training/) - [Apply via Grants Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/sl/gPWjuM) - [Grantee Toolkit](https://www.cfmt.org/nonprofits/additional-grant-opportunities/additional-grant-opportunities-grantee-toolkit/) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Title | Email | Phone | Contact Page | |------------------|----------------------|-----------------------------------|---------------|------------------------------------------------------| | Laundrea Lewis | Grants Senior Manager| [givingback@cfmt.org](mailto:givingback@cfmt.org) | 615-321-4939 | [CFMT Contact](https://www.cfmt.org/contact/) | | GivingMatters Support | Manager | [givingmatters@cfmt.org](mailto:givingmatters@cfmt.org) | 615-321-4939 | [GivingMatters Contact](https://www.cfmt.org/givingmatters/nonprofits-training/) | ---

Animal Welfare

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