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

February 15, 2026 (extended deadline for all Special Interest Grants) | May 31, 2026 (Animal Welfare Grant application deadline)

Up to $15,000 per award; one-year grants; partial funding possible

Supports Middle Tennessee organizations advancing animal welfare, humane education, pet retention, and responsible pet ownership.

--- ## Description The Animal Welfare Grant, offered by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee (CFMT), funds nonprofit and government organizations working to improve the lives of animals and wildlife in Middle Tennessee. The grant supports projects that expand access to veterinary care, spay/neuter services, humane education, pet retention for low-income families, safe havens for adoptable pets, and programs that promote responsible pet ownership and animal-assisted therapy. The goal is to create meaningful and sustainable improvements in animal welfare and community education throughout the region. --- ## Due Dates - **February 15, 2026:** Extended submission deadline for all Special Interest Grants (including Animal Welfare) - **May 31, 2026:** Animal Welfare Grant application deadline (per Special Interest Grants Guidelines) All applicants must submit by the earlier of these two dates to be considered. --- ## Funding Amount - **Maximum Request:** Up to $15,000 per organization - **Grant Duration:** One year (program period July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027) - **Partial Funding:** CFMT may award less than the requested amount based on application review and available funds --- ## Eligibility - **Nonprofits:** Must be a 501(c)(3) public charity in good standing, based in or significantly serving Middle Tennessee, **and** have a current, complete profile on [GivingMatters.com](https://www.cfmt.org/givingmatters/nonprofits-training/) - **Government Entities:** Eligible (e.g., public schools, libraries, municipal departments); exempt from the GivingMatters.com profile requirement - **Geographic Focus:** Organizations must serve Middle Tennessee counties - **Other:** Faith-based organizations are eligible if the funded program serves the broader community and does not require religious participation --- ## Application Process 1. **Review Guidelines:** Carefully read the [Special Interest Grants Guidelines (PDF)](https://www.cfmt.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2026-SpecialInterestGuidelines_r123125.pdf) and ensure eligibility. 2. **Prepare Your Profile:** If a nonprofit, maintain an up-to-date GivingMatters.com profile. [Profile help and FAQ](https://www.cfmt.org/givingmatters/nonprofits-training/). 3. **Register & Apply:** All applicants (new and returning) must register a new account in the [CFMT Grants Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=cfmt). - [Applicant Tutorial](https://support.foundant.com/hc/en-us/articles/4479853059991-GLM-Applicant-Tutorial) available. - Application link for Animal Welfare: [Apply Now](https://www.grantinterface.com/sl/gPWjuM) 4. **Complete Application:** Provide a summary, narrative, budget, and required documentation. See [sample application (PDF)](https://www.cfmt.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/SAMPLE_Special-Interest-Grant-Application.pdf). 5. **Submit by Deadline:** Applications must be submitted online by February 15, 2026, or May 31, 2026 (whichever is earlier as applicable). 6. **Review & Awards:** Applications are reviewed February–June; awards and declinations sent June–July; funds processed in July. --- ## Additional Information - **Reporting:** Instead of a separate final report, grantees must include impact and expenditure details in their next grant application. If not reapplying, a brief report is required ([Final Report Form](https://cfmt.formstack.com/forms/specialinterestfinalrpt)). - **Grant Use:** Funds must be used for the purposes described in the application; changes require written CFMT approval. - **Partial Funding:** Requests may be partially funded. - **Nondiscrimination:** Grantees must not discriminate in programs funded by CFMT. - **Transparency:** Grant outcomes may be shared publicly by CFMT. --- ## External Links - [CFMT Special Interest 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) - [Animal Welfare Grant Application Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/sl/gPWjuM) - [GivingMatters Nonprofit Profile Info & Training](https://www.cfmt.org/givingmatters/nonprofits-training/) - [Sample Application (PDF)](https://www.cfmt.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/SAMPLE_Special-Interest-Grant-Application.pdf) - [GLM Applicant Tutorial](https://support.foundant.com/hc/en-us/articles/4479853059991-GLM-Applicant-Tutorial) - [Special Interest Grant FAQs](https://www.cfmt.org/nonprofits/additional-grant-opportunities/special-interest-grants-faqs/) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | Webpage | |-----------------------------|------------------------------------------|---------------|-------------------------------------------------| | Grants Senior Manager: Laundrea Lewis | [grants@cfmt.org](mailto:grants@cfmt.org) | 615-321-4939 | [CFMT Contact Page](https://www.cfmt.org/contact/) | | GivingMatters Profile Support | [givingmatters@cfmt.org](mailto:givingmatters@cfmt.org) | 615-321-4939 | [GivingMatters Info](https://www.cfmt.org/givingmatters/nonprofits-training/) | ---

Animal Welfare Grant

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