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

January 31, 2027 (Special Interest Grants full-application deadline; annual cycle: applications open January 1–31)

Award maximums vary by fund: $5,000–$20,000; most grants up to $15,000; Women's Fund up to $20,000.

Programmatic grants for nonprofits and government entities in Middle Tennessee addressing targeted community needs in specific focus areas.

--- ## Description Special Interest Fund Grants from the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee provide programmatic support to organizations working within specific focus areas, such as animal welfare, arts, youth development, women's empowerment, education, and community leadership. Each grant has unique eligibility criteria and funding priorities, but all are designed to foster impactful projects that benefit communities across Middle Tennessee. Applicants may apply for multiple funds if they meet the criteria for each. --- ## Due Dates - January 31, 2027: Special Interest Grants full-application deadline (annual cycle: applications open January 1–31) - The grant cycle recurs annually, with applications always accepted January 1–31. *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Award maximums vary by fund: - Most Special Interest Grants: up to $15,000 per fund - Lillian Ashley Fund: up to $20,000 - Community Foundation for Dickson County and its Education Grant: up to $5,000 - The Women's Fund: up to $20,000 (organizations under 3 years old may request up to $5,000) - Awards are typically for a one-year project period (July 1–June 30 of the following year). --- ## Eligibility - 501(c)(3) public charities with an up-to-date profile on [GivingMatters.com](https://www.cfmt.org/givingmatters/nonprofits-training/) - Government entities (e.g., libraries, public schools, municipal departments) in Middle Tennessee (exempt from GivingMatters.com profile requirement) - Some funds have additional geographic or mission-specific requirements (e.g., Dickson County, Coffee County, focus on women/girls, arts, etc.) - The Women's Fund prioritizes organizations with: - Operating budgets under $3,000,000 - At least 75% of work focused on women and/or girls --- ## Application Process - All applications must be submitted via the [CFMT Grants Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=cfmt) - New applicants must create a new account (system reset for 2025+) - Applicants must provide: - Organization and contact information - Program description and narrative - Funding request and budget - Impact and community engagement details - Up-to-date GivingMatters.com profile (for nonprofits) - Review the [Special Interest Grant Guidelines PDF](https://www.cfmt.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2026-SpecialInterestGuidelines_r123125.pdf) and [Sample Application](https://www.cfmt.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/SAMPLE_Special-Interest-Grant-Application.pdf) - Final reporting is integrated into the next application cycle; if not reapplying, a separate brief report may be required --- ## Additional Information - Organizations may apply for more than one Special Interest Grant if eligible for multiple funds. - Funds must be used for the purposes stated in the application; changes require CFMT approval. - Grant awards are typically announced in June–July, with funds processed in July. - Unused funds over $100 must be returned. - Grantees are encouraged to publicly acknowledge CFMT support using provided toolkits. --- ## External Links - [CFMT Special Interest Grants Program Page](https://www.cfmt.org/nonprofits/additional-grant-opportunities/) - [Special Interest Grant Guidelines (PDF)](https://www.cfmt.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2026-SpecialInterestGuidelines_r123125.pdf) - [Sample Special Interest Grant Application (PDF)](https://www.cfmt.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/SAMPLE_Special-Interest-Grant-Application.pdf) - [GivingMatters Nonprofit Training & FAQ](https://www.cfmt.org/givingmatters/nonprofits-training/) - [Grants Portal (Application Login)](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=cfmt) - [Grantee Toolkit](https://www.cfmt.org/nonprofits/additional-grant-opportunities/additional-grant-opportunities-grantee-toolkit/) --- ## Contact Information | Name/Role | Email | Phone | Additional Info | |----------------------|-----------------------------------------|---------------|--------------------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [givingback@cfmt.org](mailto:givingback@cfmt.org) | 615-321-4939 | [Contact Page](https://www.cfmt.org/contact/) | | GivingMatters Help | [givingmatters@cfmt.org](mailto:givingmatters@cfmt.org) | 615-321-4939 | For profile setup/support | | Laundrea Lewis, Grants Senior Manager | — | — | [Staff Directory](https://www.cfmt.org/about/staff/) |

Special Interest Fund Grants

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