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

May 31, 2026 (Special Interest Grants – Animal Welfare)

Up to $15,000 per award; one-year, non-renewable grants

Supports programs improving animal welfare, humane education, and pet retention across Middle Tennessee.

--- ## Description This grant opportunity from the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee aims to support nonprofit organizations and government entities working to advance animal welfare in Middle Tennessee. The fund prioritizes projects that expand access to care (such as free or low-cost spay/neuter services), provide educational programs about pet overpopulation, sponsor pet retention programs for low-income families, create safe homes for pets awaiting adoption, and promote humane education—including responsible pet ownership, animal rescue, and therapeutic animal services. The overarching goal is to create a meaningful and lasting impact on animal welfare and education within the community. --- ## Due Dates - May 31, 2026: Application deadline for Special Interest Grants – Animal Welfare (full application due) --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum request: **up to $15,000** per organization - Grant period: One year (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027) - Awards are one-time and non-renewable; organizations may reapply in future cycles but must submit a new application each year. - Partial awards are possible if the request exceeds available funds. --- ## Eligibility - **501(c)(3) public charities** with a current, up-to-date profile on [GivingMatters.com](https://www.cfmt.org/givingmatters/nonprofits-training/) (required for nonprofits). - **Government entities** (e.g., public schools, libraries, municipal departments) located in and serving Middle Tennessee are eligible; they are exempt from the GivingMatters.com profile requirement. - Organizations must serve Middle Tennessee communities. - Typically, organizations should have at least two years of operating history. - Faith-based organizations are eligible if the funded program serves the broader community and does not require religious participation. - Organizations may apply for multiple Special Interest Grants if eligible, but each application must meet the specific fund’s criteria. --- ## Application Process 1. **Register & Prepare:** - All applicants must create a new account in the [CFMT Grants Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=cfmt). - Nonprofits must ensure their GivingMatters.com profile is current and complete before applying. Government entities are exempt from this requirement. 2. **Application Submission:** - Access the Animal Welfare grant application via the [CFMT Grants Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/sl/gPWjuM). - Complete all required sections, including organization details, program description, narrative, financials, and agreement to grant terms. - Submit the application by the deadline (May 31, 2026). 3. **Review & Award:** - Applications are reviewed for alignment with funding priorities, organizational capacity, and community impact. - Award notifications are sent in June; funds are processed in July. 4. **Reporting:** - Grant recipients must report on the impact and use of funds in their next application cycle. If not reapplying, a brief final report may be required. --- ## Additional Information - Grants are **not** renewable; organizations must reapply annually for continued support. - Other funding sources are encouraged; CFMT is rarely the sole funder for any proposal. - Modifications to funded projects require written approval from CFMT. - Unused grant funds over $100 must be returned. - CFMT may publicly share grantee reports for transparency. --- ## External Links - [CFMT Special Interest Grants Portal](https://www.cfmt.org/nonprofits/additional-grant-opportunities/) - [Animal Welfare Grant 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/) - [Applicant Portal (Apply Now)](https://www.grantinterface.com/sl/gPWjuM) - [GLM Applicant Tutorial](https://support.foundant.com/hc/en-us/articles/4479853059991-GLM-Applicant-Tutorial) --- ## Contact Information | Name/Role | Email | Phone | More Info | |--------------------------|--------------------------------------|---------------|-----------------------------------------------| | Grants Team | [grants@cfmt.org](mailto:grants@cfmt.org) | 615-321-4939 | [Contact Page](https://www.cfmt.org/contact/) | | GivingMatters Support | [givingmatters@cfmt.org](mailto:givingmatters@cfmt.org) | 615-321-4939 | [GivingMatters Info](https://www.cfmt.org/givingmatters/nonprofits-training/) | ---

Animal Welfare

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