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

January 31, 2027 (Special Interest Grants annual deadline) | January 31, 2026 (previous)

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

Supports nonprofits expanding access to music and performing arts experiences in Middle Tennessee.

--- ## Description The Ernest and Selma Rosenblum Fund for the Performing Arts, managed by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, aims to ensure that music and the performing arts remain vibrant in Middle Tennessee. The fund supports a broad range of initiatives, from large orchestras to community theaters, with the goal of expanding access to performing arts experiences that educate, inspire, and connect communities. Grants are intended to foster creativity and cultural enrichment through music, musical theater, opera, symphony orchestras, and related arts programming. --- ## Due Dates - January 31, 2027: Special Interest Grants application deadline (annual cycle; window is January 1–31) - January 31, 2026: Previous application deadline All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates. --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum request: $15,000 per organization - Typical grant duration: one year (program dates must fall between July 1, 2026 and June 30, 2027) - Funds may be used for project or program expenses as outlined in the application --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be 501(c)(3) public charities with a current, complete profile on [GivingMatters.com](https://www.cfmt.org/givingmatters/nonprofits-training/), or a government entity (e.g., libraries, public schools, municipal departments). Government entities are exempt from the GivingMatters.com requirement. - Organizations must primarily serve Middle Tennessee communities. - Applicants may apply for multiple Special Interest Grants if eligible for each. - Programs must fit within the fund’s focus on music, music education, musical theater, opera, symphony orchestra, or related performing arts. --- ## Application Process 1. **Register on the Grants Portal**: All applicants must create a new account on the [CFMT Grants Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=cfmt). 2. **Complete Organization and Contact Information**: Provide EIN/Tax ID, organization details, and contact info. 3. **GivingMatters.com Profile**: Nonprofits must link to an up-to-date GivingMatters.com profile; government entities are exempt. 4. **Prepare Application**: Complete the narrative, financial, and supplemental sections as required. A sample application is available for review ([Sample Application PDF](https://www.cfmt.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/SAMPLE_Special-Interest-Grant-Application.pdf)). 5. **Submit During Window**: Applications are accepted from January 1–31 each year. 6. **Review and Award**: Applications are reviewed February–June; awards are announced June–July, and funds are processed in July. --- ## Additional Information - Only one application per fund per organization per cycle is allowed, but organizations may apply to multiple Special Interest Funds if eligible. - Grant funds must be used solely for the purposes outlined in the application. Modifications require prior written approval. - Integrated reporting: The next year’s application will include a required section for reporting on grant impact and expenditures. If not reapplying, a brief final report may be required. - The Community Foundation encourages public recognition of its support and may share grantee reports publicly. --- ## External Links - [Program Page & Guidelines](https://www.cfmt.org/nonprofits/additional-grant-opportunities/) - [Sample Application (PDF)](https://www.cfmt.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/SAMPLE_Special-Interest-Grant-Application.pdf) - [Special Interest Grant Guidelines (PDF)](https://www.cfmt.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2026-SpecialInterestGuidelines_r123125.pdf) - [CFMT Grants Portal (Apply Online)](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=cfmt) - [GivingMatters.com Nonprofit Resource Guide](https://www.cfmt.org/givingmatters/nonprofits-training/) - [GLM Applicant Tutorial (How-to Video)](https://support.foundant.com/hc/en-us/articles/4479853059991-GLM-Applicant-Tutorial) --- ## Contact Information | Name/Role | Email | Phone | Web Contact Form | |---------------------|--------------------------------------|---------------|-----------------------------------------------| | Grants Team | givingback@cfmt.org | 615-321-4939 | [Contact CFMT](https://www.cfmt.org/contact/) | | GivingMatters Help | givingmatters@cfmt.org | 615-321-4939 | | For technical questions about the portal, see the [GLM Applicant Tutorial](https://support.foundant.com/hc/en-us/articles/4479853059991-GLM-Applicant-Tutorial). For eligibility or program questions, contact the Grants Team.

Ernest and Selma Rosenblum Fund for the Performing Arts

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