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

May 31, 2026

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

Supports Middle Tennessee nonprofits advancing animal welfare through care, education, adoption, and humane programs for pets and wildlife.

--- ## Description This grant opportunity from the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee is designed to strengthen animal welfare across Middle Tennessee. The fund supports nonprofit organizations working to expand access to spay/neuter services, provide educational programming about pet overpopulation, sponsor retention programs for low-income pet owners, create safe and healthy homes for adoptable pets, and promote humane education initiatives. The grant aims to ensure animals and wildlife receive essential care and resources while fostering compassion and responsible stewardship within the community. --- ## Due Dates - Application Deadline: May 31, 2026 --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum request: $15,000 per organization - Funding is for projects or programs to be carried out within a one-year grant cycle (typically September 1, 2026 – August 31, 2027). - Awards are competitive and may be less than the amount requested. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be 501(c)(3) public charities with a current, up-to-date profile on [GivingMatters.com](https://www.cfmt.org/givingmatters/nonprofits-training/), or a government entity (such as a library, public school, or municipal department). Government entities are exempt from the GivingMatters.com profile requirement. - Organizations must be based in or significantly serving Middle Tennessee. - Projects must align with animal welfare goals (e.g., spay/neuter, education, adoption, humane care, and related services). - Only organizations in good standing with the IRS and CFMT are eligible. --- ## Application Process 1. **Prepare Eligibility Materials** - Ensure your GivingMatters.com profile is current and complete (for nonprofits). - Gather IRS determination letter, financial statements, and organizational information. 2. **Register and Apply Online** - All applications are submitted through the [CFMT Grants Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=cfmt). - New users must create an account for both themselves and their organization. 3. **Complete the Application** - Provide a summary and narrative of your proposed project, including goals, target population, outreach strategies, and budget. - Specify the amount requested (up to $15,000) and project dates (must fall within the upcoming grant cycle). - Include information on prior funding and key accomplishments if applicable. 4. **Submit by Deadline** - Applications must be submitted by May 31, 2026. 5. **Review and Notification** - Applications are reviewed from February through June. - Awards and declination notices are typically sent out in June-July. 6. **Reporting** - Grantees are required to submit an integrated final report as part of their next grant application or, if not reapplying, a brief final report after the grant period. --- ## Additional Information - Grant funds must be used solely for the approved purposes; modifications require prior written approval. - Funds may not be used for lobbying, electioneering, or activities that violate laws or regulations. - Any unused funds over $100 must be returned to CFMT. - Grantees are encouraged to acknowledge CFMT support in promotional materials and may have summaries of their work published for transparency. --- ## 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) - [CFMT Grants Portal (Apply)](https://www.grantinterface.com/sl/gPWjuM) - [GivingMatters.com Nonprofit FAQ and Resources](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) --- ## Contact Information | Name/Role | Email | Phone | Web Contact | |----------------------------|----------------------------------------|---------------|--------------------------------------------------| | General Grants Inquiries | givingback@cfmt.org | 615-321-4939 | [CFMT Contact Page](https://www.cfmt.org/contact/) | | GivingMatters.com Support | givingmatters@cfmt.org | 615-321-4939 | [GivingMatters FAQ](https://www.cfmt.org/givingmatters/nonprofits-training/) | | Senior Grants Manager | See [staff list](https://www.cfmt.org/nonprofits/additional-grant-opportunities/) | 615-321-4939 | |

Animal Welfare

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