Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee

August 28th is more than just a date—it's Black Philanthropy Month's Day of Giving, a day deeply rooted in history and hope.  It is the day that commemorates the 1963 March on Washington and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech, marking a pivotal moment in the fight for racial and economic justice. This year's Black Philanthropy Month theme, Afro-Futures of Giving, shines a light on the powerful impact of Black philanthropy in shaping a brighter, more equitable future. It’s a call to action to celebrate and support the innovative and transformative ways Black communities drive change. By participating in the Give828 Day of Giving, you honor the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement and contribute to building a future where Black-led initiatives and giving continue to pave the way for progress. Support Black-led funds or nonprofits today and every day at https://www.CFMT.org/BPM. #give828 #bpm2024 #blackphilanthropy #cfmt

This year's Black Philanthropy Month theme is AfroFutures of Giving and highlights how African and Afro-diasporic communities are shaping the future of giving with innovative, culturally-rooted approaches. This theme invites us to reflect on the rich history of Black generosity and to explore how it is evolving in the modern world. Help us sculpt the Future of Black Philanthropy! 🖋️ Take the global futures survey and share your vision at https://lnkd.in/eyjVsFhu #BlackPhilanthropyMonth #BPM2024 #AfroFuturesofGiving

Exciting News! CFMT is thrilled to announce Erika Burnett’s promotion to Vice President of Community Development! Erika, who has made a remarkable impact with The Village will now lead CFMT’s efforts to build public-private partnerships, promote equity, and address community needs. Her proven track record includes expanding the Young Women’s Initiative, developing service-learning programs, and fostering inclusivity in Nashville. Under Erika’s leadership, CFMT’s Community Development department will drive impactful change, strengthen partnerships, and advocate for equity across Middle Tennessee. Congratulations, Erika! For the full story, head to https://lnkd.in/eajxbWgS. #CommunityDevelopment #Leadership #SocialEquity #NashvilleTN #CommunityFoundation https://lnkd.in/eghS83Tp

“There is no denying that we are all navigating a world in escalating crisis. And the challenges of the times are felt more acutely in our communities. But as I always say, the best way to address a crisis is to build the future with all your heart. Black Philanthropy—love of humanity, including Black communities, is our secret power. It helps us dream while living nightmares; it bridges our past and present for a better future. We have changed the world before. And, tapping our collective power of hope, self-love, and mutual support, we can change the course of history again. Thank you for being the BPM Movement. Together we can create a better tomorrow for our people, society, and the planet we share.“ Dr. Jacqueline Bouvier Copeland, Founder Black Philanthropy Month #blackphilanthropymonth #bpm2024 #AfroFuturesOfGiving

Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee (CFMT) is excited to announce that its 2024 Program Grants cycle is open to further support the work of Middle Tennessee nonprofits serving the community. Applications are now available; the deadline to submit is Saturday, August 31, 2024. Important to note: If your organization applied for a Community Impact Grant in June, it is still eligible to apply for any and all (if applicable) additional funding opportunities made available in CFMT's 2024 Program Grant cycle. Grants are determined per funding opportunity. To find out if your organization fits the focus areas of each opportunity, click below. Funding is made available via: 🌟Animal Welfare funds 🌟Bellevue Community Foundation 🌟Community Foundation for Dickson County 🌟Community Foundation of Rutherford County 🌟Lillian Ashley Fund 🌟The Sports Fund 🌟The Women's Fund Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eWzzmDHK

🎉 Celebrate with us! 🎉 In the heart of Nashville in 1991, a story of collective inspiration and strategic action unfolded, echoing the aspirations and commitment of a community united in purpose. It all began with the visionary insight of Ida Cooney, then executive director of the HCA Foundation (now The Frist Foundation). Ida recognized a glaring need for a community foundation to channel the goodwill of Nashville's charitable residents and shared this vision with soon-to-be co-founder Ellen Lehman. Rallying a group of forward-thinkers like Ted Lazenby, Alyne Massey, Betty Brown, George Bullard, Elizabeth Queener, Richard Eskind, Judy Liff Barker, Ben Rechter, and Jack Turner, they set the stage for the creation of CFMT. These pioneers envisioned a foundation that embodied "common unity," where individual aspirations converge into collective action. Now, 33 years later, CFMT has granted over $1.25 billion back to our community, a testament to the unyielding generosity of our donors, partners, and friends. Here's to many more years of impact! #CFMT33 #CommunityFirst #NashvilleStrong

🎶 Nashville Sets New Music Census Record! 🎶 📊 4,265 participants—new national record, surpassing Austin, TX. 📈 Nashville industry leads in 8+ categories, including: > Music industry employment > Average music income > Annual events per venue 🗣️ Top Concern: Parking costs and policies. “We heard you loud and clear,” says Chris Cobb, board president of Music Venue Alliance Nashville. 🔍 What's Next? > Full data release in early September. > Public event and new data dashboard. > Fall “tour” for community engagement. Read more: https://lnkd.in/e4QiDm6J #MusicCity #Nashville #MusicCensus #CommunityEngagement

Congratulations to this year’s Nashville Emerging Leader Awards finalists, including CFMT’s leader of The Village, Erika Burnett! For the past 16 years the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and YP Nashville have recognized Middle Tennessee’s young professionals under the age of 40 for significant accomplishments in their chosen career field, as well as their commitment and contribution to the community. Erika is most deserving of this recognition because she’s an: ✨ Advocate for Equity: Tackling resource gaps for Black-led organizations, ensuring access to funding, mentorship, and support. 🏆 Leader of The Village: Empowering nearly 300 Black & minority nonprofit and community organizations and 700 leaders with resources and representation. 👩🏾🤝👩🏽 Co-Founder of Women of Color Collaborative: Creating spaces for women and girls to thrive, centered on their identities and experiences. 🌿 Community Connector & Civic Servant: Strengthening our community through appointments on the Metro Action Commission and Metro Arts Commission, and with initiatives like the Young Women’s Initiative, TSU/FISK Campus Ambassadors program, and more. Erika’s work is transforming communities, and we are honored to work alongside her on a daily basis! #NELA #Leadership #CommunityImpact

🎉 Exciting news! The Nashville Catalyst Fund is launching to boost affordable housing in our city! 🚀 👥 Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County's Mayor Freddie O'Connell joins CFMT, First Horizon Bank, Metro Housing, and Vanderbilt University to kickstart the Fund with $75M to create and preserve affordable homes. 🏡 💸 Fast, flexible capital for mission-driven developers ensures swift action in Nashville’s competitive market. The goal: 3,000 affordable units in 10 years! 📈 🤝 A true public-private partnership, this fund empowers developers and supports our community. Learn more and get involved at www.nashvillecatalyst.org 🌟 #AffordableHousing #NashvilleCatalystFund #CommunityFirst

CFMT is a proud supporter of this evening’s Juneteenth615 event at Fort Negley. Head to the historic site for a Proclamation Ceremony, that will include a family/community gathering with libations, performance art and history including Project ForeSight by Creative Storytelling, Mayor Freddie O’Connell, incredible music by Nashville African American Wind Symphony, Afrokokoroots, and a fireworks celebration. For full schedule, visit >> https://lnkd.in/eZT7TXea Juneteenth615 is Nashville’s celebration of the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States. The holiday was first celebrated in Texas on June 19, 1865. Juneteenth615 is the official historical Juneteenth celebration for the city of Nashville. The celebration is powered by FELLAVISION + AFRICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL ALLIANCE (AACA) in collaboration with and various other community partners. This event is open to the community at large and families are encouraged to attend. To learn more >> https://lnkd.in/eVcTGhFK