It’s about taking what you can give and making it meaningful for both you and those who will ultimately benefit. It’s not about the size of the gift; every gift matters.
Give to support a cause, address an issue or help a charitable organization. You can start your own fund, give to an existing fund, or give directly to Middle Tennessee nonprofits.
Longtime Woodbury, Tennessee, residents Dr. and Mrs. J.F. Adams are memorialized through a public library building located on their former property, built through the leadership of the Woodbury Lions Club and other community members, and through funds raised from the public. The Fund exists to endow support permanently for this community institution.
The Alliance Française Cultural and Educational Fund increases the appreciation and knowledge of the French language and francophone cultures by providing French classes, scholarships for area French teachers and cultural events. This Endowment Fund ensures the future of Alliance Française's mission to offer opportunities that enrich the lives of Middle Tennessee residents.
The Ann and Monroe Carell Jr. Fund was established to provide Aquinas College the resources to train teachers. Through this Fund, young women who wish to dedicate their lives to God as religious sisters and teach as members of the Dominican Sisters of the St. Cecilia Congregation are supported as they earn their teaching certificates at Aquinas.
This Fund perpetuates the memory of a man who taught Lebanon High School students the importance of education during and beyond high school. The proceeds of the Fund will build the resources of the school's library, for both teachers and students, furthering the opportunity for education.
Andrea was one of the two finalists for Metro Nashville's Teacher of the Year in 2010. Unexpectedly, Andrea passed away in September 2010 at the age of 37. Though she left too soon, the Andrea Morrison Baker Fund will continue her passion of helping at-risk youth learn to believe in themselves and realize their extraordinary potential. Created by her parents, Bob and Barbara, and her sister, Wendy, the Fund benefits the Tapping Individual Potential (TIP) program through The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, which provides enrichment experiences for talented middle school students in Metro Nashville Public Schools.
The necessity for an educated ministry for the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church was first articulated by Bishop Daniel Alexander Payne at the AME General Conference of 1844 in Pittsburgh, PA. The contemporary continuance of this need is evidenced by the late Reverends D.B. Barton and John Landers, whose gift and bequest, respectively, have made possible the establishment of this Theological Fund by the Board of Trustees of the AME Church. The proceeds of this fund will provide one or more annual scholarships to a theological student who has been admitted to an accredited seminary to study for the M. Div. degree, has a strong academic record, demonstrates a financial need and is committed to a ministerial career in the AME Church.
According to her friends and family, Nashvillian Bonnie Bashford loved life and lived every moment to its fullest. Bonnie, an employee of Social Security, appreciated the value of giving back and believed in sharing the bounty of her life. So, in her Will, she left The Community Foundation her home and much of her estate to create the Bonnie R. Bashford Fund to assist underprivileged people working to obtain an education and/or housing.
The Fund is intended to endow permanently one or more scholarships benefiting employees (who work 30 hours per week and who have worked there for three years or more) and their children. Students may receive help once; there is no opportunity for renewal of support in subsequent years. Student may be those attending accredited colleges (two or four year), vocational and/or technical school.
Benton Hall, established in 1977, is a private school that serves students in grades 1-12 who have learning differences or who have not performed successfully in the traditional school environment. Offering small class sizes and individual attention, Benton Hall is located in the Grassland community near Franklin.
Book'em and Reading Is Fundamental Nashville share the desire to inspire a love of books and reading in all children by providing reading volunteers to schools, pre-schools and library story times, and books to children who may not have books of their own, in order to send the message that reading is important and fun. The two organizations merged in 2006 under the name of Book'em in order to enhance and expand services. This Fund was created to help ensure the future growth and stability of Book'em.
The Bootstraps Foundation exists to assist persevering young men and women across Middle Tennessee who have, despite severe obstacles and hardships in life, placed themselves in a position to attend college. Conceived in 1986 by Irby Simpkins, publisher of The Nashville Banner, and Ray Danner, chairman of Shoney’s, Inc., the organization was established as a way to give college scholarships to young people who had "pulled themselves up by their bootstraps" and managed to continue and pursue their education.
The Patricia Hart Society, the Women’s Initiative of United Way of Williamson County, chose to establish the Ann Buchanan Scholarship Fund because of her history in Williamson County and the community-at-large. Ann has been instrumental in addressing problems and solutions that improve the lives of Williamson Countians. Under her leadership at United Way, health and human services were made available in rural parts of the county, pre-K classrooms were expanded throughout the state and initiatives were put into place to more adequately address the needs of the working poor.
Brad Butkiewicz was a young man who loved football and H.O.S.A. (Health Occupation Students of America). Tragically, Brad lost his life in June 2004 on his way home from an early morning football workout program. According to his father, Jim, “He was a simple kid that listened to Mom and Dad always tried to do the right thing.” Thanks to Brad’s family, friends and community, they established this Fund in honor of Brad to help young people coming up who have a need. The Fund is intended to endow permanently one or more scholarships annually to graduating students of the Stewart County (Tennessee) High School. Consistent with Brad’s legacy, the Donor’s preference is that recipients be involved in football or in the H.O.S.A. program.
Dr. John E. Chapman served Vanderbilt University's School of Medicine for more than a quarter of a century. During his career, which culminated as dean of the school, Dr. Chapman's priority was the students. He focused on students individually, and he championed their access to faculty as a means to improving the quality of the education those students received, earning him the distinctive title: "Dean of Deans." Dr. Chapman and his wife, Judy Jean, planned this Fund together before his death. Their goal: to benefit medical schools teaching as Dr. Chapman always did, helping well-rounded, deserving students attend schools which make them a priority, treat students as individuals and valued colleagues, and emphasize quality education.
What better way to grow a child's imagination than exposure to books, which have the power to teach, inspire and make us dream? The Cheatham County Imagination Library does just that, sending an age-appropriate free book monthly to every newborn to five-year-old child living in Cheatham County. This Endowment Fund was created as a source of funding to ensure the future of this free book program, so that children in the area can continue learning the joy of reading with books of their own.
Established by John Mayfield, this Fund enables the library to purchase reading materials so that all of its current and future patrons will be well-informed and up-to-date.
Through a Department of Human Services grant facilitated by The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, this Fund supports the work of an alliance of Nashville area independent, early care and education providers, bringing together their individual strengths to develop new solutions that improve the quality, accessibility and sustainability of the services offered to the children and families they serve.
The Clarksville-Montgomery County Education Foundation exists to support the improvement of public education in Clarksville-Montgomery County School System by providing additional funding for the support of programs and initiatives that contribute to student achievement and improve teacher quality. These are innovative initiatives that tax dollars do not support. Please visit the Foundation website at www.cmcss.net/educationfoundation to learn more.
In 1983, Marcel Kellar, Kelly Miller Smith, Andrew White, John Corry and Norman Reed set up The College Trust to invest in the futures of the local historically African-American Colleges and Universities and the students who attend them. Led by the Interdenominational Ministerial Fellowship, many of the churches of the Nashville community contribute to The College Trust on a regular basis. In addition, they support the Fund with The Community Foundation in order to build an endowment to ensure that students of American Baptist College, Fisk University, Meharry Medical College, and Tennessee State University have financial help in the years to come.
Delta C. Davis chose to honor her husband and his passion for education with a Designated Fund to benefit several educational institutions in perpetuity. Notre Dame High School, The Girls Preparatory School, University School of Nashville, Montgomery Bell Academy, Meharry Medical College, and Harpeth Hall School will receive annual distributions from the Fund.
In 2002, the Dickson County Public Library moved into a new building, which houses 75,000 books and much more. Dollars from this Fund will be dedicated to specific children and adult programs throughout each year, which range from pre-school literacy to computer classes for seniors. The library's board has big plans for the future, and its members hope that residents of Dickson will continue to contribute to this Fund to support this wonderful community asset.
The Discovery Center at Murfree Spring, established in 1987 in Murfreesboro, is dedicated to providing a warm environment where families can explore together and learn from discovery. Hands-on exhibits and programs in art, social studies and science help to increase self-esteem, encourage critical thinking and questioning, strengthen family bonds, and stimulate creativity.
Nashvillians recognize the need for education reform in public schools. To seize this opportunity, Nashville's Mayor Karl Dean helped create the Education First Fund to provide a vehicle for all Nashvillians to participate in this transformation. Nashvillians are taking charge of their city's future by helping to secure innovative reforms - to benefit our children, and make our schools a model for the nation.
Rev. Lonnie Gable Jr., and his wife, Patricia, made many personal sacrifices as they championed Jesus Christ. While spreading the gospel and raising a family, they took on additional jobs to make sure ends where met, and at one time sold their home to purchase land to build a larger church facility. But what they may have lacked in material items, the Gables made up in fellowship and making a difference with each congregation they led. There are thousands of pastors, youth ministers, etc., giving their all for the betterment of those around them while their own children often miss out on the opportunity to pursue a college education, because they simply cannot afford the related expenses. This scholarship is designated and intended to assist children whose parents work full-time in Christian ministry (including but not limited to those who are pastors, ministers of music, education or pastoral ministry or missionaries), and do not earn adequate income to meet the rising costs of a college education. Preference may be given to those interested in the field of Engineering or related studies.
Hands-On-Science Center in Tullahoma saw the need to provide children an understanding of science and math. This Endowment Fund is intended to ensure the future of the Center as well as the ongoing efforts to increase participation at the Center.
Nurse Cynthia Hardy died in an unfortunate place - at the very top of the liver transplant list. Through an ill-fated accident she contracted Hepatitis, which led to her passing. Rather than focus solely on her death, in her memory friends and family created this Fund to capture the best in her life - her personal passion for art - in hopes of passing it on to others through The Foundation's Tapping Individual Potential Program.
Latin shows up every day in the English language, and the study of Latin helps students perfect their grasp of English, as well as other romance languages. In addition, study of Latin and the classics makes one a better-rounded person. To that end, this Fund provides an annual contribution to Harpeth Hall School.
Even the most highly acclaimed schools in Metro Nashville struggle to make ends meet. So began the list of reasons behind the effort of three Hume-Fogg seniors to endow the future of the school they love. Heather McClure, Sarah Hymes and Anne Gooch were the ambitious young women who made this vision a reality. They worked at Titans' games and put what they earned in the Fund. They approached corporations, foundations and individuals for contributions and passed out fliers explaining the need and their plans. Sarah, Heather and Anne have now all graduated from college, leaving other students in charge, but Hume-Fogg's future will be better off because they cared.
The Imagination Library of Middle Tennessee provides one book per month to children from birth through age five across Davidson, Williamson, and Sumner Counties at no cost to families, regardless of income. Operated in partnership with the Governor’s Books from Birth Foundation, United Way facilitates the delivery of books each month in the three-county area. The Imagination Library of Middle Tennessee program promotes early childhood literacy and recognizes the benefits of an endowment partnership with The Community Foundation to provide giving options for all of Nashville interested in supporting literacy efforts.
For the majority of her 88 years, Julia McClung Green worked to improve education for public school children in Davidson County as a teacher and as the first elementary education supervisor. Established by the PTA of Julia Green School in her honor and supported by the community-at-large, this Fund supports programs designed to encourage parental and community involvement, enhance educational opportunities, and upgrade facilities and equipment.
Who does the public turn to for information on the election process or government in general? The League of Women Voters. Where does the League turn for the resources to provide this information? The LWV of Tennessee Education Fund. The League's Education Fund is its research and education arm, which provides impartial information about government and the election process. The League's Education Fund established an endowment with The Community Foundation to help create an assured source of funding for the future.
Madison Campus Elementary (MCE) is a Seventh-day Adventist school open to all students from pre-kindergarten to eighth grade that is successfully educating today’s child with eternal principles and academic excellence. MCE has been providing quality Christian education since 1906 and is accredited by AdvancED/SACS. Caring faculty and staff strive to create a safe and positive learning environment for each child. In addition to rigorous academics, students have the opportunity to engage in a variety of extra-curricular activities that further develop mind and body.
Founded in 1867 as a scholarship school for young men, Montgomery Bell Academy is a 7-12 grade all-boys school. The MBA Scholarship Endowment Fund was established by the school's trustees to ensure that scholarships and financial aid will always be available to guarantee that able students from different cultural and economic backgrounds can attend.
Nashville After Zone Alliance Fund, Established 2012
A great city has a great library! The Main Library Building, which opened in 2001, is making a significant impact on life in our city. System-wide, the library offers high-tech informational systems, thousands of books and significant outreach programs. This Endowment Fund provides much needed funding to expand the library's collections and keep the services up-to-date and state-of-the-art.
PENCIL Foundation plays an essential role in Nashville by linking community resources of both volunteers and materials with Metro Nashville Public Schools. PENCIL responds to the needs of Metro Schools, matching over 500 businesses and service organizations with individual schools as PENCIL Partners, collecting donated school supplies for teachers and training volunteer tutors to work with at-risk students. This Endowment Fund was created to ensure the growth of PENCIL's programs as it serves at-risk youth.
Laurie Poole, a native of Decatur, Ala., was always passionate about art. After obtaining her Master of Art Education, she taught art at home (School of Discovery in Selma, Ala.; Nashville School of the Arts) and abroad (Internationale Schule Hamburg in Humburg, Germany). Laurie’s art was even exhibited in galleries from Nashville to New York City to Norway. Laurie went out of her way to make you feel valued and cared for. In her true southern fashion, she always took the time to write a handwritten note of thanks. She was the first to recognize the efforts and accomplishments of those around her and the first to offer help. She was a devoted educator who saw potential in students and helped them develop their artistic ability. To continue Laurie’s efforts, her parents, Patricia and Al Poole established the Laurie P. Poole Scholarship for the Visual Arts Fund. The Fund benefits high school seniors from Davidson County who attend public or private schools with preference given to students at the Nashville School of the Arts.
Project Reflect serves children at high risk of school failure through education in academics, positive behavior and spirituality. It operates Smithson Craighead Academy charter schools for underachieving children in grades K-8, and after-school and summer school programs; advocates for education reform at state and local levels; and promotes choice for parents in public school education. This Fund helps to build a brighter future for at-risk children as they transform from a culture of poverty to a culture of learning and caring about others.
Often, the best economic development tool is an educated workforce, one ready to step in and equipped to succeed. The earmarks of such a workforce are people trained to problem-solve, to think creatively, to rise to the level of high expectations, and to seize opportunities. The Public Schools Forum Fund is intended to create a facile and agile supply of philanthropic dollars dedicated to supporting charitable projects and initiatives to improve, enhance and sustain education in Tennessee. The Fund is poised to identify opportunities and make strategic investments.
Nashville Public Television provides thought-provoking, educational, informative, and entertaining television to our community in a commercial free environment. NPT offers some of the most respected programs in the areas of education, history, drama, performance, and finance, as well as a wealth of educational resources for teachers. The money from the endowment will help this Middle Tennessee treasure continue to serve our citizens for years to come.
The Recording Academy's signature awards, The Grammys, bring out the best in people and encourage them to reach higher and dream bigger. Now, The Recording Academy is encouraging the students of Metro Public Schools to do the same, providing annual support to the Nashville Alliance for Public Education to build and enhance music education in the schools of Music City.
In 1998, in appreciation of the exceptional faculty at Hume-Fogg Academic High School, Kay and Keith Simmons created an award to recognize outstanding dedication both in and out of the classroom in one of Nashville's magnet high schools. In 2007, the Simmons family established a second award so one could be presented to a teacher who teaches freshman and sophomores and another award could be presented to a junior and senior teacher. The awards are presented annually based solely on the vote of Hume-Fogg students.
The South Cheatham Library is in a quaint log cabin building in Kingston Springs, Tennessee. This Fund was established by John E. Mayfield, and it is his hope others donate to this Fund to ensure current and future generations of Cheatham Countians will continue to enjoy strong libraries.
There is a beautiful school in the lowlands of Ecuador, opened in 1998, called the Anne Stevens Escuela. It is named after Anne Stevens, the former director of St. Luke's Community House. It serves grades K-8 and has 125 students. Anne's compassion for helping others led to thisThis Fund will provide the school a steady stream of income now and in the years ahead.
The Tapping Individual Potential (TIP) program works with Metro Public School children who have extraordinary talent or potential. Identified by a teacher or guidance counselor, the student's skill is highlighted and an enrichment experience - tailored to the child - is developed. It may be art classes, science camps, a visit with someone with a similar interest, or a visit to an archeological dig. This Fund helps promote talents or interests for students who may not otherwise have these extracurricular opportunities.
The Tennessee Foreign Language Institute Endowment Fund was created to support the goals and activities of the Tennessee Foreign Language Institute (TFLI), a state agency established to promote, encourage, enhance, and facilitate the learning and teaching of foreign languages and cultures. The Fund allows for such initiatives as foreign language pilot programs in local elementary schools and promotion of foreign language education for children.
Established by The Barefoot Farmer, this Fund will support local food for Tennessee by recognizing the connection between healthy farms, healthy food, healthy people, and a healthy economy. The goal is to offer opportunities for the education, training, and practical experiences necessary for revitalizing Tennessee’s tradition of diversified family farms and its rural economies while also providing healthful, nutritious food to Middle Tennesseans.
Judy Lewis came to The Community Foundation in July 2000, armed with a vision and the thought of creating a legacy for her mother, Edna Thomas. Edna had been an outstanding parent and, as a result, Judy felt a fitting tribute would be a Fund to endow an annual fall lecture series which has since evolved into support for programs enhancing parents' skills and involvement with their children.
The Watertown High School Scholarship Fund will be eligible to students with a minimum GPA of 3.25 on a weighted 4.0 scale and a minimum score of 21 on the ACT. Awards will be given to current seniors graduating from WHS that attend an accredited institution offering two or four-year degrees. Involvement in extracurricular and community (volunteer) activities will be considered in the selection process. The first scholarship will be awarded in May 2015, the first year students graduate from the new school building.
Peggy Weil Steine had a life-long interest in Peabody Demonstration School (now University School of Nashville or USN). Peggy attended the school for 12 years and graduated in 1937. Subsequently, her three children graduated from USN, and three of her grandchildren are currently enrolled. When Peggy wanted to make sure the support she had given USN through the years would continue after her death, she set up this Fund named for her parents, Pauline and Julius Weil, who helped establish the school.
Jamye Coleman and McDonald Williams, recipients of the 2002 Joe Kraft Humanitarian Award, established this Fund to benefit Wilberforce University and Payne Theological Seminary. The Williams, who serve on the boards of each of these esteemed educational institutions, wanted to endow their support. In perpetuity, payments from this Fund will be issued to these schools annually. We are honored by their tireless support and by their decision to entrust this legacy to The Community Foundation.
To acknowledge Scott Wolf’s love and dedication to the associates of Averitt Express, his family established this Scholarship Fund. Scott became an Averitt associate in 1989, and his 23-year career there was a tapestry of his dedication, character and respect for his fellow associates. Establishing this Fund is exactly what Scott would have wanted … to help the ones he loved so much further their education. This Fund is intended to endow permanently one or more scholarships annually for full-time or part-time associates of Averitt Express., Inc., and their children who desire to continue their education beyond high school.
This Fund seeks to provide healing for women in prison, generally victims of poverty, abuse and neglect in the developmental years. It further seeks to provide opportunities for them to learn how to survive in the free world upon release and take care of their children in a healthy, productive way.
As it concluded the provision of direct service to our community, the Dress for Success Nashville Board of Directors used the nonprofit's remaining assets to create the Workforce Readiness Fund. This Fund will continue Dress For Success' tradition of helping people prepare for economic self-sufficiency as they join or rejoin the workforce.
