Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee Surpasses $100 Million in Grantsmaking.

Business Editors

The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee has surpassed the $100 million mark in grantsmaking since its beginning in 1991, according to board chairman Jack Bovender.

The cumulative total the foundation has given to nonprofit organizations is $102,099,984 since July, 1991. More than 1,500 organizations have received grants from The Community Foundation since it was established eleven years ago. Recipients of the donations include organizations working in health and human services, the arts, education, the environment, and in grassroots activities.

"Through these incredible contributions, The Community Foundation has taken significant steps toward ensuring the future of people living in Middle Tennessee will be bright, by helping to meet the community's changing needs and opportunities," said Bovender. "The Community Foundation has provided, and will continue to give, vital dollars for numerous charities that work to make life better for everyone, both now and in the years to come."

"We are grateful to all those donors who have chosen to use The Community Foundation's services and have allowed us to help them help others," said Ellen Lehman, president. "We are so very grateful for the opportunity to connect their generosity with the need of so many of our friends and neighbors. This $102 million represents a lot of lives touched."

Grants have been given by The Community Foundation to organizations in many of the counties in Middle Tennessee, including Davidson, Giles, Cheatham, Smith, Wilson, Decatur, Dickson, Williamson, Montgomery, Maury, Bedford, Rutherford, Sumner, Coffee, Franklin, Hickman, Houston, Humphreys, Lawrence, Lewis, Lincoln, Marshall, Moore, Perry, Robertson, Stewart, Trousdale, Wayne, and many others.

Among the organizations that received grants this month to bring the total contributions to more than $100 million are: YMCA, Nashville CARES, Hospital Hospitality House, Alive Hospice, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Vanderbilt and Belmont Universities, Land Trust of Tennessee, Cheekwood, Boys and Girls Clubs, Nashville Ballet, Our Kids, Nashville Opera, Girl Scouts Council, Special Olympics, Cumberland Museum, and Nashville Humane Association.

Contribution amounts given per year by The Community Foundation:
1991-1992         $11,225
1993              $1,334,683
1994              $586,075
1995              $906,390
1996              $2,017,532
1997              $4,471,038
1998              $9,631,542
1999              $7,585,672
2000              $12,910,100
2001              $43,825,741
2002 to date      $18,819,986

For more information, call The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, at 321-4939, or toll free 888-540-5200.