2025 brought new challenges and opportunities to Middle Tennessee, and with it a renewed sense of purpose in how we give. This year, we are proud to introduce The Wish List, Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee’s new year-end giving catalogue. It’s designed to highlight nonprofits whose creativity, compassion, and purpose continue to make this region thrive.
From costumes to computers, The Wish List shines a light on 20 meaningful requests from local nonprofits. These “wishes” come from needs that would normally go beyond yearly operating budgets but directly strengthen their missions in the local community.
All of the organizations featured in The Wish List are showing up each day to make life better for those who call Middle Tennessee home.
You’ll find wishes organized into four focus areas: Arts & Creative Culture, Child/Youth Development & Education, Mental Health & Wellness, and Women & Girls. As you explore these pages, you’ll learn not just what each organization needs, but also why it matters.
Whether you choose to grant one wish or many, every act of generosity helps nonprofits that strengthen our community, keeping Middle Tennessee on track for its greatest year of philanthropy yet.
No matter how small the request, the impact is huge.
Ideas on how to use this guide:
MAKE IT A FAMILY AFFAIR.
Gather around the table and talk about the changes your family wants to see most in Middle Tennessee, and why supporting what matters to you is important. Coming together to give is a meaningful way for you to show those who matter most how you can make a difference.
JOIN WITH OTHERS.
Work with other donors to fully fund a wish and create greater impact. Reach out to your Relationship Manager to learn what wishes are partially funded or to coordinate your giving.
EXPLORE SOMETHING NEW.
Take time to read about nonprofits in Middle Tennessee that you may not yet be familiar with, and learn about their work. Each organization you see here represents a piece of Middle Tennessee’s philanthropic community working to make a change.
ENGAGE CHILDREN OR GRANDCHILDREN.
Encourage children or grandchildren to help choose a wish to grant. Children often empathize and understand real, tangible needs. Talk to them about each wish, why it’s needed, and the potential change fulfilling it could make.
3 Ways to Give:
Option #1
Login to your CFMT Donor Portal and click “Grant Catalog” to view all of the Wish List items.
Option #2
Complete a Grant Recommendation form with memo: “The Wish List – [Organization] – [Item]” for the amount you choose.
If the wish is fully funded when your grant arrives, we’ll contact you to reallocate it within the same category or return the funds to your DAF, as per our policy.
Option #3
Have a conversation with a member of our Philanthropic Services team. If you prefer to have a conversation first, or need assistance with making your grant, we are here to help match your interests.
Timing:
The catalog is open through January 30, 2026. Many wishes can be fulfilled sooner; we will coordinate purchases and simple follow-ups with grantees.
CFMT remains committed to making more possible for Middle Tennessee and we thank you for being part of a growing group of givers, changemakers, and people who refuse to sit idly by when there are needs in our community. As we close out the year, let’s give one final push, hand in hand, to make a difference.
Arts & Creative Culture
BACKLIGHT PRODUCTIONS
https://backlightproductions.org
Backlight Productions gives artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) the ability to showcase their talents through professional-level theater and musical theater productions. These performances build confidence, growth, and recognition for artists with IDD as valued members of the arts community.
Supporting Backlight Productions’ wish list offsets production costs, freeing up resources for hiring a strong creative team. This ensures productions maintain professional quality while also uplifting and honoring artists. Set materials, costumes, and puppet rentals will enable our IDD cast to present the show they and our community deserve.
CREATIVE GIRLS ROCK
https://www.creativegirlsrock.org
Creative Girls Rock (CGR) facilitates creativity, education, and empowerment through intergenerational programming and community engagement. CGR is preparing to open a fully dedicated 600-square-foot computer lab at the Forward Creative Commons in Bordeaux in Spring 2026.
CGR’s wish centers around equipping a new computer lab with laptops and desktops. If fulfilled, the wish will give students valuable tools to complete schoolwork, explore creative technology through the new Creative Girls in Tech initiative, and build essential digital literacy skills. These resources will also strengthen intergenerational and community programming.
Set materials for The Sound of Music = $2,863
Costumes for The Sound of Music (70 performers @ approximately $50/costume) = $3,500
Aslan puppet for The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe (3 week rental - includes show dates) = $1,400
TOTAL: $7,763
2 Apple MacBooks = $2,730
5 Apple iMacs = $6,170
TOTAL: $8,900
Backlight Productions’ musical theater production of The SpongeBob Musical featured 56 artists with IDD of all ages alongside professional & youth performers.
Photo credit: Taylor Epps
Teaching Artist Ashley introduces Daybreak Artist Edwin Lockridge and peers to a new medium and creative process, highlighting artists’ curiosity & dedication to learning.
Photo credit: Nicole Minyard
Charmin Bates, Founder & CEO of Creative Girls Rock®️, with CGR participants during a community program.
Photo credit: Creative Girls Rock®️
DAYBREAK ARTS
https://daybreakarts.org
Daybreak Arts equips artists with the tools and training to explore creative and income-generating opportunities through digital and traditional media. Artists develop skills and learn about business opportunities by improving valuable skillsets aligned with a tech-driven future.
Investing in new iPads gives artists access to digital tools like Procreate, a painting app with unlimited possibilities. The tablets will also serve as reliable point-of-sale systems, making it easier to sell artwork at events and increase earnings. In addition, a new iMac will replace an outdated computer, ensuring artists can efficiently manage inventory, join online classes, and use essential programs like Canva and Final Cut Pro.
THE QUEST CENTER FOR ART & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
https://www.qcdickson.org
The Quest Center builds and strengthens community through music education for children in rural, lower-income communities in Dickson, TN. They believe all youth deserve to experience the joy and creativity offered by learning a musical instrument.
The Quest Center aims to provide easier, safer access to instruments for students – furthering their musical education. A storage rack would help keep guitars safe when not in use as well as allow easier access for participants. The organization is also requesting student-sized acoustic guitars for classroom use, which will be lended free of charge to children who need an instrument for practice and learning.
5 iPad Air Tablets each paired with an Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard = $6,235
iMac desktop computer with Final Cut Pro license, Magic Keyboard, and Numeric Keypad = $2,430
TOTAL: $8,665
A&S Crafted Products The Session-Pro Double-Stack Mobile Guitar & Case Rack = $1,678
5 Oscar Schmidt OG5 Kids Acoustic Guitars = $600
TOTAL: $2,278
YOUTH EMPOWERMENT THROUGH
ARTS AND HUMANITIES (YEAH!) https://www.yeahrocks.org
YEAH! engages youth in creative expression through music, performance, and mentorship, helping them build confidence and community. As interest in music production and sound design grows, these resources will help youth by connecting programming with current industry practices and career pathways.
Youth Empowerment through Arts and Humanities (YEAH!) is seeking audio production and effects tools to modernize creative programming for youth across Middle Tennessee. Beginner-friendly workstations, headphones, microphone kits, and multi-effects pedals will give students hands-on experience with beat-making, recording, and live sound. These tools will encourage creativity, confidence, and collaboration while building technical skills that prepare young people for future careers in music.
10 Akai Professional MPK Mini MK3
USB MIDI Keyboard Controllers = $1,290
10 Scarlett Solo Studio
4th Gen USB Audio Interface Bundle with StreamEye Boom Arm Mic Stand Desktop Mount, Detachable Clip, Professional Grade XLR Cable, Microphone Pop Filter and Cable Ties = $2,790
10 Boss GX-10 Guitar Effects Processor = $4,400
TOTAL: $8,480
Child/Youth Development & Education
Arts & Creative Culture
We envision a Middle Tennessee where all artists and art lovers thrive, belong, and inspire.
BACKFIELD IN MOTION
https://www.backfieldinmotion.org
Backfield in Motion combines academics and athletics to inspire boys from underserved communities to reach their fullest potential. They use virtual reality to spark excitement for STEM learning and to support college and career readiness.
Backfield in Motion wishes to add 17 VR headsets to ensure every site can offer the same high-quality, hands-on learning that opens doors to new opportunities. Currently, only 10 headsets are shared across nine sites serving 750 students, leaving many waiting weeks for a turn. iPads are equally important. They are used daily for attendance and assessments while also giving students the chance to practice coding, research careers, and create digital stories.
COMMUNITIES IN SCHOOLS OF TENNESSEE
https://www.cistn.org
Communities In Schools of Tennessee surrounds students with a community of support, encouraging them to stay in school and become lifelong achievers. By ensuring children arrive at school safe, warm, and prepared, the organization helps build self-esteem, stability, and opportunity for students and their families across the community.
Communities In Schools of Tennessee is requesting winter coats, school uniforms, and durable school shoes. Their goal is to restore confidence and empower students to focus on learning rather than the challenges they face. Supplying new coats, shoes, and uniforms helps meet basic needs – paving the way for better attendance, fewer absences, and stronger academic success.
8 | CFMT.org
17 Quest 3 VR Headsets = $8,500
5 Apple iPads = $1,500
TOTAL: $10,000
50 warm winter coats = $2,500
50 standard school attire outfits/uniforms = $2,500
50 pairs of durable school shoes = $5,000
TOTAL: $10,000
In this photo students receive warm winter coats and standard school attire.
credit: Communities In Schools of Tennessee staff member
Why We Can’t Wait, Inc. partners with Tennessee State University’s Engineering Department, providing teen boys an opportunity to prepare for the future by putting together robots.
Photo credit: D. Caldwell
Photo
Legacy Mission Village after-school students showcase their talents and cultures. Their talents and brilliant creative minds are assets to our community. Photo credit: Legacy Mission Village
LEGACY MISSION VILLAGE
https://www.legacymissionvillage.org
Legacy Mission Village supports refugee and immigrant families in Middle Tennessee with education, mentorship, and resources that help students succeed academically and socially. Many of these students are the first in their families to navigate this path, making access to tailored support especially critical.
To help move the needle, ACT prep books, laptops, and audiovisual projectors will help students strengthen test scores, improve grades, and unlock college and scholarship opportunities. Laptops provide essential tools for practice tests, online learning, and skill-building in today’s digital academic environment, while projectors and AV equipment allow teachers to deliver interactive, engaging lessons. Together, these resources create meaningful opportunities for students to succeed in school and beyond.
MONROE HARDING
http://monroeharding.org
Monroe Harding provides foster care, supportive housing, and programs that help young people transition successfully into adulthood. In Nashville, the shortage of affordable housing places young adults aging out of foster care at serious risk of becoming unhoused. Monroe Harding’s Supportive Housing program exists to fill that gap, providing stability, safety, and the wraparound support young people need to successfully transition into adulthood.
Equipping homes with essentials like a washer and dryer, room refrigerators, and microwaves ensures residents can care for themselves with dignity, maintain independence, and focus on education and employment. By making supportive housing accessible and fully functional, Monroe Harding is providing an opportunity for a brighter, more stable future to young adults who need it most.
2 Whirlpool Commercial Washer & Electric Dryer Sets = $4,796
20 Compact Double Door Mini Fridges = $2,980
17 Roku Smart TVs = $2,176
TOTAL: $9,952
WHY WE CAN'T WAIT, INC.
https://wwcwnash.weebly.com
Why We Can’t Wait, Inc. provides mentorship, leadership development, and enrichment opportunities for Black and Brown youth. The organization supports young men and their families with opportunities that promote safety, independence, and expanded horizons.
Why We Can’t Wait, Inc.’s wish centers on three key initiatives: driver’s education, swim lessons, and a chartered bus trip to Atlanta. Driver’s education through the Ambassador Program prepares seniors for life after high school by offering classroom instruction, simulations, and behind-the-wheel practice to help them earn licenses. Swim lessons aim to reduce drowning risks among Black and Brown youth. The Atlanta trip will broaden horizons for families by visiting historic civil rights landmarks and deepening cultural understanding.
Drivers Education for five seniors = $4,000
Swimming Lessons for 50 youth at the Northwest Family YMCA = $2,000
Sponsorship of a chartered bus to / from Atlanta, Georgia for youth and parents to experience the MLK Center, Ebenezer Baptist Church, and other historic sites honoring former President Jimmy Carter and Congressman John Lewis. = $4,000
TOTAL: $10,000
Mental Health & Wellness
Arts & Creative Culture
CENTER OF HOPE FOR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
https://centerofhopebh.org
Center of Hope for Behavioral Health provides residential support for young men ages 18–24 living with mental illness, equipping them with the tools to achieve independence. By focusing on building critical life skills and growing holistically as a person, they believe any of their residents can succeed.
Center of Hope for Behavioral Health’s wish is to provide new supportive technology for their residents. Chromebooks will expand their access to education, job searches, and life-skills training. Grocery gift cards will make healthy food accessible, while bicycles address transportation barriers—one of their greatest obstacles to independence. These resources promote health, stability, and opportunity, empowering the residents to become thriving members of our community.
DISMAS HOUSE
https://www.dismas.org
Dismas House provides a supportive community for formerly incarcerated men, helping them rebuild their lives with dignity and stability. At Dismas House, justice-impacted men arrive carrying the weight of trauma, instability, and barriers that threaten their success.
Each wish strengthens the organization’s mission of reducing recidivism and promoting community health. Laptops will give staff the tools to provide better support, while basic needs packages help new residents transition with stability. Legal services address barriers that often prevent men from reuniting with their family or securing employment. These resources aim to reduce stress, improve mental health, and create safer, stronger communities.
12 Huffy Rock Creek Mountain Bikes = $1,296
60 Kroger Gift Cards = $3,000
12 HP Premium Chromebooks = $2,728
TOTAL: $7,024
7 Dell Inspiron Touch Screen laptops = $3,500
Basic needs packages for men entering Dismas House after incarceration = $3,500
Legal services for residents at Dismas House = $3,000
TOTAL: $10,000
Residents at Dismas House cook community meals together, building connection and easing stress while supporting positive mental health.
Photo credit: Brenan Sharp
Mental Health & Wellness
A new resident inspects a basket of fresh garden produce outside his tiny home. The Village at Glencliff’s program offers dignity and stability that breaks the cycle of homelessness and hospitalizations.
Photo credit: The Village at Glencliff
Participants at Center of Hope for Behavioral Health Anxiety Camp created hand-painted rocks, turning small stones into powerful reminders of hope.
Photo credit: Camp Director
OUR KIDS
https://ourkidscenter.com
Our Kids provides expert medical evaluations and crisis counseling for children and families affected by child sexual abuse across 47 counties in Middle Tennessee. They value compassion, and aid families in overcoming whatever obstacle they face.
Our Kids recognizes how small resources make a big difference in creating safe, supportive experiences. Toys help calm fears in the lobby, gas cards remove travel barriers for families driving long distances, and age-appropriate books equip children with knowledge and reassurance. These items reflect compassion in action and ensure that children and families feel safe, supported, and empowered during a difficult time.
Lobby toys such as play kitchen, play dishes, play food, train/Lego Table, and activity cubes for babies and toddlers = $500
200 Gas cards = $5,000
200 Age-appropriate resource books for young children = $2,000
TOTAL: $7,500
TENNESSEE CAREGIVER COALITION
https://tncaregiver.org
Tennessee Caregiver Coalition provides advocacy, resources, and community for caregivers, strengthening their wellbeing and amplifying their voices.
The organization’s wish list items will directly enhance the wellbeing of caregivers and strengthen its ability to serve them. Joy For All Companion Pets provide comfort and companionship to individuals with Alzheimer’s, easing loneliness and anxiety. Photography and videography equipment will allow the organization to capture stories, create high-quality outreach materials, and launch a video podcast to amplify caregiver voices.
10 Joy For All Companion Therapy Robotic Pets for Alzheimer’s and Seniors with Dementia = $1,600
Photography & Videography Equipment Kit, including a DSLR camera, lighting kit, microphones, and tripod = $6,600
TOTAL: $8,200
THE VILLAGE AT GLENCLIFF
https://www.villageatglencliff.org
The Village at Glencliff provides safe, dignified recovery housing for individuals experiencing homelessness after hospitalization. The organization offers a supportive environment where residents can heal, regain stability, and prepare for a healthier independent future.
Practical upgrades identified on The Village at Glencliff’s wishlist will improve daily life and long-term sustainability for residents. New refrigerators ensure safe food storage that reduces waste and stretches limited budgets, while blackout blinds provide comfort, privacy, and lower energy costs. A mixed-waste receptacle keeps the shared kitchen clean and sustainable, upholding dignity, health, and community for residents working toward permanent housing.
The mission at Always Bev is to prevent sexual assault, predatory behavior and violence against girls and women. Having personal protection alongside awareness stimulates inner strength, enhances presence and provides the confidence and peace of mind that we all need and deserve in our everyday routines.
Being able to provide additional educational material with media enhancement reinforces learning, allowing Always Bev to provide better visuals including statistics, graphics and videos. Media support will help the nonprofit to reach the audience emotionally and allow engagement with a broader audience beyond their events through digital links, social media, and take-home materials. These tools ensure messaging of safety and inner strength extend far beyond the classroom and into daily life.
AMELIA’S CLOSET
https://ameliascloset.org
Amelia’s Closet equips women and teen girls with the confidence and professional attire they need to secure employment and achieve stability. By addressing both appearance and self-assurance, they help women take meaningful steps toward independence and long-term success.
Amelia’s Closet continues to have a need for three essential inventory items that are not often donated: scrubs, new undergarments, and durable work shoes. These staple items, often taken for granted, are vital for helping women transition from crisis to career. With your support, Amelia’s Closet can meet these immediate needs and ensure that every woman served walks into her future with hope, confidence, and the tools to succeed.
100 Personal Safety Equipment Package Kits = $3,500
34 Pair slip-resistant shoes or steel toed boots = $1,530
TOTAL: $9,960
House graduate showing what is possible for student moms. This
graduated with incredible grades and a newborn in tow.
Photo credit: Ella’s House
Always Bev educates groups and shares the belief with others that our intuition serves one purpose in our life, and that is to keep us safe
Photo credit: Always Bev
Rejoice School of Ballet photo featuring young dancers rejoicing in the moment. Pictures like this one show how happy enrolled students are to dance and move.
Photo credit: Rejoice School of Ballet
Ella’s
mama
CENTER OF HOPE
https://centerofhopetn.org
Center of Hope (COH) is the only dual domestic violence and sexual assault program serving Maury, Giles, Lawrence, and Wayne Counties, supporting hundreds of survivors each year. Last fiscal year, COH served 668 clients with nearly 3,000 services, including shelter, advocacy, and case management.
Reliable technology helps staff track services, coordinate with partners, and respond quickly to client needs, while updated flooring creates a safe and welcoming shelter environment. COH seeks support to replace the worn flooring in the kitchen and utility room, improving comfort and cleanliness for families who spent 1,069 nights in shelter last year. Funding these projects strengthens COH’s ability to deliver timely, dignified services and provide a secure space for healing and stability.
ELLA’S HOUSE
https://ellashouse.org
Ella’s House supports pregnant and parenting student mothers through housing, community, and mental health and wellness resources. The organization aims to equip student mothers to both have their babies and earn their diploma.
Ella’s House’s wish is for eight new gliders — one for each mom’s room — so every scholar has a comfortable, reliable place to feed, soothe, and bond with her baby. Gliders offer stability, improvement in mental health, and help moms focus on education. A well-supported and rested mom is better able to focus on her studies, manage stress, and engage fully in both parenting and school.
3 ThinkPad laptops = $3,600
Replacement for the worn and damaged flooring in the shelter’s kitchen and utility room = $6,400
TOTAL: $10,000
8 Delta Children Glider Swivel Chairs = $4,000
TOTAL: $4,000
REJOICE SCHOOL OF BALLET
https://www.rejoiceballet.com
Rejoice School of Ballet provides affordable, high-quality dance education for a continuously growing and diverse group of students. With tuition assistance and volunteers working to create costumes for children, Rejoice is able to foster an inclusive and welcoming environment for students of all backgrounds.
Rejoice’s wish list supports its largest class yet, with 192 students enrolled and growing demand for costumes, supplies, and volunteer support. Since more than 65% of students receive tuition assistance and over half come from diverse racial and cultural backgrounds, new costumes in all sizes ensure equity and confidence for every child. Fabric, a sewing machine, and branded aprons equip volunteers to create and maintain attire, improving safety, reducing costs, and promoting pride and sustainability.
120 Performance Costumes for Children’s Division = $5,450
Tulle, fabric bolts, ribbon, jewels and a sewing machine = $1,300
30 Volunteer aprons with Rejoice logo = $480
TOTAL: $7,230
Questions?
Contact your Relationship Manager or any member of our Philanthropic Services team by calling (615) 321-4939 or email givingback@cfmt.org
Organizations featured on cover (Top, L to R): The Quest Center for Art & Community Development, Ella’s House, Backfield in Motion, Legacy Mission Village, Dismas House, Rejoice School of Ballet, Tennessee Caregiver Coalition, and Backlight Productions
