When you give through Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, you’re doing much more than setting up a fund or writing a check to support a cause. You’re becoming part of a community united by a passion for making our region an even better place.
As someone who shares that passion, I’d like to welcome you to this inspiring group of gamechangers and changemakers. Together, you’re making more possible for our community — now and for generations to come.
This handbook is your guide for how to partner with CFMT to give in more meaningful and impactful ways. It includes questions to consider and useful advice to help you navigate every step of your philanthropic journey.
As you explore the guide, think about what truly moves you. What are the causes and challenges you’re most eager to tackle? Whether you want to make sure every child has access to education, preserve our natural green spaces, end homelessness, or help someone access a better job, this guide will help you make the most of your giving.
You’ll find practical tips to help you give with purpose, align your values with your giving, and discover effective organizations working on the ground. You’ll also find instructions for using your online portal and how you can take advantage of an array of supportive services available to you as a CFMT fundholder.
By choosing to work with CFMT, you now have access to Middle Tennessee’s most knowledgeable philanthropic team. We are at your service, here to partner with you every step of the way.
Together, we can build a stronger, more welcoming community where everyone has access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.
Sincerely,
Hal Cato President and CEO
A Roadmap to Philanthropy
Welcome!
You are here because you are a difference-maker.
Odds are you’ve always stepped up to donate to local causes when there’s been a pressing need. Maybe you’ve sponsored a Little League team or helped organize a fundraiser for a friend or neighbor battling cancer.
And, of course, you buy way more Girl Scout cookies than your doctor would recommend.
All of those contributions matter. But if you are reading this right now it tells us that you’ve made the decision to make a bigger difference, one with more focused intent and lasting impact.
You’ve committed to sparking real change to tackle the issues that keep you up at night or inspire you to get up in the morning. You know, the stuff that makes your heart sing and sometimes the stuff that breaks it.
Maybe you have witnessed the joy of a child singing or learning to play a musical instrument, and you want to make sure kids in our community have access to arts education.
Or you want to take a more sustained approach to helping unhoused persons on the street move to clean, safe, and supported housing to give them a real shot at a fresh start.
Whatever your motivation, we first want to say thank you. You’ve made the leap from empathy to amplified impact.
And by choosing to partner with CFMT you have a running start on making a big difference in your hometown. You now have access to an experienced and dedicated team of experts ready to support you with unmatched local knowledge and relationships, personalized service, and a deep toolbox full of strategies and giving vehicles that can help you make the biggest possible impact with your giving.
As you begin this journey, you probably have a bunch of questions swirling in your head:
• Where do I start?
• How can I give in ways I know will have an impact?
• Who else should I invite to join me in this giving journey?
• How do I figure out the best organizations or causes to give to?
• What is the legacy I want to build, and leave to my family, community, and future generations?
Yes, you have questions. The good news is we can help you find those answers.
We’re here to support you as you look to make a lasting difference in our community and embark on what so many donors describe as one of the most meaningful and rewarding journeys of their lives.
5 Steps to Guide Your Giving Journey
At CFMT, we’ve been working to build a better Middle Tennessee for more than three decades. Along the way, we’ve learned some key lessons that can help you make a real difference in our community.
We’ve boiled these insights down to five key steps that donors, just like you, have found helpful in clarifying their giving priorities in ways that allow them to make a difference.
IDENTIFY YOUR WHY
What change do you most want to see in your community?
Answering that question gets to the heart of your passion and purpose for making a difference. Identifying your why can anchor you as you move forward — inspiring you to stay informed and engaged with causes that matter most to you.
DONORS WHO DID IT
Turning Their ‘Why’ Into Action
Turner and Phylanice Nashe’s ‘why’ — helping aspiring local Black business owners — is rooted in a challenge they faced early in their careers. The couple had secured a government contract for an exciting project. Yet, when they sought essential funding at local banks, they hit a brick wall.
When you align your giving with your passion and values, you add meaning to your contributions, both for you and those benefiting from your generosity.
Turner and Phylanice Nashe
Bridge Resource Partnership Fund
They never forgot that feeling. And, as their careers advanced, so did their commitment to helping others seeking to start or grow a business. The result is their Bridge Resource Partnership Fund at CFMT, which supports Black business owners who are struggling to access capital with an impact investment.
We didn’t want people to have to go through what we went through, Turner says. If you need a small bump to get to the next phase of your business, we want to help you.
Jordan and Cheyna
Matthews
Matthews Mission Donor Advised Fund
From Vision to Impact
In their careers as professional athletes, Jordan and Cheyna Matthews have excelled on the football field and soccer pitch, respectively. Yet philanthropy represented an entirely new ball game they knew little about.
Jordan and Cheyna shared a passion for giving back, so they launched a charitable fund, Matthews Mission. Drawing from CFMT’s expertise, their vision for doing good crystallized into a simple acronym – FEED:
• Feed the hungry;
• Educate the children;
• Empower the family;
• Donate to those in need.
FEED has since contributed over $280,000 to local and global causes.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Matthews Mission partnered with Serving Hope International to help feed children who were displaced from school meal programs. The organization prepared over 2,400 meals a day, with support from the fund.
Jordan appreciates the fact “that there’s a lot more intentionality behind our giving” as the Matthews Mission Fund has evolved.
It’s been really awesome to see how ideas we both care about come together through the fund,
Cheyna said.
OK, we know magic wands don’t exist. But let’s imagine for a moment they did.
If you could merely wave a wand, what kind of change in your community or world would you create?
Answering this aspirational question is critical to centering your giving on a clear, personal vision for impact rather than just the act of giving itself. From there, you can start developing a more realistic and action-oriented plan. It’s OK to start
small – setting a series of achievable goals provides both motivation as well as the opportunity to course-correct as needed.
A simple example: if addressing food scarcity is a priority, you can start by directing contributions to your local food bank to address immediate needs. Over time, you can expand to efforts such as supporting local community gardens and farmers to make a more sustainable impact.
GAIN GREATER UNDERSTANDING
It’s tough to make progress toward solutions without first understanding the problem you wish to solve.
Yet, our experience tells us that challenges rarely stem from a single cause, and sometimes focusing on the most apparent symptoms of a problem isn’t a long-term cure.
DONORS WHO DID IT
A Legacy of Learning Lives On
We can help direct you toward high-impact leaders and reputable organizations that understand and address root causes and take actions that make measurable progress.
With deeper understanding, your giving moves beyond short-term relief to create lasting change where it’s needed most.
In 2018, Alan Kulkin opened the Carolyn Kulkin Fund for Education & Community in memory of his late wife, Carolyn, a lifelong educator. For Alan, creating the fund was a way to honor her life while helping children and families address challenges at their root.
Alan Kulkin
For All the Kids Fund for Arts Communities & Education
Education had always been at the center of the Kulkin household. Both Alan and Carolyn were teachers who believed in reaching students early, when the right support can change a child’s trajectory. That insight guided Alan’s first grant: a $27,500 gift to the Cheatham County School System to provide 100 touchscreen laptops for Pre-K classrooms. By equipping students at the very beginning of their learning journey and extending access for families to use the devices during school breaks, Alan made it possible that children could build skills and confidence that would last a lifetime.
The fund also made an early grant to Mental Health America, reflecting Alan’s belief that healthy communities are built when people have access to both education and mental health support. For him, it was also a deeply personal connection to Carolyn’s Alzheimer’s journey.
By focusing on early intervention and root causes, Alan has turned grief into action. The fund, later renamed For All the Kids Fund for Arts Communities & Education, enables Carolyn’s legacy to strengthen children, families, and communities for generations to come.
This organization is just what I needed, Alan says of CFMT. I didn’t have to set up my own foundation.
The Women’s Fund & Girls Give
It started with a question from a member of The Women’s Fund board: How can we pass on the joy of giving to the next generation?
That spark led to the creation of Girls Give, a program that brings daughters, nieces, and granddaughters into philanthropy by connecting giving with learning and doing. Since 2018, more than 40 Girls Give Funds have been established, connecting over 100 women and girls of all ages in a shared commitment to support girls in Middle Tennessee.
At one gathering, teens and parents came together to explore what advocacy and service can look like in real life. They heard from Dr. Jessie Adams about how giving back transforms both communities and young people. Leaders from the Community Resource Center, Nashville Diaper Connection, and Capital Advisors added practical insights for engaging thoughtfully and ethically. Then, everyone rolled up their sleeves, packing diapers and drafting letters to legislators, to see how even simple acts can make a difference.
4
CREATE COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
We often hear a familiar refrain from our donors: “I get more out of this than I give.”
That perspective usually comes from those who lean into their curiosity and compassion to understand what it truly takes to strengthen our community. Often, it means spending time with neighbors — listening to their needs, learning their perspectives, and exploring their aspirations firsthand.
There are many ways to connect. You might hear from a nonprofit leader, visit an organization to see the work up
close, or spend a few hours volunteering. Each experience offers a deeper view into the issues you care about most.
We’re here to help you make those connections, not just with organizations and causes, but with one another. This is our hometown, too. And we’ll keep you up to speed on opportunities, introduce you to community leaders, and connect you with the people and resources that can support your journey.
REFLECT REGULARLY AND CELEBRATE SUCCESS
Reflecting on your journey is key to staying inspired. Take time to think about what you’ve accomplished and how you can make a bigger difference moving forward. Reflecting on your experiences will help ensure that your efforts remain in sync with your goals and values.
DONORS WHO DID
IT
Looking Back to Move Forward
Jan and Brian Babiak reflect regularly on the past to refine their approach to giving.
After growing up in a working-class family in Oklahoma, Jan became financially independent at age 17 but faced a serious medical emergency in college. Even with insurance, she was left with debt three times her annual income.
“I had a loving family at my side, but no one had the means to help financially,” Jan recalls.
Celebrate the successes and take stock of the lessons learned from the challenges. Evolving and adapting are key to making a lasting difference for the causes and organizations that matter most to you.
Jan and Brian Babiak
The Jan and Brian Babiak Donor Advised Fund
While Jan managed to complete her education, regain her health, and pay off her debts, she never forgot the fear and uncertainty of the experience. And when she learned of a nonprofit, Undue Medical Debt, which buys and forgives medical debt for those struggling financially, she and Brian knew this was a cause to get behind.
Every dollar donated to Undue Medical Debt translates to forgiving about $100 in medical bills for people in need. Through their support of Undue Medical Debt, Jan and Brian have had ample opportunities to reflect on the impact they are making, and then make strategic decisions around future contributions from The Jan and Brian Babiak Donor Advised Fund.
It is such a great way to manage and be intentional with your giving, Jan says. It’s very flexible, which allows us to be strategic when planning our donations.
Inside These Pages You’ll Find
How your fund is invested and managed with care
Simple steps to make grants and grow your giving
Ways to involve family, partners, and community
Policies and practices every fundholder should know
Establishing a Fund
Establishing a fund at CFMT allows you to target your giving to support the causes and communities that matter most to you, now and for generations to come. Whether you’re looking to give back locally, honor a loved one, create a family tradition of giving, or simply need a sounding board for a new idea, your relationship manager is here to help.
GETTING STARTED IS EASY:
• Choose the type of fund that aligns with your goals.
Types include Agency Endowment, Designated, Donor Advised, Field-of-Interest, Scholarships, and Unrestricted funds. Our team is here to help you decide which option best fits your philanthropic vision. You can also explore fund types on your own using our interactive tool at www.cfmt.org/donors/individual
• Decide what and when to give (cash, stock, or other assets).
• Name your fund and define your purpose.
From there, our team handles the details, from investment management to grant distribution, while you focus on the joy of giving.
When you’re ready to establish your fund with CFMT, please contact us at givingback@cfmt.org or call Tina Randolph at 615-695-2742. She will schedule a conversation with a member of our Philanthropic Services team.
Putting Your Fund to Work
Your online portal to progress
Once you’ve established your fund, the most efficient way to manage it is by connecting with your relationship manager and making the most of our online portal.
The portal is secure and makes it easy for you to make grant recommendations, check fund balances, see your grantmaking and gift history, access and print your fund statements, and more — all at your convenience.
CFMT DONOR PORTAL
How to Get Started in 4 Easy Steps:
Head to CFMT.org
On the top right corner, click on “Access Your Fund.”
Log in to the Portal
Set up your portal access by using your email address. Once you have entered your email, you will be prompted to reset your login.
Create Your Profile
After completing the login setup, navigate to the ‘Profile Tab’ in the upper right-hand corner and click on ‘Personal Information’ to ensure all information is correct.
Access the Portal Anytime
After you’ve completed the setup, you can log into the portal at any time at CFMT.org.
KEY PORTAL FEATURES:
The CFMT Donor Portal gives you access to key details about your fund, as well as a complete 3-year history of your gifts.
You can also access:
Monthly Statements
Your fund statements are available directly in the portal. You can also receive this information by emailing givingback@cfmt.org. To view your statement, click the “Resources & Documents” option under Fund Management in the menu. If further clarity is needed on the fund statement, your relationship manager can provide you with additional details.
Timely Account Updates
Your account balances will update in real time. If you make frequent donations, you’ll see the latest transactions on the main page when you log in. Under the “Contributions” section, you can review all gifts received since 2021. If you notice any discrepancy in your balance, please let your relationship manager know ASAP. We are here to help!
Grant Management
Donor advised fund account holders are able to review all pending and completed grants using the “Grants” menu. You may also recommend new grants using the “Grant Request” section.
Accounts Other Than Donor
Advised Funds:
The grant management of designated, field-of-interest, scholarship, and unrestricted funds is handled by CFMT’s expert team members. Because grants or disbursements happen automatically or are processed through a competitive application process, you will not see the “Grant Request” feature. If you’re unsure about your account type, feel free to call Tina Randolph at 615-695-2742 for assistance.
Investment Management of Your Funds
Your decision to establish a fund at CFMT is a highly personal one.
But it’s also practical.
We understand that you have numerous options for managing your charitable funds and that you require a partner you can trust to manage this investment, enabling you to achieve the most significant possible impact in our community.
That’s why we are committed to ensuring that every dollar you contribute to your funds is managed under the highest possible standards for investment oversight.
Our guiding investment philosophy is to promote the judicious stewardship of funds entrusted to us for the benefit of our community. We invest for the long term, seeking the highest total return on assets that is consistent with prudent investment practices.
For more than three decades, donors like you have been trusting us to steward their philanthropic capital. Today, more than $850 million in charitable assets are entrusted to us by hundreds of generous families.
We’re committed to ensuring the long-term growth and sustainability of the charitable funds entrusted to us so we can continue to support Middle Tennessee now and for generations to come.
Below are some common questions we often receive from our donors about investment management:
WHO MANAGES OUR FUNDS?
For assets that CFMT manages, we work with Marquette Associates, an independent investment consulting firm that empowers clients as fiduciaries to meet their investment objectives.
Marquette has deep expertise in portfolio construction, asset allocation, and risk management, which positions CFMT to maximize the value of your contributions, preserve your capital, and pursue sustainable growth over time.
Our relationship with Marquette reinforces our commitment to managing charitable assets with the highest level of care and serving our community with transparency and integrity.
CAN I WORK WITH MY OWN INVESTMENT ADVISOR?
Yes, that can be a potential option for some donors. The vast majority of our donors rely on CFMT’s expertise in partnership with Marquette to effectively and efficiently help meet investment goals. However, there are some instances in which donors who maintain a significant balance prefer to work with their own trusted wealth advisor.
In these instances, CFMT will review your advisor recommendation with the following considerations:
Your recommendation is made in writing, providing the name and contact information for the investment advisor.
Upon approval, CFMT will execute an Investment Management Agreement to establish an account on behalf of your fund.
The investment advisor must be willing to provide data access to Clearwater Analytics, CFMT’s external investment reporting and reconciliation partner.
Keep in mind that if your fund falls below the outside investment minimum balance for an extended period, CFMT will contact you to discuss options to bring the fund balance at or above the required minimum or the possibility of transferring your fund to CFMT’s investment pool.
Feel free to reach out to your relationship manager to learn more about the pros and cons of this option.
How We Steward Your Investments
Making the Most of Your Fund
Beyond managing the administrative nuts and bolts of your fund, CFMT provides personalized support to help you access opportunities to learn, lead, and grow.
As a fundholder, you have a dedicated relationship manager always at the ready to discuss your giving goals. We help you identify and evaluate local nonprofits and programs.
We can help you craft plans aimed at getting your family involved, defining the future purpose of your fund, creating a giving statement, or building a grants management program. We can also help you identify other ways to give beyond your fund to ensure your giving aligns with your priorities as you continue your journey.
When you give through us, you’re a part of something much bigger. You’re now part of a vibrant and welcoming community committed to making a real difference in Nashville and beyond.
Our goal is to continue growing the fund while raising our children to carry on the tradition of giving.
—Brad Jones, Beth and Brad Jones Fund
Here are some of the other ways we help our donors stay engaged and inspired:
DONOR PARTNERSHIPS:
Creating a better future for our community is work best done when we all have a voice. Our team has established funds in partnership with other social good organizations, local leaders, donors, and committees in pursuit of particular, essential goals.
As a CFMT fundholder, you’re now part of a group that includes some of our region’s most passionate and knowledgeable changemakers.
For example, we’ve witnessed the power of this collaboration with Nashville Catalyst Fund, which aims to address Nashville’s urgent affordable housing crisis.
The fund brought together the public, private, and philanthropic sectors to create a partnership with the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County and CFMT.
With $76 million in initial capital, the fund made its first investment to preserve affordable housing in Madison, marking a powerful first step in reshaping access to housing for future generations.
SOCIAL AND LEARNING CONVENINGS:
When you get like-minded people together, it sets the stage for great brainstorms and deepened connections. CFMT hosts a series of events designed to introduce donors to each other to network, share information, and often learn ways to improve your giving and impact.
FORUMS AND EVENTS:
You’ll have the chance to attend CFMT’s forums, where you’ll join local leaders and decision makers in hearing directly from researchers and experts who share information and ideas about our community. We keep an updated list of forums and events on our website at cfmt.org/events, so you’ll always be in the know!
POLICY AND ADVOCACY INSIGHTS:
Through our advocacy and policy leadership, CFMT has helped to leverage millions of dollars in federal and state funds, pass new legislation on K-12 education, realize savings in municipal financing, provide crucial funds for cultural facilities, and more. As a fundholder, we will keep you informed about our efforts and our progress.
LOCAL, NATIONAL, AND INTERNATIONAL REACH
We can connect you to international giving resources and to our extensive network of U.S. community foundations if you’re looking to give to effective causes outside of our region.
Ultimately, our goal is to embrace your generosity and passions, and then layer in our experience and expertise to guide you in creating a customized and dynamic approach to giving that reflects your values and commitment to creating positive change. Remember, this is your journey! Our job is to help you strive toward your goals in ways that amplify your impact.
Making An Impact
You are encouraged to work with our Philanthropic Services team to develop and articulate your giving statement and define your giving goals.
This team can also help you build a strategy for achieving these goals, and they’re always excited to answer your questions and support you as you make decisions.
We’re also here to support you as you explore the following topics:
FAMILY PHILANTHROPY
Perhaps you’re considering ways to invite your family along in your giving journey.
Doing so offers a great way to:
1. Share and discuss your values
2. Come together for meaningful activities and discussions
3. Learn more about each other as individuals
4. Develop a common vision
It also enables you to draw from the strengths and experiences of your family to help address needs in our community.
Without the support of trusted professionals, it can be hard to know where to begin when shaping your family’s giving journey.
We routinely work one-on-one with donors and their families to develop and implement philanthropic plans or organize “learning and doing” events. Our expertise is supporting donors so that they have a personally meaningful, fulfilling experience with philanthropy at every stage of their journey.
Recommending a Grant from a Donor Advised Fund
When you recommend a grant, we jump into action to make the process as simple and efficient as possible, honor your wishes, and double-check that there are not any potential issues with your recommendation. (There rarely are but it’s best practice to make sure.)
The minimum grant recommendation is $100. Once we receive your recommendation, we will:
• Verify that the organization is an eligible grantee
• Contact the organization, if necessary, for documentation or additional information about its mission, operation, and purpose
• Review any matters of concern with you
ANONYMITY
With each grant recommendation, you have a choice as to how you and your fund are identified in the communication that accompanies the grant payment sent to the grantee organization.
1. Fund and Advisor Named — The communication to the grantee organization will contain the name of your fund and your name.
2. Fund and Advisor Anonymous — The communication to the grantee organization will not identify your fund or you as the advisor.
RECURRING GRANTS
Donors have the ability to set up recurring grants to nonprofit organizations. Grants may be scheduled for a specific number of years or as a perpetual grant. Many donors find this useful for the organizations they support annually with a gift or for a multi-year commitment.
GRANT PAYMENT SCHEDULE
In most cases, grant recommendations submitted by Friday are processed, pending approval, and paid by the following Friday. Grants are disbursed either by check or Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT).
At times, processing may take longer. This can happen during periods of high grant volume or if additional due diligence is needed, especially when recommending grants to new nonprofit organizations. Your Philanthropic Services team is always here to keep you informed and ensure your grantmaking experience is smooth and timely.
I love that a fund here is like a bank account. You can start small and then watch your amount —and your impact—grow over time.
— LISË DAVIS
The Song Painter Fund: The Mac Davis Fund for the Art of Songwriting
A Few Things You Should Know Before Recommending a Grant with a Donor Advised Fund
The following guidelines should make the grantmaking process easier for you. It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with these guidelines before initiating your first grant recommendation. Your grantmaking strategy may involve any number of worthy endeavors, but it’s important to know our donor advised funds at CFMT have several federally mandated limitations.
ELIGIBLE GRANTEES
You can recommend a grant to any of the following:
• 501(c)(3) public charities*, schools, municipalities, government entities and religious organizations anywhere in the United States (this includes the U.S. arm of any international organization)
• Any other component fund of Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee
PROHIBITED GRANTS
To ensure compliance with IRS regulations and uphold the integrity of charitable giving, the following types of grants are not eligible for funding through donor advised funds at CFMT:
• Grants to individuals, including scholarship recipients selected by the donor or personal gifts.
• Grants that provide a personal benefit, such as tickets to fundraising events, membership dues, goods bought at charity auctions, or sponsorships with donor benefits.
• Grants to pay for legally binding pledges or obligations, including tuition payments, fines, or personal debts.
• Grants for political or lobbying purposes, including support for political campaigns, parties, or candidates.
• Grants to private non-operating foundations or other disqualified supporting organizations, unless pre-approved by CFMT.
• Grants to non-charitable entities or foreign organizations that have not been properly vetted as equivalent to a U.S. public charity.
• Grants intended for commercial or for-profit enterprises.
• Grants to organizations whose missions or activities promote hate, violence, discrimination, or intolerance against any group or individual.
All grants must be used exclusively for charitable purposes, benefit the public, and comply with both IRS rules and CFMT’s due diligence requirements. When in doubt, our team is here to help guide you.
*Please note: a very small number of 501(c)(3) public charities are ineligible for grants from a donor advised fund due to IRS regulations. Our team will be happy to assist you with any questions on this matter. Of course, you should always consult with your own tax advisor for any personal tax advice.
INTERNATIONAL GRANTS
Middle Tennessee is home to several nonprofits doing vital work on a global scale. For international grantmaking, CFMT partners with U.S.-based organizations that specialize in due diligence, helping ensure that funds are distributed legally and responsibly. When supporting international efforts, an additional fee may apply to cover the cost of working with these trusted third-party partners.
Planning for the Future of Your Donor Advised Fund
LEGACY AND SUCCESSION PLANNING
Effective philanthropy requires thoughtful planning and making important decisions related to the future purpose of your fund.
Our Philanthropic Services team will work with you to develop a customized plan to meet goals in intersecting areas of philanthropy, estate planning, and family. We can help you explore creative ways to build your philanthropic legacy.
Estate Planning for the Future Purpose of Your Fund
While you’re giving today, there’s also real value in looking toward the future — and your own legacy of giving. Planned gifts, often included in wills, can help ensure you make a difference after you’re gone, while sometimes offering immediate retirement income and tax-saving benefits. CFMT provides a full array of planned giving options, helping individuals and families create lasting legacies in support of the causes they care about.
Such planning requires some reflection. Do you want to pass along a tradition of giving to your children or grandchildren? Do you know what specific institutions or causes you wish to support? Have you thought about incorporating charitable giving into your overall estate plans?
There are a number of options for the future of your fund. You could spend it down during your lifetime. If your donor advised fund is a two-generation fund, you may wish to discuss your vision with your children or others named as successors.
Some donors also choose to establish “grandchildren funds” — new funds created from their original donor advised fund — to encourage philanthropy to live on through the next generation and beyond. Other options include designating specific charities or causes to receive future distributions, or entrusting CFMT to direct your fund’s r esources to meet the greatest needs of the community.
Options to plan for the future include one of these ways:
Make a final distribution from your donor advised fund to the Unrestricted Impact Fund. You may make gifts to the CFMT Unrestricted Impact Fund providing the most flexible assets, enhancing our ability to make grants when and where the need is greatest through our Community Impact Grantmaking.
Convert your Donor Advised Fund to a Named Field-of-Interest Fund. Field-of-Interest Funds provide support to areas you care about most, such as the arts or education, or specific populations such as children or seniors. Your fund would become part of our Community Impact Grantmaking.
Convert your Donor Advised Fund to a Designated Fund. Would you like to continue to support specific organizations you have supported for years through your donor advised fund? A designated fund lets you earmark dollars for an annual contribution in perpetuity to the organizations you care about. Consider this a permanent annual gift fund.
Beyond your Donor Advised Fund
You may wish to fund your philanthropic legacy using resources beyond your donor advised fund. CFMT accepts a wide variety of planned gifts and non-cash assets, and we can discuss the giving vehicles that might make the most sense for your circumstances.
Finally, you may do a combination of the above. You can also choose whether you would like your fund to be endowed for lasting impact or spent down over a number of years.
We are happy to work with you to develop a customized plan to meet your goals. For more detailed information about creative ways to build your philanthropic legacy through CFMT, contact Tina Randolph at 615-695-2742.
A Word About Pledges and Benefits
PLEDGES
Occasionally, fundholders ask whether they can use their donor advised fund to fulfill a pledge made to a nonprofit organization. In 2017, the U.S. Treasury Department issued Notice 2017-73, updated guidance that provides a pathway for fulfilling certain types of pledge commitments, differing from the previous rules.
If you’re considering making a pledge, we encourage you to contact your Philanthropic Services Relationship Manager in advance. They can help you understand what’s possible and ensure your commitment aligns with current regulations.
MATERIAL AND INCIDENTAL BENEFITS
Because donors’ gifts into a donor advised fund are fully tax-deductible, the grants made from the fund must be fully deductible as well. In some instances, nonprofits offer opportunities that include material benefits, such as free admission to events, a discount at their retail shops, or a table at a benefit or fundraiser for the organization. Because of this, grants made that include tickets, tables, auction items, and memberships are prohibited if you are planning to accept these benefits.
If you are planning to support an organization event or membership and wish to decline the benefits, you may make a gift from your donor advised fund with the added note “decline tangible benefits.”
Adding to Your Fund
You may add to your fund at any time, and there’s no minimum requirement for additional contributions.
We accept most types of gifts, including:
• cash;
• publicly traded securities;
• IRA Required Minimum Distributions (note: not eligible for donor advised funds);
• real estate and other non-cash assets — including membership interests in LLCs, limited partnerships, and other privately held businesses.
In many cases, new contributions to your fund provide you with tax benefits. You should consult with your tax advisor about how these benefits work.
To make a gift that requires additional assistance, such as wire or DTC instructions, please contact us at 615-695-4100 or email givingback@cfmt.org. Letting us know to expect your gift ensures that we credit your fund properly and helps you receive the maximum tax benefit.
Many fundholders want to give through their donor advised fund during their lifetimes and direct some or all of their estate to their fund at CFMT. To discuss plans for the future purpose of your fund, please contact a Philanthropic Services team member.
CREDIT CARD DONATIONS
Visit www.cfmt.org to make a donation with your credit card. Please note that credit card transaction fees will apply.
FUNDRAISING BY DONORS AND FUND ADVISORS
CFMT maintains rigorous donor fundraising policies in accordance with IRS guidelines and the State of Tennessee. CFMT must approve all fundraising efforts by donors or fund advisors prior to any third-party solicitations. Please contact us to discuss our fundraising policy or a fundraising event.
GIFT ACCEPTANCE FEES
Any costs incurred to evaluate, acquire, or sell a noncash gift asset, such as real estate, partnership interest, or closely held stock, may reduce the net proceeds credited to the beneficiary fund.
GIFT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
All gifts will be acknowledged in accordance with Internal Revenue Code requirements. Generally, the IRS requires taxpayers to complete and file a Form 8283 with their federal income tax return for gifts of property, except for cash and marketable securities, valued at $5,000 or more. It is the donor’s responsibility to get an appraisal for all gifts other than cash and marketable securities for tax deduction purposes.
NON-CASH ASSETS
When non-cash assets are transferred to a fund properly, they can be gifted without incurring capital gains taxes. Please note that the timing of your gift can have a substantial impact on your personal tax situation, so it is important to contact us as early as possible in the process.
If you are gifting appreciated assets such as real estate or valuable collectibles, we recommend that you consult with your own legal, tax, and financial advisors regarding gift and planning matters. CFMT and its team do not provide legal, tax, or financial advice, but we will be happy to answer any questions you or your advisors have about how we manage your fund.
PRIVATE FOUNDATIONS
CFMT works with donors who also have private foundations. Some have their private foundation and donor advised fund(s) working together to support multi-generational family giving, others access CFMT team knowledge to support the operations of their private foundations with a fee-for-service model, and others have consolidated a private foundation into a fund at CFMT.
To discuss the ways CFMT can work with your private foundation to provide anonymity, engage multi-generation family members, provide grantmaking advice, or offer a preferred deductibility opportunity, please contact Amy Fair at 615-695-2782 or by email at afair@cfmt.org.
THIRD-PARTY CONTRIBUTIONS
Anyone may make contributions to any charitable fund at CFMT. If donating by check, it should be made out to Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee with the s pecific fund name listed on the memo line. All contributors will receive a gift acknowledgement as confirmation of the tax-deductible status of their gift.
The TennGreen Land Conservancy Endowment Fund provides us with a sustainable source of income every year, allowing us to support our operations and honor those commitments.
Nearly 30 years later, that visionary investment continues to yield annual support, ensuring that our work remains as enduring as the lands we safeguard.
— ALICE HUDSON PELL, Executive Director, TennGreen Land Conservancy
Important Information About Your Fund
TAX IMPLICATIONS
As a public charity under Sections 501(c)(3) and 170(b)(1)(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, initial and subsequent contributions made to CFMT currently receive the maximum charitable deduction permitted under state and federal law. Each gift to CFMT is acknowledged with a receipt confirming the date and description of the gift for the donor’s tax records.
Note: Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee is not a licensed tax advisor. Donors should work with their financial, tax, or legal professional to determine the best charitable giving strategy for their situation.
CONTROL OF ASSETS / MATERIAL RESTRICTIONS
A fundamental concept of donor advised funds is the transfer of donor control. When you make a gift to establish a fund or to add to your fund, the gift becomes the property of Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, which means that CFMT has exclusive legal control over the contributed assets.
VARIANCE POWER
All contributions to CFMT are subject to CFMT’s variance power, as stated in your fund agreement. Variance power, though rarely invoked, gives CFMT the right to redirect the use of any fund if we determine that distributions from that fund have become unnecessary or cannot be fulfilled. For example, a fund established early in the 20th century for the research and treatment of polio, which is no longer considered a threat to public health, might be redirected to address a more pressing current medical need in the community. All funds accepted by CFMT
are subject to this variance power, and all community foundations have this policy, which allows them to remain flexible and relevant as grantmaking organizations far into the future.
TRANSFERS
A party to a fund may not transfer or assign a fund, or its obligations, to a third party without the prior written consent of the other party. The advised function of any fund cannot be assigned without the approval of CFMT.
DISPUTES
The fund agreements between donors and CFMT are governed by the laws of the State of Tennessee without regard to its conflicts of law principles. Venue for any disputes arising out of, or in connection with, a fund shall be sited in the federal or state courts of Tennessee.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT FEE
Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee assesses an administrative fee to support fund management, compliance, and community leadership activities. Specific fees vary depending on the type of fund. This fee helps ensure that CFMT can provide expert fund management, professional grantmaking services, due diligence on nonprofit partners, and ongoing stewardship to donors and the community. In addition to the direct administration of individual funds, the Community Support Fee sustains the organization’s broader mission-driven work — strengthening the nonprofit sector, convening partners around pressing community issues, and building long-term capacity to make philanthropy more impactful across Middle Tennessee. By pooling these resources, every fundholder
benefits from the shared infrastructure, accountability, and leadership that make CFMT a trusted philanthropic partner.
ACTIVE FUND POLICY
Philanthropy is most meaningful when it is active and engaged. At CFMT, we encourage fundholders to recommend grants from their donor advised fund at least once a year. To ensure all charitable assets are being stewarded responsibly, CFMT periodically reviews funds for activity. A fund with no grant activity for two consecutive calendar years may be considered inactive, and CFMT staff will reach out to discuss next steps with the fund advisor.
ENDOWED INVESTMENT POLICY
CFMT manages endowed assets with a long-term focus to preserve and grow charitable resources for generations to come. By pooling endowed investments, we reduce costs and increase efficiency, ensuring more funds support community needs. The Board-approved policy sets clear return objectives — a real target return of 5% — and diversifies investments across U.S. and international equities, fixed income, real estate, private equity, and other asset classes. Oversight is provided by the Board of Directors, the Investment & Finance Committee, and an Independent Investment Consultant, who monitor performance and rebalance portfolios as needed. Donors who wish to recommend an outside investment manager may do so with CFMT approval, but all funds remain under the Foundation’s fiduciary control.
CFMT is committed to managing charitable assets with prudence, transparency, and a long-term view. For non-endowed funds invested in our model portfolios, the Boardapproved policy outlines clear investment objectives, risk parameters, and oversight responsibilities. The Foundation’s Investment & Finance Committee, working with an independent investment consultant, monitors performance, ensures compliance, and rebalances portfolios quarterly. Two model portfolios are available: Conservative (6% target return) and Moderate (7% target return) — each diversified across bonds, U.S. and international equities, and real assets. This structure ensures funds are managed responsibly, with the goal of supporting near-term grantmaking while protecting principal for the future.
GIFT ACCEPTANCE POLICY
CFMT welcomes a wide range of gifts — cash, securities, real estate, business interests, life insurance, retirement assets, and personal property — that align with our mission and can be responsibly stewarded. All gifts are subject to review to ensure they serve charitable purposes, protect CFMT’s assets, and can be administered in accordance with donor intent. Donors are strongly encouraged to consult their financial or legal advisors when making a gift. In every case, CFMT maintains ultimate authority and control over all contributions, as required by IRS regulations, and ensures each gift is handled with care, transparency, and respect for donor wishes.
SCHOLARSHIP AUGMENTATION POLICY
Donors who establish scholarship funds with CFMT have the option to increase the award amount in a given year through an augmentation gift. To protect the long-term strength of the endowment, any augmentation must be matched dollar-for-dollar with a contribution to the fund’s principal. Augmentation gifts must be received by December 31 of the year prior to the academic year in which the award will be granted, along with a letter specifying the donor’s intent.
SPENDING POLICY & ROLLING AVERAGE BASIS CALCULATION
To balance today’s community needs with long-term growth, CFMT follows a Boardapproved spending policy for endowed funds. Each year, 4% of the rolling 12-quarter average balance of an endowed fund is made available for grants and distributions. This approach helps smooth out market fluctuations, ensuring consistent support for the causes you care about while preserving the fund’s value for future generations.
UNDERWATER FUNDS POLICY
CFMT has a fiduciary responsibility to ensure the long-term growth and health of endowed funds. Occasionally, an endowed fund’s market value may fall below the total amount contributed to it (its “historic dollar value”), creating an “underwater fund.” In these cases, CFMT follows a Board-approved spending policy that carefully adjusts distributions to protect the fund’s principal and return it to strength.
CFMT’S PRIVACY POLICY
Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee deeply values its relationship of trust with fund advisors. CFMT’s Privacy Policy governs the maintenance of personal data and provides that CFMT will not sell, trade, or exchange information about its donors or fund advisors, and will honor the wishes of those who prefer to remain anonymous in all communications materials.
If you have questions about how this policy may affect your fund, please contact your Relationship Manager.
CFMT as Your Partner in Philanthropy
CFMT Story & Timeline
How one idea shaped a foundation for giving.
Mission, Vision & Values
Learn what guides our work.
How Your Fund Supports Our Work
The bigger impact you make possible.
GivingMatters
Your guide to vetted nonprofits.
FAQs & Glossary
Quick answers, simple terms.
A Vision for Community: The CFMT Story
1914 The First Community Foundation
The Cleveland Foundation was established, the first of its kind in the U.S., sparking a movement to pool resources and strengthen communities.
1990 A Missing Piece in Nashville
By the late 20th century, nearly every major U.S. city had a community foundation. Nashville did not. Ida Cooney, Executive Director of HCA Foundation (now The Frist Foundation), sounded the alarm: “We’re the last major metropolitan city without one.”
1991 Trailblazers Unite
Leaders, including Ted Lazenby, Alyne Massey, Betty Brown, George Bullard, Elizabeth Queener, Richard Eskind, Judy Liff Barker, Ben Rechter, and Jack Turner, rallied to fill this gap.
1991 The Birth of CFMT
The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee is founded on the principle of “common unity” and an enduring endowment. Ellen Lehman becomes the first President, guiding CFMT’s growth for nearly three decades.
1990s Building a Legacy
• Agency Endowment Funds launched, supporting nonprofits like Gilda’s Club, Nashville Children’s Theatre, and Legal Aid Society.
Signature Initiatives created, including The Women’s Fund and The Brooks Fund for women, girls, and LGBTQ+ communities. Today, The Brooks Fund exists as a scholarship fund.
2000s Scholarships & Entertainment Philanthropy
• Scholarship program grows to 170+ funds, beginning with the Chet Atkins Scholarship.
• Entertainment Philanthropy expands to 120 funds led by artists like Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Tim McGraw & Faith Hill, Jelly Roll, and Chris Stapleton — granting more than $40M.
For 25+ years, CFMT has been Nashville’s “community chest” for disaster response, channeling tens of millions to nonprofits helping survivors rebuild. It also takes on civic leadership through cross-sector partnerships, such as the Nashville Early Education Coalition (to strengthen early childhood systems) and the Nashville Catalyst Fund (to preserve and expand affordable housing).
TODAY A Testament to Collective Inspiration
With more than 1,600 charitable funds and $1.4B granted back into the community, CFMT proves what’s possible when generosity meets vision. Today, CFMT is led by CEO Hal Cato, carrying forward the founders’ vision and guiding the Foundation into a new chapter of impact.
OUR MISSION
“To build a more thriving and inclusive community— today and for generations to come — by transforming thoughtful generosity into positive change.”
OUR VISION
“We aspire to be the most trusted and valued partner, connector, solution seeker and servant leader, for those who share our commitment to build a more thriving and inclusive community.”
OUR VALUES
LISTEN AND LEARN
• Seek to understand “the why.”
• Acknowledge every voice has meaning.
• Recognize that questions are more powerful than statements.
• Encourage and seek opportunities to grow and be challenged.
GROUND THE WORK IN TRUST
• Share information widely, intentionally, and openly.
• Communicate with kind and bold honesty.
• Be impeccable with your word.
• Set clear boundaries and expectations.
SHOW UP FOR EACH OTHER AND THE COMMUNITY
• Envision the best for myself and others.
• Offer dependable and timely support.
• Participate with curiosity and commitment.
• Be Present. Be a Presence.
FIND THE GOOD AND PRAISE IT
• Recognize and celebrate unique gifts and strengths.
• Connect people with the opportunities needed to thrive.
• Lean into flexibility.
• Build inclusion into everyday experiences.
How Your Fund Supports Our Work
Once you establish your fund and start making contributions to the causes you care about you’re sure to feel the gratification that comes with knowing you are making a direct impact on the lives of others in our community.
But did you know you’re also helping to support CFMT’s other work, enabling us to have a more powerful impact on Middle Tennessee?
You’re helping support our operations, which include our services for donors like you, as well as the capacity-building support we offer to local nonprofits, our grantmaking, civic leadership work, and much more. And you’re supporting our investment in issue areas such as child and youth development, education, arts and creative culture, and mental health.
We do all of this while also ensuring that we deliver comprehensive resources to support your giving.
We help you understand the most pressing issues facing our community and help address opportunities for you to make the most difference. We are able to assist you in finding organizations that are doing outstanding and innovative work. We spearhead statewide initiatives and keep you informed about important public policy issues. We connect you with like-minded philanthropists and help you signal others to build the community’s charitable capital.
In short, we go far beyond transacting grants and managing your charitable investment wisely. Our “business” is helping philanthropists like you have a lasting and meaningful impact in our community and beyond.
Together, we make more possible
When you become part of Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, you help make more possible for our community. But what does that mean? And what is our role in helping you create those possibilities for your favorite causes?
Think of CFMT as a bridge connecting generous donors like you with local nonprofits on the front lines — the groups doing the hard work to improve lives across Middle Tennessee. Your gifts enable us to serve as grantmakers, targeting the most promising opportunities and pressing challenges of the moment.
These grants make funding more efficient for nonprofits and multiply donor impact when resources are combined. Our Community Impact and specialized grants support projects, new programs, and, increasingly, flexible operating support that helps nonprofits stay resilient by investing in people, systems, and infrastructure.
Beyond grantmaking, CFMT creates impact in other powerful ways:
• Scholarships: Since 1995, we’ve awarded millions to help students achieve their educational dreams and open doors to future opportunities.
• Corporate charitable funds & employee assistance: We help companies manage giving programs and provide employee assistance in times of unforeseen hardship.
• Fiscal sponsorships: We provide administrative backbone support to emerging community-strengthening projects, allowing visionaries to focus on their mission while we handle compliance and stewardship.
Paired with our work to convene diverse voices around tough challenges, these services extend CFMT’s reach far beyond traditional grantmaking.
Since our founding in 1991, CFMT has distributed more than $1.4 billion to our community through grants, scholarships, fiscal sponsorships, corporate programs, and strategic investments.
One such investment is the Nashville Early Education Coalition (NEEC), which works to address Davidson County’s fractured childcare system. With 60% of families reporting job disruptions due to lack of childcare — particularly in low-income communities — NEEC has aligned 29 partners to build a hub ensuring children birth to age five have the support they need to thrive.
At the heart of programs like this are people like you. Caring, committed donors who choose to do more for others. You and your fellow donors are the ones who truly make more possible.
A Giving Guide at Your Fingertips
Every giving journey takes its own course, shaped by your passions, experiences, and the change you envision for our community. Along the way, you’ll transform lives — including your own.
We’ve created an express lane to help you start charting your unique path to greater impact: GivingMatters.
GivingMatters is your trusted online resource for exploring nonprofits across Middle Tennessee. Built and maintained by CFMT, this free, easy-to-use platform connects you with verified local organizations working on the issues that matter most to you.
WHY USE GIVINGMATTERS.COM?
Unlike a general web search, GivingMatters gives you access to side-by-side nonprofit profiles — each one vetted for tax-exempt status and transparency.
You can filter and explore organizations by cause, community, or need, and learn about their mission, leadership, finances, and impact.
GivingMatters provides access to hundreds of nonprofits, featuring detailed profiles developed over 20 years of trusted data collection by CFMT. Many profiles include leadership demographics, board information,
and governance details, helping you support organizations led by and serving the communities you care about most.
GivingMatters is trusted by many family foundations and major funders in Middle Tennessee as a core part of their grantmaking strategy, so you can be confident you’re using the same vetted data that drives institutional giving in our community.
An interactive Impact Map overlays nonprofit work with community needs, using American Community Survey data to help you see where your giving can make the biggest difference.
A TOOL FOR INTENTIONAL GIVING
At GivingMatters, you’ll find a curated collection of thoughtful articles, stories, and reflections to inspire generosity, leadership, and community impact. GivingMatters also includes a guide to help you reflect on your values, ask the right questions, and create an action plan that’s meaningful to you. This helps ensure your giving strategy is intentional, informed, and aligned with your long-term goals.
Step 1: Discover Your Giving Mission
Start with a personal reflection on what drives your giving. Identify the issues and communities you care about, then use GivingMatters to find organizations that align with your values. You can review on page 35 several types of funds that might align best with your giving mission.
Step 2: Ask the Right Questions
Use the platform to explore nonprofit profiles, and when you’re ready, connect directly with organizations to learn more about their goals, challenges, and impact.
Step 3: Create Your Giving Plan
Turn your intentions into action with a flexible plan that fits your life. Whether you give financially, volunteer, serve on a board, or amplify a nonprofit’s story, your support matters.
YOUR GIVINGMATTERS JOURNEY STARTS HERE
Visit GivingMatters.com to explore, give, and build the future of Middle Tennessee — one thoughtful action at a time. And now that you’re ready to take your giving further, our Philanthropic Services team is here to help you align your giving with your long-term goals through a donor advised fund or other strategies.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Donor Advised Fund Basics
Q: How many grants may I recommend each year?
A: The sky’s the limit. You are free to recommend as many grants as you’d like. The minimum grant size is $100.
Note on Active Fund Use
While you’re welcome to recommend as many grants as you’d like each year, we encourage fundholders to make at least one grant recommendation annually. This ensures your fund stays active and aligned with CFMT’s mission of community impact.
To support this, CFMT periodically reviews donor advised funds for activity. If a fund has no grant recommendations for two consecutive calendar years and no documented plan for future giving, we’ll reach out to reconnect and explore next steps. This is part of our responsibility to steward charitable assets for the public good.
For full details, please talk to your Relationship Manager about our Active Fund Policy.
Q: Can other people give to my fund?
A: Yes! You can really increase your impact by encouraging some of your family members and close friends to contribute to your fund.
A quick word of caution, though: please consult us first if you’re considering organizing fundraising activities, such as events, raffles, walks, or sales, in support of
your fund. Before you proceed, contact Tina Randolph at 615-695-2742 to discuss the details and ensure everything complies with IRS regulations.
Grantmaking Guidelines
Q: Who can recommend grants from my donor advised fund?
A: Each donor advised fund is established with primary advisors and may have successor advisors. Primary advisors may request that successor advisors be given current access to recommend grants. You may also grant your financial advisor, accountant, or other professional advisor “read-only” access to the information in our online portal.
Q: How often do I need to make grants from my fund?
A: We encourage you to be an active donor based on your personal giving plans. Active donors help support the causes and organizations that they care about by making grants every year, or at least every two years.
Q: How will nonprofits to which I make recommendations know I am the donor?
A: Each grant from a donor advised fund provides the name of the fund, the name of the advisor, and their contact information unless grants are requested to be anonymous.
Q: Can I change the name of my donor advised fund?
A: Yes — with a little help from our team. Please contact your dedicated Philanthropic Services relationship manager to submit your request in writing. We’ll take it from there!
Q: Can I recommend a grant from my donor advised fund to an organization if I serve on its board?
A: Yes, you may make a grant to organizations in which you, your spouse, or family members participate in a volunteer or board capacity.
Q: My spouse is being honored at a charity dinner and I would like to buy a table. May I do so from my donor advised fund?
A: See Material and Incidental Benefits on page 19.
Q: I am a sustaining member of a museum. May I make my membership gift through my donor advised fund?
A: You may make a membership gift through your donor advised fund if the membership is 100% deductible and/or benefits are incidental (typically 2% of the value of the gift). The grantee will be notified that you have confirmed the membership is 100% deductible or that benefits are incidental.
Online Portal
Q: What do I do if I forget my password or username for the online portal?
A: We’ve got you covered. The online portal home page has a link entitled “Lost Username/Password?” You will be prompted to enter your email address (which must match the email address CFMT has on file). A link to reset your password will then be emailed to you.
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Active Fund Policy: A guideline encouraging fundholders to make at least one grant recommendation each year. If a fund is inactive for two consecutive calendar years, CFMT will reach out to discuss next steps.
Anonymous Grantmaking: The option to recommend a grant without revealing your name or your fund’s name to the recipient organization.
Community Impact Grants: Grants awarded by CFMT to nonprofits addressing Middle Tennessee’s most pressing challenges and promising opportunities. Increasingly, these provide general operating support to strengthen nonprofit capacity.
Community Support Fee: An administrative fee that sustains CFMT’s fund management, donor services, and broader mission-driven work. This shared resource helps ensure strong infrastructure, compliance, and leadership for all funds.
Endowed Fund: A fund invested for long-term growth. Each year, a percentage of the fund’s average value is made available for grantmaking, ensuring support for causes in perpetuity.
Family Philanthropy: The practice of involving children, grandchildren, or relatives in charitable giving. CFMT supports families in creating traditions, values statements, and shared visions for impact.
Gift Acceptance Policy: CFMT’s guidelines for reviewing and accepting gifts — cash, securities, real estate, business interests, life insurance, retirement assets, or personal property — to enable alignment with charitable purposes.
GivingMatters: CFMT’s online database featuring hundreds of vetted Middle Tennessee nonprofits. Donors can explore profiles, filter by cause, and use the interactive Impact Map to see where their giving can make the greatest difference.
Grant Recommendation: A request by a donor to distribute funds from their donor advised fund to an eligible nonprofit. Recommendations are reviewed by CFMT for compliance and approved before payment.
Incidental Benefits: Minor perks sometimes provided by nonprofits. Donor advised fund grants are only permitted if benefits are incidental or declined by the donor.
Legacy Planning: Philanthropic planning to ensure your giving continues beyond your lifetime. Options include naming successors, creating family funds, or designating organizations to receive ongoing support.
Non-Endowed Fund: A fund designed for near-term giving. Contributions are available for immediate distribution instead of being invested for perpetuity.
Non-Cash Assets: Assets such as real estate, privately held business interests, or collectibles contributed to a fund. These may provide significant tax advantages when gifted.
Online Donor Portal: A secure online tool for fundholders to recommend grants, check balances, view statements, and track giving history.
Philanthropic Services Team: CFMT’s dedicated staff who partner with donors to define goals, identify nonprofits, and shape giving strategies. Relationship managers are your main point of contact.
Planned Gift: A charitable gift structured as part of your estate or retirement planning. Examples include bequests, charitable remainder trusts, or designations of retirement assets.
Private Foundation Partnership:
Arrangements in which CFMT supports or manages the work of a private foundation, or where donors convert a private foundation into a CFMT fund for efficiency and impact.
Recurring Grant: A grant scheduled to repeat over a set period (e.g., annually for five years). CFMT processes these automatically based on donor instructions.
Scholarship Augmentation: An option for scholarship fund donors to increase award amounts in a given year by making an additional matched gift to the fund’s principal.
Spending Policy: A board-approved guideline for how much of an endowed fund can be distributed each year (typically 4% of a rolling 12-quarter average). Balances current needs with long-term preservation.
Variance Power: The legal authority, common to all community foundations, allowing CFMT to redirect funds if the original purpose becomes impossible or obsolete. This ensures resources remain impactful while honoring donor intent.
Underwater Fund: An endowed fund whose market value has dropped below the original contributions. CFMT carefully manages distributions in these cases to restore long-term health.
TYPES OF FUNDS
Agency Endowment Funds:
Funds established by nonprofit organizations to secure long-term sustainability. Anyone can contribute, helping ensure the nonprofit’s mission endures.
Designated Funds:
Funds created to provide ongoing support for specific organizations chosen by the donor. If one of the organizations closes, your intent continues through a similar mission.
Donor Advised Funds (DAFs):
Flexible giving accounts that allow donors to receive an upfront tax deduction and then recommend grants over time. Variations include corporate funds and “grandchildren funds” for multi-generational giving.
Field-of-Interest Funds:
Funds dedicated to a broad area of concern (e.g., education, health, arts, youth). CFMT directs grants to vetted nonprofits working in those areas.
Scholarship Funds:
Funds established to provide financial aid to students. Donors may set criteria such as academic focus, geography, or background.
Unrestricted Funds:
Flexible funds entrusted to CFMT to respond to urgent and emerging community needs. These provide the foundation with the most adaptability.
