Murfreesboro charitable organizations encouraged to apply for new year of grant funding for FY26-27

For its third year, the Murfreesboro Committee on Contributions of the Murfreesboro Community Investment Trust invites eligible charitable applicants to once again submit requests for charitable grants in FY26-27. Deadline for submittal is Oct. 31, 2025. Based on the growth of the Murfreesboro Community Investment Trust fund, an estimated 11% growth in available funds is anticipated in FY26-27.

Beginning October 1 through Oct. 31, 2025, application requests for grant-funding can once again be made by utilizing the grant-making application process, available at https://www.murfreesborotn.gov/CommunityGrantApplication.The Charitable Contributions to Qualified Beneficiaries Award Announcement will be made online at www.murfreesborotn.gov by May 30, 2026.

Each fiscal year, an Annual Distribution of five percent (5%) of the value of the Trust, less fees and expenses, is to be distributed by the Board of Trustees. The Board is authorized to distribute fifteen percent (15%) of the Annual Distribution as Charitable Contributions to Qualified Beneficiaries. "The goal of the Trust is to benefit the citizens of Murfreesboro and make a positive overall impact on the City of Murfreesboro," said Committee on Contributions Chair Carl Montgomery.

Application Guidelines, including eligibility, use of funds and ineligible expenses are available at https://www.murfreesborotn.gov/CommunityGrantApplication. A 6 minute CityTV video is available here https://youtu.be/vENcNsYr4DI. This video provides applicants with information about the Trust, how to access the online application and tips for creating a successful application. Additional questions for information or assistance can be sent to [email protected].

Programs and activities funded by the Trust must provide benefit to the City residents and take place between July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. The distribution of funds among applicants is dependent on the type of program or activity. Recipients of funds are expected to file mid-term and final reports regarding the use of grants funds.

Applications are reviewed and scored by the Committee. Recommendations for funding will be provided to the Community Investment Trust (CIT) Board of Trustees by February 15, 2026, for acceptance and then approved by City Council at which time final award notices will be made to approved organizations. Grants awarded will be funded after July 1, 2026, at which time final award notices will be made to approved organizations.

For FY25-26, the Trust Board funding for twenty-nine (29) qualified charitable organizations amounting to $490,696, the amount available for distribution under the Trust agreement in FY26, was distributed to charitable organizations.

Members of the Committee on Contributions are as follows: Carl D. Montgomery, chair, John A. Hinkle, Jr., Lynn Lien, Lyle Lynch, Wade Hays, Ronnie Martin, Collier Andress Smith. The seven Members of the Committee on Contributions, appointed by the mayor and approved by Council, have previous participation with charitable and civic activities within the City.

For City News online, visit www.Murfreesborotn.gov.