GivingMatters.com

11/10/2025

The Herb Society of Nashville (HSN) is now accepting proposals for their 2026 Community Outreach Grant, awarding up to $10,000 to support gardens that promote nutrition, wellness, and education across our region.

Eligible applicants include schools, communities, care facilities, and nonprofits serving Middle Tennessee.

📅 Deadline: January 12, 2026 (by noon)
💻 Apply here: http://bit.ly/4oxkNtM

Let’s help more green spaces grow! 🌱

08/14/2025

Listening isn’t just about collecting feedback. It’s about strengthening relationships and building trust. Too often, funders ask nonprofits to be the bridge to community insights but don’t invest in the process themselves. When nonprofits are supported to lead listening efforts—and funders join in thoughtfully—everyone benefits from clearer, more meaningful direction.

This kind of collaboration doesn’t have to be complex. It can start with co-designed feedback projects, shared reflection, and a commitment to act on what’s heard. Even in a time of limited capacity, listening well can unlock smarter strategies and deeper connection.

How can listening help funders be more proximate and attuned to the communities they serve — and better support nonprofit partners?

08/11/2025

Philanthropy needs more than financial capital—it needs vocal leadership. As nonprofits face growing uncertainty, some funders are stepping up not just with money, but with their platforms and influence.

They’re signing trust-based pledges, publicly sharing how they’ve increased giving or simplified support, and inviting others to follow suit. Whether it’s launching surge funding, doubling grant commitments, or publicly urging peers to act, these bold moves demonstrate that sometimes testimony speaks louder than checks.

When funders lead with transparency and solidarity, they spark meaningful change—and inaction becomes the greater risk.

Funders can use their voice and influence to amplify their grantmkaing, something that is particularly important as nonprofits face a dearth of funds. From signing pledges to signal solidarity and…

08/07/2025

Nonprofits across sectors are feeling the strain more than ever, tangled up in funding cuts, donor slowdowns, and rising safety concerns—often leaving teams stretched thin, just when they’re needed most. Imagine if the solution was surprisingly simple: fewer burdensome grant reports and more thoughtful, flexible ways to share progress.

By rethinking reporting—from lengthy forms to check-ins via phone, focus groups, or more streamlined documentation—the average time spent drops dramatically. That means more energy shifted from paperwork back into mission-driven work. It’s a small shift with potentially profound impact.

Burnout in the nonprofit sector is, and will continue to be, an ongoing issue. But advocates see flexible, relationship-centered grant reporting as a solution to burnout and a step toward more equitable philanthropy.

07/30/2025

We need to talk about the nonprofit sector’s obsession with fundraising goals and budget size. These numbers don’t always tell the real story—and definitely don’t guarantee long-term success.

This article from Tennessee Nonprofit Network unpacks three powerful questions every nonprofit should be asking about board training, staff support, and community engagement. If we’re not getting these right, no fundraising metric can save us.

by Dr. Kevin Dean, President & CEO, Tennessee Nonprofit Network Ok, y’all, we have to talk: the nonprofit sector has an addiction. We need to talk about the deep-seated, institutionalized obsession with two metrics: fundraising goals met and operating budget size. Lately, I’ve heard boards and s...

07/08/2025

GivingMatters believes that thriving nonprofits are essential to building a strong, resilient community. That's why we're excited to share the Center for Nonprofit Excellence of Middle Tennessee's calendar of events—packed with opportunities to learn, connect, and grow.

Explore the upcoming workshops and networking events built for organizations doing good across Middle Tennessee.

07/03/2025

Get ready for an exciting opportunity to connect, learn, and grow! The Tennessee Nonprofit Network has announced their full speaker lineup for the 2025 Tennessee Nonprofit Conference!

Get ready for an exciting opportunity to connect, learn, and grow! We’re thrilled to announce that the Tennessee Nonprofit Conference will be held at the spectacular Ga***rd Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville on August 28th! And we’re excited to reveal our full list of breakout s...

07/03/2025

The nationally recognized LeadingUp program is back this summer with a virtual series designed to strengthen and support the next generation of nonprofit leaders. Hosted by the Center for Nonprofit Management, this award-winning leadership development program equips emerging professionals with the tools, confidence, and connections needed to grow in their careers and lead with impact. Open to nonprofit staff across Tennessee, LeadingUp is a unique opportunity to build community, sharpen leadership skills, and invest in the future of the sector.

Are you ready for the next step in your nonprofit career? Are you a nonprofit leader looking to nurture your organization’s emerging talent? Then read on… Tennessee Nonprofit Network, in partnership with the Institute for Leadership Development (ILD) at Christian Brothers University (CBU), has e...

07/01/2025

Whether you work in arts, mental health, or youth development, this is your moment. Our Community Impact grant application is open from July 1st to July 31st. Learn more and apply at https://www.cfmt.org/nonprofits/grant-opportunities/.

06/26/2025

The Nashville Diaper Connection is on a mission to ensure no baby in our community goes without this basic necessity. This incredible nonprofit has distributed thousands of diapers to families in need, helping alleviate a significant financial burden for parents.

Diapers, often overlooked as a critical expense, are not covered by government assistance programs, leaving many families to struggle with this essential item. The Nashville Diaper Connection is stepping up to fill that gap, delivering everything from newborn to pull-up sizes and supporting the health and well-being of Nashville’s youngest residents.

They began partnering with four local groups, distributing 19,000 diapers their first year. Today, they have over 50 partners and distribute 4.5 million diapers annually. In total, they have given …

06/25/2025

For decades, North Nashville has faced deep resource gaps — one of the region’s most underserved communities. But that’s changing. Fifth Third Bank has committed $20 million over 3 years to support local groups like United Way, Healing Minds & Souls, and more.

This funding will help tackle:

🌟Food access & grocery deserts

🌟Expanded childcare & career pathways

🌟Strengthening community-based programs and support services

“Everyone here is loved — we are a community,” says Shawna Clay of Healing Minds & Souls, which provides 500 hot meals weekly. North Nashville is stepping into the spotlight, and it’s just the beginning.

North Nashville's 37208 zip code has been called "the most underserved community in the city," facing food deserts and resource gaps for decades.