MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WGNS) - For its fourth consecutive year, the Murfreesboro Committee on Contributions of the Murfreesboro Community Investment Trust invites eligible local non-profits to apply for charitable grants for fiscal year 2027-2028. The online portal opens on Thursday (October 1st) and will accept submissions through 4:30 p.m. on Saturday (October 31st).
Based on the growth of the Murfreesboro Community Investment Trust fund, officials anticipate an estimated 30 percent increase in available funds for the FY27-28 cycle, dependent on investment performance. During the FY27 cycle, the trust awarded $598,525 in grants to 30 non-profit organizations serving local residents.
To qualify for FY28 funds, applying organizations must have operated as a registered 501(c)(3) for at least three years. Each fiscal year, the Board of Trustees distributes an annual payout of five percent of the trust's total value, less fees and expenses. The board can allocate up to 15 percent of that annual distribution to qualified beneficiaries. Committee on Contributions Chair Carl Montgomery noted that the goal of the trust is to benefit residents and make a positive impact across Murfreesboro and Rutherford County.
Interested groups must submit a new application each year, as the trust does not award multi-year grants. Applicants can complete the process online at https://www.murfreesborotn.gov/CommunityGrantApplication.
CityTV produced an informational video to guide applicants through the process, which is available at WGNSRadio.com. The video outlines details about the trust, step-by-step instructions for accessing the online portal, and practical tips for submitting a successful request. Organizations with additional questions can email CITgrants@murfreesborotn.gov.
Funded programs and activities must directly benefit city residents and take place between July 1st, 2027, and June 30th, 2028. Grant recipients must file both mid-term and final reports detailing how they used the funds.
The seven-member Committee on Contributions, appointed by the mayor and approved by the City Council, will review and score all applications. The committee will send its funding recommendations to the Community Investment Trust Board of Trustees by February 15th, 2027. Once accepted by the board and approved by the City Council, final award notices will go out to approved organizations. Grant awards will officially announce online at www.murfreesborotn.gov by May 30th, 2027, with funding distributed after July 1st, 2027.
