Murfreesboro, TN - The Murfreesboro City Council has approved nearly $500,000 in grant funding for local charitable organizations through the Community Investment Trust (CIT). The vote, which took place on Thursday, May 22, 2025, marks the final approval needed to distribute funds for FY26, benefiting 29 nonprofit organizations across the city.

Continued Growth in Community Giving

Since its establishment in 2021, the Community Investment Trust has become a key resource for civic improvements and charitable support in Murfreesboro. This latest allocation brings total funding for charitable organizations to more than $850,000, with nearly $5 million directed toward broader community projects like parks and infrastructure.

Mayor Shane McFarland said, “It is exciting to see the continued benefits of this Trust, ensuring our community receives increasing support for years to come. On behalf of the City Council, I want to thank the Board of Trustees and Committee on Contributions for their hard work in funding these essential programs.”

Strategic and Objective Grant Process

Each year, the Trust distributes five percent of its balance, with 15 percent allocated to nonprofit organizations and the remaining funds directed toward citywide projects. Grant applications go through an extensive scoring and review process by the Committee on Contributions, which recommends funding decisions to the CIT Board of Trustees for final approval.

Committee Chair Committee Chair Carl D. Montgomery noted, “Using our highly objective grant evaluation system, we were able to fund 66 percent of applicants this cycle. As the Trust continues to grow, we hope to support an even greater number of nonprofits that serve our community.”

Future Grant Opportunities

The next grant application cycle will begin in Fall 2025, when eligible charitable organizations can apply for funding. Nonprofits interested in applying can visit the Trust’s Grant Application Portal for more details: Community Grant Application.

Leadership and Oversight

The CIT Board of Trustees, responsible for overseeing the Trust’s investments and fund distribution, includes Chair Kevin Gentry, Shawn Applegate, Anne C. Davis, Stephen F. Flatt, Rick LaLance, Lee M. Moss, and Richard C. Stone, Jr..

The Committee on Contributions, which evaluates nonprofit funding requests, is chaired by Carl D. Montgomery, with members John A. Hinkle, Jr., Lynn Lien, Lyle Lynch, Wade Hays, Ronnie Martin, and Collier Andress Smith.

A Legacy of Giving

The Community Investment Trust was created from proceeds of the sale of Murfreesboro’s electric department to Middle Tennessee Electric Cooperative, ensuring long-term funding for projects aimed at enhancing quality of life, supporting public works, and advancing civic initiatives.