MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — The Murfreesboro Community Investment Trust Committee on Contributions will meet at 1:00 p.m. Monday, Oct. 20, 2025, at the Murfreesboro Municipal Airport Business Center. The meeting will feature a panel discussion on grant processes and is open to the public.

The Committee also announced that they began accepting applications for FY26-27 charitable grants on Oct. 1 and will continue to accept applications through October 31, 2025. Eligible nonprofit organizations are encouraged to apply through the city’s Community Grant Application portal. Applications will be reviewed and scored by committee members experienced in civic and charitable service, with funding recommendations sent to the Community Investment Trust Board of Trustees for review. Final approval will rest with the Murfreesboro City Council, and award announcements are expected by March 31, 2026.

During its August meeting, the Committee reviewed final reports from funded organizations. According to the minutes, the Committee commended groups such as CASA and Habitat for Humanity for their excellent reporting but raised concerns about the American Red Cross, Second Harvest, and Journey Home for unclear reporting and possible noncompliance. The Committee directed staff to remind all grantees that funds must be used within the Murfreesboro city limits or risk losing future funding.

Special Counsel Craig Tindall confirmed that all Fiscal Year 2026 grants had been distributed, with staff preparing for mid-year reporting. Members also approved revised questionnaires to strengthen accountability. The updates included clearer guidance on handling unspent funds, allowing the Committee to either reclaim or roll over unused amounts, and establishing a multi-year tracking document to monitor compliance and funding history.

For the Fiscal Year 2027 grant cycle, the Committee approved additional updates requiring audited financial statements (where applicable), fraud disclosure, and reaffirming city-limit funding restrictions. Nonprofits will also have the option to include a two-minute YouTube video as part of their applications.

Executive Director Angela Jackson led a discussion on Committee priorities and support needs. Members approved scheduling an October educational session on homelessness, with presentations from the Murfreesboro Police Department, United Way, City Schools, and the Chamber of Commerce.

The upcoming meeting on Monday is expected to emphasize refinement of grant processes, continued accountability measures, and follow-up from the August meeting’s planned educational initiatives.

• Citizens who wish to comment on actionable items must sign up at least six hours in advance online at murfreesborotn.gov/PublicCommentForm or by calling 615-849-2629. 

• Apply for future grants at: Community Grant Application portal.

• The upcoming meeting will be at the Murfreesboro Municipal Airport Business Center Community Room, 1930 Memorial Blvd.

• See the minutes for their past meeting held in August and read the schedule for the upcoming meeting that is scheduled for October 20, 2025 HERE.