Murfreesboro Nonprofit Grants: Applications Open Oct. 1-31 With About 30% More Funding

Local 501(c)(3) nonprofits can apply Oct. 1-31, 2026, for Murfreesboro Community Investment Trust grants. Last year the trust awarded $598,525 to 30 nonprofits, and the city expects about 30% more to be available.

Murfreesboro nonprofits have one month to ask for a share of the city's charitable grant money. The Murfreesboro Community Investment Trust will accept applications from Oct. 1 through Oct. 31, 2026, the City of Murfreesboro announced.

Key Dates

• Applications open: Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026
• Deadline: 4:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026
• Recommendations to the trust's board: by Feb. 15, 2027
• Awards announced: by May 30, 2027, on murfreesborotn.gov
• Grants funded: after July 1, 2027

Apply at murfreesborotn.gov/CommunityGrantApplication.

How Much Money Is Available?

In FY27, the trust awarded $598,525 to 30 nonprofits. Because the trust fund has grown, the city expects about 30% more to be available for FY27-28, depending on investment performance.

Who Can Apply?

• The organization must have operated as a registered 501(c)(3) for at least three years.
• Funded programs must benefit Murfreesboro city residents and take place between July 1, 2027, and June 30, 2028.
• Organizations must apply every year; the trust does not make multi-year grants.
• Recipients file mid-term and final reports on how the money was used.

How the Trust Works

Each year, the trust distributes 5% of its value (less fees and expenses), and 15% of that distribution goes to charitable grants. A seven-member Committee on Contributions, appointed by the mayor and approved by City Council, reviews and scores applications. City Council gives final approval. This is the program's fourth year.

"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.

The city posted a CityTV video with tips for applicants on YouTube.

Related

Nonprofits hosting fall fundraisers can list them on OnlyInMurfreesboro's events calendar. See also the Murfreesboro jobs guide and upcoming community events like the Rutherford County Veterans Day Parade.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the deadline for Murfreesboro Community Investment Trust grants?

Applications are due by 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 31, 2026. The application window opens Oct. 1.

Who can apply for Murfreesboro nonprofit grants?

Registered 501(c)(3) organizations that have operated for at least three years and run programs that benefit Murfreesboro residents.

How much did the Murfreesboro Community Investment Trust give last year?

In FY27, it awarded $598,525 to 30 nonprofits.

When will grant winners be announced?

The city will announce awards online by May 30, 2027. Grants are funded after July 1, 2027.

Source: City of Murfreesboro.