The Murfreesboro Community Investment Trust was established in 2021 following the sale of the city-owned utility, Murfreesboro Electric Department, to Middle Tennessee Electric Cooperative. The Trust supports nonprofit and city-related projects that enhance the quality of life for residents of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Its objectives include promoting social welfare, education, recreation, economic development, public works, and general civic improvements within the city limits. Grant funds are intended to stimulate new programs, address emerging needs, and support innovative services that provide lasting community benefit.
The annual community grant program invites 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations legally chartered in Tennessee to apply between October 1 and October 31 each year. Eligible organizations must operate continuously throughout the year and provide program services without seasonal or event-specific limitations. Only one application may be submitted per organization. Projects must be located entirely within Murfreesboro city limits and provide a direct benefit to the city’s residents. Additionally, the organization’s facilities and services must be ADA compliant and nondiscriminatory. Faith-based organizations are eligible to apply, but funded activities must be secular and separate from religious instruction or worship.
Grant awards typically average around $20,000. All projects must occur during the following fiscal year, from July 1 to June 30, and awarded funds must be fully expended and accounted for by the end of that fiscal period. Ineligible uses of funding include advertising, fundraising events, religious programming, lobbying, debt repayment, capital campaigns, clinical research, and participation stipends.
Applications are evaluated by the Committee on Contributions, which uses weighted scoring criteria across six categories: general information, project design, leadership and governance, outcomes and evaluation, budget and finances, and community impact. Recommendations are then submitted to the Trust’s Board of Trustees and subsequently to the City Council for final approval. All applicants are notified of award decisions by May 30, and recipients are required to submit both interim and final reports along with detailed financial information.
Applications must be submitted online during the open application period through the Trust’s electronic portal. Paper applications are not accepted. Questions related to the application process can be directed to the Trust via email at CITgrants@murfreesborotn.gov. Application materials include a financial questionnaire and may be supplemented by training tutorials and guidance documents available on the program website.
Emphasize alignment with city priorities; collaborative and sustainable programs favored; projects must be within city limits
