Participatory Grantmaking
In the Spring of 2021, The Healing Trust launched participatory grantmaking programs in the Bedford County and North Nashville communities. Participatory grantmaking is rooted in the idea that communities know what is best for them. The goal is to engage the community in a process that allows residents to use their lived experience to deliver over $200,000 in grant funds in their communities.
North Nashville
The 37208 Fund is a participatory grantmaking model that empowers people who live, work, and minister in the 37208 zip code to distribute funding to people making a difference in their community. It was created as a result of a recommendation of the Special Committee Report, designed to bring reparations and justice to North Nashville. The 37208 Fund Committee makes all funding decisions and includes a cross-section of residents, artists, pastors, business owners, and youth representatives.
Corner to Corner, a North Nashville-centered organization dedicated to educational equity, economic equity, and spiritual growth, serves as the fiscal agent for the fund. The Healing Trust and The Frist Foundation jointly support the Fund.
Since its launch on October 1, 2021, through October 2024, the 37208 Fund Committee has reviewed over 121 applications, funded 49 projects, and awarded $335,314.98 in grants to initiatives aimed at strengthening the North Nashville community.
Read more about their work below:
Four North Nashville residents receive $28,000 for arts, food and transportation projects
The 37208 Fund continues to sprinkle North Nashville artists, teachers and activists with cash
37208 Fund helps North Nashville man improve life in his community
Bedford County
Since 2021, The Trust awarded nearly $500,000 to Bedford County through the Participatory Grantmaking program. A committee of local community leaders decided to use the grant dollars to support case management and materials assistance. As a result of this decision, two programs evolved. The Other Door and Empower and Support help Bedford County residents with their basic needs met and prevent homelessness.
The Other Door is supported by the Community Clinic of Shelbyville and Bedford County and staffed by Community Health Workers. This program provides one-time utilities assistance, resources referrals, and gift cards for food and gas.
Empower and Support is supported by the Center for Family Development. This program provides comprehensive case management services to empower clients to achieve stability and self-sufficiency.
In 2024, The Trust awarded the Bedford County Participatory Grantmaking program a $119,000 grant, reinforcing out commitment to the community’s wellbeing.
Bedford County Impact Story:
A young woman with four children moved to Shelbyville seeking safety from familial issues in another county. As she was establishing her life in Bedford County, a case manager from The Other Door worked with her to file for housing assistance so she didn’t have to continue living in a hotel. Her family is now living safely in an apartment, she has found steady work, and she even hopes to go back to college to become an RN—just like her grandmother.
Montgomery County
In the fall of 2023, The Trust’s participatory grantmaking in Montgomery County supported the creation of Clarksville Q. Clarksville Q’s board is comprised of members of the LGBTQIA+ Community and Allies in Clarksville with a focus on five key areas: community building, advocacy, education, health and support. Clarksville Q encourages existing organizations to support the LGBTQ+ Community and helps birth new movements and organizations. They focus on creating connections for a disconnected community and help build collective power.
Grants awarded in 2024 include:
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- Open Arms Weekly Support Groups
- Ruth’s Army and Music City Prep STI Testing and HIV Treatment
- Sanctuary on Main Multi-Use Community Space
- C-Pride Community Programming
- C-Pride Health Fair at Pride Festival
- SAGA Gender Affirming Garments
- Healing Umbrella Mental Health Support
- Healing in the Margins Mental Health Support