Hands on Nashville volunteers walk disaster-torn streets to help residents and neighbors begin cleaning up the debris left behind.
Past Responses
CFMT has a long history of responding to disasters in Nashville and the surrounding areas. CFMT’s commitment to disaster response is deeply rooted in its mission to provide support and resources to those in need during times of crisis.
By collecting and mobilizing funds, coordinating with local partners, and offering a comforting presence, CFMT ensures that those affected by disasters receive immediate relief and long-term assistance through the dedication of its nonprofit and community partners. The wellbeing of our community reflects its core values of empathy, solidarity, and resilience.
In every response, CFMT aims to not only address urgent needs but also to bring hope, healing, and the strength to rebuild, reaffirming our role as a steadfast pillar of support for all who call Middle Tennessee home.
Major Disaster Responses
- One of the most significant events CFMT responded to was the catastrophic flood in May 2010. CFMT quickly established the Metro Nashville Disaster Response Fund, raising millions of dollars to aid in recovery efforts. CFMT worked closely with local nonprofits, government agencies, and community groups to provide immediate relief and long-term support for rebuilding.
- Nearly 12,000 flood-damaged homes repaired and more than 182,000 Tennessee clients served through CFMT’s nonprofit flood grantees
- Two years after the historic May 2010 flood devastated Middle Tennessee, and millions of dollars in flood relief contributions from across the region and the world were entrusted to Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, all of the $15.04 million donated for flood relief was distributed / allocated to 112 organizations addressing the immediate and long-term needs of flood survivors.
- In March 2020, a devastating tornado outbreak hit Middle Tennessee, causing extensive damage and loss of life. CFMT launched the Middle Tennessee Emergency Response Fund to support those affected by the tornadoes. CFMT coordinated with numerous organizations to deliver aid, including shelter, food, and rebuilding assistance. These efforts led to the reinvigorated Nashville VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) to support the city in a coordinated effort.
- Donations Received: $12,533,622.77
- Grants Dollars Distributed: $12,414,039.02
- 221 Grants to 119 Unique Organizations
- The shocking explosion in downtown Nashville on Christmas Day 2020 left many in turmoil and distress. In response, CFMT established the Nashville Neighbors Fund to support residents and businesses affected by the bombing. The foundation provided financial aid and resources, standing with the community to rebuild and recover, and offering hope and solidarity during a time of great need.
- Donations Received: $709,753.79
- Grant Dollars Distributed: $698,613.60
- 10 Grants to 6 Unique Organizations
*disaster recovery closed
- In a two-year period that has included catastrophic and deadly tornadoes and other high-wind events, floods, a worldwide pandemic, and a downtown Nashville bombing on Christmas morning in 2020, the March 2021 flood somehow didn’t strike a collective chord in what has been a reliably responsive base of volunteers and donations
- That made recovery efforts problematic.
- Money In: $1,356,604.84
$106,604.84 raised from public in response to this disaster
$1,250,000 transferred from Middle Tennessee Emergency Response Fund - Grants Out: $1,151,894.48
- 23 grants made to 15 unique organizations located in Davidson and Wilson Counties.
- In August 2021, the town of Waverly and surrounding areas in Humphreys County faced devastating flooding that took lives and shattered homes. With a compassionate heart, CFMT established the Tennessee Emergency Response Fund. This fund provided immediate assistance such as shelter, food, and financial aid to affected residents. CFMT also supported long-term recovery initiatives, helping the community rebuild and find hope amidst the devastation.
- Donations Received: $4,134,186.13
- Grant Dollars Distributed: $4,076,718.13
- 58 Grants to 26 Unique Organizations
- The tragic shooting at The Covenant School in March 2023 deeply impacted the community. CFMT established the Caring for Covenant Fund to support the survivors, their families, and the broader community. By partnering with mental health professionals and local organizations, CFMT provided counseling, financial assistance, and other critical resources, helping those affected find solace and strength in the aftermath of this heart-wrenching event.
- Covenant Campus Fund
- Donations Received: $108,484.77
- Grants Distributed: $107,339.77
- 2 Grants to 1 organization: The Covenant School
- Caring for Covenant Fund
- Donations Received: $2,181,841.70
- Grants Distributed: $2,097,675.67
- 5 Grants to 2 organizations: The Covenant School and the National Compassion Fund
After spending most of 2020 navigating tornadoes, civil unrest, and the pandemic in Nashville, TN, on Christmas morning a lone attacker detonated his recreational vehicle on downtown Nashville’s historic Second Avenue. The blast injured several individuals, damaged dozens of downtown buildings, and hampered telecommunications systems throughout the Southeast for several days.
This devastating event impacted residents, businesses, and employees of those businesses who called Second Avenue home. In partnership with the Nashville VOAD, community organizations, and government entities, the Christmas Day Bombing Downtown Response Long-Term Recovery Group was stood up quickly to move immediate response efforts into long-term recovery for all survivors.
In this video we hear from Downtown Response LTRG co-chair, Valerie Craig from Tennessee Voices for Victims, as well as hearing from owners and/or managers from The Melting Pot and Rodizio Grill – Nashville, Simply the Best $10 Boutique, Nashville Downtown Hostel.
Interested in learning more about CFMT’s disaster response?
Reach out to Pat Lawson, our lead on disaster response efforts in Middle Tennessee.
Pat Lawson
Senior Manager of Regional Relations