Clarksville-Montgomery County Community Health Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $2,703,143 (2024)
• Total Assets: $87,105,519
• Decision Time: 2 months
• Grant Range: $8,055 - $800,800
• Number of Awards: 22 grants annually
• Geographic Focus: Clarksville, Montgomery County, five contiguous counties of Northern Middle Tennessee, and Fort Campbell, KY

Contact Details

Website: www.communityhealthfoundation.org

Phone: 931-896-2744

Grants Manager: Whitney Crandall

• Phone: 931-896-2778
• Email: Whitney@communityhealthfoundation.org

Address: 120 South 2nd St, Suite 201, Clarksville, TN 37040

Overview

The Clarksville-Montgomery County Community Health Foundation (CMCCHF) was established in 2006 as part of the Gateway Medical Center ownership transition, with assets flowing from the hospital's 20% joint-venture partnership. Since 2009, CMCCHF has invested over $9.2 million into the local community. With current assets of approximately $87.1 million, the foundation awards one-year grants to organizations proposing projects that promote and improve general health by addressing health behavior, clinical care, social and economic factors, and the built environment. The foundation typically makes 16-22 awards annually and has received a Two-Star rating (73%) from Charity Navigator.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Annual Grant Program: $8,055 - $800,800 per award
  • Application Window #1: January 1 - May 1 (decisions at July Board meeting)
  • Application Window #2: July 1 - November 1 (decisions at January Board meeting)
  • One-year grant terms

Priority Areas

The foundation focuses on four key health determinants:

1. Health Behavior: Lifestyle factors, wellness initiatives, preventive health measures
2. Clinical Care: Healthcare access, quality improvements, health professional training, medical equipment
3. Social and Economic Factors: Food security, mental health services, veteran support, vulnerable populations
4. Built Environment: Greenways, parks, recreational facilities, transportation access

Recent grant recipients include Austin Peay State University Foundation, SAFE (Soldiers and Families Embraced), Big Brother Big Sister, The Food Initiative, Manna Café, Montgomery County Veterans Transport, YMCA mental health programs, and Tennessee Clean Water Network.

What They Don't Fund

• Projects outside the geographic service area
• Fundraisers for revenue generation
• Travel not explicitly supporting the grant proposal
• National projects benefiting individuals outside the service area
• Renovations of offices, buildings, or clinic/building setup
• General operations funding not explicitly described in the application

Governance and Leadership

The Board of Directors consists of 14 members: eleven directors appointed by the City Council and County Commission serving as volunteers, plus three ex-officio voting members (Clarksville Mayor, Montgomery County Mayor, and Director of Montgomery County Health Department).

Principal Officer: Mark Holleman

Key Staff:

• Whitney Crandall, Grants Manager
• Paula Johnson, Office Manager

The Board meets quarterly to review grant applications and make funding decisions.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

MANDATORY: Contact Grants Manager Whitney Crandall at (931) 896-2778 or Whitney@communityhealthfoundation.org to discuss your proposal at least 30 days before the deadline.

Application Deadlines:

• May 1 (5:00 PM) - Decisions announced after July Board meeting
• November 1 (5:00 PM) - Decisions announced after January Board meeting

Applications must be emailed and received by close of business on the due date. Contact with board members is not necessary and will not advance grant approval.

Decision Timeline

Approximately 2 months from application deadline to funding decision announcement.

Success Rates

The foundation makes 16-22 awards annually. The foundation notes that "because funds are limited many requests cannot be funded."

Reapplication Policy

Organizations may apply in subsequent cycles. Contact the Grants Manager to discuss reapplication after an unsuccessful submission.

Application Success Factors

• Pre-Application Consultation is Mandatory: Use the required meeting with the Grants Manager to ensure your project aligns with priorities and to clarify questions about the application
• Focus on the Four Health Determinants: Explicitly demonstrate how your project addresses health behavior, clinical care, social/economic factors, or the built environment
• Geographic Eligibility is Strict: Clearly document how your project benefits residents within the defined service area
• Demonstrate Community Impact: Show measurable health improvement for the community, not just operational support for your organization
• Project-Specific Funding: Articulate what will be accomplished with grant funds and how this aligns with improving community health outcomes
• Avoid Excluded Categories: Review exclusions carefully before investing time in an application
• The Foundation Values Partnerships: Notable grants like the $3 million commitment to Austin Peay's Health Professions Building demonstrate willingness to make significant investments in collaborative efforts

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Mandatory pre-application consultation required at least 30 days before deadline—use this meeting strategically
• Two annual deadlines (May 1 and November 1) with decisions approximately 2 months later
• Geographic boundaries are firm—all beneficiaries must be within the defined service area
• Wide grant range ($8,055 to $800,800) accommodates both small community projects and major investments
• Competition is significant—with only 16-22 awards annually, applications must demonstrate clear health impact
• Project funding only—no general operations, building renovations, or fundraising activities
• Health determinants framework must be explicitly addressed in your proposal

References

1. Clarksville-Montgomery County Community Health Foundation Official Website. https://www.communityhealthfoundation.org/ (Accessed March 3, 2026)

2. "About Us | Clarksville-Montgomery County Community Health Foundation." https://www.communityhealthfoundation.org/about (Accessed March 3, 2026)

3. "How to Apply - CMC Community Health Foundation." https://communityhealthfoundation.org/grants/apply/how-to-apply/ (Accessed March 3, 2026)

4. "Requirements - CMC Community Health Foundation." https://communityhealthfoundation.org/grants/requirements/ (Accessed March 3, 2026)

5. "Clarksville-Montgomery County Community Health Foundation Inc - GuideStar Profile." https://www.guidestar.org/profile/20-4862825 (Accessed March 3, 2026)

6. Charity Navigator. "Rating for Clarksville Montgomery County Community Health Foundation Inc." https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/204862825 (Accessed March 3, 2026)

7. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. "Clarksville Montgomery Countycommunity Health Foundation Inc." https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/204862825 (Accessed March 3, 2026)

8. Instrumentl. "Clarksville Montgomery County | Clarksville, TN | 990 Report." https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/clarksville-montgomery-county-community-health-foundation-inc (Accessed March 3, 2026)

9. "CMCCHF commits $3 million for the new APSU Health Professions Building." Austin Peay State University News, November 2020. https://www.apsu.edu/news/november-2020-hpb-cmcchf-gift.php (Accessed March 3, 2026)

10. "Health Foundation awarded over $5 million in 2020 in Montgomery County." CMC Community Health Foundation News. https://communityhealthfoundation.org/news/2213/ (Accessed March 3, 2026)