THE FUND

The Tomorrow Fund

The Tomorrow Fund logo, the oak tree seedling, represents its philosophy and mission perfectly. The metaphor often used to describe endowment funds within a Community Foundation is planting acorns. By setting aside money in an endowment fund and allowing it to grow, Tomorrow Fund members are ensuring that what now provides small yet meaningful grants in its seedling stage transforms over time into strong and vibrant support for the nonprofit community.

Annual fundraisers and contributions by members and donors augment the Fund within The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. Contributions remain in the Fund while a small portion (4-6%) of the Fund is distributed for grants to non-profits throughout Middle Tennessee. By leaving the vast majority of the Fund untouched, the endowment is able to grow and grow, eventually providing a significant stream of grant making revenue.

Growth of The Tomorrow Fund

The following charts demonstrate the exciting growth potential of an endowment! These charts assume investment earnings of 8% growth every year and grantmaking of 5% of the Fund every year. Please note that these calculations do not include money manager’s fees and The Community Foundation’s administrative fees.

Scenario One: This chart shows the actual end of the year balance for 2002. If the Fund did not receive any contributions for the next ten years and the Fund’s investments grew at 8% per year, then the Fund would grow to a balance of $45,312.56 and would have given away nearly $19,000 in grants to non-profits by 2012.

Scenario 2: This chart shows the actual end of the year balance for 2002. If the Tomorrow Fund maintained 8% growth in investments and received a constant donor base of 100 Patrons giving $100 in annual dues as well as raising $7000 through fundraising, then the Fund would grow to an incredible $263,946.63 and would grant out over $66,000 to non-profits by 2012.

Charitable Grants

The Tomorrow Fund Grants Committee accepts and reviews grant applications every year through The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. The grant amount of money for distribution is based on an average quarterly balance of the Fund for the prior year times the current spending rate. Grant applications to The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee are due May 1st of each year. To inquire about grant applications please visit (http://www.cfmt.org/grants/) or call Laundrea Lewis at 615 321-4939.

Tomorrow Fund Announces 2004 Grant

The Tomorrow Fund was formed in 1999 by several young professionals in the greater Nashville community to foster civic leadership and community awareness among their peers, ages 22-32. Through both hands-on charitable service and committee-based grant making, this organization provides a training ground for the future leaders of Middle Tennessee's philanthropic and outreach efforts. The Tomorrow Fund’s Grant Committee met in June to review grant proposals submitted through The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee’s annual grant application process. To further their commitment to children’s issues, this year the Tomorrow Fund granted $1,500 to Reading is Fundamental (RIF). These funds will supplement the purchase of 8500 new paperback books for 1600 at-risk children in Metropolitan Nashville.

Annual grants to date:

2000 – Project Reflect - $950
2001 – Fannie Day Battle - $1,620
2001 – American Red Cross - $2,627 (special 9/11 grant)
2002 – Preston Taylor Ministries - $1,690
2003 - Hands with Heart Foundation, Inc. - $1,700
2004 - Reading is Fundamental - $1,500
2005 - Save the Children - $3,600 (special Tsunami grant)
2005 - King's Daughters Day Home - $2,350