United Way of South Central Tennessee
United Way of South Central Tennessee is a public charity based in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. It supports programs and partnerships intended to improve education, health, and financial stability, with current grant programs focused on helping ALICE households—working families who struggle to afford basic needs—build long-term stability.
United Way of South Central Tennessee at a glance
In short: United Way of South Central Tennessee gave $700K across 48 grants in 2025 (avg $15K), mostly in Tennessee. 67% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $700,000
- -12.5% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 48
- +92.0% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $14,583
- -54.4% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $7,438
- Total assets
- $3,716,131
- +5.9% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 67% first-time grantees (32 of 48, 2025)
- Primary geography
- Tennessee (99% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to United Way of South Central Tennessee
- How to Apply
-
Applications are submitted through an online form. For the 2026 grant cycle, applications opened February 10, 2026, and an intent to apply was due March 2, 2026. Applicants were required to submit by March 10, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CST. The organization states that 2027 grant applications will open in January.
- Review Cycle
- March 10, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CST for the 2026 grant cycle.
- Deadline
- March 10, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
- Contact
Mailing address: 3050 Medical Center Pkwy, Murfreesboro, TN 37129
Phone: (615) 893-7303
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who United Way of South Central Tennessee funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Murfreesboro Cold Patrol ($75K). Together the top 10 received $461K.
Grant Size Distribution
160 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 131 grants of 160 (82%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The organization states that it serves Bedford, Cannon, Coffee, Lincoln, Moore, Rutherford, and Warren counties in South Central Tennessee. Its 2025 filing reports that 99% of grant dollars went to recipients in Tennessee and 1% to recipients in California.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 48 itemized grants.
Cities
Is United Way of South Central Tennessee open to new grantees?
67%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 32 of 48 grantees (67%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $8K; repeat grants $29K. How we count
Medians: $3K first-time, $22K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2021–2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2021 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $700K (2025) to $1.0M (2023). In 2025 it made 48 grants totaling $700K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Murfreesboro Cold Patrol Murfreesboro, TN | Homelessness Outreach, Advocacy, and Resource Support | $75,000 |
| Stars (Students Taking a Right Stand) Nashville Nashville, TN | Enhanced student assistance, student assistance and kids on the block | $68,000 |
| Child Advocacy Center of Rutherford County and Cannon County Inc Murfreesboro, TN | Child abuse, community ed and drug endangered children programs | $62,250 |
| Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee Nashville, TN | Food Bank | $51,250 |
| Centerstone of Tennessee Nashville, TN | Mental Health Program | $43,500 |
| Ann Campbell Early Learning Center (Ace Learning Center) Murfreesboro, TN | Ann Campbell Early Learning Center | $40,000 |
| Community Helpers of Rutherford County Inc Murfreesboro, TN | Rent and Utility Assistance for Needy | $37,500 |
| Kymari House Inc Murfreesboro, TN | Supervised Visitation | $34,500 |
| Domestic Violence Program Inc of Rutherford County Murfreesboro, TN | Emergency Shelter and Sexual Assault Programs | $26,000 |
| Read to Succeed Murfreesboro, TN | Adult Literacy | $23,000 |
Ready to take the next step with United Way of South Central Tennessee?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
In its 2024 filing, the organization reported $877,722 in investment grants for its 2024–2025 fiscal year and stated that it saw a $14 return for every dollar invested during that period.
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $3,716,131 | $3,424,531 | $3,108,299 | $700,000 | 48 | $93,121 |
| 2024 | $3,508,108 | $2,588,743 | $2,687,256 | $800,000 | 25 | $53,375 |
| 2023 | $3,608,385 | $2,636,789 | $2,623,887 | $1,036,500 | 26 | $45,277 |
| 2022 | $3,301,520 | $2,875,196 | $2,521,463 | $962,400 | 29 | $104,345 |
| 2021 | $3,385,255 | $2,685,974 | $2,321,894 | $1,035,460 | 32 | $56,891 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The organization’s mission is to improve lives by advancing opportunities for education, health, and financial stability for all. Its vision is to be the primary community solutions leader for human services.
Its grants prioritize programs serving ALICE households in areas including housing and shelter, utilities and technology, child care and education, food, transportation, and health care. The organization prioritizes evidence-based approaches, collaboration, and programs addressing service gaps.
Examples of funded organizations include Murfreesboro Cold Patrol, whose stated mission is to end the revolving door of homelessness through outreach, advocacy, and resource support; Read to Succeed, which says it offers free literacy programs and events for adults and children; and Partners for Healing, whose stated mission is to provide free primary health care to uninsured people who are working, disabled, or transitioning into work.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, the organization reported 48 grants totaling $700,000. Grant amounts ranged from $500 to $75,000, with a median of $7,438. The largest listed awards included $75,000 to Murfreesboro Cold Patrol for homelessness outreach, advocacy, and resource support; $68,000 to STARS (Students Taking a Right Stand) Nashville for student assistance programs; and $62,250 to the Child Advocacy Center of Rutherford County and Cannon County for child abuse, community education, and drug-endangered children programs. Other large awards included $51,250 to Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee and $43,500 to Centerstone of Tennessee.
The organization offers three grant programs for eligible 501(c)(3) organizations. Community Investment Grants support established or new programs with significant impact potential; the stated award range is $10,000–$26,000. Applications require organizational background, a detailed program narrative, evidence of success or alignment with best practices, and a robust evaluation plan with shared measurements. Opportunity Grants support smaller-scale programs, emerging initiatives, or pilot approaches, with awards of $3,000–$9,999; the application focuses on program description, ALICE alignment, budget, and basic goals and outcomes. Thriving Community Collaborative Grants offer $5,000–$20,000 for services delivered at the Resource Center at Mitchell-Neilson Elementary. They require on-site service capacity and collaborative coordination, including quarterly meetings and shared data collection.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Casey Rainey as board chair. It also lists Michelle Carmack, Lauren Herald, Megan Henley, Kasey Talbott, Jason King, Michelle Simmons, Deb Thompson, Lori Williams, and James Evans as members.
United Way of South Central Tennessee is led by Kristen Swann, President & CEO on every filing since 2024; 2 of 30 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Kristen Swann
President & CEO
On filings since 2024
40 hrs/week
$62K (2024) → $94K (2025)
Casey Rainey
Board Chair
Member → Board Chair Elect & Secretary, 2024
Board Chair Elect & Secretary → Board Chair, 2025
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Thomas Roddy
Finance Chair & Treasurer
Member → Finance Chair, 2024
Finance Chair → Finance Chair & Treasurer, 2025
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Stan Jackson
Vice President Finance & Administrator
Vice President Finance & Administration → Vice President Finance & Administrator, 2022
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$76K (2021) → $107K (2025)
Ashley Stearns
Member
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Diane Turnham
Member
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Gloria Bonner
Member
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
James Calder
Member
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
James Evans
Member
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jason King
Member
Policy & Nomination Chair → Member, 2025
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kasey Talbott
Member
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Patrick Cammack
Member
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Robin Seay
Member
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
James McCarroll Jr.
Member
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Deb Thompson
Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Fred Halfpap
Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Lauren Herald
Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Ronald Roberts
Board Chair Elect & Secretary
Member → Board Chair Elect & Secretary, 2025
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Trey Duke III
Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Brandon Doyle
Member
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Francela Salas
Member
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Stacy Wilder
Member
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Yolanda Greene
Member
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Ashley Wright
Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
David Womack
Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Latonya Wynne
Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Lori Williams
Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Megan Henley
Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Michelle Carmack
Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Michelle Simmons
Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (38)
- Former: Don Clayton (2021–2024) — Board Chair
- Former: Ellen Slicker (2021–2024) — Member
- Former: Matthew Stump (2021–2024) — Member
- Former: Meagan Flippin (2021–2024) — Former President & CEO
- Former: Rick Smith (2021–2024) — Member
- Former: Buffy Bundshuh (2022–2024) — Member
- Former: Chris Jones (2022–2024) — Member
- Former: Gernell Jenkins (2022–2024) — Member
- Former: Jason Schmitt (2022–2024) — Member
- Former: Carolyn Cox (2023–2024) — Member
- Former: Deb Insell (2023–2024) — Member
- Former: Kayla Hilliard (2024) — Member
- Former: Shay Maupin (2024) — Member
- Former: Ty Williams (2024) — Member
- Former: Angie Drake (2021–2023) — Member
- Former: Beth Goodner (2021–2023) — Member
- Former: Billy Bruce (2021–2023) — Board Chair
- Former: Courtney Chavez (2021–2023) — Member
- Former: Jull Austin (2021–2023) — Community Impact Chair
- Former: Martha Tolbert (2021–2023) — Finance Chair
- Former: Rickard Stone (2021–2023) — Development Chair
- Former: Brian Sullivan (2022–2023) — Member
- Former: Natalie Whitmer (2023) — Member
- Former: Brian Hercules (2021–2022) — Member
- Former: Chase Salas (2021–2022) — Member
- Former: Don Witherspoon (2021–2022) — Endowment & Tocqueville
- Former: Retta Gardner (2021–2022) — Board Chair
- Former: Terry Schneider (2021–2022) — Member
- Former: Tim Slate (2021–2022) — Member
- Former: Vicki Eastham (2021–2022) — Member
- Former: Bobby Duke (2022) — Member
- Former: Deborah Thompson (2022) — Member
- Former: James Talbott (2022) — Member
- Former: Richard Smith (2022) — Member
- Former: David Tincher (2021) — Member
- Former: David Urban (2021) — Immediate Past Board Chair
- Former: Louis Caputo (2021) — Member
- Former: Russ Galloway (2021) — Board Chair
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2021–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $107K, to Stan Jackson (VP Finance and Administrat). 2 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about United Way of South Central Tennessee
How much does United Way of South Central Tennessee give each year?
United Way of South Central Tennessee gave $700K across 48 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $800K across 25 grants.
What is United Way of South Central Tennessee's typical grant size?
United Way of South Central Tennessee's median grant in 2025 was $7,438, and its average grant was $14,583, across 48 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from United Way of South Central Tennessee that year got $8K on average.
Where does United Way of South Central Tennessee give grants?
United Way of South Central Tennessee gives mostly in Tennessee: 99% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Murfreesboro, TN (16 grants), Nashville, TN (11 grants), Tullahoma, TN (6 grants) and McMinnville, TN (4 grants).
Does United Way of South Central Tennessee give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 48 grants with a stated purpose on United Way of South Central Tennessee's 2025 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support.
Who are United Way of South Central Tennessee's largest grantees?
United Way of South Central Tennessee's largest 2025 grantees include Murfreesboro Cold Patrol ($75,000), Stars (Students Taking a Right Stand) Nashville ($68,000) and Child Advocacy Center of Rutherford County and Cannon County Inc ($62,250), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 29% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is United Way of South Central Tennessee?
United Way of South Central Tennessee reported $3.7M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $3.4M.
What does United Way of South Central Tennessee fund?
The organization’s mission is to improve lives by advancing opportunities for education, health, and financial stability for all. Its vision is to be the primary community solutions leader for human services. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from United Way of South Central Tennessee?
Applications are submitted through an online form. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is United Way of South Central Tennessee's EIN?
United Way of South Central Tennessee's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 58-1341880. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2021–2025.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS September 10, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS October 18, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 9, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 11, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS December 23, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2021–2025
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in United Way of South Central Tennessee's focus areas in our free grants database
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). United Way of South Central Tennessee funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 4, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/united-way-of-south-central-tennessee-morg_8cb70d049fb444429e384ff6756886b7
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_581341880_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{United Way of South Central Tennessee funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/united-way-of-south-central-tennessee-morg_8cb70d049fb444429e384ff6756886b7},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-04. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from United Way of South Central Tennessee's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
United Way of South Central Tennessee down — hundreds of funders to go?