Tullahoma Schools Receive Grants from the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee

Before the winter break, TCS was awarded $29,300 in grant funds from the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.

The funds that TCS received came specifically from the Lillian Ashley Field of Interest Fund, of Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. Ashley was born in Manchester, attended Ward Belmont in Nashville, and graduated from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville with a degree in elementary education. Following a life filled with extensive travel, Ashley wanted to give back to her community. She specified that her estate would benefit the children, animals and environment of Coffee County.

Bel-Aire and East Lincoln elementary schools each received $8,500 from this grant. Bel-Aire Elementary School will use the funds to increase community experiences and literacy tools to incentivize reading for students. East Lincoln Elementary School will use its funds to provide students with academic and enrichment after-school activities.

Robert E. Lee Elementary School received $6,300 from the grant. These funds will be used to turn its courtyard into a learning environment for its students as they engage in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) learning. This courtyard will also help students with their social-emotional well-being as they learn to work as a team and develop social skills.

As a district, TCS received $6,000 from the grant. Gina Bumbalough, TCS Director of Coordinated School Health, was the district's grant recipient and explained what these funds will be geared toward.

“This year's grant focuses on our middle school students to provide strategies to increase well-being, resiliency, healthy coping, belonging, and develop leadership skills,” Bumbalough said. “Thanks to middle school Counselors Shari Smiley and Lee Brannon for their dedication to this project to support our middle school students in developing the tools to be emotionally, physically, and socially healthy. I appreciate the Community Foundation and the fantastic work they do daily to support our community, staff, and students. Over the past ten years, Coordinated School Health has been fortunate to have received 10 grants totaling almost $60,000 from the CFMT Lillian Ashley Grant. Thanks to the Lillian Ashley Grants, the work that has been done will continue to support our students, staff, and community for years to come.”

TCS Director of Schools Dr. Catherine Stephens added her appreciation for the recent grants. “We are thankful for amazing community partners like the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee and the Lillian Ashley Fund. Partners like these help us in our efforts to serve and support our students.”

The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee is dedicated to enriching the quality of life in Middle Tennessee and beyond. In 2024, the organization announced $2,839,256 in grants would go to 264 local nonprofits. The grants benefit 28 counties in various means. Learn more about the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee by visiting its website.