The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, a charitable organization dedicated to enriching the quality of life in the 40 Middle Tennessee counties it serves, announces $1.3 million in grants to 273 nonprofit organizations as part of The Foundation's annual discretionary grantmaking process.
 Pacesetters Inc. has received a $2,500 grant to buy and place automated external defibrillators in some of their day centers.
 “The work of our nonprofit partners has never been more important as we watch needs emerge and evolve in this community,” said Ellen Lehman, president of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. “Some issues like the staggering rates of local human trafficking and the growth of rural gang activity - were issues that emerged relatively recently. Other issues like hunger continue to plague our neighbors in the aftermath of the Recession. Unemployment's harsh lessons about the skills and talents our educational system must provide require the nonprofit sector to lock arms with the public schools to ensure our future. These issues, and so many others, were among those covered though our 2012 Discretionary grants throughout Middle Tennessee. The Community Foundation is honored to connect generosity with need through these annual grants and through other avenues throughout the year, but we couldn't have an impact without the bulwark of quality nonprofits offering solutions to our community's needs and vital services to our neighbors.”
 The Community Foundation awards discretionary grants annually from its unrestricted and field-of-interest funds, through an open application process, to Middle Tennessee nonprofits organizations addressing community needs and benefiting the well-being of citizens through valuable programs and innovative services.
 More information on the grant process is online at cfmt.org/request/grants/.
 Pacesetters Inc. is a not for profit agency that provides day and residential services to Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The organization provides services to people in Macon, Overton, Putnam, Warren, and White counties.
 The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee oversees more than 850 charitable funds, providing customized philanthropic solutions with flexibility for donors, nonprofit organizations and the community. In the past 21 years, The Community Foundation has distributed more than $600 million to community programs and institutions. It is located at 3833 Cleghorn Avenue, #400, Nashville, Tennessee 37215. For more information, call 615-321-4939 or visit www.cfmt.org.