Hospital wants to invest in solutions to “strengthen local capacity”
“Ascension Saint Thomas (AST) is deepening its commitment to community well-being with the launch of a new Community Catalyst Grant program, which is a capacity building opportunity designed to strengthen the infrastructure of community and nonprofit organizations in the Upper Cumberland region, investing a total of $300,000 to support community-based organizations, nonprofits, government agencies and local change makers,” According to a release by the company.
Multiple awards will support projects in Warren, Cannon, DeKalb and White counties. The hospital wants to invest in solutions to “strengthen local capacity” and expand access to care while promoting long-term sustainability, “advancing its mission to deliver compassionate, personalized care.”
“Improving health outcomes requires more than medical care alone. Medical care is estimated to account for just 10-20 percent of a person’s overall health, while the remaining 80 to 90% is shaped by health-related behaviors, socioeconomic factors and environmental conditions, according to the release.
According to AST, the program is intended to better address community needs.
“These investments support long-term sustainability while enabling organizations to launch, test and expand impactful programs or technologies,” according to AST.
The one-time funding opportunity is being offered in honor of the organization’s 10th anniversary serving the Upper Cumberland.
AST family of Upper CUmberland hospitals include:
- Ascension Saint Thomas River Park in McMinnville
- Ascension Saint Thomas Highlands in Sparta
- Ascension Saint Thomas Stones River in Woodbury
- Ascension Saint Thomas DeKalb in Smithville
Applications opened March 19, 2026, and will close April 24, 2026. Award recipients will be announced in May 2026. For more information and to apply, visit ascension.org/CatalystGrant.
Image by user6702303 on Freepik.
Copyright 2026 The Upper Cumberland Business Journal. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Other stories you may want to check out:
