Opportunities From: Greater Nashville Regional Council

Help us bring some cheer to isolated seniors, seniors in nursing homes and/or disabled individuals in our communities by sending them heartfelt letters, letting them know that we care about them.

We are looking for uplifting letters that will bring their recipients some joy!

 

This month the theme for the letters is "Travel". Share about your favorite travel location, any travel locations on your bucket list or location you have recently traveled to. Take the reader to that location, feel free to include pictures.

You can incorporate the theme through art, by making your own themed cards and within the message of your letter.

We are looking to have this round of letters completed and received by their recipients by 08/31/2026. Please allow a couple of days for mailing and distribution. 

If you are interested in sending letters and/or art to seniors in the community, please click on sign up and include in your response (in the notes) how many letters you would like to write. I will contact you with specific instructions for the letters and the address to send them to.  

Younger children are welcome to participate with their parents or a guardian/caregiver (an adult is required for minors younger than 13 to sign up). 

Volunteers will be required to have their own materials for the letters and any additional artwork you'd like to add, as well as stamps to mail the letters on hand (or you must be able to take them to the post office). I will try my best to provide you with one address for your letters so you can mail them together in a large envelope. 

Please allow 48 hours for me to get back to you with the instructions. 

If you are in need of community service hours, I am happy to confirm your hours for you. Please submit pictures of your letters as proof. We will be tracking and logging the actual time you spent working on the letters/cards and do NOT assign a specific number of letters per hour. Please check with your institution if they have specific requirements of how many letters you need to complete to get your hours approved.

Thank you so much for considering this opportunity! 

 

Help us bring some cheer to isolated seniors, seniors in nursing homes and/or disabled individuals in our communities by sending them heartfelt letters, letting them know that we care and haven't forgotten about them.

We are looking for uplifting letters that will bring their recipients some joy!

 

This month the theme for the letters is "Summer". We encourage you to share about your favorite summer activities and summertime memories, summer vacation spots or summer reads. You can incorporate the theme through art, by making your own themed cards and within the message of your letter.

We are looking to have this round of letters completed and received by their recipients by 07/31/2026. Please allow a couple of days for mailing and distribution. 

If you are interested in sending letters and/or art to seniors in the community, please click on sign up and include in your response (in the notes) how many letters you would like to write. I will contact you with specific instructions for the letters and the address to send them to.  

Younger children are welcome to participate with their parents or a guardian/caregiver (an adult is required for minors younger than 13 to sign up). 

Volunteers will be required to have their own materials for the letters and any additional artwork you'd like to add, as well as stamps to mail the letters on hand (or you must be able to take them to the post office). I will try my best to provide you with one address for your letters so you can mail them together in a large envelope. 

Please allow 48 hours for me to get back to you with the instructions. 

If you are in need of community service hours, I am happy to confirm your hours for you. Please submit pictures of your letters as proof. We will be tracking and logging the actual time you spent working on the letters/cards and do NOT assign a specific number of letters per hour. Please check with your institution if they have specific requirements of how many letters you need to complete to get your hours approved.

Thank you so much for considering this opportunity! 

 

VOLUNTEER TO REVIEW ARTS GRANT APPLICATIONS FOR DAVIDSON COUNTY

The Arts Build Communities (ABC) grant program is designed to provide support for arts projects that broaden access to arts experiences, address community quality of life issues through the arts, or enhance the sustainability of asset-based cultural enterprises. The program seeks to build communities by nurturing artists, arts organizations (including local arts agencies), and arts supporters in Tennessee.

Are you part of the Arts community and familiar with the local art scene?

Volunteer to judge on the TN Arts Builds Communities grant review panel. The panel review will take place on Monday, August 10, 2026, beginning at 9:30am. The panel will meet VIRTUALLY via Microsoft Teams.

Volunteers must review all grant applications between July 27 and August 9 at 11:59pm and be available at the time of the panel review on August 10. The estimated time commitment per volunteer is around 12 hours between the application review (6-7 hours) and the panel (5-6 hours).

Volunteers must reside and have an arts background in Davidson County to participate on the panel.

Please express interest in participating in the panel by July 1. GNRC staff will reach out to conduct interviews with prospective panelists. Panelists will be selected and confirmed among those who sign up by July 8. 

 
 
HOW ARE THE GRANT APPLICATIONS REVIEWED?

Advisory panels reviewing grant applications for this program assign scores based on how well the proposed project addresses ABC program objectives and use the following evaluation criteria on a 100-point scale:

Artistic/Cultural Merit (35 points)
Applications should provide evidence of how the proposed arts/cultural project shows value to the community being served. Competitive applications may demonstrate artistic/cultural merit by showing how projects will accomplish one or more of the following:

Provide arts experiences that expose participants to new perspectives or media Deepen audiences’ appreciation of artists, media, or movements Provide opportunities for engagement in the creative process Advance community priorities and/or address social issues in or through the arts Promote local traditions or community assets in or through the arts Build social connections and understanding between diverse groups of people Enhance the sustainability of cultural enterprises Provide a hospitable environment for arts organizations and/or artists to thrive creatively and/or economically

Competitive applications may also demonstrate that proposed project supports the work of artists through payment of fees, services or appropriate benefits.

Community Engagement and Participation (35 points)
Applications should provide evidence of how organizations understand and are responsive to diverse interests and needs of communities served. Competitive applications will demonstrate the engagement and participation of their communities by not only showing how proposed projects advance organizational missions, but also by showing to what extent community members are involved in planning, executing and evaluating the projects.

Additional evidence includes: needs assessment research; formal partnerships that advance project goals through resource and responsibility sharing; and demonstrated support from local community leaders.

Competitive applications may also demonstrate goals and objectives that are designed to address social issues or build economic sustainability through the arts.

Budget and Financial Support (20 points)
Applications should include realistic project budgets with accurate cost and income estimates.
Competitive applications will show that organizations are actively raising funds through requests to individual contributors, private corporations, foundations, government sources, AND/OR through viable earned revenue projections.

Operational Practice (10 points)
Applications should provide evidence that planning procedures are clear, inclusive and include discussion on past project results (when appropriate). Competitive applications will address all application questions and provide correct and complete information. 

Click here to find out more about the ABC Scoring Rubric.

ABOUT THE ABC GRANT PROGRAM

The Arts Build Communities (ABC) grant program is designed to provide support for arts projects that broaden access to arts experiences, address community quality of life issues through the arts, or enhance the sustainability of asset-based cultural enterprises. The Tennessee Arts Commission offers the ABC program through a decentralized decision-making and distribution process in partnership with regional designated agencies. Through ABC, the Commission seeks to build communities by nurturing artists, arts organizations (including local arts agencies), and arts supporters in each of Tennessee’s 95 counties.

ABC funds may be used to:

Provide innovative arts experiences that are new or unfamiliar to community residents Offer arts programs that are designed to help affect positive change in community social issues Develop arts programming that strengthens social networks through community engagement Undertake cultural arts initiatives that enhance a community’s identity and/or economic development Offer training that helps experienced or emerging artists/arts administrators develop entrepreneurial skills or innovative strategies for building sustainability

VOLUNTEER TO REVIEW ARTS GRANT APPLICATIONS

The Arts Build Communities (ABC) grant program is designed to provide support for arts projects that broaden access to arts experiences, address community quality of life issues through the arts, or enhance the sustainability of asset-based cultural enterprises. The program seeks to build communities by nurturing artists, arts organizations (including local arts agencies), and arts supporters in Tennessee.

Are you part of the Arts community and familiar with the local art scene?

Volunteer to judge on the TN Arts Builds Communities grant review panel. The panel review will take place on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, beginning at 9:30am. The panel will meet VIRTUALLY via Microsoft Teams. 

Volunteers must review all grant applications between July 22 and August 4 at 11:59pm and be available at the time of the panel review on August 5. The estimated time commitment per volunteer is around 11 hours between the application review (5-6 hours) and the panel (5 hours)

Volunteers must reside and have an arts background in one of the following counties: Trousdale, Rutherford, Sumner, Williamson, and Wilson.

Please express interest in participating in the Panel by July 1. GNRC staff will reach out to conduct interviews with prospective panelists. Panelist will be selected and confirmed among those who sign up by July 8.

 
 
HOW ARE THE GRANT APPLICATIONS REVIEWED?

Advisory panels reviewing grant applications for this program assign scores based on how well the proposed project addresses ABC program objectives and use the following evaluation criteria on a 100-point scale:

Artistic/Cultural Merit (35 points)
Applications should provide evidence of how the proposed arts/cultural project shows value to the community being served. Competitive applications may demonstrate artistic/cultural merit by showing how projects will accomplish one or more of the following:

Provide arts experiences that expose participants to new perspectives or media Deepen audiences’ appreciation of artists, media, or movements Provide opportunities for engagement in the creative process Advance community priorities and/or address social issues in or through the arts Promote local traditions or community assets in or through the arts Build social connections and understanding between diverse groups of people Enhance the sustainability of cultural enterprises Provide a hospitable environment for arts organizations and/or artists to thrive creatively and/or economically

Competitive applications may also demonstrate that proposed project supports the work of artists through payment of fees, services or appropriate benefits.

Community Engagement and Participation (35 points)
Applications should provide evidence of how organizations understand and are responsive to diverse interests and needs of communities served. Competitive applications will demonstrate the engagement and participation of their communities by not only showing how proposed projects advance organizational missions, but also by showing to what extent community members are involved in planning, executing and evaluating the projects.

Additional evidence includes: needs assessment research; formal partnerships that advance project goals through resource and responsibility sharing; and demonstrated support from local community leaders.

Competitive applications may also demonstrate goals and objectives that are designed to address social issues or build economic sustainability through the arts.

Budget and Financial Support (20 points)
Applications should include realistic project budgets with accurate cost and income estimates. Competitive applications will show that organizations are actively raising funds through requests to individual contributors, private corporations, foundations, government sources, AND/OR through viable earned revenue projections.

Operational Practice (10 points)
Applications should provide evidence that planning procedures are clear, inclusive and include discussion on past project results (when appropriate). Competitive applications will address all application questions and provide correct and complete information. 

Click here to find out more about the ABC Scoring Rubric.

ABOUT THE ABC GRANT PROGRAM

The Arts Build Communities (ABC) grant program is designed to provide support for arts projects that broaden access to arts experiences, address community quality of life issues through the arts, or enhance the sustainability of asset-based cultural enterprises. The Tennessee Arts Commission offers the ABC program through a decentralized decision-making and distribution process in partnership with regional designated agencies. Through ABC, the Commission seeks to build communities by nurturing artists, arts organizations (including local arts agencies), and arts supporters in each of Tennessee’s 95 counties.

ABC funds may be used to:

Provide innovative arts experiences that are new or unfamiliar to community residents Offer arts programs that are designed to help affect positive change in community social issues Develop arts programming that strengthens social networks through community engagement Undertake cultural arts initiatives that enhance a community’s identity and/or economic development Offer training that helps experienced or emerging artists/arts administrators develop entrepreneurial skills or innovative strategies for building sustainability

Help us bring some cheer to isolated seniors, seniors in nursing homes and/or disabled individuals in our communities by sending them heartfelt letters, letting them know that we care and haven't forgotten about them.

We are looking for uplifting letters that will bring their recipients some joy!

This month the theme for the letters is "Welcome summer" or "Independence Day" later in the month. You can incorporate the theme through art, by making your own themed cards and within the message of your letter.

If you are interested in sending letters and/or art to seniors in the community, please sign up below and include in your response (in the notes) how many letters you would like to write. I will contact you with specific instructions for the letters and the address to send them to. Children are welcome to contribute also (an adult is required for minors to sign up).

 
We are looking to have this round of letters completed and received by their recipients by 06/30/2026. Please allow a couple of days for mailing and distribution. 
 
Volunteers will be required to have their own materials for the letters and any additional artwork you'd like to add, as well as stamps to mail the letters on hand (or you must be able to take them to the post office). I will try my best to provide you with one address for your letters so you can mail them together in a large envelope. 

Please allow 48 hours for me to get back to you with the instructions. 

If you are in need of community service hours, I am happy to confirm your hours for you. Please submit pictures of your letters as proof. We will be tracking and logging the actual time you spent working on the letters/cards and do NOT assign a specific number of letters per hour. Please check with your institution if they have specific requirements of how many letters you need to complete to get your hours approved.

Younger children are welcome to participate with their parents or a guardian/caregiver. 

 
Thank you so much for considering this opportunity! 

 

Do you enjoy spending time with older adults? Help us conduct client satisfaction surveys either in person at nursing facilities near you or via phone surveys to ensure satisfactory service outcomes. 

What are the surveys for? Each year TennCare contracts with state Area Agencies on Aging and Disability to conduct National Core Indicators Surveys with consumers receiving TennCareare services.  The core indicators are standard measures used across states to access the outcomes of services provided to individuals and families. Indicators address key areas of concern including planning, rights, community inclusion, choice, health and care coordination, safety and relationships.  Each year TennCare looks at the results of these anonymous surveys to improve and enhance services to consumers.

Why should I help? Those conducting the surveys are offering consumers and their families a chance to express their opinions about services received, offer suggestions, and make recommendations to enhance their care and quality of life.

What would I be doing? The surveyor role requires individuals to reach out to consumers by phone or by traveling to nursing facilities to administer the surveys. We will coordinate with you to assign locations that are close to you.  The surveyor will read the questions to each individual and record the responses into a database. This requires the ability to use basic computer skills. Each survey should take from 45 minutes to one hour to complete.

Surveyor Training: TennCare requires that all surveyors complete training. The training is in two parts: a series of self-paced online modules (takes about 2 hours to complete), and a 2.5-hour live training with a GNRC staff member. The live webinar trainings will be scheduled as needed.

When can I volunteer? In person surveys can be conducted during regular visiting hours of the nursing homes. Phone surveys can be conducted during the day or in the early evening hours. You can make your own schedule and choose how many surveys you want to complete. The survey period runs from December 8 through June 30th. 

Where would I volunteer? Clients are located all over Middle Tennessee. Training takes place online and volunteers can work via phone from their own home or be assigned to nursing homes close to them.

Next Steps: After you sign up, we will follow up with you on your preference to conduct phone or in-person surveys, preferred locations and training. 

GNRC is partnering with Trevecca Towers to pair Friendly Visitors with Residents at the Senior Living Highrise. Residents at Trevecca Towers are 62 years and up, some are younger if they have a disability. Many of the residents are quite isolated and would greatly benefit from a connection with a community volunteer. 

Commitment: Spend time regularly with your assigned residents at least once a month. Visits can vary in length based on mutual comfort. Once you have been matched, visits can be coordinated directly between resident and volunteer. 

You can spend time talking, playing games, reading, doing crafts or crossword puzzles depending on mutual interest. Many residents are also interested in help navigating their cell phone. So, if you are well versed and able to help spent some time explaining how to do things, that would be appreciated. Some clients need help with light household tasks.

Next steps: Please express interest in the opportunity and we will reach out to you with more details, to match you with a resident and to schedule an initial visit. After the initial visit you will be able to schedule your visits directly with the residents independently. If you'd like to visit more than one resident, we can arrange for that as well.

 

Do you enjoy spending time with others?

Elderly or disabled clients can greatly benefit from a volunteer visiting in the capacity of a friendly neighbor providing socialization and much needed contact to the outside world, combating isolation and loneliness. Often those needs are not met by traditional programs, so volunteers can step in and close this crucial gap in services. 

Depending on the client's needs, volunteers in this role will just spend time with the client talking, reading or assist with getting the mail and reading it to the client or helping them understand the contents. Some clients may need a hand with simple household tasks such as switching a light bulb or vacuuming. Volunteers and clients could also partake in doing simple art projects together, if desired. 

Volunteers will be paired with a client in their area and volunteer and client will agree on the specifics of the volunteer's role prior to any visits. Volunteers should be willing to commit to a minimum of one visit per month for this opportunity. 

Please sign up if you are interested and we will be in touch to discuss next steps. Since this is a pilot opportunity the matching process might take a little longer. We'd love for you to provide feedback throughout the process so we can make improvements as we launch this opportunity on a bigger scale.  

I'll leave you with a quote from our first volunteer in this pilot:

"The Friendly neighbor program has benefited and rewarded me in so many ways. My client was blind and lonely, little or no interaction with people on a regular basis. My stopping by just once a week to read his mail and chat lifted his spirits greatly. He now can see as he has had both cataracts removed, but I am still checking on him.  

I think the only thing one needs to realize is that many live in poor circumstances but that doesn’t mean they aren’t proud of what they have. And most of all everyone needs and deserves respect and human kindness."

 

 

Are you a skilled photographer and enjoy taking people of pictures and events?

Then we are looking for you!

We'd love to find a volunteer photographer who would be available to take pictures at various board meetings, community events etc. Majority of these events will be indoors. We'd like you to capture the events and the people who participated. 

Times and days and frequency varies. We can discuss events and meetings on a one by one basis.

Please respond here if you are interested and we can discuss further details.

Administrative Volunteers assist GNRC staff with administrative tasks in the office, at events or other locations. Volunteers will receive training on the specific tasks assigned to them.

Key Duties:  

Duties for this volunteer position may include

Filing, shredding, scanning or copying Making follow up phone calls Assisting with mail out campaigns Completing simple office tasks on the computer Compiling research

 Qualifications:

Minimum Age: 18 years Complete the required initial training and sign all required documents Successfully pass the background screening process Required update training: No update training required, training on specific tasks will be provided as needed. Skills necessary to be successful in this role: Complete your assigned tasks with an eye for detail, courteous and professional interactions with other staff, volunteers and clients, ability to operate basic office programs and equipment.

Location of volunteer job: GNRC offices or at times other event locations as requested.