Ascension Saint Thomas awards $250,000 in Community Catalyst Grants to support Upper Cumberland organizations

Ascension Saint Thomas is strengthening its commitment to community well-being by awarding $250,000 in the first round of Community Catalyst Grants to organizations addressing local needs and advancing health outcomes across the Upper Cumberland region.

The one-time grant opportunity provided funding to community-based organizations, nonprofits, government agencies, and local change makers working to strengthen organizational capacity, expand access to resources, and develop solutions that address factors influencing community health.

"Improving health outcomes requires more than medical care alone," said Neal Kelley, President and CEO of Ascension Saint Thomas Regional Hospitals. "These grant recipients understand the unique needs of their communities and are creating meaningful solutions that will make a lasting difference."

Medical care is estimated to account for only 10% to 20% of a person's overall health, while the remaining 80% to 90% is influenced by health-related behaviors, socioeconomic factors, and environmental conditions. The Community Catalyst Grants support initiatives that address these broader factors impacting health and well-being.

The first round of 2026 Community Catalyst Grant recipients are:

• Cannon County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition: Works to prevent substance misuse through education, awareness, and community partnerships. Funding will support a mobile training trailer to help parents and caregivers recognize hidden signs of youth substance use through interactive, hands-on learning experiences.
• DeKalb Fire, Inc.: Supports emergency response and public safety services throughout DeKalb County. Funding will provide 15 new automated external defibrillators (AEDs) for remote fire stations and emergency response vehicles, improving access to lifesaving cardiac care in rural areas.
• Sparta-White County Family YMCA: Strengthens the community through youth development, healthy living and inclusive programming. Funding will expand adaptive recreation, wellness and life-skills opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through the Special Warriors program.
• Warren County Home Delivery Meals, Inc. (Meals on Wheels): Provides nutritious meals and supportive services that help homebound seniors remain healthy and independent. Funding will launch a medically tailored meal program for seniors with chronic health conditions, combining specialized nutrition with wellness monitoring and support.
• White County Sheriff's Office: Serves and protects residents through law enforcement, emergency response and community partnerships. Funding will support deployment of an emergency response drone capable of providing rapid scene assessment, delivering medical supplies, and assisting during critical incidents.
• Youth and Family Resource Network (DeKalb County): Helps youth and families build resilience through mentoring, prevention education and supportive services. Funding will expand after-school mentoring, social-emotional learning, and prevention programming for at-risk youth, including those involved with the juvenile justice system.

The Community Catalyst Grants celebrate Ascension Saint Thomas' 10th anniversary serving Upper Cumberland communities and are supported by its four hospitals in the region: Ascension Saint Thomas DeKalb in Smithville, Ascension Saint Thomas Highlands in Sparta, Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Stones River in Woodbury, and Ascension Saint Thomas River Park in McMinnville.

Additional grant awards may be announced later this year as part of the broader Community Catalyst Grant initiative.

"Through this Community Catalyst Grant investment, Ascension Saint Thomas is honored to recognize organizations that are making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families across the Upper Cumberland," Kelley said. "These recipients represent the dedication, collaboration, and innovation that help build healthier communities."