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Metro launches 2026 'Metro Makes a Difference' employee-giving campaign; Mayor O'Connell urges participation
Summary
Metro Nashville officials kicked off the 2026 Metro Makes a Difference employee-giving campaign, which runs Aug. 31–Oct. 31 and builds on more than $300,000 raised in 2025; presentations from United Way, Community Shares and CHC outlined how employee donations support local nonprofit services.
Metro Nashville launched its 2026 Metro Makes a Difference employee-giving campaign with organizers urging city employees to designate donations to local nonprofits and help build on more than $300,000 raised in the 2025 campaign. Alicia, assistant director and campaign co-chair, opened the program and said the 2026 drive will run Aug. 31–Oct. 31.
"The decision to donate is one that is entirely personal, but its collective impact is profound," Mayor Freddie O'Connell said in a recorded message played at the kickoff, adding that he planned to make a personal pledge. "Starting Aug. 31, you too can start making an impact."
The campaign brings Metro departments together to support partner nonprofits that provide food assistance, housing support, youth programming, counseling and emergency resources. Peter Atkins, an account manager at United Way of Greater Nashville, said United Way works with more than 180 nonprofit partners across 10 Middle Tennessee counties and that employee gifts help sustain services those organizations provide.
"When Metro employees give, they're helping ensure that nonprofits can continue serving people in our community," Atkins said.
Britney Bonner, executive director of Community Shares of Tennessee, described Community Shares' 27 member groups and said gifts help fund services ranging from health-care access and reproductive-health programs to domestic-violence support, immigrant services and environmental work. Kelsey DeAngelis of CHC (Creating Healthier Communities) urged employees to support efforts to improve access to maternal care and cancer prevention, saying CHC coordinates thousands of partners to tackle population health priorities.
Organizers detailed participation and logistics: seven departments reached 100% participation in past campaigns; overall employee participation rose from 12% in 2024 to 17% in 2025; there are more than 250 nonprofit partners employees may designate; payroll deductions will begin in January 2027; and employees will receive an email with a link to an online pledge site and a list of charities.
Campaign coordinators were reminded that federations can provide presentations to departments, either virtually or in person, and that staff are available to help coordinators with setup. The kickoff closed with organizers thanking employees and urging them to "be the difference" by participating in the 2026 drive.
Next steps: the campaign opens Aug. 31 and runs through Oct. 31, 2026; employees should watch for an email with pledge and payroll-deduction information.
