Bridge Bedford outlines projects after winning $135,000 in outside grants

Beth Davis, chair of the nonprofit Bridge Bedford, told the Bedford County Courthouse and Property Committee that the group was formed in November 2025 to “be the bridge that connects community individuals with businesses” and to bring outside investment into the county.

Davis said Bridge Bedford has been awarded three grants in the last six months totaling $135,000: an AARP Community Challenge grant for $15,000 to support walkability and public seating, a Tennessee Arts Commission creative-placemaking grant for $20,000 to support public art and engagement, and a HEART (Healthy Active Rural Tennessee) grant for $100,000 to support healthier public spaces and related programming. She also noted a separate $120,000 award to the Fly Arts Center for a Levit music series grant. “We are hoping to be the bridge that connects community individuals with businesses, building partnerships, creating opportunities to bring outside investment into the community,” Davis said.

Davis outlined near-term event work including participation in a “Walking in a Winter Wonderland” activation at Champions Arena and plans to use that event and other activities to activate Cooper Steel, the celebration grounds and the barns beyond the annual celebration. She said the group focuses on education, revitalization/beautification and quality of life and intends to reinvest grant funds into walkability, public seating, shade structures, wayfinding signage, public art, community gardens and educational programming.

Committee members offered praise after the presentation and encouraged local leaders to support the organization. The presentation did not include a request for county funding or a committee vote; next steps were described as continued partnership-building and board expansion.