United Way of Greater Nashville Awarded $300,000 Wells Fargo Grant for Financial Empowerment Center
NASHVILLE, Tenn., January 27, 2026 /3BL/ - United Way of Greater Nashville is proud to announce it has been awarded a $300,000 grant from Wells Fargo to support the Nashville Financial Empowerment Center (FEC). This significant philanthropic investment strengthens the FEC’s mission to provide free, one-on-one financial counseling for debt reduction, credit building, saving, and legacy planning—helping families achieve financial stability and resilience. The grant was disbursed in calendar year 2025 and is currently supporting FEC operations.
Wells Fargo and the Nashville FEC share a commitment to upward financial mobility for the community’s most vulnerable. This award supports the FEC’s operational capacity, ensuring continued access to personalized financial counseling that empowers individuals and families to build a stronger financial future.
In 2025, the Nashville FEC served 1,206 clients, conducted 2,906 counseling sessions, and helped reduce $7.6 million in debt while increasing savings by $1.5 million. These efforts create financially resilient families and a more equitable financial system for all. To view the full impact, please refer to the attached overview. (I will attach FEC Report Card)
Many FEC clients are Asset-Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE). In Davidson County, 41% of residents are considered below the ALICE threshold. Learn more from an ALICE FEC client here.
"Building wealth starts with a solid plan, and our Financial Empowerment Center is here to help every Nashvillian get there. Whether you're looking to pay down debt, boost your credit, or start planning for your family's future, the FEC offers the expert coaching you need to grow your money. Thanks to Wells Fargo's support, we're making it easier than ever for our neighbors to take control of their finances and build a legacy," said Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell.
“The Nashville Financial Empowerment Center plays a vital role in helping families strengthen their financial opportunities,” said Ruby Fenton, Senior Assistant Vice President for Philanthropy and Community Impact for Wells Fargo. “This Wells Fargo grant will further expand the Center’s reach and create greater pathways to economic advancement for individuals across Greater Nashville.”
“This philanthropic investment from Wells Fargo is more than a financial contribution-it's a commitment to building lasting economic resilience in Davidson County,” said Brandee Davis- Douglas, Director, Economic & Financial Mobility, United Way of Greater Nashville. “By strengthening the Financial Empowerment Center’s capacity, we’re ensuring that families have access to the tools and guidance they need to break cycles of debt, grow savings, and create generational wealth. Together, we’re laying the foundation for a more equitable future for our community.
Contact: Brandee Davis-Douglas
Director, Economic & Financial Mobility
United Way of Greater Nashville
250 Venture Circle, Nashville, TN 37228
Office: 615-780-2471
###
