NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The James & Wanda Hollensteiner Foundation, a private foundation based in Rollins, Montana, and the estate of the late Eliot T Armistead have provided Harmony Wildlife Rehabilitation Center with a significant donation to construct a new songbird aviary. The new enclosure will be dedicated to the memories of Eliot Armistead and Wanda Hollensteiner, both avid nature lovers who enjoyed birdwatching.

The Harmony team is ecstatic to have the resources to build a custom habitat for Tennessee native songbirds. This enclosure, which will exceed standards set by the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association, will allow animals like Eastern bluebirds, American Goldfinches, Northern Cardinals, American Robins, Cedar Waxwings, Northern Mockingbirds (Tennessee’s state bird), and many more to complete their rehabilitation before release into their natural habitats.

According to Jena Hollensteiner Armistead, “The decision to support this initiative was an easy one. As residents of West Meade Park, we are committed to the protection and welfare of wildlife. Through Harmony Wildlife’s incredible work, we all benefit in so many ways. Our gift to this organization is, in fact, a gift to us.” Anastasia Kudrez, Harmony’s Executive Director, states, “We are deeply grateful for the generosity of the Armistead and Hollensteiner families to advance our vision. We are fortunate to live in a neighborhood with people who care about wild animals and preserving the natural beauty of West Meade’s woods.”  

The new enclosure, named “The Armistead Aviary” is under construction and is expected to be ready to house birds in August 2023. If you’d like to help with this project, please contact stasia@harmonywildlife.org.

In December 2022, a wildlife biologist from Leiper's Fork contacted Harmony about an American Crow she found on the ground. It was alert but could not stand. She brought the crow to Harmony and after two months of supportive care, we were thrilled to release "Mr. Crow" back in his home territory. 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, a charitable organization dedicated to enriching the quality of life in the 40 Middle Tennessee counties it serves, announces $2,802,040 in grants to 432 nonprofit organizations as part of the 2022 annual grantmaking process.

Harmony Wildlife Rehabilitation Center has received a $3,200 grant to purchase specialized milk replacement formulas, seeds, food, and dietary supplements for injured and orphaned wild animals. Thanks to the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, Harmony can care for more baby raccoons, squirrels, opossums, rabbits, skunks, hawks, owls, and other animals in 2023.

“The work of our nonprofit partners has never been more important as we watch needs emerge and evolve in this community,” said Ellen Lehman, president of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. “The Community Foundation is honored to connect generosity with need through these annual grants and other avenues throughout the year, but we couldn’t have an impact without the array of quality nonprofits offering solutions to our community’s needs and vital services to our neighbors.”

The Community Foundation awards discretionary grants annually from its unrestricted and field-of-interest funds through an open application process to Middle Tennessee nonprofits organizations addressing community needs and benefiting the well-being of citizens through valuable programs and innovative services. 

More information on the grant process is online at www.cfmt.org.

About The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee 

The Community Foundation exists to promote and facilitate giving in the 40 counties of Middle Tennessee and beyond. It does this by accepting gifts of any size from anyone at any time and by empowering individuals, families, companies, nonprofits and communities to respond to needs and opportunities that matter. The Community Foundation works with people who have great hearts, whether or not they have great wealth, to craft solutions that reflect their intentions and goals. For more information, call 615-321-4939 or visit www.cfmt.org.