Four Murfreesboro agencies, Domestic Violence Program Inc., Mid-Cumberland Human Resource Agency, Feed America First of Tennessee and Kymari House Inc., are among 16 nonprofits receiving grants funded by the employees of U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company (USSTC) on Wednesday, Aug. 10 at the U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Manufacturing Facility in Nashville. Donations totaling $275,000 will be presented to 16 nonprofits based in Middle Tennessee.

Known as the Altria Companies Employee Community Fund (ACECF), and launched at USSTC in 2011, the program demonstrates the power of giving together, rather than individually. The fund is managed by employees who volunteer their time to collect employee donations, review proposals and select local grantees. Every dollar goes directly to support the agencies. USSTC's parent company, Altria, covers the administration costs.

Money raised by Nashville employees have funded 82 grants totaling $1.289 million for Tennessee nonprofits since the program came to the facility five years ago.

The presentations will be made at 10:30 a.m. CT on Wednesday. More information on the event is below. I will call later, or feel free to call me at your convenience.