Community Foundation says 'Give Like Dolly' drew 555 applicants and has raised local seed money

Hal Ko of the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee described the Give Like Dolly program as a wide-ranging campaign to honor Dolly Parton’s philanthropy by directing donations to local nonprofits focused on literacy, disaster relief and health. Ko said organizers received 555 organization submissions for participation and that the campaign has "more than $200,000 already in the bank for Give Like Dolly."

Ko framed the effort as more than a fundraising drive, urging broader volunteering and acts of service while directing the public to the campaign website announced during the program. He said the Community Foundation and partners selected five organizations to highlight from the applicant pool and encouraged residents to give through the posted portal.