Old National Bank Foundation 20 for 20 Grantee Profiles: Urban League of Middle Tennessee Expands Opportunity Through Economic Empowerment
As part of its 20th anniversary celebration, and two decades of helping build stronger, more vibrant and prosperous communities, the Old National Bank Foundation in 2026 is donating a total of $20,000 to 20 nonprofit organizations throughout its nine-state footprint, including Urban League of Middle Tennessee in Nashville, Tenn.
Urban League of Middle Tennessee: Building better futures
The Urban League of Middle Tennessee is a historic civil rights organization dedicated to economic empowerment, equality and social justice. Through education, workforce development, entrepreneurship support and advocacy, the organization helps individuals, families and businesses build brighter futures while working to close opportunity gaps across the region.
Founded in 1968, the Urban League of Middle Tennessee collaborates with community leaders, policymakers and corporate partners to elevate standards of living for African Americans and other historically underserved groups throughout Middle Tennessee. The organization develops social programs, conducts public policy research and advocates for solutions that promote economic mobility and long-term success.
Each year, the organization serves:
- More than 10,000 people through programs that provide job and career support, youth education and leadership development, expungement services and other social justice initiatives.
- More than 4,000 individuals receive workforce-related assistance annually, while hundreds of young people participate in educational and leadership programming.
“The Urban League has spent nearly six decades helping individuals, families and entrepreneurs access opportunities that can change the trajectory of their lives,” said Janet Kincherlow-Martin, Consultant for the Urban League of Middle Tennessee. “Whether it's helping someone find meaningful employment, supporting a small business owner or preparing a young person for future success, our mission is rooted in empowering people to achieve their full potential.”
A success story: a local product goes statewide
One success story that demonstrates the organization's impact is Oye Coffee, a graduate of ULMT's Next Level small business program. Founded by brothers Jonathan Oye and Christopher Oye, the company launched in 2021 to celebrate their West African heritage and maintain connections with family abroad. Through participation in the Urban League's entrepreneurship program, the brothers gained access to resources, coaching and support that helped accelerate the company's growth.
That growth recently reached a major milestone when Oye Coffee announced its products would be available in all 62 Publix stores across Tennessee. The brothers have credited the Urban League's Next Level program as a significant contributor to the success the business continues to enjoy.
“Stories like Oye Coffee's highlight the power of investing in entrepreneurs and small business owners,” Kincherlow-Martin said. “When local businesses succeed, they create jobs, strengthen neighborhoods and contribute to a more vibrant local economy. Helping entrepreneurs grow and thrive is one of the many ways we work to build stronger communities.”
A shared commitment
The partnership between the Old National Bank Foundation and the Urban League of Middle Tennessee reflects a shared commitment to economic mobility and community development. Through grant support and investment, Old National has helped the Urban League expand resources and services for small business owners and entrepreneurs throughout Middle Tennessee.
“As a community partner committed to our mission, Old National has made a meaningful difference in our ability to serve the region's small business community,” Kincherlow-Martin said. “Their investment helps provide the resources, services and wraparound support entrepreneurs need to start, grow and sustain successful businesses. That support creates ripple effects that extend throughout the communities we serve.”
Together, the Old National Bank Foundation and the Urban League of Middle Tennessee are helping create pathways to opportunity through workforce development, entrepreneurship, youth programming and social justice initiatives.
“Our ‘20 for 20’ campaign recognizes 20 organizations that have helped strengthen communities and expand opportunity through their partnership with the Old National Bank Foundation,” said Old National Bank Foundation President Joe Kiser. “Their leadership, innovation, and commitment to serving others reflect the very best of what can happen when communities come together around a shared purpose. As we celebrate the Foundation’s 20th anniversary, these organizations represent the many communities, causes, and partnerships that have shaped the Foundation’s work over the past two decades.”
To learn more about the Urban League of Middle Tennessee, visit https://www.ulmt.org.
Each year, the Old National Bank Foundation endeavors to fund as many initiatives that meet our funding priorities as possible across our footprint. For more information on grants or the Old National Bank Foundation, click here.
