In a 2004 meeting at Loews Vanderbilt Hotel to kick off local planning for the 2006 AAGP National Conference in Nashville, Bill Smith suggested that pulling off a conference would be easier if chapter members helped with the various responsibilities. The only trouble with that suggestion was that there existed no Tennessee chapter. Joani Sarkiss, incoming AAGP Chaptering Committee Chair who was also present at that meeting, challenged Bill to become AAGP's first State Representative in Tennessee, and to start a chapter.

In December 2004, Nashville area grants professionals came together to form the Tennessee Chapter. The chapter's first president was Sandra Jordan-Freeman.

In the first two years, the chapter focused on preparations for the national conference. The Host Conference Committee was led by Dr. Bernard Turner, who had championed the idea of a Nashville conference from the beginning. 

In Dr. Turner's absence at the December 2006 meeting, the chapter elected him their second president. Also absent, Laura Gore was chosen Chapter Secretary. Ever since, members have been cautious to not miss December meetings.

January 2008 Update: ...and, in fact, the tradition was kept alive when, at the December 2007 meeting, David Murray and Jane Murray were elected Treasurer and Secretary, in absentia.