[logo] East Tennessee Foundation

Competitive Grants

General Grant Information

Field-of-Interest Grants

Affiliate Funds & Grants

 

    Coker Creek

Coker Creek Workshops - Coker Creek Economic Development Group Indigenous Crafts

Workshops Supported by an Arts Fund for East TN Grant

Grant Program Overview 

East Tennessee Foundation's (ETF) field-of-interest and affiliate funds support a competitive grantmaking process in broad charitable areas including arts and culture, community development, youth-at-risk or a particular East Tennessee county (Affiliate Funds) within the Foundation's 25-county service area. Since 1986, East Tennessee Foundation has awarded over $148 million in grants through its competitive grantmaking process. All current Requests for Proposals (RFP or grant applications and guidelines) are available for download at the end of each field-of-interest and affiliate fund grants program description.

General Eligibility

Field-of-interest and affiliate fund grants are offered annually or bi-annually and made through a competitive application and review process. Any organization determined to be a 501(c)(3) by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that is located within our 25-county service area (unless otherwise stipulated) may apply for a grant from one of our field-of-interest funds. Grants will also be made to other tax-exempt entities such as schools, universities, units of government, or, in some instances, churches and other religious institutions. Organizations that have not received 501(c)(3) status from the IRS must be fiscally sponsored by a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization.

Although each proposal will be considered on its own merits, the following types of requests will normally be ineligible for funding: grants to individuals; endowments or general fundraising campaigns or capital campaigns; general operating support (office supplies, utilities and other general expenses); projects that have implicit religious content, express a particular religious view or advance a religious purpose; and activities taking place before the grant cycle begins (please refer to the Calendar of Competitive Grants).

For each grants program, only one application per organization may be submitted per grant cycle.

General Information

Please note that all dates are subject to change.

The Foundation does not encourage unsolicited proposals but will periodically review them. For further information, please contact Terry Holley (865) 524-1223, toll-free at 877-524-1223 or by e-mail at tholley@etf.org.

Calendar of Competitive Grants

2008 Calendar of Competitive Grants

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Grant Opportunities

Field-of-Interest Funds

Arts Fund for East Tennessee

The Arts Fund for East Tennessee was established by East Tennessee Foundation in 1985 to serve as a source of funds in support of excellence in the arts, expand access to the arts, and connect artists with each other and with East Tennessee communities.

The Arts Fund grants program awards two-year grants to support specific projects (exhibits, festivals, performances, art therapy or rehabilitation, or other specific arts events) in the following four categories: Institutional Excellence, Arts Organizations, Community Cultural Projects and Art in Education.

Successful applicants will propose innovative projects or programs that demonstrate: artistic merit; experience and expertise of artistic and other personnel in the project; potential benefit to the community or constituency served; capacity to advance an aspect of the arts and bring it to a wide audience; and/or managerial and fiscal ability to carry out the project.

Examples of possible projects include cultural events and festivals, concerts series and theatre productions, artistic workshops and classes, arts camps for children with disabilities, and young authors conferences.

Arts Fund grants in all categories must be matched on a 1:1 cash basis by the grantee. In-kind contributions may not be used to meet the matching requirements.

The required minimum number of years of 501(c)(3) tax exemption varies depending upon the grant category. (Please refer to each grant category's eligibility requirements in the Request for Proposals.)

Arts Fund grant opportunities are available to all 25 counties in the Foundation's service area.

Grant info:

  • Two-year grants
  • Grants will be made on a 1:1 matching basis
  • Grants generally range from $500 to $6,000
  • Supports projects between May 1, 2008 - May 1, 2010
  • Application deadline: There will be no deadline in 2008.

2008 Arts Fund for East Tennessee RFP (Click here for guidelines and application)

For further information, please contact Jan Elston (865) 524-1223, toll-free at 877-524-1223 or by e-mail at jelston@etf.org.

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Mount Rest Home Foundation

In 1894, Mount Rest Home began in Knoxville as a residence for elderly ladies who had very little funds or family to care for them. The devoted women of the board of Mount Rest Home cooked and sold lunches at Thanksgiving to raise funds to support the home, and they tended to every need of the house and the ladies who lived there. Although the lovely home eventually closed, the women of Mount Rest Home, many of whom are the daughters and granddaughters of the original board members, have continued to provide for the welfare of women and children in Knox County. They established the Mount Rest Foundation in 1994 and then the Mount Rest Home Foundation Fund of East Tennessee Foundation in 2004 to continue and secure their families' legacy of caring for Knox County's women and children.

Successful applicants for one-year grants must significantly contribute to the welfare of the women and children of Knoxville and Knox County by addressing one of the following issues: nutrition, health and well-being, education or training for employment.

Examples of possible projects include: support for women at a crisis shelter; program which teaches children about safety issues; affordable health care support for low-income women and children; and education and career counseling for women.

Mount Rest Home Foundation grant opportunities are only available to organizations that reside within or serve the residents of Knox County.

Grant info:

  • One-year grants
  • Grants generally range from $1,000 to $10,000
  • Supports projects between September 1, 2008 - September 1, 2009
  • Application deadline: May 26, 2008

2008 Mount Rest Home Foundation RFP(Click here for guidelines)

For further information, please contact Jan Elston (865) 524-1223, toll-free at 877-524-1223 or by e-mail at jelston@etf.org.

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Neighborhoods Small Grants Program

East Tennessee Foundation's Neighborhoods Small Grants Program, with funding from the City of Knoxville's Community Development Department, was developed to strengthen low- to moderate-income neighborhoods in the Heart of Knoxville by supporting a wide range of community-based initiatives through grants and technical assistance.

The primary focus of the program is to: increase the base of resident participation and leadership in developing solutions to neighborhood issues and problems; increase the capacity of neighborhood organizations to plan and implement neighborhood improvement strategies; build social capital by increasing the linkages between neighborhoods, neighborhood organizations and other community institutions capable of providing support; and increase the financial base, identify new resources, and maximize the use of existing community assets available to neighborhoods.

Successful applicants for one-year grants will: be a neighborhood organization in the Heart of Knoxville; be located in a low- to moderate-income neighborhood as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD); provide evidence of broad support within the neighborhood and have goals that reflect the concerns of the residents; have strong leadership which is accountable to the membership; and propose projects which will strengthen the capacity of the organization to establish networks to build social capital.

Examples of possible projects include creation and distribution of a neighborhood newsletter; design and installation of neighborhood signs; organization of neighborhood clean-ups; and development and maintenance of a neighborhood park.

Neighborhoods Small Grants Program grant opportunities are only available to low- to-moderate income neighborhoods in the Heart of Knoxville.

Grant info:

  • One-year grants
  • Grants will be made on a 1:1 matching basis; gifts and in-kind contributions may be used to meet the matching requirement.
  • Grants generally range from $500 to $5,000
  • Supports projects between: TBD
  • Application deadline: TBD

Sample Neighborhoods Small Grants Program RFP(Click here for guidelines and application)

For further information, please contact Jan Elston (865) 524-1223, toll-free at 877-524-1223 or by e-mail at jelston@etf.org.

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Margaret M. and Harley H. Wachs Youth Leadership Fund

The Margaret M. and Harley H. Wachs Youth Leadership Fund was established in 2001 by their son, Peter, and daughter-in-law, Joy Wachs, in memory of Peter's mother and father. The Fund was created for the benefit of young people in Johnson County to provide travel and leadership opportunities that will enhance their knowledge and expand their abilities to become active, visionary leaders of Johnson County communities.

Successful applicants for one-year grants must engage Johnson County middle and/or high school-aged youth in one of the following areas: involvement in community service projects, participation in leadership roles, and travel for leadership development opportunities.

Examples of possible projects include: a mentoring program which pairs middle and high school youth with leaders in the community; opportunities for area youth to attend youth leadership activities; a youth task force whose members will identify community issues and volunteer their time to help solve and resolve problems; and forums for community leaders to teach students about leadership and community service opportunities in their neighborhoods.

Margaret M. and Harley H. Wachs Youth Leadership Fund grant opportunities are only available to organizations that reside within and serve the youth of Johnson County.

Grant Info:

  • One-year grants
  • Grants must benefit middle and/or high school-aged youth
  • Grants generally range from $300 to $600
  • Supports projects between February 1, 2009 - February 1, 2010
  • Application deadline: November 10, 2008 (postmark)

2009 Margaret M. and Harley H. Wachs Youth Leadership Fund RFP (Click here for guidelines)

For further information, please contact Terry Holley (865)524-1223, toll-free at 877-524-1223 or by e-mail at tholley@etf.org.

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Youth Endowment Grants Program

East Tennessee Foundation's Youth Endowment was created in 1987 to serve as a perpetual source of funds to address problems and issues affecting young people in East Tennessee. The fund's primary goal is to support the development of creative solutions which address behavioral, environmental and other factors that place children and youth at-risk in our region.

The Youth Endowment awards two-year grants as seed money, to be used in developing prevention and/or intervention pilot programs, or expanding existing programs for at-risk children and youth. Proposed projects must address and prevent/reduce one or more of the following behavioral or life skill issues: anti-social behavior; school drop-out; alcohol and drug addiction; sexual and emotional abuse; teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases; eating disorders; or barriers to gainful employment.

Successful applicants will propose innovative projects or programs that address and prevent or reduce one or more of the following behavioral or life skill issues: interpersonal and/or school violence; anti-social behavior; school drop-out; alcohol or drug addiction; sexual and emotional abuse; teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases; eating disorders; and/or barriers to gainful employment.

Examples of possible projects include: anti-bullying program for students and teachers; leadership training for underserved youth; teen pregnancy outreach program; and counseling services for young victims of sexual abuse. Applicant organizations must have operated as a 501(c)(3) for a minimum of three (3) years.

Grants are available in three categories: Institutional Excellence, Creative Solutions, and Early Childhood Intervention.

Youth Endowment grant opportunities are available to all 25 counties in the Foundation's service area.

Grant info:

  • Two-year grants
  • Grants generally range from $500 to $20,000
  • Supports projects between June 1, 2008 - June 1, 2010
  • Application deadline: There will be no deadline in 2008.

2008 Youth Endowment Grants Program RFP(Click here for guidelines and application)

For further information, please contact Jan Elston (865) 524-1223, toll-free at 877-524-1223 or by e-mail at jelston@etf.org.

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Affiliate Funds

Fund for Campbell County

The Fund for Campbell County was established through the generous gifts of time, vision and resources by a group of Campbell County residents committed to strengthening communities and improving the quality of life in Campbell County. The Fund will support programs and projects that build community goodwill, seek to solve community challenges, and produce results that improve the quality of life for all citizens of Campbell County.

Successful applicants for one-year grants will propose innovative projects or programs that will: make a significant contribution to the health and welfare of Campbell County and utilize its unique assets; directly benefit families, women and/or children; provide educational and cultural opportunities; support community or economic development historic preservation and/or environmental enhancements; and/or build the capacity of the organization and its leadership to more effectively carry out its mission.

Examples of possible projects include education and outreach activities (after-school program, community career day, artist-in-residence program); community development activities (health fair, community clean-up day, oral history program); and organizational development to build the skills of local nonprofits (i.e. strategic planning retreat, fundraising, membership drive).

Fund for Campbell County grant opportunities are only available to organizations that reside within or serve the residents of Campbell County.

Grant info:

  • One-year grants
  • Grants generally range from $500 to $1,000
  • Supports projects between: June 1, 2008 - June 1, 2009
  • Application deadline: February 15, 2008 (postmark)

A Technical Assistance Workshop will be held Tuesday, February 5, 2008. CLICK HERE for more information.

2008 Fund for Campbell County RFP (Click here for guidelines and application)

For further information, please contact Terry Holley (865) 524-1223, toll-free at 877-524-1223 or by e-mail at tholley@etf.org.

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Fund for Greene County

The Fund for Greene County was established in 1993 to improve the quality of life for citizens of Greeneville and Greene County. The Fund accomplishes its mission by supporting local nonprofit agencies that address and solve community issues and challenges with innovative or creative designs.

Successful applicants for one-year grants will propose innovative projects or programs that will promise a significant contribution to the welfare of Greene County and utilize its unique assets, and support charitable purposes benefiting the citizens and communities of Greene County.

Fund for Greene County grant opportunities are only available to organizations that reside within or serve the residents of Greene County.

Fund for Greene County grant opportunities will not be available in 2008. For further information, please contact Terry Holley (865) 524-1223, toll-free at 877-524-1223 or by e-mail at tholley@etf.org.

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Harris Fund for Washington County

The Harris Fund for Washington County was endowed by Ms. Eva Stanley Harris, a Washington County native, in memory of the Harris Family of Johnson City, to honor their spirit of philanthropy and legacy of community service. The Fund's aim is to provide support for innovative programs that will benefit Washington County and its people. The Fund encourages creative use of area resources and promotes the improvement of the quality of life of Washington County residents.

Successful applicants for one-year grants will propose innovative projects or programs that: promise a significant contribution to the welfare of Washington County and utilize its unique assets; benefit women or children; provide for cultural activities and/or education; and/or support community or economic development, historic preservation, and/or environmental enhancement.

Examples of possible projects include an after-school tutoring program, home-repair for families in need, cultural exhibits, and environmental protection and restoration projects.

Harris Fund for Washington County grant opportunities are only available to organizations that reside within or serve the residents of Washington County.

Grant info:

  • One-year grants
  • Grants generally range from $500 to $1,000
  • Supports projects between October 1, 2008 - October 1, 2009
  • Application deadline: June 20, 2008 (postmark)

2008 Harris Fund for Washington County RFP (Click here for guidelines)

For further information, please contact Terry Holley (865) 524-1223, toll-free at 877-524-1223 or by e-mail at tholley@etf.org.

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Johnson County Community Foundation

The Johnson County Community Foundation was established through the work of the Johnson County Champion Community Committee and the generous gifts of time, vision and resources by a group of Johnson County residents committed to strengthening communities and improving the quality of life in Johnson County. The Foundation will support programs and projects that build community goodwill, seek to solve community challenges and produce results that improve the quality of life for all citizens of Johnson County.

Successful applicants for one-year grants will propose innovative projects or programs that will: make a significant contribution to the health and welfare of Johnson County and utilize its unique assets; directly benefit families, women and/or children; provide educational and cultural opportunities; support community or economic development, historic preservation, and/or environmental enhancement; and build the capacity of the organization and its leadership to more effectively carry out its mission.

Examples of possible projects include: an after-school program that provides homework assistance and an adult mentor; a health fair day for families to receive information and medical screenings; partnerships to build or improve a community park or recreation area; and a heritage festival which promotes local artists, tourism and economic activity.

Johnson County Community Foundation grant opportunities are only available to organizations that reside within or serve the residents of Johnson County.

Grant info:

  • One-year grants
  • Grants generally range from $500 to $1,000
  • Supports projects between June 1, 2008 - June 1, 2009
  • Application deadline: April 7, 2008 (postmark)

2008 Johnson County Community Foundation RFP (Click here for guidelines and application)

For further information, please contact Terry Holley (865)524-1223, toll-free at 877-524-1223 or by e-mail at tholley@etf.org.

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Kingsport Community Foundation

Kingsport Community Foundation is a philanthropic organization governed by a local board of directors. Their mission is to help donors maximize their contributions to the community by awarding grants that enrich lives and strengthen the greater Kingsport community forever.

Successful applicants for one-year grants will demonstrate an ability to maximize resources and leverage additional in-kind contributions and/or matching funds. Grants are intended to be used to create new partnerships, or expand existing partnerships through programs that implement an interdisciplinary approach.

Examples of possible projects include: a program which brings youth and senior citizens together to focus on environmental concerns; expansion of after-school programs to include community service projects; support for a permanent exhibit of traditional quilt block patterns on area barns; and a summer youth program which provides employment training and information about healthy lifestyles.

Grants will be made to established organizations located within the Greater Kingsport Community in Sullivan County.

Grant info:

  • One-year grants
  • Grants generally range from $500 to $2,000
  • Supports projects between February 1, 2009 - September 1, 2010
  • Application deadline: September 22, 2008 (postmark)

2009 Kingsport Community Foundation RFP(Click here for guidelines)

For further information, please contact Terry Holley (865)524-1223, toll-free at 877-524-1223 or by e-mail at tholley@etf.org.

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John D. Grubb and Louise G. Sumner Fund for Monroe County

The John D. Grubb and Louise G. Sumner Fund for Monroe County was established through a generous gift by Monroe County natives, John and his sister, Louise. Louise and John's desire to help secure advanced educational opportunities for students and leave a philanthropic legacy dedicated to improving the lives of residents of Monroe County became a reality in l998 with the establishment of a permanent charitable endowment for Monroe County. The Fund was created to benefit the economic, social, cultural and educational well-being of Monroe County residents and their communities. Grants from the Fund are intended to encourage creative use of area resources and contribute to the quality of life of Monroe County residents.

Successful applicants for one-year grants will propose innovative projects or programs that: make a significant contribution to the health and welfare of Monroe County and utilize its unique assets; directly benefit families, women and/or children; provide educational and cultural opportunities; support community or economic development, historic preservation, and/or environmental enhancement; or build the capacity of the organization and its leadership to more effectively carry out its mission.

Examples of possible projects include education and outreach activities (after-school program, community career day, artist-in-residence program); community development activities (health fair, community clean-up day, oral history program); and organizational development to build the skills of local nonprofits (i.e. strategic planning retreat, fundraising, membership drive).

John D. Grubb and Louise G. Sumner Fund for Monroe County grant opportunities are only available to organizations that reside within or serve the residents of Monroe County.

Grant info:

  • One-year grants
  • Grants generally range from $500 to $4,000
  • Supports projects between December 1, 2008 - December 1, 2009
  • Application deadline: September 29, 2008 (postmark)

2008 John D. Grubb and Louise G. Sumner Fund for Monroe County RFP (Click here for guidelines)

For further information, please contact Terry Holley (865) 524-1223, toll-free at 877-524-1223 or by e-mail at tholley@etf.org.

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Contact Information

Please contact Beth Heller at East Tennessee Foundation by phone (865)524-1223, toll-free at 877-524-1223 or by e-mail at bheller@etf.org if you wish to be placed on our mail list(s) to receive grant information and applications.

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