[logo] East Tennessee Foundation

Grant FAQ's

Do you have a question you don't see answered here? Or do you have a suggestion for a Frequently Asked Question we should add to this list? Email us at etf@etf.org or call us at (865) 524-1223, or toll free at (877) 524-1223.

How much does the Foundation grant each year to nonprofit organizations? Where do you get that money?
In 2005, the Foundation and its supporting organizations made $9.5 million in grants to hundreds of nonprofit organizations. More than $1 million of that total was made through the Foundation's competitive grantmaking programs. The remainder represents grant distributions made from Gift Funds established by our generous donors.
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I'm not a nonprofit organization; I'm just a person who needs some extra help. Can I apply for a grant?
The Foundation is prohibited by law from making grants to individuals, except in the case of scholarships. Scholarship awards are paid directly to the college/university for the benefit of the recipient. The Foundation only makes grants to qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations within our service area.
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I'm starting a small business – does the Foundation make grants or loans to help?
The Foundation is prohibited by law from making grants or loans to small businesses. All grants must be used for charitable purposes.
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What is a 501(c)(3)? How can I get one?
501(c)(3) refers to the specific section of the Internal Revenue Code that defines a nonprofit organization. For more information on the Code and obtaining a 501(c)(3) designation, contact the East Tennessee Foundation or Internal Revenue Service.
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What is your service area?
The Foundation only makes grants from its competitive grantmaking programs in the following counties in East Tennessee: Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Carter, Claiborne, Cocke, Grainger, Greene, Hamblen, Hancock, Hawkins, Jefferson, Johnson, Knox, Loudon, McMinn, Monroe, Morgan, Roane, Scott, Sevier, Sullivan, Unicoi, Union, and Washington.
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My organization isn't located in your service area - can I still apply for a grant?
Unfortunately, no. We encourage you to visit the national community foundation locator Web site to determine the community foundation serving your area.
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How can I apply for a grant from one of the Foundation's Community Regional Affiliates?
If you are a qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization operating in the Foundation's 25-county service area, click here for an overview of the Foundation's competitive grantmaking programs, including eligibility and deadline information.
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How can I apply for a grant from one of the Foundation's Supporting Foundations?
If you are a qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving one of the counties or areas above, click here to determine the appropriate Supporting Foundation and learn about its eligibility and deadline information.
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What does the Foundation NOT fund?
The Foundation generally does not fund requests from outside our service area, from non-qualified charities, or from individuals; or for ongoing operating budgets; capital and endowment-building campaigns; debt retirement; small businesses, business start-up or advertising.
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Can I fax or email my grant application?
The Foundation does not accept applications by fax or email. You must submit other items (such as an audit) that don't transmit readily.
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If my application is declined, can you tell me why?
When an application is declined, the Foundation welcomes applicants to call the program staff for feedback. Please remember, the Foundation's grants panels and staff review hundreds of applications each year. It is advised to contact the staff, regarding declined applications, as soon as the denial letter is received and not wait for the next grant cycle.
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Does the Foundation offer grantwriting assistance and/or workshops?
Applicant workshops are offered at no charge to assist with the preparation of proposals. Dates are posted on this website or you may call the Foundation to obtain more information.
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How and when will I be notified if I receive a grant? Can I call to follow up?
Final decisions are announced approximately six months after the application deadline. You will receive written notification. If additional information is needed during the screening and decision process, the Foundation staff or a member of the grants panel will contact you.

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Can I apply for more than one grant program at a time?
Applications may be submitted for multiple grantmaking programs, but only ONE application may be submitted by the same organization to a specific grantmaking program. EXAMPLE: An organization may submit a request to the Arts Fund for East Tennessee AND the Youth Endowment Grants Program. However, that organization may NOT submit 2 or more applications for the Arts Fund for East Tennessee OR 2 or more applications for the Youth Endowment Grants Program. 

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How often can I apply for a grant?                                                                                                                                 Nonprofit organizations may apply for funding from every grant program for which it is eligible. Please look at each grant program's eligibility requirements to determine whether your organization qualifies for a grant.

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Can I apply for a grant from any of your donors' funds?
Grants from the Foundation's Charitable Gift Funds are recommended directly by our donors. Due to privacy concerns, the Foundation does not provide contact information or information about donors' interests or grant distribution histories.

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