Washington County Community Foundation

An Affiliate Fund of East Tennessee Foundation

The Washington County Community Foundation (previously 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.

To learn more about Washington County Community Foundation, including its history, please visit the Washington County Community Foundation webpage.

Application Process

Details about the 2022 grant cycle, which tentatively will launch in the 3rd quarter, have not yet been finalized. Please continue to check back with ETF.

Grant Amounts and Term

Grants were last awarded in August 2020 for two-year terms.

Application Information

Who May Apply

General Eligibility and Funding Criteria

Additional criteria specific to the Washington County Community Foundation

Preference was given to collaborative proposals which involve the work and service of at least two or more organizations. Proposals must embody one of the following priorities:

Life Literacy* is defined as skills which children, youth, and adults must possess in order to thrive
and succeed. These include:

Knowledge of nutritious foods and access to those foods
Knowledge of healthy habits and routines and access to healthcare (preventative)
Caring, nurturing adults who provide stimulating and explorative environments during the early years (birth to 5)
Opportunities to develop reading and literacy skills, for education and enjoyment
Information to successfully manage and operate one’s household
Sound financial decision-making: budgeting, financial planning, and choices for now/future success
Independence, self-sufficiency, and survival skills
Knowledge of and participation in activities which promote citizenship, volunteerism, and leadership to create a sense of community belonging and responsibility

A successful application will propose projects or programs that:

only serve residents of Washington County
address currently unmet needs
do not include programs or services currently provided and funded via general operations budgets
are the collaborative work and service of at least two or more organizations
have at least a 20% match of funding requested (cash, in-kind donations of goods and/or services, or a combination of both)
demonstrate a significant impact on the community via qualitative and quantitative data/information (measurable deliverables)
demonstrate a viable sustainability plan for funding future operations beyond the initial two-year grant period (WCCF will not entertain a 2nd funding request as it will be looking to other project opportunities for future grant funding)

How to Apply

Additional Information

For questions about the online grant application system, please contact:
Ashley Siferd Butler, Director of Competitive Grants
For questions about the Washington County Community Foundation, please contact:
Jill Murphy, Regional Advancement Officer

East Tennessee Foundation
520 W. Summit Hill Drive, Suite 1101
Knoxville, TN 37902
Telephone: (865) 524-1223 or (877) 524-1223

To Make a Donation to this Fund

Click HERE for information about making a donation to Washington County Community Foundation through our automated giving site or by mailing a check.