Quick Stats
- Annual Giving: $18 million (2024)
- Total Assets: $647 million under management
- Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
- Decision Time: 3-4 months from application deadline
- Grant Range: $2,500 - $5,340,546 (varies by program)
- Geographic Focus: 25 counties in East Tennessee
- Total Grants Awarded: 1,396 grants (2024)
Contact Details
Address: 520 W Summit Hill Dr, Suite 1101, Knoxville, TN 37902
Phone:
- (865) 524-1223
- Toll-free: (877) 524-1223
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://easttennesseefoundation.org
Grantmaking Team Contact: (865) 524-1223 for questions about specific grant opportunities
Overview
Founded in 1986, the East Tennessee Foundation (ETF) is a public charity and community foundation created by and for the people of East Tennessee. With $647 million in assets under management (as of 2024), ETF serves 25 counties across the region through approximately 500 charitable funds. In 2024, the Foundation awarded 1,396 grants totaling $18 million to strengthen East Tennessee communities. The Foundation's mission is to "provide philanthropic leadership inspiring donors to make lives better and communities stronger in enduring ways across generations," with a vision of "thriving communities powered by thoughtful giving." Under the leadership of President & CEO Dr. Keith Barber, who joined in 2023, ETF underwent an operational reorganization in early 2024 and revitalized its Affiliate Fund program to better address critical community-level initiatives. The Foundation's work spans arts, disaster recovery, education, rural resources, and economic development, with more than 85% of its assets endowed to ensure long-term sustainability.
Funding Priorities
Grant Programs
ETF offers multiple competitive grant programs through field-of-interest funds and county-specific foundations:
Thematic Grant Funds:
- Affordable Housing Trust Fund: Supports housing for low-income households in Knoxville, focusing on production, preservation, and rental opportunities
- Arts Fund for East Tennessee: $2,500 - $15,000 (two-year terms); established in 1986 to support arts excellence and expand access
- Youth Endowment Fund: Addresses youth-related challenges and at-risk youth
- Economic Development Fund for East Tennessee: $5,000 - $6,500 (one-year terms); supports economic development initiatives
- Hope in Action Fund: Addresses racism and social justice issues
- Opportunity Endowment Fund: Supports nonprofit capacity building
- Butterfly Fund: Childhood cancer awareness
- Wildlife Preservation Fund: Conservation efforts in Knox County
- Leadership Education Fund: Supports excellence in public education
- Neighbor to Neighbor (N2N) Disaster Relief Fund: Emergency response to disasters
County-Specific Foundations: Multiple county community foundations (Blount, Campbell, Greene, Johnson, Loudon, McMinn, Union, Washington counties, among others) that support local quality-of-life improvements
Priority Areas
- Arts and Culture
- Community Development
- Youth at Risk
- Education and Scholarships
- Affordable Housing
- Economic Development
- Healthcare
- Disaster Relief and Recovery
- Racial Justice and Equity
- Environmental Conservation
- Nonprofit Capacity Building
What They Don't Fund
- Grants directly to individuals (except scholarships)
- Debt retirement or budget deficits
- Endowment funds
- General fundraising campaigns
- Capital campaigns
- Projects with explicit religious content
- Programs that discriminate based on faith affiliation or other protected characteristics
Governance and Leadership
Executive Leadership
Dr. Keith Barber, President & CEO
- Joined ETF in 2023
- Holds Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts from Appalachian State University
- Doctor of Education in Leadership from Valdosta State University
- Quote: "I recognize gracious investors, engaged volunteers, and resilient nonprofit partners contribute to the value and quality of life in East Tennessee. I look forward to the honor of leading East Tennessee Foundation's team of professionals."
Rachel Dellinger Stallings, Vice President of Innovative Impacts
- Leads the grantmaking team in awarding grants and scholarships
- More than 15 years of experience in public relations, nonprofit management, and community engagement
- Previously served as Covenant Health's community relations manager
- Dr. Barber noted: "Under Rachel's leadership, we will deepen our understanding of what communities need and how we can best support them."
Angelia Nystrom, Vice President of Advancement & Chief Legal Counsel & Board Secretary
2025 Board Officers
- Karen Walker (Chair): Chief Financial Officer, The Trust Company of Tennessee
- Barrett Simonis (Vice Chair): President, Pugh CPAs
- Sam Albritton (Treasurer): Knoxville Market President, First Bank
Board of Directors
The Board includes 20+ members representing diverse sectors including banking, healthcare, education, business, arts, and nonprofit leadership. Notable members include:
- Donde Plowman, Chancellor, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
- Matt Schaefer, President/CEO, East Tennessee Children's Hospital
- Trudy Hughes, CEO, Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts
- Bruce Hartmann, Sr. VP and Chief Community Relations Officer, University of Tennessee Medical Center (former Board Chair 2022-2024)
- Denise Dean, Executive Director, East Tennessee Freedom Schools
- Bob Cantler, President/CEO, Chamber serving Johnson City, Jonesborough, and Washington County
Application Process & Timeline
How to Apply
All applications must be submitted through ETF's online grant management system. The Foundation does not accept applications by fax or email.
Application Process:
- Review available grant opportunities on the ETF website
- Check specific eligibility requirements for each program (each grant has unique requirements)
- Download and review the Grant Application Guide
- Create an account or log in to the online grant management system
- Complete and submit the online application
- Optional: Attend free technical assistance workshops offered to help with proposal preparation
Important Application Rules:
- Organizations may submit only one application per grant cycle for each specific grant program
- Organizations are welcome to apply for multiple different grant programs if eligible
- Some programs use a Letter of Intent (LOI) process where ETF staff evaluates submissions and invites select organizations to submit full applications
Decision Timeline
- Applications are publicized through the website, press releases, and social media
- ETF monitors application activity and works closely with applicants throughout the process
- Applications undergo due diligence review
- Applications are sent to grant panel members or advisory boards for review and evaluation
- Site visits or phone calls with applicant organizations may occur
- Grant panel meetings are held where funding recommendations are made
- Recommendations are processed by ETF staff and approved by the President & CEO
- Final decisions are announced approximately 3-4 months after the application deadline
- Notification letters are sent to all applicants via letter or email
- Grant awards are publicized
- Optional grantee reception celebrates recipients
Example Timelines from Recent Programs:
- Campbell Enhancement Fund: Applications due May 28, grants awarded in July (approximately 2 months)
- Washington County Community Foundation: Applications due September 15, grants awarded in November (approximately 2 months)
- Johnson County Community Foundation: Applications due April 28, grants awarded in July (approximately 2-3 months)
Success Rates
Specific success rate percentages are not publicly disclosed. However, in 2024, ETF made 1,396 total grants. In 2023, the Foundation made 308 awards, and in 2022, 287 awards.
The CNS Y-12 Community Investment Fund alone has awarded more than 200 grants benefiting more than 140 nonprofits since 2015, demonstrating sustained grantmaking to organizations in the service area.
Reapplication Policy
Eligible applicants may apply for funding from every fund when it is accepting new requests. There is no explicit waiting period preventing unsuccessful applicants from reapplying in subsequent grant cycles. Organizations are encouraged to reapply if they remain eligible and align with program priorities.
Application Success Factors
Eligibility Requirements
Eligible Organizations:
- 501(c)(3) public charities
- Units of government
- Public educational institutions
- New or emerging groups with a nonprofit fiscal sponsor
- Faith-based groups (programs must be open to all, regardless of faith affiliation, and cannot include explicit religious content)
Required Documentation:
- Employee Identification Number (EIN)
- Legal organization name and contact information
- Primary contact person information
- Most recent financial statements/audit/IRS Form 990
- Current operating budget
- List of board of directors
- Staff list for project
Key Criteria:
- Organizations must operate without discrimination
- Must align with ETF's Diversity and Non-Discrimination Statement
- Must serve communities within ETF's 25-county service area (limited exceptions exist for specific field-of-interest funds with national scope)
Foundation Priorities Based on Recent Grants
ETF has demonstrated strong commitment to disaster relief, awarding 118 grants totaling more than $5 million for Hurricane Helene recovery in 2024. Recent grant recipients include:
- Clean Water Expected in East Tennessee: Water testing and emergency support in Cocke County
- First Tennessee Development District: Recovery assistance for vulnerable seniors and adults with disabilities across multiple counties
- Johnson County Senior Center: Disaster relief and assistance for seniors
- Speedway Children's Charities: Support for children and families impacted by Hurricane Helene
- Tennessee Valley Coalition for the Homeless: Assistance for unhoused individuals
These examples demonstrate ETF's focus on vulnerable populations, basic needs, cross-county collaboration, and rapid response to community crises.
Tips for Success
- Review specific program requirements carefully: Each grant opportunity has unique qualifications and priorities
- Take advantage of free technical assistance: ETF offers applicant workshops at no charge to assist with proposal preparation—dates are posted on their website
- Be prepared for engagement: The review process may include site visits or phone calls, so be ready to discuss your work in detail
- Demonstrate geographic impact: Show how your work serves communities within ETF's 25-county service area
- Align with Foundation values: Emphasize commitment to diversity, non-discrimination, and serving all community members
- Apply to multiple programs if eligible: While you can only submit one application per program per cycle, you may apply to every program for which you qualify
- Complete applications thoroughly: Applications are evaluated by grant panels and advisory boards, so ensure all information is clear, complete, and compelling
Key Takeaways for Grant Writers
- Multiple funding opportunities: With approximately 500 charitable funds, ETF offers numerous pathways to funding—explore county-specific foundations and thematic funds to find the best fit
- Community foundation model: ETF operates through donor-advised funds and field-of-interest funds, meaning grant priorities reflect both donor intentions and community needs
- Strong disaster response: Recent major investments in Hurricane Helene recovery ($5+ million) demonstrate ETF's rapid response capability and commitment to community resilience
- Geographic specificity matters: Most grants are restricted to ETF's 25-county East Tennessee service area—clearly demonstrate how your work serves these communities
- Relationship building is valued: The Foundation conducts site visits and phone calls with applicants, indicating they value personal connection and understanding of grantees' work
- Long-term sustainability focus: With 85%+ of assets endowed, ETF prioritizes sustainable, enduring community impact over short-term fixes
- Free support available: Take advantage of technical assistance workshops and direct contact with the Grantmaking Team at (865) 524-1223 to strengthen your application
References
- East Tennessee Foundation official website: https://easttennesseefoundation.org (Accessed January 2026)
- "Apply for Grants" page: https://easttennesseefoundation.org/nonprofits/apply-for-grants/ (Accessed January 2026)
- "Grants We Offer" page: https://easttennesseefoundation.org/nonprofits/grants-we-offer/ (Accessed January 2026)
- "Grantmaking Process" page: https://easttennesseefoundation.org/nonprofits/grants-we-offer/grantmaking-process/ (Accessed January 2026)
- "General Eligibility and Funding Criteria" page: https://easttennesseefoundation.org/nonprofits/grants-we-offer/general-eligibility-and-funding-criteria/ (Accessed January 2026)
- "Board of Directors" page: https://easttennesseefoundation.org/about-us/board-of-directors/ (Accessed January 2026)
- "The East Tennessee Foundation Celebrates Community Impact, Awards $18 Million to Strengthen East Tennessee in 2024" press release: https://easttennesseefoundation.org/news/the-east-tennessee-foundation-celebrates-community-impact-awards-18-million-to-strengthen-east-tennessee-in-2024/ (Accessed January 2026)
- "The East Tennessee Foundation Awards More Than $5 Million in Grants for Hurricane Helene Recovery" press release: https://easttennesseefoundation.org/news/the-east-tennessee-foundation-awards-more-than-5-million-in-grants-for-hurricane-helene-recovery/ (Accessed January 2026)
- "Dr. Keith Barber announced as East Tennessee Foundation's next President and CEO" press release: https://easttennesseefoundation.org/news/dr-keith-barber-announced-as-east-tennessee-foundations-next-president-and-ceo/ (Accessed January 2026)
- "The East Tennessee Foundation Welcomes Rachel Dellinger Stallings as Vice President of Innovative Impacts" press release: https://easttennesseefoundation.org/news/the-east-tennessee-foundation-welcomes-rachel-dellinger-stallings-as-vice-president-of-innovative-impacts/ (Accessed January 2026)
- Cause IQ profile: https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/east-tennessee-foundation,620807696/ (Accessed January 2026)
- GuideStar profile: https://www.guidestar.org/profile/62-0807696 (Accessed January 2026)
- Candid Foundation Directory: https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile?key=EAST005 (Accessed January 2026)