Chattanooga Christian Community Foundation
Quick Stats
- Annual Giving: $39,611,404 (2024)
- Total Assets: $136,092,846
- Geographic Focus: Chattanooga area, Tennessee
- Grant Programs: Multiple targeted funds including Alpha Fund and Dora Maclellan Brown Christian Priority Fund
Contact Details
- Location: Chattanooga, TN
- EIN: 62-1536731
Overview
Founded in 1993, the Chattanooga Christian Community Foundation is a substantial community foundation with over $136 million in total assets and annual expenses exceeding $39 million as of 2024. The foundation's mission is "to encourage Christian causes and to support Christian work." Operating as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit categorized as a Community Foundation, they manage donor-advised funds and multiple grant programs specifically designed to strengthen Christian ministries and organizations in the Chattanooga area. The foundation has shown consistent growth over the past decade, with contributions totaling nearly $49 million in 2024 alone.
Funding Priorities
Grant Programs
- Alpha Fund Grants: Provides start-up funding for new Chattanooga-area Christian ministries to help them become self-sustaining
- Dora Maclellan Brown Christian Priority Fund: Supports Chattanooga-area ministries addressing both physical and spiritual needs of local citizens; considers both local and national ministries with local impact
- Dora Maclellan Brown Ministry Scholarship: Supports individuals pursuing theological education
- Timothy Scholarship Fund: Assists children and grandchildren of pastors and ministry leaders with educational expenses
Priority Areas
- Christian ministries and organizations
- Start-up funding for emerging Christian organizations
- Theological education and ministry training
- Meeting physical and spiritual needs through Christian organizations
- Both local organizations and national ministries with local impact
Governance and Leadership
- President: James R Barber
- Board members serve without compensation (except President)
- Established as a community foundation with donor-advised fund capabilities
Application Process & Timeline
How to Apply
Based on available information, the foundation operates grant programs but specific application procedures and portals were not accessible through public sources. Interested organizations should contact the foundation directly for application guidelines.
Application Success Factors
Organizations seeking funding should:
- Align with the foundation's Christian mission and values
- Demonstrate impact in the Chattanooga area
- For new ministries, show a clear path to sustainability (Alpha Fund)
- For established ministries, demonstrate how they meet both physical and spiritual needs of the community
Key Takeaways for Grant Writers
- The foundation exclusively supports Christian causes and ministries
- Strong preference for Chattanooga-area impact, though national organizations with local presence are considered
- Multiple funding streams available for different stages of organizational development
- Significant resources available with over $39 million in annual grant-making capacity
- Foundation operates donor-advised funds in addition to specific grant programs
- Educational scholarships available for those pursuing ministry careers or from ministry families
References
- ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Chattanooga Christian Community Foundation (Form 990 data, 2024)
- GuideStar Profile - Chattanooga Christian Community Foundation (EIN: 62-1536731)
- Maclellan Foundation website (related foundation information)