Chattanooga Christian Community Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $38,100,000 (2024)
• Total Assets: $136,092,846
• Geographic Focus: Chattanooga area, Tennessee
• Grant Programmes: Multiple targeted funds including Alpha Fund and scholarship programmes

Contact Details

• Location: Chattanooga, TN
• EIN: 62-1536731

Overview

Founded in 1993, the Chattanooga Christian Community Foundation (operating as The Generosity Trust) is a substantial community foundation with over $136 million in total assets and annual grant-making exceeding $38 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 categorised as a Community Foundation, they manage donor-advised funds and multiple grant programmes specifically designed to strengthen Christian ministries and organisations in the Chattanooga area. The foundation has shown consistent growth over the past decade.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programmes

• Alpha Fund Grants: Provides start-up funding for new Chattanooga-area Christian ministries to help them become self-sustaining
• Grants to Chattanooga-Area Ministries: Supports Chattanooga-area ministries and organisations meeting 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 organisations
• Start-up funding for emerging Christian organisations
• Theological education and ministry training
• Meeting physical and spiritual needs through Christian organisations
• Both local organisations 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 programmes but specific application procedures and portals were not accessible through public sources. Interested organisations should contact the foundation directly for application guidelines.

Application Success Factors

Organisations 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 organisations with local presence are considered
• Multiple funding streams available for different stages of organisational development
• Significant resources available with over $38 million in annual grant-making capacity
• Foundation operates donor-advised funds in addition to specific grant programmes
• Educational scholarships available for those pursuing ministry careers or from ministry families

References

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Chattanooga Christian Community Foundation (Form 990 data, 2023)
• The Generosity Trust - Annual Report 2024
• GuideStar Profile - Chattanooga Christian Community Foundation (EIN: 62-1536731)
• Instrumentl - Chattanooga Christian Community Foundation (990 Report, 2024)