[East Tennessee Foundation](https://easttennesseefoundation.org)

May 29, 2026 (Full application deadline, closes at 5:00 p.m. Eastern)

Up to $5,000 per grant; one-year grant term (August 1, 2026 – July 31, 2027)

Supports charitable and educational programs that foster economic development in East Tennessee.

--- ## Description The Economic Development Fund for East Tennessee provides funding to support charitable and educational initiatives that promote regional economic growth, innovation, and opportunity within East Tennessee. Established in 1991, the fund aims to strengthen the economic vitality of the region by backing projects that directly benefit the local economy and communities. --- ## Due Dates - May 29, 2026: Full application deadline (application closes at 5:00 p.m. Eastern) --- ## Funding Amount - Organizations may apply for grants of up to $5,000. - Grants are awarded for a one-year term: August 1, 2026 – July 31, 2027. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be a 501(c)(3) public charity, unit of government, or public educational institution. - New or emerging groups without nonprofit status may apply with a fiscal sponsor that is a qualified nonprofit. - Organizations must be located in and serve constituents within the East Tennessee Foundation’s [25-county service area](https://easttennesseefoundation.org/about-us/our-counties-your-community/). - Applicants must provide: - EIN and legal organization documentation - Most recent financial statements or IRS Form 990 - Current operating budget - List of current board of directors and key project staff - Organizations must operate without discrimination as defined by the Foundation’s [Diversity and Non-Discrimination Statement](https://easttennesseefoundation.org/about-us/diversity-and-non-discrimination-statement/). - Grants to individuals, debt retirement, endowment funds, general fundraising, and projects with explicit religious content are not eligible. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted online via the [East Tennessee Foundation grant portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=easttennesseefoundation). - New users must create an account; returning users log in with existing credentials. - Prepare required documentation (see eligibility section). - Review [General Eligibility and Funding Criteria](https://easttennesseefoundation.org/nonprofits/grants-we-offer/general-eligibility-and-funding-criteria/) and ensure your project aligns with the fund’s focus and geographic requirements. - Application opens May 4, 2026, and closes May 29, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern. - For detailed application instructions, refer to the [ETF Grant Application Guide (PDF)](https://easttennesseefoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ETF-Grant-Application-Guide.pdf). --- ## Additional Information - The grant term for awarded projects is August 1, 2026 to July 31, 2027. - Grantees are required to submit progress and/or final reports as specified in their grant agreement. - For technical issues or questions about eligibility, contact the Foundation prior to the deadline. --- ## External Links - [Economic Development Fund for East Tennessee program page](https://easttennesseefoundation.org/grants/economic-development-fund-for-east-tennessee) - [General Eligibility and Funding Criteria](https://easttennesseefoundation.org/nonprofits/grants-we-offer/general-eligibility-and-funding-criteria/) - [East Tennessee Foundation grant portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=easttennesseefoundation) - [ETF Grant Application Guide (PDF)](https://easttennesseefoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ETF-Grant-Application-Guide.pdf) --- ## Contact Information | Name/Role | Email | Phone | |--------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------|----------------------------------| | Grantmaking Team | grantmaking@etf.org | (865) 524-1223 x144 or (877) 524-1223 x144 | | Ashley Siferd Butler, Director of Competitive Grants | See [team members page](https://easttennesseefoundation.org/about-us/team-members/) | | | Brooke Anguiano, Assistant Director of Grantmaking & Operations | See [team members page](https://easttennesseefoundation.org/about-us/team-members/) | |

Economic Development Fund for East Tennessee

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