Economic Development Fund for East Tennessee
Forecasted
Economic Development Fund for East Tennessee supports organizations’ charitable and educational programs that foster regional economic development across East Tennessee’s 25-county service area.
Funder: East Tennessee Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): May 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to $5,000 for a one-year term (2026 cycle)
Summary: Supports charitable and educational programs that foster regional economic development in East Tennessee.
Key Information: Organizations must be located in and serve constituents in ETF’s 25-county service area.
Description
The Economic Development Fund for East Tennessee, administered by East Tennessee Foundation (ETF), supports charitable and educational programs aimed at fostering regional economic development. Established in 1982, the fund connects charitable and educational work with the economic development of East Tennessee. Its stated priority is regional economic development, with support directed toward organizations’ programs serving that goal.
The fund is part of ETF’s grantmaking within its 25-county service area and is overseen by the foundation’s Grantmaking Team. Applicants must meet both ETF’s general eligibility and funding criteria and the fund’s specific geographic requirement. Eligible organizations include public charities, units of government, and public educational institutions, with a fiscal-sponsor pathway for new or emerging groups without nonprofit status.
