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

July 28, 2026 (Full application deadline, closes 5:00 p.m. Eastern)

$5,000–$7,500 per award; two-year grant term (Sept 1, 2026 – Aug 31, 2028)

Supports projects that enhance the economic, social, cultural, and educational well-being of Monroe County, TN residents.

10% match required (cash or in-kind); salary/admin support capped at 30% of request.

--- ## Description The John D. Grubb and Louise G. Sumner Fund for Monroe County is a permanent charitable endowment administered by the East Tennessee Foundation. Established in 1998, the fund aims to benefit Monroe County, Tennessee, by supporting projects that foster community development, cultural enrichment, educational advancement, and overall quality of life. Grant awards are intended to encourage creative use of local resources and to leave a lasting, positive impact on Monroe County’s residents and communities. --- ## Due Dates - Application opens: July 1, 2026 - Application deadline: July 28, 2026 (closes at 5:00 p.m. Eastern) --- ## Funding Amount - Grant range: $5,000–$7,500 per project - Grant term: Two years (September 1, 2026 – August 31, 2028) --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be a 501(c)(3) public charity, a unit of government, or a public educational institution. - New or emerging groups without nonprofit status may apply with a fiscal sponsor. - Organizations must have a local presence in Monroe County, directly serve Monroe County residents, and involve Monroe County citizens as volunteers, staff, or board members. - Requests must include a 10% match (cash, in-kind, or both). - Salary or administrative support requested may not exceed 30% of the total grant request. - Organizations must not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, familial status, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristics. - Grants are not made to individuals, for debt retirement, endowment funds, general fundraising, or capital campaigns. - Faith-based organizations may apply, but projects must not have explicit religious content or restrict participation based on faith. --- ## Application Process - Review the [General Eligibility and Funding Criteria](https://easttennesseefoundation.org/nonprofits/grants-we-offer/general-eligibility-and-funding-criteria/). - 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 can log in with existing credentials. - Prepare required documents: project and organizational budgets, financial statements, board and key staff lists. - Clearly explain use of grant funds, itemize expenses, and demonstrate the 10% match. - Complete and submit the application by the July 28, 2026 deadline. --- ## Additional Information - Special consideration is given to collaborative projects benefiting Monroe County. - Grant recipients may be required to submit progress and final reports. - Application and reporting guidance is available in the [ETF Grant Application Guide (PDF)](https://easttennesseefoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ETF-Grant-Application-Guide.pdf). --- ## External Links - [Program page: John D. Grubb and Louise G. Sumner Fund for Monroe County](https://easttennesseefoundation.org/grants/john-d-grubb-and-louise-g-sumner-fund-for-monroe-county/) - [General Eligibility and Funding Criteria](https://easttennesseefoundation.org/nonprofits/grants-we-offer/general-eligibility-and-funding-criteria/) - [ETF Grant Application Guide (PDF)](https://easttennesseefoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ETF-Grant-Application-Guide.pdf) - [Online Application Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=easttennesseefoundation) - [List of All ETF Grant Opportunities](https://easttennesseefoundation.org/nonprofits/grants-we-offer/) --- ## Contact Information | Name/Title | Email | Phone | |------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------|--------------------------------| | Grantmaking Team | [grantmaking@etf.org](mailto:grantmaking@etf.org) | (865) 524-1223 x144 / (877) 524-1223 x144 | | Dara Worrell, Director of Regional Advancement | [dworrell@etf.org](mailto:dworrell@etf.org) | | | Ashley Siferd Butler, Director of Competitive Grants | [Contact via ETF team page](https://easttennesseefoundation.org/about-us/team-members/) | | | Brooke Anguiano, Assistant Director of Grantmaking & Operations | [Contact via ETF team page](https://easttennesseefoundation.org/about-us/team-members/) | | For further assistance, visit the [ETF team members page](https://easttennesseefoundation.org/about-us/team-members/).

John D. Grubb and Louise G. Sumner Fund for Monroe County

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