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

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

Up to $2,500 per grant; one-year term (August 1, 2026 – July 31, 2027)

Supports excellence and innovation in public education through grants that foster educational leadership and improvement in East Tennessee.

--- ## Description The Leadership Education Fund, established by the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce and East Tennessee Foundation, provides targeted grants to advance the quality of public education in East Tennessee. The program encourages innovative projects and programs that foster educational leadership and improvement within the community. Grants are intended to support organizations working to promote excellence and innovation in public education across ETF’s 25-county service area. --- ## Due Dates - May 29, 2026: Full application deadline (application closes at 5:00 p.m. Eastern) --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award: $2,500 per grant - Grant term: One year, from August 1, 2026 to July 31, 2027 - Grants will be awarded in August 2026 --- ## Eligibility Organizations must meet the following criteria: - 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 qualified fiscal sponsor - Must be located in and serve residents within ETF’s [25-county service area](https://easttennesseefoundation.org/about-us/our-counties-your-community/) - Must not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, gender, familial status, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristics Not eligible: - Individuals (no grants to individuals) - Debt retirement or budget deficits - Endowment funds or general fundraising campaigns - Capital campaigns - Projects with explicit religious content or that limit participation based on faith For full eligibility details, see the [General Eligibility and Funding Criteria](https://easttennesseefoundation.org/nonprofits/grants-we-offer/general-eligibility-and-funding-criteria/). --- ## Application Process 1. Review the [Leadership Education Fund information page](https://easttennesseefoundation.org/grants/leadership-education-fund) and confirm eligibility. 2. Applications open May 4, 2026. 3. Prepare required documentation (organizational info, financials, board/staff lists, project details, and budget). 4. Create or log in to your account on the [East Tennessee Foundation grant portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=easttennesseefoundation). 5. Complete and submit the application by May 29, 2026, 5:00 p.m. Eastern. 6. Grants will be awarded in August 2026 for the grant term August 1, 2026 – July 31, 2027. Helpful resources: - [ETF Grant Application Guide (PDF)](https://easttennesseefoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ETF-Grant-Application-Guide.pdf) - [Tutorial for completing your grant application](https://easttennesseefoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ETF-Grant-Application-Guide.pdf) --- ## Additional Information - Applicants are encouraged to contact ETF staff with questions prior to the deadline. - Most applications require uploading project budgets, organization budgets, financial statements, and lists of board and key staff. - Progress and/or final reports will be required during and after the grant term. --- ## External Links - [Leadership Education Fund program page](https://easttennesseefoundation.org/grants/leadership-education-fund) - [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) - [Grant portal login & application](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=easttennesseefoundation) - [ETF grants overview](https://easttennesseefoundation.org/nonprofits/grants-we-offer/) --- ## Contact Information | Name/Role | Email | Phone | |--------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------| | Grantmaking Team (general) | [grantmaking@etf.org](mailto:grantmaking@etf.org) | (865) 524-1223 x144 | | Ashley Siferd Butler, Director | See [program page](https://easttennesseefoundation.org/grants/leadership-education-fund) | (865) 524-1223 x144 | | Brooke Anguiano, Assistant Director | See [program page](https://easttennesseefoundation.org/grants/leadership-education-fund) | (865) 524-1223 x144 | | ETF Toll-Free | | (877) 524-1223 x144 | | Grant portal support | [grantmaking@etf.org](mailto:grantmaking@etf.org) | | For more contacts, visit the [ETF team page](https://easttennesseefoundation.org/about-us/team-members/).

Leadership Education Fund

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