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

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

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

Supports projects that promote and enhance literacy for residents in the East Tennessee region.

--- ## Description The Literacy Endowment for East Tennessee provides funding for projects and initiatives that promote and enhance literacy in the East Tennessee region. Established in 2003, this fund is dedicated to improving literacy outcomes by supporting organizations addressing literacy challenges and advancing educational opportunities for residents 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 - Organizations may request up to $2,500 per grant. - Grant term runs from August 1, 2026 to July 31, 2027. - Awards are for a one-year period. --- ## Eligibility To be eligible, 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 if they have an established nonprofit fiscal sponsor. - Be located in and serve residents within East Tennessee Foundation’s [25-county service area](https://easttennesseefoundation.org/about-us/our-counties-your-community/). - Provide required documentation, including: - EIN and legal organization name/address/contact - Most recent financial statements/audit/IRS Form 990 - Current operating budget - Board of directors list and key project staff - Operate without discrimination as outlined in ETF’s [Diversity and Non-Discrimination Statement](https://easttennesseefoundation.org/about-us/diversity-and-non-discrimination-statement/). **Ineligible requests include:** - 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 --- ## Application Process - Applications open on May 4, 2026. - Submit applications online via the [ETF grant portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=easttennesseefoundation). - New users must create an account before applying; returning users log in with existing credentials. - Required documents (e.g., budgets, board/staff lists) must be uploaded as part of the application. - Applications must be submitted by May 29, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern. - For detailed instructions, see the [ETF Grant Application Guide (PDF)](https://easttennesseefoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ETF-Grant-Application-Guide.pdf). --- ## Additional Information - Grant awards will be announced and funds distributed in August 2026. - Recipients are required to submit progress and/or final reports as specified in their award terms. - Faith-based organizations may apply, but funded projects must not include proselytizing or restrict participation based on faith. --- ## External Links - [Program Details & Application Page](https://easttennesseefoundation.org/grants/literacy-endowment-fund) - [General Eligibility & Funding Criteria](https://easttennesseefoundation.org/nonprofits/grants-we-offer/general-eligibility-and-funding-criteria/) - [25-County Service Area](https://easttennesseefoundation.org/about-us/our-counties-your-community/) - [Online 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 (general inquiries) | [grantmaking@etf.org](mailto:grantmaking@etf.org) | (865) 524-1223 ext. 144
or toll-free (877) 524-1223 ext. 144 | | Ashley Siferd Butler, Director | [ab*****@*tf.org](mailto:ab*****@*tf.org) | | | Brooke Anguiano, Assistant Director | [ba*******@*tf.org](mailto:ba*******@*tf.org) | | | ETF Team Members | [Contact Page](https://easttennesseefoundation.org/about-us/team-members/) | |

Literacy Endowment for East Tennessee

Sign in to see full grant listing