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

February 2027 (Full application deadline, projected)

Typical grants are for one-year terms; recent awards have ranged from $5,000–$15,000.

Supports projects that improve quality of life in McMinn County, focusing on health, education, homelessness, seniors, and child welfare.

Funding requested must have a 20% match; at least 90% must be for direct project costs.

--- ## Description The McMinn Community Fund, a component of the East Tennessee Foundation, is dedicated to advancing the quality of life for residents of McMinn County. Established in 1991 by a local donor, the fund supports initiatives that address community health issues (including obesity, teen pregnancy, drug abuse, mental health, and health education), homelessness, senior citizen needs, educational services (such as family literacy, after-school, and remedial programs), and child welfare for underserved youth. Projects must demonstrate significant potential for positive community impact. --- ## Due Dates - February 2027 (anticipated full application deadline) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Typical grants are for one-year terms. - Recent awards have ranged from $5,000–$15,000. - Funding requested must have a 20% match (cash, in-kind, or both). - No more than 10% of funding requested may be used for administrative expenses. --- ## Eligibility - Organizations must serve primarily McMinn County residents. - Applicants must have a local presence in McMinn County. - Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) public charities, units of government, or public educational institutions; groups without nonprofit status may apply with a fiscal sponsor. - Must provide standard documentation: EIN, legal name/address, contact info, recent financials, current board and staff lists, and a nondiscrimination policy. - Projects must demonstrate potential for significant impact using qualitative and quantitative data. - Ineligible requests: grants to individuals, debt retirement, endowment/general fundraising, capital campaigns, or projects with explicit religious content or participation requirements. --- ## Application Process - Review the specific guidelines and confirm alignment with focus area and geographic requirements. - Register and apply via the [East Tennessee Foundation online grant portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=easttennesseefoundation). - Prepare required documentation (project and organization budgets, financials, board and key staff lists). - Applications must be certified and submitted online; incomplete or late applications will not be considered. - For detailed instructions, consult the [ETF Grant Application Guide (PDF)](https://easttennesseefoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ETF-Grant-Application-Guide.pdf). --- ## Additional Information - Funded projects must have at least a 20% match (cash, in-kind, or both). - No more than 10% of the requested funding may be used for administrative expenses. - Projects should clearly articulate expected outcomes and impact. - The majority of clients served must be McMinn County residents. --- ## External Links - [McMinn Community Fund program page](https://easttennesseefoundation.org/grants/mcminn-community-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) - [ETF Grant Portal (application/login)](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=easttennesseefoundation) - [All ETF grant opportunities](https://easttennesseefoundation.org/nonprofits/grants-we-offer/) --- ## Contact Information | Name/Role | Email | Phone | |---------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------| | Grantmaking Team (general inquiries) | [grantmaking@etf.org](mailto:grantmaking@etf.org) | (865) 524-1223 x144 / (877) 524-1223 x144 | | Ashley Siferd Butler, Director of Competitive Grants | See [program page](https://easttennesseefoundation.org/grants/mcminn-community-fund) | | | Brooke Anguiano, Assistant Director | See [program page](https://easttennesseefoundation.org/grants/mcminn-community-fund) | |

McMinn Community Fund

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