Oak Ridge Fund for Achieving Community Excellence
Forecasted
Oak Ridge Fund for Achieving Community Excellence supports organizations serving Oak Ridge with innovative community projects that shape the city’s future and leave a lasting legacy for residents.
Funder: East Tennessee Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): January 2027 (Next grant cycle deadline)
Funding Amounts: A 20% match is recommended, not required
Summary: Supports innovative projects that shape Oak Ridge’s future and leave a lasting legacy for current and future residents.
Key Information: Applicant organizations must have a local presence in Oak Ridge and directly serve Oak Ridge residents.
Description
Established in 2017, the Oak Ridge Fund for Achieving Community Excellence is a community fund of East Tennessee Foundation. It supports innovative initiatives intended to leave a lasting legacy for current and future Oak Ridgers and substantially change the trajectory of the city’s future. Projects must focus on one of the fund’s five priority areas.
These priorities encompass rebranding Oak Ridge through public spaces, significant events, science, and innovation; strengthening youth education, activities, and safety nets; fostering an open, inclusive, and interactive community; improving infrastructure and environmental health; and pursuing economic development tied to the city’s strengths. The fund emphasizes lasting community improvements, including connected public spaces, greater wellbeing and resiliency, and growth in Oak Ridge’s employment and tax base.
