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

May 22, 2026 (Full application deadline; closes at 5:00 p.m. Eastern)

Up to $25,000 per award; one-year grant term (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027)

Supports projects that improve community well-being in Anderson, Blount, Knox, and Scott counties in Tennessee, focusing on development, education, health, and quality of life.

--- ## Description The Thompson Charitable Foundation Fund, administered by the East Tennessee Foundation, provides grants to nonprofit organizations for projects that directly benefit residents of Anderson, Blount, Knox, and Scott counties in Tennessee. The fund prioritizes initiatives in community and economic development, education and workforce development, health and human services, and overall quality of life improvements. The goal is to create positive, lasting impact for communities within the targeted counties. --- ## Due Dates - Full application deadline: **May 22, 2026** (application closes at 5:00 p.m. Eastern) --- ## Funding Amount - Applicants may request up to **$25,000** per project. - Grants are awarded for a **one-year term**: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027. --- ## Eligibility - **Geographic restriction:** Applicant organizations must be located in and serve residents of Anderson, Blount, Knox, and/or Scott counties in Tennessee. - **Organization type:** Must be a 501(c)(3) public charity, unit of government, or public educational institution. New or emerging groups may apply with a qualified fiscal sponsor. - **Faith-based organizations:** May apply, but only for non-religious purposes. Projects with explicit religious content or that require religious participation are not eligible. - **Additional requirements:** Must provide documentation such as EIN, board and staff lists, financials, and a non-discrimination policy. - **Ineligible requests:** Grants to individuals, debt retirement, endowment funds, general fundraising, and projects with religious content. For full details, see the [General Eligibility and Funding Criteria](https://easttennesseefoundation.org/nonprofits/grants-we-offer/general-eligibility-and-funding-criteria/). --- ## Application Process 1. **Review Guidelines:** Confirm your organization and project align with fund priorities and eligibility. 2. **Prepare Materials:** Gather required documents (financials, board/staff lists, project budget, etc.). 3. **Online Application:** Applications are submitted through the [East Tennessee Foundation grant portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=easttennesseefoundation). - New users must create an account; returning users log in with existing credentials. - The application opens May 4, 2026 and closes May 22, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern. - Save your progress and submit before the deadline. 4. **Award Notification:** Grants will be awarded in July 2026 for projects running July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027. For a detailed application guide, see the [ETF Grant Application Guide (PDF)](https://easttennesseefoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ETF-Grant-Application-Guide.pdf). --- ## Additional Information - All proposals must clearly demonstrate how the project will benefit residents in the eligible Tennessee counties. - Houses of worship or faith-based entities should ensure proposed activities are secular in nature. - Contact the Grantmaking Team well in advance of the deadline for technical or eligibility questions. --- ## External Links - [Thompson Charitable Foundation Fund Program Page](https://easttennesseefoundation.org/grants/thompson-charitable-foundation-fund) - [General Eligibility and Funding Criteria](https://easttennesseefoundation.org/nonprofits/grants-we-offer/general-eligibility-and-funding-criteria/) - [East Tennessee Foundation 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/Team | Email | Phone | |--------------------------|--------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------| | Grantmaking Team | [grantmaking@etf.org](mailto:grantmaking@etf.org) | (865) 524-1223 ext. 144 / (877) 524-1223 ext. 144 | | Ashley Siferd Butler, Director of Competitive Grants | [Contact Page](https://easttennesseefoundation.org/about-us/team-members/) | | | Brooke Anguiano, Assistant Director of Grantmaking & Operations | [Contact Page](https://easttennesseefoundation.org/about-us/team-members/) | |

Thompson Charitable Foundation Fund

Sign in to see full grant listing