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

May 29, 2026 (Full application deadline)

Up to $5,000 per grant; one-year term (August 1, 2026 – July 31, 2027).

Supports conservation of natural areas and wildlife sanctuaries in Knox County, TN, preserving land, habitats, and watersheds.

Projects must benefit wildlife/environment in Knox County, TN and preserve land in its natural state.

--- ## Description The Wildlife Preservation Fund, managed by the East Tennessee Foundation, is dedicated to supporting the conservation of natural areas in Knox County, Tennessee. Established in 1991, the fund aims to preserve land in its natural state as scenic areas, sanctuaries for plants and wildlife, and protected watersheds. Grants are intended to foster the county’s natural beauty and ensure public enjoyment and ecological protection of these habitats. --- ## Due Dates - Application opens: May 4, 2026 - Application closes: May 29, 2026 (5:00 p.m. Eastern) --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum grant request: $5,000 - Grant term: One year (August 1, 2026 – July 31, 2027) - Grants will be awarded in August 2026 --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be organizations located in and proposing projects that benefit Knox County, TN. - Projects must: - Benefit wildlife or the environment in Knox County. - Preserve premises as a natural scenic area and sanctuary for birds and wildlife. - Avoid making improvements or changes to the natural condition of the property and watershed. - General eligibility includes: - 501(c)(3) public charities, units of government, or public educational institutions. - New/emerging groups may apply with a fiscal sponsor. - Organizations must not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, gender, familial status, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristics. - Grants to individuals, debt retirement, endowment funds, general fundraising, and projects with explicit religious content are not eligible. See the [General Eligibility and Funding Criteria](https://easttennesseefoundation.org/nonprofits/grants-we-offer/general-eligibility-and-funding-criteria/) for full details. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted online via the [East Tennessee Foundation grant portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=easttennesseefoundation). - Review the [ETF Grant Application Guide (PDF)](https://easttennesseefoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ETF-Grant-Application-Guide.pdf) for step-by-step instructions. - Required documentation includes: - Organizational information - Project description and budget - List of board of directors and key staff - Recent financial statements or IRS Form 990 - Save your application progress and submit by the deadline; incomplete or late applications will not be considered. --- ## Additional Information - Projects must maintain the land in its natural state; no development or alteration is permitted. - For questions or technical issues, contact the Grantmaking Team (see below). --- ## External Links - [Wildlife Preservation Fund program page](https://easttennesseefoundation.org/grants/wildlife-preservation-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) - [Online grant portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=easttennesseefoundation) - [List of all ETF grant opportunities](https://easttennesseefoundation.org/nonprofits/grants-we-offer/) --- ## Contact Information | Name/Role | Email | Phone | |------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------|-------------------------------------| | Grantmaking Team | grantmaking@etf.org | (865) 524-1223 ext. 144 | | | | 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) | | | Team Members | [ETF Team Members](https://easttennesseefoundation.org/about-us/team-members/) | |

Wildlife Preservation Fund

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