East Tennessee Foundation Johnson County Community Foundation Grant

The Johnson County Community Foundation, operating as a Community Fund of the East Tennessee Foundation, plays a pivotal role in strengthening the Johnson County community. Established through the efforts of the Johnson County Champion Community Committee and contributions from local residents, the foundation aims to foster positive change and elevate the quality of life across the county. It supports community-based programs and projects that focus on enhancing health, welfare, education, culture, environment, and organizational capacity. By investing in innovative solutions, the foundation seeks to address challenges and capitalize on the county’s unique assets to create sustainable community improvement. For the 2026 grant cycle, the Johnson County Community Foundation will award new grants through a competitive process. The application portal opens on April 1, 2026, and closes on April 28, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Awarded grants will be announced and disbursed in July 2026, with a performance period spanning from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027. This funding cycle focuses on short-term, high-impact projects that align with the foundation's vision for strong, inclusive communities. Grant requests may not exceed $6,500, and funding is limited to one-year project periods. Notably, grant applicants are required to provide a 20% match, which may consist of cash, in-kind donations, or a combination of both. Additionally, the foundation mandates that administrative or salary-related expenses do not exceed 30% of the total funding requested. These provisions are designed to ensure that grant dollars directly benefit the intended community objectives and contribute meaningfully to programmatic outcomes. Eligible applicants must be organizations with a local presence in Johnson County. They must serve residents who live and work within the county and involve Johnson County citizens as board members, staff, or volunteers. This criterion underscores the foundation’s commitment to community-rooted initiatives and governance. While specific organizational types are referenced in the general eligibility guidelines (linked externally), local engagement and service area alignment are primary eligibility requirements for this fund. Applications should propose programs that enhance the community in one or more of the following ways: improve health and welfare, support families, women, and children, provide educational or cultural opportunities, promote economic development, preserve local history, enhance the environment, or strengthen organizational leadership and effectiveness. The foundation values programs that demonstrate innovation, strategic vision, and measurable outcomes. Interested applicants are encouraged to review the provided tutorial on the foundation’s application portal to familiarize themselves with the submission process. For additional questions, applicants can reach out to Ashley Siferd Butler, Director of Competitive Grants, or Brooke Anguiano, Assistant Director of Grantmaking & Operations, by email or phone at the East Tennessee Foundation. This grant opportunity reflects a broader mission of thoughtful giving and community-centered philanthropy, continuing the East Tennessee Foundation’s four-decade commitment to empowering local efforts.