Wildlife Preservation Fund

The Wildlife Preservation Fund is a place-based funding opportunity administered by the East Tennessee Foundation. Established in 1991, the fund aims to preserve and protect the natural beauty and ecological integrity of Knox County, Tennessee. This initiative is designed to safeguard land areas in their natural state, serving both as scenic spaces and as sanctuaries for wildlife including plants, trees, birds, and other animal species. Furthermore, the fund supports the conservation of watersheds to ensure long-term environmental health and resilience for the local community. The primary purpose of the Wildlife Preservation Fund is to support projects that directly benefit wildlife habitats and preserve the natural landscape of Knox County. Funding is allocated to organizations that demonstrate a clear commitment to the preservation of open spaces, natural sanctuaries, and undisturbed watersheds. Projects must ensure that no improvements or structural changes will be made to the land, reinforcing the program’s strict commitment to ecological conservation. The fund provides one-year grants of up to $5,000. Award notifications are expected in August 2026, with the grant performance period running from August 1, 2026, through July 31, 2027. Grant recipients must utilize funds within this defined term. The award is designed for smaller-scale local conservation efforts, and recipients are expected to maintain the land’s natural condition throughout the project term. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) public charities, public educational institutions, and units of government that are located in and serve Knox County, Tennessee. Organizations that are not incorporated as nonprofits may apply under a fiscal sponsorship arrangement with a qualified 501(c)(3). All applicants must meet documentation requirements such as IRS determination letters, organizational budgets, board and staff rosters, and financial statements. The fund explicitly prohibits grants to individuals and excludes requests for debt retirement, endowments, capital campaigns, or religious programming with faith-based participation requirements. The application period for the 2026 grant cycle will open on May 4, 2026, and close on May 29, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Applications must be submitted through the East Tennessee Foundation’s online portal. A tutorial is available to guide applicants through the submission process. The foundation does not require a letter of intent or concept paper before submission. For further assistance, applicants are encouraged to contact the East Tennessee Foundation’s Grantmaking Team. Inquiries may be directed to Ashley Siferd Butler, Director of Competitive Grants, or Brooke Anguiano, Assistant Director of Grantmaking & Operations. The grantmaking team can be reached at [email protected] or by calling (865) 524-1223 ext. 144 or toll-free at (877) 524-1223 ext. 144.