Dr. J.G. Hawkins Memorial Fund

The Dr. J.G. Hawkins Memorial Fund is administered by the East Tennessee Foundation and was established in 2011 to support medically-related services for underserved populations in rural Greene County, Tennessee. The fund honors the legacy of Dr. J.G. Hawkins by addressing healthcare access gaps in remote communities, with a focus on enhancing the well-being of residents who are uninsured, underinsured, or otherwise medically underserved. Special consideration is given to programs that benefit children and vulnerable populations within the county. The fund is designed to support organizations that provide two types of services: medically-related transportation for rural residents of Greene County, and traveling clinical or medical services delivered on a temporary or intermittent basis to underserved areas within the county. This dual focus ensures that both logistical and service delivery barriers to healthcare access are addressed. Organizations need not be physically based in Greene County but must ensure that their projects exclusively benefit Greene County residents. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) public charities, public educational institutions, or government units. New or emerging groups may also apply under a fiscal sponsorship arrangement with a qualified nonprofit. All applicants must operate in accordance with the Foundation’s Diversity and Non-Discrimination Statement and provide required documentation, including financial statements, IRS Form 990 or equivalent, organizational budgets, staff and board listings, and confirmation of non-discrimination compliance. The application process for the 2026 grant cycle opens on May 4, 2026, and closes at 5:00 p.m. Eastern on May 29, 2026. Awards will be announced in August 2026, with a grant term running from August 1, 2026 through July 31, 2028. Grants will be awarded for two-year periods, with funding ranging from $10,000 to $20,000, split evenly across the two years. Projects should align with the fund’s mission and be deliverable within the grant term. To apply, organizations must use the Foundation’s online application portal. While tutorial support is available to help applicants navigate the system, successful submission requires the full completion of the application and all supporting materials. No letters of intent or pre-proposals are required. Inquiries related to the Dr. J.G. Hawkins Memorial Fund should be directed to the East Tennessee Foundation’s Grantmaking Team. Primary contacts include Ashley Siferd Butler, Director of Competitive Grants, and Brooke Anguiano, Assistant Director of Grantmaking & Operations. The grantmaking team can be reached via email at [email protected] or by phone at (865) 524-1223 ext. 144 or toll-free at (877) 524-1223 ext. 144.