Leadership Education Fund

The Leadership Education Fund is a grant initiative established in 1991 through a partnership between the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce and East Tennessee Foundation (ETF). Designed to promote and reward excellence in public education, the fund has a long-standing commitment to supporting community-driven efforts aimed at enhancing educational outcomes in East Tennessee. ETF, a regional philanthropic institution, plays a key administrative role in this grant, overseeing eligibility, application, and disbursement processes. The primary objective of the Leadership Education Fund is to assist organizations that are deeply rooted in ETF’s 25-county service area and dedicated to serving local residents. The grant prioritizes initiatives that elevate educational opportunities and foster sustained improvements in public education. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a clear alignment with these goals and show capacity to manage and deliver projects that contribute to measurable educational benefits. The grant awards are modest in size but impactful in scope, with applicants eligible to request up to $2,500 per grant cycle. The funding supports one-year projects and must be fully implemented between August 1, 2026, and July 31, 2027. Funds may be used for a variety of educational program activities, subject to standard restrictions including prohibitions on debt service, capital campaigns, and religious proselytizing activities. To be considered for funding, organizations must meet a robust set of eligibility requirements. These include proof of 501(c)(3) public charity status, or fiscal sponsorship through an established nonprofit. Government entities and public educational institutions are also eligible. Required documentation includes financial statements or audits, current operating budgets, governing board lists, staff assignments for the proposed project, and confirmation of non-discrimination compliance. The application process for the 2026 grant cycle opens on May 4, 2026, and closes on May 29, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Applications must be submitted via ETF’s online portal. While there are tutorials available to assist applicants, careful attention to documentation requirements and eligibility guidelines is essential for successful submission. For additional guidance, applicants may contact the East Tennessee Foundation’s Grantmaking Team. Specific contacts include Ashley Siferd Butler, Director of Competitive Grants, and Brooke Anguiano, Assistant Director of Grantmaking & Operations. Inquiries can be directed via email at [email protected] or by calling (865) 524-1223 ext. 144 or toll-free at (877) 524-1223 ext. 144. Final funding decisions will be communicated in August 2026.