Opportunity Endowment Fund

The Opportunity Endowment Fund is a program administered by the East Tennessee Foundation (ETF), a philanthropic organization focused on supporting the long-term sustainability and capacity building of nonprofits within its 25-county service region. ETF’s mission is to strengthen communities and improve lives through thoughtful giving, and this fund represents a strategic effort to foster collaboration and enhance the operational infrastructure of charitable organizations throughout East Tennessee. The fund seeks to bolster nonprofit capacity by funding projects that promote collaborative solutions and strengthen systems such as finance, human resources, information technology, and program evaluation. Emphasis is placed on shared outcomes, community-wide impact, and the potential for initiatives to be replicated across similar organizations. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate organizational collaboration and provide evidence of matching funds. ETF particularly values efforts aimed at prevention, including programs addressing adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), social determinants of health, and early childhood education. Eligible applicants may request up to $25,000 in grant funding. While the application process is rolling, submissions are reviewed quarterly, and organizations are notified of decisions within two months of application. Grant terms are determined individually and may not exceed one year in length. Applications will open by March 31, 2025. There is no firm deadline, but consideration timelines align with quarterly review periods. Organizations eligible to apply must be 501(c)(3) public charities, government units, or public educational institutions. Fiscal sponsorship is acceptable for emerging groups without nonprofit status. Proposals must directly benefit communities within ETF’s 25-county region, though applicants do not need to be physically based within that region. Key application requirements include legal and financial documentation, lists of staff and board members, and compliance with ETF’s non-discrimination standards. Applications must be submitted online through ETF’s grant application portal. Support for applicants is available through ETF’s Grantmaking Team, who can be reached at 865-524-1223 or toll-free at 877-524-1223. Email correspondence is also welcomed, though specific email addresses are partially redacted. Additional resources, including application tutorials and report forms, are accessible via the foundation's website.