Laura J. Kress Angel Tree Fund in Tennessee

The Laura J. Kress Angel Tree Fund, established in June 2019 at the East Tennessee Foundation, honors the legacy of Laura J. Kress, founder of The Angel Tree. Laura Kress was a central figure in the West Knoxville Business & Professional Women’s Club and led efforts beginning in 1975 to bring Christmas gifts to under-resourced children. Her vision enabled more than 725,000 wishes to be granted over four decades. The Fund was created following her passing in 2019 and continues her mission of supporting children during the holiday season throughout specific East Tennessee counties. This fund provides competitive grants to nonprofit organizations and public entities that deliver holiday gifts and seasonal support to children in need. Eligible applicants must serve children who are both under-resourced and underserved and reside within one or more of the following counties in Tennessee: Campbell, Claiborne, Cocke, Grainger, Hamblen, Hancock, Hawkins, Morgan, Scott, or Union. The scope of allowable activities is focused on direct support that enables children to receive holiday gifts, in keeping with the founding mission of The Angel Tree. Grants range from $2,000 to $10,000 and are distributed for a short, defined term lasting from November 1, 2025 to January 31, 2026. These funds are intended to be deployed promptly to meet the needs of children during the holiday period. Applications open on August 20, 2025, and must be submitted no later than 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time on September 17, 2025. The review process occurs in the interim, and funding decisions are expected to be finalized by November 2025. While most East Tennessee Foundation competitive grant programs require comprehensive financial documentation, the Laura J. Kress Angel Tree Fund is exempt from those requirements due to its donor-advised status. Therefore, applicants are not required to submit their most recent financial statements, audits, IRS Form 990, operating budgets, or board rosters, although general eligibility requirements still apply. This makes the application process slightly more accessible for organizations that may have limited administrative capacity. To be eligible, organizations must be recognized 501(c)(3) public charities, government units, or public educational institutions. Fiscal sponsorship is acceptable for newer or emerging groups without nonprofit status. All applicants must confirm their non-discriminatory practices and operational alignment with the Foundation’s standards. Proposals from faith-based organizations are welcome so long as they do not include religious content or require religious participation. All applications must be submitted online through the East Tennessee Foundation’s portal. A tutorial and the grant application access page are available online. For assistance or questions, applicants are encouraged to contact Ashley Siferd Butler, Director of Competitive Grants, or Brooke Anguiano, Assistant Director of Grantmaking & Operations. The grantmaking team may be reached at grantmaking@etf.org or via telephone at (865) 524-1223 ext. 144, or toll-free at (877) 524-1223 ext. 144. The Foundation's office is located at 520 W. Summit Hill Drive, Suite 1101, Knoxville, TN 37902.