The East Tennessee Foundation (ETF/Foundation) is proud to announce award grants totaling $250,000 to 17 nonprofit organizations through the Thompson Charitable Foundation Fund (TCFF). These grants will support projects that strengthen communities across Anderson, Blount, Knox, and Scott counties.
The partnership between ETF and TCFF was established in early 2026 and focuses on work that promotes community and economic development, education and workforce development, health and human services, and/or improving the quality of life. This year’s grant recipients include:
- Blount Memorial Foundation
- Catholic Charities of East Tennessee, Inc.
- Childhelp Tennessee
- Communities in Schools of Tennessee
- Emerald Youth Foundation
- Eythos Foundation
- Girls on the Run Greater Knoxville
- Helen Ross McNabb Foundation
- Kim Health Center
- Knoxville Leadership Foundation
- Partners in Education Foundation
- Penultimate Development
- Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee
- Selfless Sportsman Association
- Senior Citizens Home Assistance Service, Inc.
- Shangri-La Therapeutic Academy of Riding (STAR)
- Thrive Lonsdale
“The Thompson Charitable Foundation Fund reflects what is possible when philanthropy and community come together with a shared vision,” shared Dr. Keith Barber, President & CEO of ETF. “These 17 organizations are doing meaningful work to address local needs. We are grateful to partner with the Thomspon Charitable Foundation to help make lives better and communities stronger in Appalachian communities for generations to come.
The Thompson Charitable Foundation was established in 1987 by B. Ray Thompson Sr. to support projects that seek to improve the quality of life for individuals and communities in ten Appalachian counties. By starting a fund at ETF, the Thompson Charitable Foundation is able to utilize ETF’s expertise in strategic philanthropy to support nonprofit organizations serving Anderson, Blount, Knox, and Scott counties.
For more information about grants, please contact Ashley Siferd Butler, Director of Competitive Grants by phone at 865-524-1223 ext. 126, or by email at abutler@etf.org.
