East Tennessee Foundation

08/05/2026

We were honored to celebrate the ribbon cutting for a new home built by Knoxville Leadership Foundation's Neighborhood Housing, Inc., where ETF’s Traci Sisson, Assistant Director of Stewardship & Donor Services shared a few words during the celebration.

This home represents more than a house. It’s a fresh start for a deserving Emerald Youth family and a reminder of what’s possible when partners come together to invest in our community.

ETF is proud to support projects like this that make lives better and communities stronger in Knoxville and across East Tennessee.

Congratulations to Knoxville Leadership Foundation’s Neighborhood Housing, Inc., ETF’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund, and everyone who helped make this day possible! 🏠

08/04/2026

Every grant awarded by the East Tennessee Foundation is an investment in stronger, healthier communities. The Free Medical Clinic is one powerful example of how donor generosity is making a real difference.

ETF has proudly awarded grants to the Free Medical Clinic over the years to help provide compassionate care, access to essential health services, and opportunities that change lives every day.

Watch this video to see the impact of ETF’s grantmaking in action and the incredible work that’s possible because of the generosity of our donors. 💙

07/31/2026

Congratulations to the 2026 Thompson Charitable Foundation Fund grant recipients!

Your work is creating meaningful impact, and we’re proud to support your efforts through our partnership with the Thompson Charitable Foundation.

Read the official press release here: https://easttennesseefoundation.org/news/the-east-tennessee-foundation-awards-250000-through-the-thompson-charitable-foundation-fund-to-support-17-nonprofits-in-local-communities/.

07/29/2026

Congratulations to the 2026 Johnson County Community Foundation Grant Recipients!

Over $114,000 was awarded to local organizations from JCCF and the Wachs Youth Leadership Fund.

This year’s funding supports programs that focus on education, health and human services, youth and community development, senior services, arts and culture, animal welfare, food security, and housing.

A reception was recently held to recognize the grant recipients that are helping make lives better and communities stronger in Johnson County.

To see the list of grant recipients, check out the official press release here: https://easttennesseefoundation.org/news/the-east-tennessee-foundation-johnson-county-community-foundation-announces-more-than-114000-awarded-in-grants-to-strengthen-local-community/

07/28/2026

Community funds are how the East Tennessee Foundation turns local passion into lasting impact.

ETF’s first community fund was formed in 1989 in McMinn County. Since then, we have grown to 19 community funds spread throughout East Tennessee.

We’re proud to recognize the Scott County Community Fund, our newest community fund, established earlier this month.

With local advisory boards and a local presence, community funds engage in endowment building, fundraising activities, grantmaking, and other types of initiatives to promote local philanthropy and community building.

Since the community funds were established, over $12 million dollars have been granted out to local communities in East Tennessee to make lives better and communities stronger.

Check out some of the incredible people and places that have felt the impact of our community funds!

07/25/2026

We’re grateful to WBIR Channel 10 for sharing the story of Perkins Place and what this historic building means for the future of the East Tennessee Foundation.

As we celebrate 40 years of serving our region, Perkins Place represents more than a new office. It’s a place where partnerships will grow, generosity will flourish, and together, we’ll continue making lives better and communities stronger across East Tennessee for generations to come.

🎥 Watch the story here: https://www.wbir.com/video/news/local/knoxville/perkins-place-becoming-new-home-for-east-tennessee-foundation/51-ae44f1d9-0f5e-4aa9-aca6-ca2204341be9.

A special thank you to Lauren Davis for sharing our story. We’re honored this was one of your final stories with WBIR, and we wish you all the best in your next chapter! 💙

A Knoxville landmark that once educated generations of children is helping shape the future of East Tennessee.

07/24/2026

👀Special story airing later today!
📆Tonight, July 24
⏰Set your alarm for 5:55 p.m.
📺 WBIR Channel 10
💙You don't want to miss it.

07/22/2026

We are deeply honored to be the First-Place WINNER of the International Stewardship Award from The Association of Donor Relations Professionals for our 2025 40th Anniversary Impact Report in the Large Budget Category! 🥳

Our East Tennessee Foundation 40th Anniversary Impact Report celebrates four decades of making lives better and communities stronger across East Tennessee. We wanted to create an impact report that not only honors our history but serves as a lasting resource for future generations to understand who ETF is and how strategic philanthropy creates thriving communities.

Our Strategic Engagement & Communications Team was tasked to elevate the way we share ETF’s story and the impact of philanthropy across our region. Receiving this international award is a very proud moment for our team.

This recognition celebrates the entire ETF staff, our generous donors, dedicated nonprofit partners, communities, and volunteers that have been part of our story over the past 40 years!

THANK YOU for all you do for East Tennessee every day! 💙💚

07/21/2026

The impact of a scholarship goes far beyond the classroom.

Since 1986, the East Tennessee Foundation has awarded over $14 million dollars in scholarships to help students pursue their dreams and build brighter futures.

Logan Hull is a powerful example of the ripple effect of philanthropy. After receiving a scholarship in 2001 her story is a full circle moment.

Discover how one scholarship investment continues to make a difference years later: https://easttennesseefoundation.org/impact_stories/full-circle-a-scholarship-story-that-keeps-on-giving/