Washington County Community Foundation

In celebration of its 20th year, and with the endorsement of its founder, Ms. Eva Stanley Harris, the Harris Fund changed its name to the Washington County Community Foundation (WCCF).  WCCF, an affiliate fund of East Tennessee Foundation, renews its name and its mission to improve the lives of people affected by poverty, which place children and families at risk for trauma, early childhood educational disparities, and poor health outcomes in Washington County.

The Harris Fund’s powerful impact reached many worthy organizations that assisted and protected women and children, that provided cultural and educational enrichment, and that encouraged economic development, environmental enhancements, and historic preservation.

Initial Advisory Board members included the following dedicated community leaders – Carol Transou, Louie Gump, Al Spritzer, Ruth Brading, Tom Hodge, Carol Ferguson, and Phil Carriger – all of whom were committed to educating, protecting, and supporting the citizens of Washington County. The County benefited tremendously from their leadership and from their designated awards. As prior Advisory Board Chair Carol Transou points out, “Without the Harris Fund, many of our community agencies would not have survived or flourished to continue their good works, which benefitted both individuals and programs. The Harris Fund provided over $525,000 to agencies within Washington County during its twenty-year existence.”

WCCF respects and honors the Harris Fund legacy. While the Harris Fund’s scope was broad, benefiting a wide assortment of nonprofit organizations, the WCCF will sharpen the focus and concentrate specifically on those organizations that address the County’s most pressing problems, the most difficult of which is the vicious cycle of generational poverty.

WCCF is an essential bridge to a Washington County where every person can fulfill their true potential. Our Mission is one in collaboration with diverse community partners to promote a culture of health and wellness that enables Washington County residents to lead healthier and thriving lives.