John D. Grubb and Louise G. Sumner Fund for Monroe County

An Affiliate Fund of East Tennessee Foundation

General Description

Benefits the economic, social, cultural, and educational wellbeing of Monroe County residents and their communities.

Application Process

The next grant cycle will launch in 2024.

Grant Amounts and Terms

Grants were awarded in November 2022 for two-year terms and ranged from $2,500 to $10,000. The grant term is December 1, 2022 – November 30, 2024.

Application Information

The John D. Grubb and Louise G. Sumner Fund for Monroe County (Fund for Monroe County) was established through a generous gift by Monroe County natives, John and his sister, Louise. Louise and John’s desire to help secure advanced educational opportunities for students and leave a philanthropic legacy dedicated to improving the lives of residents of Monroe County became a reality in 1998 with the establishment of a permanent charitable endowment for Monroe County. Grants from the fund are intended to encourage creative use of area resources and contribute to the quality of life of Monroe County residents.

General Eligibility and Funding Criteria

Additional eligibility criteria specific to the Fund for Monroe County:

Applicant organizations must have a local presence in Monroe County; directly serve people who live and work in Monroe County; and have Monroe County citizen involvement in the organization as volunteers, staff, or board members.
Salary or administrative support must not exceed 30% of the funding requested.
Required: funds requested must have a 10% match. Match may be in cash, in-kind donations of goods and/or services, or a combination of both.

Special Consideration will be given to:

Organizations that collaborate as they engage in projects that benefit Monroe County and its communities.

How to Apply

Additional Information

For questions about the online grant application system, please contact:
Ashley Siferd Butler, Director of Competitive Grants, or
Rachel Cosby, Program Officer

For questions about the John D. Grubb and Louise G. Sumner Fund for Monroe County, please contact:
Jill Murphy, Regional Advancement Officer

East Tennessee Foundation
520 W. Summit Hill Drive, Suite 1101
Knoxville, TN 37902
Telephone: (865) 524-1223 or (877) 524-1223

To Make a Donation

Click here for information about making a donation to the Fund for Monroe County through our automated giving site or by mailing a check.