THOUGHTFUL GIVING FOR
STRONGER  COMMUNITIES
AND BETTER LIVES

Laura J. Kress Angel Tree Fund

General Description

Provides grants in support of gifts for children in Tennessee during the holiday season, in honor and memory of Laura J. Kress, founder of The Angel Tree.

Application Process

The online application will be available August 14, 2023.
The deadline to apply is September 5, 2023.

Grant Amounts and Terms

Grants will be awarded in late October 2023 for three-month terms and will range from $2,000 to $10,000.

The grant term is November 1, 2023 through January 31, 2024.

Who May Apply

The Laura J. Kress Angel Tree Fund was established at East Tennessee Foundation (ETF) in June 2019 in honor and in memory of Laura J. Kress, founder of The Angel Tree, who passed away that year. In 1975, Laura joined members of the West Knoxville Business & Professional Women’s Club to bring Christmas to dozens of children in need. With her leadership, The Angel Tree has helped grant more than 725,000 wishes over four decades. Through grants to organizations provided from this fund, Laura’s lifelong passion and dedication will continue in Tennessee during the holiday season.

General Eligibility and Funding Criteria

Additional Eligibility Criteria specific to the Laura J. Kress Angel Tree Fund:

  • Grants must provide support to children who are under-resourced and underserved.
  • Children served must live in Campbell, Claiborne, Cocke, Grainger, Hamblen, Hancock, Hawkins, Morgan, Scott, or Union counties.

Please note the following exceptions to the general eligibility requirements:

  • Because Laura J. Kress Angel Tree Fund is a donor advised fund, applicant organizations are not required to provide their most recent financial statements and/or audit and/or IRS Form 990; current year operating budget; or list of current board of directors.

Additional Information

Please direct your questions to:
Ashley Siferd Butler, Director of Competitive Grants, or
Rachel Cosby, Program Officer
East Tennessee Foundation
520 W. Summit Hill Drive, Suite 1101
Knoxville, TN 37902
(865) 524-1223 or toll-free (877) 524-1223