THOUGHTFUL GIVING FOR
STRONGER  COMMUNITIES
AND BETTER LIVES

Margaret M. and Harley H. Wachs Youth Leadership Fund

General Description

Benefits young people in Johnson County by providing travel and leadership opportunities to expand their abilities to become active, visionary leaders.

Grant Amounts and Terms

Applications are accepted year-round. There is no application deadline. Grant awards generally range from $300 to $600.

Areas of Focus

Successful applicants must engage Johnson County middle and/or high school youth in one or more of the following areas:

  • Involvement in community service projects
  • Participation in leadership roles
  • Travel for leadership development opportunities

Who May Apply

The Margaret M. and Harley H. Wachs Youth Leadership Fund (Wachs Youth Leadership Fund) was established in 2001 by their son, Peter, and daughter-in-law, Joy Wachs, in memory of Peter’s mother and father.

General Eligibility and Funding Criteria

Additional eligibility criteria specific to Wachs Youth Leadership Fund:

  • Under special circumstances, grants will be made to institutions outside Johnson County for programs that are operated within or provide direct benefit to youth of the county
  • Applicant organizations must primarily function to serve middle and high school-aged youth or be an organization whose programs have demonstrated the ability to serve this population
  • Special consideration will be given to organizations whose programs engage youth through leadership skills development with community organizations, school groups, and other youth-focused establishments
  • Salary or administrative support must not exceed 30% of the funding requested

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
Telephone: (865) 524-1223 or (877) 524-1223