Oak Ridge Fund for Achieving Community Excellence

An Affiliate Fund of East Tennessee Foundation

General Description

Supports projects that leave a lasting legacy for current and future Oak Ridgers.

Application Process

The 2023 grant cycle has closed.

Grant Amounts and Terms

Grants were awarded in August 2023 for one-year terms and ranged from $5,000 – $10,000.

The grant term is August 15, 2023 – August 14, 2024.

Areas of Focus

The Oak Ridge Fund for Achieving Community Excellence (ORFace) was established in 2017 to support initiatives that have a lasting legacy for Oak Ridge – things that substantially change the trajectory of our future. Successful applicants will propose innovative projects which will help shape Oak Ridge’s future by focusing on one of the following priority areas:

Rebranding Oak Ridge for the future: Develop vibrant public spaces; create significant events to draw people to Oak Ridge; and/or focus on current science and innovation for the future
Providing a support network for youth: Maintain a world-class education system; provide a wide array of youth activities; and/or develop a youth safety net
Making Oak Ridge a more open, inclusive, and interactive community: Foster deliberate interaction and dialogue and/or increase wellbeing and resiliency
Improving physical infrastructure and environmental health: Improve and leverage existing infrastructure; prioritize environmental health; and/or emphasize the revitalization and connectivity of public spaces
Pursuing economic development: Seek businesses related to Oak Ridge’s strengths; attract employees to reside in Oak Ridge; and/or build employment and tax base

Who May Apply

General Eligibility and Funding Criteria

Additional eligibility criteria specific to ORFace:

Applicant organizations must have a local presence in Oak Ridge and directly serve residents of Oak Ridge
Recommended but not required that funds requested have a 20% match. Match may be in cash, in-kind donations of goods and/or services, or a combination of both.

How to Apply

Additional Information

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

For questions about the Oak Ridge Fund for Achieving Community Excellence, 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 Oak Ridge Fund for Achieving Community Excellence through our automated giving site or by mailing a check.