Washington County Community Foundation

A Community Fund of East Tennessee Foundation

General Description

Provides support for innovative programs that benefit Washington County and its people.

Application Process

Washington County Community Foundation will not be administering a competitive grant cycle in 2026.

Information about the next grant cycle will be available by January 31, 2027.

Grant Amounts and Terms

Organizations may apply for amounts up to $50,000.

Grants were awarded in November 2025 for two-year terms. The grant term is November 1, 2025 – October 31, 2027.

Areas of Focus

The Washington County Community Foundation (previously the Harris Fund for Washington County) was endowed by Ms. Eva Stanley Harris, a Washington County native, in memory of the Harris Family of Johnson City to honor their spirit of philanthropy and legacy of community service. The Washington County Community Foundation encourages creative use of area resources and promotes the improvement of the quality of life of Washington County residents.

Washington County Community Foundation seeks to support projects that promote life literacy. Life literacy skills are those that support the economic, cultural, social, and educational well-being of Washington County’s children, youth, and adults. What follows are examples, but not a comprehensive listing, of life-literacy focused projects:

Access to knowledge of nutritious foods and access to those foods
Pathways to healthy habits and access to healthcare (preventative)
Programming which provides stimulating and explorative environments from birth to age 5
Opportunities to develop reading and literacy skills for education and enjoyment
Information to successfully manage and operate one’s household
Tools for sound financial decision-making: budgeting, financial planning, and choices for success
Skills to develop independence and self-sufficiency
Activities which encourage citizenship, volunteerism, and leadership to create a sense of belonging

Preference will be given to collaborative proposals which involve the work and service of at least two or more organizations.

Who May Apply

Click here for General Eligibility and Funding Criteria.
Additional criteria specific to the Washington County Community Foundation:
- Project only serves residents of Washington County
- Proposal addresses currently unmet needs
- Proposal does not include programs or services currently provided and funded via general operations budgets
- Has at least a 20% match of funding requested (cash, in-kind donations of goods and/or services, or a combination of both)
- Demonstrates a significant impact on the community via qualitative and quantitative data (measurable deliverables)
- Demonstrates a viable sustainability plan for funding future operations beyond the two-year grant period

How to Apply

Additional Information

Please direct your questions to a member of East Tennessee Foundation’s Grantmaking Team:
Ashley Siferd Butler, Director of Competitive Grants
Brooke Anguiano, Assistant Director of Grantmaking & Operations
Email: gr*********@*tf.org
Telephone: (865) 524-1223 ext. 144 or toll-free (877) 524-1223 ext. 144

To Make a Donation

Click HERE for information about making a donation to Washington County Community Foundation through our automated giving site or by mailing a check.