Opportunity is Knocking: The East Tennessee Foundation Opens 2026 Opportunity Endowment Fund Grant Cycle

Opportunity is knocking and nonprofit organizations across East Tennessee are invited to answer. The East Tennessee Foundation (ETF) is announcing the opening of the 2026 Opportunity Endowment Fund grant cycle on August 17, 2026. Eligible organizations serving communities across ETF’s 25-county service area may apply for competitive grants of up to $25,000.

The Opportunity Endowment Fund provides the Foundation with flexibility to respond to emerging needs and invest strategically in communities across East Tennessee. For this grant cycle, ETF will prioritize projects and programs that support the environment, natural resources, and conservation efforts. Collaboration among nonprofits is also highly valued in the evaluation process. However, organizations addressing a broad range of community needs are welcome to apply.

“Unrestricted philanthropy gives us the opportunity to look across our region, understand where needs and opportunities exist, and respond in ways that can strengthen communities for the long term,” said Dr. Keith Barber, President & CEO of the East Tennessee Foundation. “We’re excited to open this grant cycle and invite organizations to bring strategic and collaborative projects forward that can create meaningful impact in East Tennessee.”

Applicant organizations must be 501(c)(3) public charities, units of government, public educational institutions, or houses of worship. Applications should emphasize, where possible, matching funds and collaboration among organizations. All applications are due by 5 p.m. Eastern on September 18, 2026. Grants will be awarded in December 2026 for up to one-year terms, depending on project needs.

Organizations interested in learning more about the Opportunity Endowment Fund grant cycle can visit https://easttennesseefoundation.org/grants/opportunity-endowment-fund/ or contact Ashley Siferd Butler, Director of Competitive Grants, at ab*****@*tf.org.