The East Tennessee Foundation Invests $2.9 Million in Grants Supporting East Tennessee’s Recovery

Thanks to the generosity of people and organizations across East Tennessee and throughout the world, thus far, the East Tennessee Foundation (ETF) has strategically awarded more than $2.9 million through 79 grants to 63 unique partners supporting East Tennessee’s recovery from Hurricane Helene.

“Disaster recovery requires coordinating connections and multiplying opportunities for the community that support people’s needs and solve community problems far beyond immediate relief and response, and responsible philanthropy is key to every step forward,” said the ETF President & CEO Keith Barber. “The East Tennessee Foundation is encouraged about East Tennessee’s progress, including our investments to spur the creation of locally led long-term recovery groups, and we continue working with compassionate donors, thoughtfully stewarding their investments, and strategically awarding grants to build East Tennessee’s perseverance, preparedness, and resilience.”

The ETF’s most recent disaster recovery grant cycle awarded 8 grants supporting the following focus areas to strengthen East Tennessee:

Church Street United Methodist Church – Serving Johnson County

• Rebuilding efforts for households impacted by Hurricane Helene in Johnson County

Elizabethton/Carter County Emergency Management Agency – Serving Carter County

• Funding the purchase of ATVs, enhancing the capacity to support disaster response, search and rescue, and emergency training efforts

Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee – Serving Cocke and Hamblen counties

• Increasing food distribution and support of partner organizations with cold storage to meet rising demand from communities impacted by Hurricane Helene

Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee – Serving Carter, Greene, Hawkins, Johnson, Unicoi, and Washington counties

• Providing healthy food and essential nutrition to disaster-affected communities, along with the necessary transportation to ensure efficient distribution in rural areas

Holston Conference of The United Methodist Church – Serving Carter, Claiborne, Cocke, Grainger, Greene, Hamblen, Hancock, Hawkins, Jefferson, Johnson, Sevier, Sullivan, Unicoi, and Washington counties

• Funding building materials for repair and rebuilding in East Tennessee, particularly in counties receiving less assistance from other agencies

72 The Mission – Serving Carter, Sullivan, Unicoi, and Washington counties

• Maintaining the warehouse and the recruitment of operational support staff for the next 18 months to support long-term disaster recovery efforts

Of One Accord – Serving Hawkins and Johnson counties

• Funding repairs for storm-related damage for qualified households

Unicoi County High School – Serving Unicoi County

• Support for lost revenue from Hurricane Helene to sustain the school’s Culinary Arts Program

For more information, please contact Ashley Copeland, ETF Director of Marketing & Community Relations, by phone at 865-524-1223 ext. 109 or ac*******@*tf.org.