THOUGHTFUL GIVING FOR
STRONGER COMMUNITIES
AND BETTER LIVES
The East Tennessee Foundation (ETF) is proud to award $31,000 in grants from the Norris Area Community Foundation (NACF), a community fund of ETF. This year’s funding supports programs that focus on youth and young adults, military recognition, humane care of animals, arts with a cultural or historical perspective, support for seniors, and public safety. The 2026 NACF grant recipients are:
“Each grant awarded is an investment in the people, programs, and possibilities that make lives better and communities stronger,” said Dr. Keith Barber, President & CEO of ETF. “These investments are made through thoughtful giving and become stories of impacts made on behalf of others so that East Tennessee’s communities can thrive in enduring ways and across generations.”
In addition to celebrating this year’s grant recipients, NACF invites community members of all ages and abilities to run or walk in support of local initiatives at the 2026 Renaissance Run 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run in historic Norris, TN on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.
The Renaissance Run includes a 5K run/walk, one-mile fun run/walk and the opportunity to participate virtually. Prizes will be awarded for top winners in various categories. NACF will present checks to the 2026 grantees at the event.
“Our Renaissance Run is a fun, family-friendly event that brings our community together for a greater good,” said Brianne Kibler, chair of the Norris Area Community Foundation. “Every step and donation taken during this event helps fuel the next round of grants and helps build our endowment to create a lasting legacy and sustainable support for our community.”
Registration and additional information about the NACF Renaissance Run are available at etf.org/nacfrun. For more information about grants, please visit our website at etf.org/grants, or contact Ashley Siferd Butler, Director of Competitive Grants, at ab*****@*tf.org.