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Grant funders / Tennessee / East Tennessee Foundation

East Tennessee Foundation

Knoxville, Tennessee  ·  EIN 620807696  ·  Private foundation

East Tennessee Foundation is a Tennessee-based grantmaker. In its latest 990-PF filing it reported $27.5M in annual giving against $300.7M in assets. This page documents the 1,656 grants Bespoke Grants has indexed for East Tennessee Foundation — who they fund, what they prioritize, and what to know before reaching out.

$27.5M
Annual giving (FY2020)
$300.7M
Total assets
1,656
Grants tracked
2024
Most recent grant

What East Tennessee Foundation funds

East Tennessee Foundation's giving carries a documented focus on arts & culture, civil rights & social justice, education, disaster relief & emergency aid, environment & conservation, and related causes.

Arts & CultureCivil Rights & Social JusticeEducationDisaster Relief & Emergency AidEnvironment & ConservationFaith-BasedFood & AgricultureHealth CareHousing & HomelessnessMental Health

Populations it has supported include youth pop.

youth pop

Grant history

The largest grants Bespoke Grants has on record for East Tennessee Foundation, by amount:

RecipientLocationGrantYear
University of Tennessee
PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT
Knoxville, TN$15.3M2017
University of Tennessee Knoxville
PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT
Knoxville, TN$10.2M2018
4th Purpose Foundation
GEN/OPER SUPPORT
Knoxville, TN$7.3M2020
Knoxville Zoological Gardens Inc
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
Knoxville, TN$6.1M2017
Knoxville Zoological Gardens Inc
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
Knoxville, TN$5.2M2018
Lakeshore Park Conservancy
GEN/OPER SUPPORT
Knoxville, TN$5.0M2020
The University of Tennessee Knoxvi
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
Knoxville, TN$4.0M2022
Vanguard Charitable
GEN/OPER SUPPORT
Warwick, RI$2.7M2023
Niswonger Foundation
EDUCATION
Greeneville, TN$1.9M2024
National Philanthropic Trust
GEN/OPER SUPPORT
Jenkintown, PA$1.8M2022
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tn Valley
ANNUAL CAMPAIGNS
Knoxville, TN$1.8M2018
Cancer Support Community East Tenne
GEN/OPER SUPPORT
Knoxville, TN$1.7M2022
Maryville College
BUILDING\RESTORATION
Maryville, TN$1.6M2023
University Health System Inc
GEN/OPER SUPPORT
Knoxville, TN$1.5M2018
Boys & Girls Club of Greeneville &
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
Greeneville, TN$1.5M2023

East Tennessee Foundation giving by year

Total grants Bespoke Grants has indexed for each filing year:

2017$32.1M
2018$31.2M
2020$25.9M
2022$18.7M
2023$21.3M
2024$14.4M

How to apply for funding from East Tennessee Foundation

East Tennessee Foundation's public IRS filing does not spell out a formal application process. Foundations of this size often give primarily to organizations they already know, so a concise letter of inquiry or a warm introduction is usually the best first contact — not a full proposal. You can review the foundation directly at easttennesseefoundation.org.

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Frequently asked questions about East Tennessee Foundation

Does East Tennessee Foundation accept grant applications?
East Tennessee Foundation's public filing does not specify an application process. A brief letter of inquiry or a warm introduction is usually the best first step with a private foundation of this size.
What does East Tennessee Foundation fund?
East Tennessee Foundation's grants focus on arts & culture. Recent recipients include University of Tennessee, University of Tennessee Knoxville, 4th Purpose Foundation. Its full grant history is listed above.
How much does East Tennessee Foundation give in grants?
East Tennessee Foundation reported $27.5M in grants in its most recent IRS filing (FY2020). Across all years in our data it has awarded $143.7M over 1,656 grants.
Where is East Tennessee Foundation located?
East Tennessee Foundation is based in Knoxville, Tennessee. Its IRS employer identification number (EIN) is 620807696.
How can I find foundations similar to East Tennessee Foundation?
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About this profile. This page is built from East Tennessee Foundation's public IRS Form 990-PF and 990 filings, indexed by Bespoke Grants alongside 13M+ grants from 225,000+ U.S. foundations. Grant figures reflect filings available to date; IRS data publishes on a 1–2 year lag. Bespoke Grants is not affiliated with East Tennessee Foundation. Always confirm current giving priorities and application procedures with the foundation directly before applying.