The Johnson County Community Foundation, an affiliate fund of the East Tennessee Foundation, provides annual grants that aim to foster community development, strengthen local institutions, and improve the quality of life for Johnson County residents. The foundation’s grant program is rooted in community leadership and was founded through the efforts of the Johnson County Champion Community Committee and the contributions of local citizens committed to the county’s advancement.

For the 2025 grant cycle, the application process opens on April 1, 2025, and closes on April 28, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. Grants will be awarded in July 2025, with a funding term spanning from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. Applicants may request grant amounts ranging from $1,000 to $6,500 for one-year projects. These funds must be matched at a minimum rate of 20%, which can be fulfilled through cash, in-kind donations, or a combination of both.

The foundation prioritizes funding for programs that make a measurable contribution to the health, welfare, education, cultural development, and economic growth of Johnson County. Eligible projects may focus on improving family, women, and children’s services, expanding educational or cultural opportunities, supporting environmental enhancement or historic preservation, or strengthening the internal capacity of local organizations and their leadership.

To qualify, applicant organizations must have a local presence in Johnson County, directly serve its residents, and demonstrate involvement by Johnson County citizens as staff, board members, or volunteers. An important funding restriction is that administrative or salary support may not exceed 30% of the total funding requested. General eligibility and funding guidelines are provided by the East Tennessee Foundation and should be reviewed in conjunction with the specific requirements of the Johnson County Community Foundation.

For questions about the grant cycle or application process, applicants may contact members of the East Tennessee Foundation’s Grantmaking Team, including Ashley Siferd Butler (Director of Competitive Grants) or Brooke Anguiano (Grantmaking & Operations Associate). Questions related to the Johnson County Community Foundation specifically may be directed to Dara Worrell, Director of Regional Advancement. All contacts can be reached via phone at (865) 524-1223 or toll-free at (877) 524-1223. The foundation is headquartered at 520 W. Summit Hill Drive, Suite 1101, Knoxville, TN 37902.