Washington County Community Foundation Grant

The Washington County Community Foundation, a part of the East Tennessee Foundation, focuses on enhancing the quality of life for residents through innovative programs. They prioritize projects that promote life literacy among all age groups, from nutrition education to financial decision-making. Grants can reach up to $50,000, supporting initiatives that demonstrate significant community impact and sustainability beyond the funding period. Collaborative proposals involving multiple organizations are especially encouraged.

Provides support for innovative programs that benefit Washington County and its people.
Areas of Focus
The Washington County Community Foundation (previously the Harris Fund for Washington County) was endowed by Ms. Eva Stanley Harris, a Washington County native, in memory of the Harris Family of Johnson City to honor their spirit of philanthropy and legacy of community service. The Washington County Community Foundation encourages creative use of area resources and promotes the improvement of the quality of life of Washington County residents.
Washington County Community Foundation seeks to support projects that promote life literacy. Life literacy skills are those that support the economic, cultural, social, and educational well-being of Washington County’s children, youth, and adults. What follows are examples, but not a comprehensive listing, of life-literacy focused projects:
Access to knowledge of nutritious foods and access to those foodsPathways to healthy habits and access to healthcare (preventative)Programming which provides stimulating and explorative environments from birth to age 5Opportunities to develop reading and literacy skills for education and enjoymentInformation to successfully manage and operate one’s householdTools for sound financial decision-making: budgeting, financial planning, and choices for successSkills to develop independence and self-sufficiencyActivities which encourage citizenship, volunteerism, and leadership to create a sense of belonging
Funding
Grants were last awarded for two-year terms and ranged up to $50,000.

Eligibility

Eligible organizations must have and be able to provide documentation to verify the following:Confirmation that the organization is a 501(c)(3) public charity, unit of government , or educational institution
New or emerging groups that do not have nonprofit status may apply if they have an established nonprofit organization as a fiscal sponsor
Employee Identification Number (EIN)
Legal name of organization, address, and contact information (phone, fax, email address)
List of staff administering the project
Most recent financial statements and/or most recent audit and/or IRS Form 990
Current year operating budget
List of current board of directors or equivalent governing body
Confirmation that the organization operates and is organized so as to not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, familial status, sexual orientation, age, disability, covered veteran status, or other characteristics as identified in the Foundation’s Non-Discrimination Policy Statement.Additional criteria specific to the Washington County Community Foundation:Project only serves residents of Washington CountyProposal addresses currently unmet needsProposal does not include programs or services currently provided and funded via general operations budgetsHas at least a 20% match of funding requested (cash, in-kind donations of goods and/or services, or a combination of both)Demonstrates a significant impact on the community via qualitative and quantitative data (measurable deliverables)Demonstrates a viable sustainability plan for funding future operations beyond the two-year grant period

Ineligibility

The following types of requests will not be funded:Grants to individuals.We are restricted by law and therefore unable to provide grants directly to individuals.
Projects that have explicit religious content, express a particular religious view, limit participation based on faith affiliation, or require participation in religious activities or services Debt retirement or budget deficits