Knox Community Good Grant Program
Funding requests are accepted once each year according to our grant cycle. Funding requirements may change from year to year. Grantseekers are advised to revisit this page prior to beginning the grant application process. Grants are normally given as one-time support of a project but may be considered for additional support or for expansions or outgrowths of an initial project. Grants are made possible by Community Good Unrestricted Funds and Field of Interest Funds which support a wide variety of needs in Knox County.
Grant Cycle
We consider funding requests for grants on a yearly cycle which begins in August. The requirements and instructions provided on this page are to be considered current and accurate only for the duration of the Community Foundation’s grant cycle, which runs from May through October each year. Applications will be accepted from July 15, 2025, through the August 25, 2025, deadline. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
Eligibility
The Community Foundation welcomes funding requests from nonprofit organizations that are deemed tax-exempt under sections 501(c)(3) and 509(a) of the Internal Revenue Code and from governmental agencies serving the county. Funding requests from nonprofit organizations not classified as a 501(c)(3) public charity may be considered provided the project is charitable and supports a community need. In some cases, organizations without the 501(c)(3) designation may be required to obtain a fiscal sponsor.
Orientation Meeting
New prospective grant applicants are invited to schedule a meeting with the Regional Director of Community Engagement and Impact to receive an overview of the funding opportunity and to ask specific questions. Contact the Community Foundation to schedule an orientation meeting.
Fiscal Sponsor
Non-charitable organizations applying for a grant under the auspices of a verified 501(c)(3) public charity acting as a fiscal sponsor are required to provide a written statement signed by the fiscal sponsor’s board president confirming agreement to receive grant monies if awarded and to oversee the proposed program/project.
Program Areas Considered For Funding
- Arts and Culture
- Community Development
- Education
- Health
- Human Services
- Other Civic Endeavors (Environment, Recreation, and Youth Development)
Program Areas NOT Considered For Funding
- Religious organizations for religious purposes
- Political parties or campaigns
- Endowment creation or debt reduction
- Operating costs not directly related to the program/project
- Capital campaigns
- Annual appeals or membership contributions
- Travel requests for groups or individuals such as bands, sports teams, or classes
Deliberation
The grants committee will make its recommendations on funding to the board of directors of the Community Foundation Alliance. No lobbying or soliciting of grants committee members or board members will be permitted.
Award Announcement
All organizations that have submitted grant applications will be notified of the outcome of the grants committee’s deliberation in writing no later than November 10.
Supporting Documents
The following supporting documents must be electronically attached to the grant application (Microsoft Word, Excel, or PDF documents).
- Current board roster with professional affiliations
- Organization’s current annual operating budget (showing both expected income and expenses)
- Most recent financial statement (Statement of Financial Position/Balance Sheet and a Statement of Activities/Income and Expense Summary)
- Fiscal sponsor agreement letter, if applicable
Reporting Procedures
A final report at project completion may be required by organizations whose applications are approved for funding. Instructions will be provided at the time the grant is awarded through the grant agreement.
Application Access Code
Use this code to access the application through your user account:
kno
Your Questions Answered
Applications are available through our website. Deadlines and guidelines vary by fund or program.
Grants, planned giving guidance, capacity-building support, and endowment development are all available.
Review timelines vary by program but generally range from a few weeks to several months.
Yes. Funds must be used in accordance with the grant agreement and fund purpose.
We help organizations establish endowed funds that generate ongoing income to support their mission indefinitely.
Yes. We partner with nonprofits and advisors to structure gifts that maximize impact and meet complex needs.
Grantees submit brief reports showing how funds were used and the outcomes achieved, ensuring transparency and effectiveness.
Connect with our staff, attend informational sessions, and participate in community initiatives to engage with the Foundation.
Start Your Application Today
Take the next step toward funding opportunities, scholarships, and more.