Arts Fund for East Tennessee

The Arts Fund for East Tennessee is a grantmaking program established in 1986 with the intent to support artistic excellence and increase access to the arts within East Tennessee. Administered by the East Tennessee Foundation, this fund prioritizes strengthening the cultural vitality of the region by supporting projects that encourage diverse artistic expressions and sustain cultural traditions. Over time, it has become a key resource for nonprofit organizations seeking to engage communities through arts programming, performance, and outreach. In 2026, the Arts Fund for East Tennessee will distribute new grants in conjunction with the Katherine Davis Moore and Mary Elizabeth (Betty) Davis Foundation Fund. This latter fund, established in 2017, was specifically created to promote cultural growth and foster the development of music and arts programs benefiting young individuals under the age of 25 in the East Tennessee region. Although these are distinct funds, they share a single application process, and organizations may not submit separate applications for each. Applications open on February 2, 2026, and close at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on February 27, 2026. Grants awarded under this program will be announced in May 2026 and will cover a two-year grant term beginning June 1, 2026, and ending May 31, 2028. Organizations may request up to $15,000, which will be distributed in equal amounts across the two years. The program's guidelines do not include any matching fund requirements. The fund’s grantmaking priorities emphasize community engagement through the arts. Preference will be given to organizations whose efforts include expanding access to the arts for underserved populations—particularly through outreach programs and affordable or sliding-scale ticket pricing. Additionally, public art displays and performances that integrate the arts into everyday community spaces, as well as projects that celebrate East Tennessee’s cultural heritage, are strongly encouraged. The goal is to make artistic expression a vital and accessible component of daily life across the region. To be eligible for this grant, applicants must be arts organizations located within and serving communities across East Tennessee Foundation’s 25-county service area. While primarily arts-based nonprofits are the primary target, non-arts organizations that incorporate arts programming are also eligible to apply. Specific to the Katherine Davis Moore and Mary Elizabeth (Betty) Davis Foundation Fund, programs must serve youth under age 25 in East Tennessee to qualify for funding. Applicants should consult the application tutorial provided by the East Tennessee Foundation and submit their applications through the official grant portal. The Foundation’s Grantmaking Team—Ashley Siferd Butler, Director of Competitive Grants, and Brooke Anguiano, Assistant Director of Grantmaking & Operations—is available to answer questions. Contact can be made via email or phone at (865) 524-1223 ext. 144 or toll-free at (877) 524-1223 ext. 144. All applications must be submitted by the stated deadline; late or incomplete submissions will not be considered.