The East Tennessee Foundation Announces
2026 Arts Grant Cycle and Opens Scholarship Applications

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (Feb. 19, 2026) – The East Tennessee Foundation (ETF) is now accepting applications for its 2026 grant cycle for the Arts Fund for East Tennessee and the Katherine Davis Moore and Mary Elizabeth (Betty) Davis Foundation Fund.

The 2026 arts grant cycle will support nonprofit organizations advancing arts and cultural programming across East Tennessee. Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, units of government, and public educational institutions may submit one application and apply to only one of the two available funds. Grant requests may be made for up to $15,000, with awards distributed over a two-year term. Applications opened February 2, 2026, and must be submitted by February 27, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern through ETF’s online grant portal.

Established in 1986, the Arts Fund for East Tennessee is one of ETF’s original funds and has been central to the Foundation’s mission since its inception, supporting artistic excellence, expanding access to the arts, and strengthening connections between artists and communities. The Katherine Davis Moore and Mary Elizabeth (Betty) Davis Foundation Fund, created in 2017 through a testamentary gift, focuses on promoting cultural growth and the development of music and arts programs for young people under the age of 25. Together, the two funds have awarded nearly $3.2 million to arts organizations across 25 counties in East Tennessee.

“The East Tennessee Foundation believes that the arts are essential to strong, vibrant communities,” said Dr. Keith Barber, President & CEO of the East Tennessee Foundation. “Through these funds, we are proud to support organizations that not only elevate artistic excellence, but also expand access, nurture young talent, and ensure that arts and culture continue to thrive across East Tennessee for generations to come.”

Grant applicants can find more information on our website at etf.org/grants or by contacting Ashley Siferd Butler, Director of Competitive Grants, at abutler@etf.org.

About the East Tennessee Foundation
The East Tennessee Foundation (ETF) is a 501(c)(3) public charity and nationally accredited community foundation focused on serving a 25-county region in East Tennessee. As a community foundation, ETF operates as a collection of hundreds of distinct charitable funds and supporting organizations established by individuals, families, businesses and other nonprofits. ETF builds endowments, creating a permanent source of philanthropic funding for the East Tennessee region. For more information, visit easttennesseefoundation.org.