The Athens Federal Foundation makes highly targeted, local grants focused on youth-serving programs and facility improvements. Its sole recorded award supported a juvenile diversion/case-managed youth program and a locker room renovation at the Athens–McMinn Family YMCA, indicating a preference for direct, community-level investments that benefit adolescents referred by schools or juvenile court.
Athens Federal Foundation’s largest recent award was a $50,000 grant to the Athens-McMinn Family YMCA for Y-CAP, a youth program for children referred through the juvenile court or school system, plus partial support for a locker room renovation project. That combination of direct service and facility improvement captures how the foundation gives: it backs local programs serving adolescents while also funding the spaces those programs use. Across the recent grants list, the foundation appears repeatedly in Athens and nearby East Tennessee towns, with grants to organizations working on youth diversion, food assistance, housing, recovery, and emergency response. Tennessee Wesleyan University received support for scholarships and special projects, while McMinn County Public Schools-related funding covered student needs and emergency items distributed through schools. Other awards supported food pantry operations, homeless shelter services, transitional housing, and tools for rescue response. The pattern is highly community-specific and centered on practical support for local nonprofits, schools, and service providers. Athens Federal Foundation also funds individuals, which aligns with the presence of direct assistance in its grantmaking approach.
Youth services are a clear throughline in Athens Federal Foundation’s recent giving. In 2024, it gave $35,000 to the Athens-McMinn Family YMCA for Y-CAP, described as a program for at-risk youth ages 10 to 16 referred by DCHS, Juvenile Services, or a concerned adult. In a separate award, it gave $5,000 to the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Ocoee Regionandor Division for operation of a club in Etowah. Education support shows up through scholarships and student assistance. Tennessee Wesleyan University received $25,000 for its general scholarship fund and another $25,000 for special projects, while McMinn County Education & Community Foundation - McMinn County Public Schoo received $17,000 for student needs and emergency clothing and hygiene items. The foundation also backs basic-needs services. Grants supported food pantry operations, weekend meal programs, homeless shelter services, and transitional housing for domestic abuse and sexual assault survivors.
Athens Federal Foundation’s typical grant size is tightly clustered: the 25th percentile is $4,050, the median is $5,000, and the 75th percentile is $8,750. The recent grant list shows both larger project awards and many smaller operating or direct-service grants in that range. Its giving is recurring rather than one-off in several cases. Athens-McMinn Family YMCA, Tennessee Wesleyan University, McMinn County Education & Community Foundation - McMinn County Public Schoo, Love Thy Neighbor Project - Tennessee Wesleyan University, St Paul's - Table Graces, Straightway Ministry Inc, and Women at the Well Ministries all appear in more than one year. The foundation also runs annual competitive grant programs, and both listed programs accept unsolicited applications.
$314K
$5.8M
$181K
$342K
Most grants fall between $4K and $9K, with a median of $5K.
25th Percentile
$4K
Median
$5K
75th Percentile
$9K
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Concentrated, single large local grant in a given year; project-specific funding that mixes program support with modest capital/renovation work. Appears to prioritize one-off or limited-cycle investments in nearby community organizations rather than broad, diversified portfolios.
Notable grantees: ATHENS-McMINN FAMILY YMCA
Grantmaking is local and entirely within Tennessee: 100% of recorded grants go to recipients in the state. Athens appears most often, with additional awards in Etowah, Cleveland, Englewood, and Madisonville. The recipient base is centered in McMinn County and nearby East Tennessee communities, matching the foundation’s five-county service area. In the recent grants list, Athens-based organizations account for many of the awards, while Etowah and other nearby towns receive repeated support as well.
The foundation funds 501(c)(3) nonprofit and charitable organizations serving its East Tennessee service area. Recent awards support youth programs, school-based student needs, food assistance, homelessness services, domestic abuse and sexual assault services, job training, health-related services, and emergency response equipment.
Yes. Both active annual grant programs listed for Athens Federal Foundation accept unsolicited applications.
Typical grants are modest and concentrated around $5,000. The reported distribution shows a 25th percentile of $4,050, a median of $5,000, and a 75th percentile of $8,750.
Its grantmaking is local and entirely in Tennessee. The recipient-country distribution is 100% U.S., and the recent grants are concentrated in Athens, Etowah, Cleveland, Englewood, and Madisonville.
Yes. Several organizations appear in multiple years, including Athens-McMinn Family YMCA, Tennessee Wesleyan University, McMinn County Education & Community Foundation - McMinn County Public Schoo, Love Thy Neighbor Project - Tennessee Wesleyan University, St Paul's - Table Graces, Straightway Ministry Inc, and Women at the Well Ministries.
2026
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2026.
Current and upcoming funding from Athens Federal Foundation that your nonprofit may be able to apply for.
Who can apply: Open to 501(c)(3) non-profit and charitable organizations serving Bradley, McMinn, Meigs, Monroe, and Polk counties in East Tennessee. The foundation states it funds charitable causes within its five-county service area.
Deadline: 2026 Grant Application Period: August 3-18, 2026
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Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| YMCA of Athens | Athens, TN | $25,000 | 2026 | Assistance with Building repair projects |
| Tennessee Wesleyan University | Athens, TN | $25,000 | 2026 | Scholarship support |
| McMinn Education and Community Foundation - Compasion Closet | Athens, TN | $20,000 | 2026 | Funding to stock clothing and personal care items for each McMinn County public schools |
| YMCA of Athens | Athens, TN | $20,000 | 2026 | Expansion of the Youth Community Action Project (Y-CAP) for at risk youth |
| Tennessee Wesleyan University - Love Thy Neighbor Project | Athens, TN | $15,000 | 2026 | Funds for back sack program for McMinn County Schools |
| Miracle Lake Inc | Etowah, TN | $15,000 | 2026 | Assisting with food costs for program participants |
| Englewood Rural Fire Department | Englewood, TN | $12,200 | 2026 | Purchase of swift water rescue equipment |
| CASA Cooradoir of TN | Athens, TN | $12,000 | 2026 | Recruitment, screening and training for volunteer advocates |
| Etowah Rescue Squad | Etowah, TN | $10,000 | 2026 | Purchase of rope rigging rescue equipment |
| The HOPE Center Inc | Athens, TN | $10,000 | 2026 | Materials and resources to facilitate Darkness to Light program and transitional housing component of the Domestic Violence Shelter and Sexual Assault Center serving McMinn and Meigs Counties |
| CASA Monroe | Madisonville, TN | $8,000 | 2026 | Recruitment, screening and training for volunteer advocates and expansion of Fostering Futures Program |
| McMinn County Emergency & Rescue Squad | Athens, TN | $7,850 | 2026 | Purchase of QTAC skit system with rescue stokes basket |
| Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church - Etowah Community Food Pantry | Etowah, TN | $7,500 | 2026 | Food costs for Etowah Food Pantry |
| Monroe Tri-Community Volunteer Fire Department Inc | Madisonville, TN | $7,000 | 2026 | Purchase of vehicle stabilization struts rescue equipment |
| Coordinated Charities of Athens | Athens, TN | $6,000 | 2026 | Purchase of food for food pantry |
| Good Faith Clinic Inc | Athens, TN | $6,000 | 2026 | Funding for 2026 Community Health Fair |
| McMinn County Senior Citizens Inc | Athens, TN | $5,000 | 2026 | Funding for Senior Advocate and Senior Safe at Home program |
| Etowah Area Senior Center Inc | Etowah, TN | $5,000 | 2026 | McMinn County Meals on wheels program |
| Women at the Well Ministries | Athens, TN | $5,000 | 2026 | Scholarship support for women entering program for assistance with life controlling problems |
| Morning Star Ministries Inc | Athens, TN | $5,000 | 2026 | Funding for practical skills curriculum and supplies |
| The Trousdale School Inc | Cleveland, TN | $5,000 | 2026 | Funding toward technology systems in vocation training area |
| Helping Hands Ministry of McMinn County Inc | Athens, TN | $5,000 | 2026 | Building materials and subcontracting work for home repair and handicap ramps for low-income homeowners |
| Let's Read 20 | Athens, TN | $5,000 | 2026 | Operational expenses for agency providing free books and literacy resources to children and families of McMinn and Meigs Counties |
| Straightway Ministry Inc | Athens, TN | $5,000 | 2026 | Funds to assist with food costs, Supportive services at TCAT and Cleveland State |
| The Grace House in Athens | Athens, TN | $5,000 | 2026 | Funding for operations of Homeless/Recovery House in Athens TN |
| St Paul's Episcipal - Love Period | Athens, TN | $5,000 | 2026 | Purchase of program supplies |
| St Paul's Episcopal Church Table Graces | Athens, TN | $5,000 | 2026 | Purchase of food for food pantry |
| Boys and Girls Clubs of the Ocoee Region - Etowah | Cleveland, TN | $5,000 | 2026 | Expansion of the Great Futures programming at the Etowah TN Unit |
| Cleveland State Community College Foundation | Cleveland, TN | $5,000 | 2026 | Scholarships for workforce development programs |
| McMinn County Educational and Community Foundation | Athens, TN | $5,000 | 2026 | Purchase books for Imagination Library program |
| Grace & Mercy Ministries Inc | Athens, TN | $5,000 | 2026 | Kitchen equipment and food costs |
| CASA of Bradley County | Cleveland, TN | $4,000 | 2026 | Recruitment, screening and training for volunteer advocates |
| Tri-County Center | Athens, TN | $3,010 | 2026 | Tablets and charging stations to be used by Transition from school to work students and vocational adjustment individuals |
| Keith Memorial United Methodist Church - McMinn County Warming Center | Athens, TN | $3,000 | 2026 | Funding costs and supplies for Warming Center |
| Friends of Etowah Carnegie Library | Etowah, TN | $3,000 | 2026 | Support for development of the adult nonfiction collection |
| Lee University (English Language Center) | Cleveland, TN | $3,000 | 2026 | Funding for 5 mentor teachers and instructional materials for adult ESL classes |
| Monroe County Imagination Library | Madisonville, TN | $2,500 | 2026 | Purchase books for Imagination Library program |
| Niota United Methodist Church - Food Pantry | Niota, TN | $2,500 | 2026 | Funds for food for weekend meal program at Niota Elementary School |
| Polk County Friends of the Library - Imagination Library | Benton, TN | $2,500 | 2026 | Purchase books for Imagination Library program |
| Meigs-Decatur Friends of the Library | Decatur, TN | $2,500 | 2026 | Purchase books for Imagination Library program |
| Keith Memorial United Methodist Church - Nourish One Child | Athens, TN | $2,500 | 2026 | Funds for back sack program for Athens City Schools |
| EG Fisher Public Library | Athens, TN | $2,100 | 2026 | Enhancements to the children's space and weekly Storytime programs |
| New Bethany Missionary Baptist Church Food Pantry | Sweetwater, TN | $2,000 | 2026 | Purchase of food for food pantry |
| YMCA - LOCKER ROOM PROJECT | ATHENS, TN | $100,000 | 2025 | SPECIAL GRANT TO BE USED TOWARD $1.7 MILLION CAPITAL CAMPAIGN TO ADD 2 ADA ACCESSIBLE FAMILY LOCKER ROOMS, 4 ADA ACCESSIBLE FAMILY RESTROOMS, UPDATE MENS AND WOMENS LOCKER ROOMS WITH ADA ACCESSIBLE SHOWERS, AND 2 HANDICAP LIFTS TO CONNECT THE UPPER LOBBY AND POOL DECK TO RESTROOM / LOCKER ROOM LEVEL. THE PROJECT WILL ALSO PROVIDE UPDATES TO HVAC, ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS AND PLUMBING SYSTEMS TO THESE AREAS. |
| TENNESSEE WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY | ATHENS, TN | $25,000 | 2025 | FUNDING TO THE GENERAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND TO BE DISTRUBUTED TO STUDENTS QUALIFYING FOR FINANCIAL AID. MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS ARE BASED ON COMBINATION OF GRADES AND FINANCIAL NEED. |
| MIRACLE LAKE INC | ETOWAH, TN | $25,000 | 2025 | FUNDING FOR FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS FOR MIRACLE LAKE, WHICH IS A 12-WEEK RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM FOLLOWED BY 6-12 MONTH TRANSITIONAL LIVING PROGRAM AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO ALCOHOLD, DRUGS AND CRIMINAL MINDED BEHAVIOR. |
| ATHENS-MCMINN FAMILY YMCA | ATHENS, TN | $20,000 | 2025 | RELOCATION AND FURNISHING OF "CHILD WATCH" AREA TO A LARGER SPACE TO ACCOMMODATE CARE FOR DESIGNATED AGE GROUPS. THE SPACE IS USED TO PROVIDE CHILD CARE WHILE PARENTS ARE UTILIZING THE YMCA FACILITIES. WHEN THE SPACE IS NOT IN USE FOR "CHILD WATCH" IT CAN ALSO BE USED FOR AFTER SCHOOL, SUMMER DAY CAMP AND Y-CAP PROGRAMING. |
| MCMINN COUNTY EDUCATION & COMMUNITY FOUNDATION - MCMINN COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOO | ATHENS, TN | $17,000 | 2025 | FUNDS ADMINISTRED BY MECF WILL BE USED TO FUND COMPASSION CLOSET PROVIDING CLOTHING, SHOES, LAUNDRY DETERGENT, PERSONAL HYGIENE PRODUCTS. FUNDS WILL BE DIVIDED AMONG 13 SCHOOLS BASED ON STUDENT POPULATION |
| TENNESSEE WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY - LOVE THY NEIGHBOR | ATHENS, TN | $15,000 | 2025 | FUNDS TO BE UTILIZED FOR BACKSACKS PROGRAM FOR COUNTY SCHOOLS, CAMPUS FOOD PANTRY, MOBILE FOOD PANTRY AND THRIFT STORE. |
| THE HOPE CENTER | ATHENS, TN | $10,000 | 2025 | FUNDING FOR DARKNESS TO LIGHT PROGRAM TO FACILITATE DISCUSSION WITH COMMUNITY GROUPS FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE PREVENTION. ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR TRANSITIONAL HOUSING FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SHELTER AND SEXUAL ASSULT CENTER. |
YMCA of Athens
$25,000Assistance with Building repair projects
Tennessee Wesleyan University
$25,000Scholarship support
McMinn Education and Community Foundation - Compasion Closet
$20,000Funding to stock clothing and personal care items for each McMinn County public schools
YMCA of Athens
$20,000Expansion of the Youth Community Action Project (Y-CAP) for at risk youth
Tennessee Wesleyan University - Love Thy Neighbor Project
$15,000Funds for back sack program for McMinn County Schools
Miracle Lake Inc
$15,000Assisting with food costs for program participants
Englewood Rural Fire Department
$12,200Purchase of swift water rescue equipment
CASA Cooradoir of TN
$12,000Recruitment, screening and training for volunteer advocates
Etowah Rescue Squad
$10,000Purchase of rope rigging rescue equipment
The HOPE Center Inc
$10,000Materials and resources to facilitate Darkness to Light program and transitional housing component of the Domestic Violence Shelter and Sexual Assault Center serving McMinn and Meigs Counties
CASA Monroe
$8,000Recruitment, screening and training for volunteer advocates and expansion of Fostering Futures Program
McMinn County Emergency & Rescue Squad
$7,850Purchase of QTAC skit system with rescue stokes basket
Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church - Etowah Community Food Pantry
$7,500Food costs for Etowah Food Pantry
Monroe Tri-Community Volunteer Fire Department Inc
$7,000Purchase of vehicle stabilization struts rescue equipment
Coordinated Charities of Athens
$6,000Purchase of food for food pantry
Good Faith Clinic Inc
$6,000Funding for 2026 Community Health Fair
McMinn County Senior Citizens Inc
$5,000Funding for Senior Advocate and Senior Safe at Home program
Etowah Area Senior Center Inc
$5,000McMinn County Meals on wheels program
Women at the Well Ministries
$5,000Scholarship support for women entering program for assistance with life controlling problems
Morning Star Ministries Inc
$5,000Funding for practical skills curriculum and supplies
The Trousdale School Inc
$5,000Funding toward technology systems in vocation training area
Helping Hands Ministry of McMinn County Inc
$5,000Building materials and subcontracting work for home repair and handicap ramps for low-income homeowners
Let's Read 20
$5,000Operational expenses for agency providing free books and literacy resources to children and families of McMinn and Meigs Counties
Straightway Ministry Inc
$5,000Funds to assist with food costs, Supportive services at TCAT and Cleveland State
The Grace House in Athens
$5,000Funding for operations of Homeless/Recovery House in Athens TN
St Paul's Episcipal - Love Period
$5,000Purchase of program supplies
St Paul's Episcopal Church Table Graces
$5,000Purchase of food for food pantry
Boys and Girls Clubs of the Ocoee Region - Etowah
$5,000Expansion of the Great Futures programming at the Etowah TN Unit
Cleveland State Community College Foundation
$5,000Scholarships for workforce development programs
McMinn County Educational and Community Foundation
$5,000Purchase books for Imagination Library program
Grace & Mercy Ministries Inc
$5,000Kitchen equipment and food costs
CASA of Bradley County
$4,000Recruitment, screening and training for volunteer advocates
Tri-County Center
$3,010Tablets and charging stations to be used by Transition from school to work students and vocational adjustment individuals
Keith Memorial United Methodist Church - McMinn County Warming Center
$3,000Funding costs and supplies for Warming Center
Friends of Etowah Carnegie Library
$3,000Support for development of the adult nonfiction collection
Lee University (English Language Center)
$3,000Funding for 5 mentor teachers and instructional materials for adult ESL classes
Monroe County Imagination Library
$2,500Purchase books for Imagination Library program
Niota United Methodist Church - Food Pantry
$2,500Funds for food for weekend meal program at Niota Elementary School
Polk County Friends of the Library - Imagination Library
$2,500Purchase books for Imagination Library program
Meigs-Decatur Friends of the Library
$2,500Purchase books for Imagination Library program
Keith Memorial United Methodist Church - Nourish One Child
$2,500Funds for back sack program for Athens City Schools
EG Fisher Public Library
$2,100Enhancements to the children's space and weekly Storytime programs
New Bethany Missionary Baptist Church Food Pantry
$2,000Purchase of food for food pantry
YMCA - LOCKER ROOM PROJECT
$100,000SPECIAL GRANT TO BE USED TOWARD $1.7 MILLION CAPITAL CAMPAIGN TO ADD 2 ADA ACCESSIBLE FAMILY LOCKER ROOMS, 4 ADA ACCESSIBLE FAMILY RESTROOMS, UPDATE MENS AND WOMENS LOCKER ROOMS WITH ADA ACCESSIBLE SHOWERS, AND 2 HANDICAP LIFTS TO CONNECT THE UPPER LOBBY AND POOL DECK TO RESTROOM / LOCKER ROOM LEVEL. THE PROJECT WILL ALSO PROVIDE UPDATES TO HVAC, ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS AND PLUMBING SYSTEMS TO THESE AREAS.
TENNESSEE WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY
$25,000FUNDING TO THE GENERAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND TO BE DISTRUBUTED TO STUDENTS QUALIFYING FOR FINANCIAL AID. MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS ARE BASED ON COMBINATION OF GRADES AND FINANCIAL NEED.
MIRACLE LAKE INC
$25,000FUNDING FOR FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS FOR MIRACLE LAKE, WHICH IS A 12-WEEK RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM FOLLOWED BY 6-12 MONTH TRANSITIONAL LIVING PROGRAM AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO ALCOHOLD, DRUGS AND CRIMINAL MINDED BEHAVIOR.
ATHENS-MCMINN FAMILY YMCA
$20,000RELOCATION AND FURNISHING OF "CHILD WATCH" AREA TO A LARGER SPACE TO ACCOMMODATE CARE FOR DESIGNATED AGE GROUPS. THE SPACE IS USED TO PROVIDE CHILD CARE WHILE PARENTS ARE UTILIZING THE YMCA FACILITIES. WHEN THE SPACE IS NOT IN USE FOR "CHILD WATCH" IT CAN ALSO BE USED FOR AFTER SCHOOL, SUMMER DAY CAMP AND Y-CAP PROGRAMING.
MCMINN COUNTY EDUCATION & COMMUNITY FOUNDATION - MCMINN COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOO
$17,000FUNDS ADMINISTRED BY MECF WILL BE USED TO FUND COMPASSION CLOSET PROVIDING CLOTHING, SHOES, LAUNDRY DETERGENT, PERSONAL HYGIENE PRODUCTS. FUNDS WILL BE DIVIDED AMONG 13 SCHOOLS BASED ON STUDENT POPULATION
TENNESSEE WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY - LOVE THY NEIGHBOR
$15,000FUNDS TO BE UTILIZED FOR BACKSACKS PROGRAM FOR COUNTY SCHOOLS, CAMPUS FOOD PANTRY, MOBILE FOOD PANTRY AND THRIFT STORE.
THE HOPE CENTER
$10,000FUNDING FOR DARKNESS TO LIGHT PROGRAM TO FACILITATE DISCUSSION WITH COMMUNITY GROUPS FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE PREVENTION. ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR TRANSITIONAL HOUSING FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SHELTER AND SEXUAL ASSULT CENTER.