Our mission is to break the cycle of poverty in our community by fighting for the health, education and financial stability of every person in our community.
United Way of East Tennessee Highlands Inc uses community investment to fund local nonprofit partners across Carter, Johnson, and Washington counties, with recent support concentrated in organizations serving education, financial stability, health, and community resiliency. The foundation’s mission is to break the cycle of poverty in its community by fighting for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in the community. Recent awards show broad operating support for established local agencies. Girls Incorporated received $56,500 and the Salvation Army received $54,000, both in Johnson City. Other significant support went to the Boy's & Girl's Club Johnson City and Coalition for Kids, each at $50,000, alongside City Shoe Fund at $45,000. These grants indicate a pattern of backing organizations that already provide direct services in the region rather than funding individuals or program-related investments. The foundation also uses competitive and community-facing grantmaking tools. Its Problem Solving Pitches program awarded three $10,000 grants selected by a panel of ETSU Student Government Association students and audience judges, pointing to a structure that includes local review and community participation. Across the grant list, support is consistently directed to Tennessee nonprofits working on immediate needs and longer-term stability.
In youth and community-development work, United Way of East Tennessee Highlands Inc funded Girls Incorporated for organization support, and it also gave to the Boy's & Girl's Club Johnson City and Coalition for Kids, both for organization support. Those awards align with youth opportunity and local service delivery. Financial stability is another clear thread. The foundation supported City Shoe Fund with organization support, and it funded Appalachia Opportunity Fund in Kingsport for organization support as well. Their active grant programs also include an Appalachian Opportunity Fund focused on financial coaching. Health-related grantmaking appears through support for Frontier Health in Gray and Project Access in Johnson City, both funded for organization support. The recent grant list also includes A Step Ahead Foundation and Fthra - Adult Day Services, showing attention to physical, mental, and family-support needs. Disaster response and recovery are part of the portfolio too, reflected in program offerings such as an Emergency / Disaster Relief Fund and a Disaster Relief & Long-Term Recovery Support Fund serving Northeast Tennessee.
$403K
$3.4M
$4.1M
$1.7M
Most grants fall between $10K and $28K, with a median of $16K.
25th Percentile
$10K
Median
$16K
75th Percentile
$28K
LESLIE DALTON
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Typical grant size sits at $10,000 at the 25th percentile, $15,500 at the median, and $27,500 at the 75th percentile. The recent list shows a wide spread above that baseline, from $6,000 to $56,500, with several awards clustered at $10,000 and $11,000. This is an operating-support oriented funder: the recent grants are labeled organization support, and the foundation’s stated philosophy includes general operating support, capacity building, organizational strengthening, and unrestricted support. The recurring patterns are local and multi-year in structure, with annual community investment and disaster-recovery programs alongside competitive pitches and local nonprofit grants. Some programs accept unsolicited proposals, while others are managed through volunteer review teams or specific relief processes.
Grantmaking is entirely in Tennessee, and the recipient list is concentrated in Northeast Tennessee. Johnson City appears repeatedly, including Girls Incorporated, the Salvation Army, the Boy's & Girl's Club Johnson City, Coalition for Kids, City Shoe Fund, and others. Elizabethton, Kingsport, Mountain City, Gray, Jonesborough, and Erwin also appear among recent recipients. The foundation gives most often in Tennessee, and 100% of recent grants in the dataset went to recipients in the HQ state. Its active community-investment and disaster-recovery programs focus on Carter, Johnson, and Washington counties, with additional regional support in Northeast Tennessee.
The recent grants are all to nonprofit organizations in Tennessee, and the foundation’s stated focus areas include Education, Financial stability, Health, Disaster relief and long-term recovery, Youth services, and Community resilience. Its philosophy tags also point to general operating support, capacity building, organizational strengthening, and unrestricted support.
Typical grants are relatively mid-sized: the 25th percentile is $10,000, the median is $15,500, and the 75th percentile is $27,500. In the recent grant list, awards range from $6,000 up to $56,500.
Yes. It has an Emergency / Disaster Relief Fund and a Disaster Relief & Long-Term Recovery Support Fund. Those programs serve Northeast Tennessee and support disaster response, recovery, and Long-Term Recovery Groups across counties including Carter, Johnson, and Washington.
The foundation gives locally in Tennessee. All recent grants went to Tennessee recipients, and its community-investment and disaster-recovery programs focus on Carter, Johnson, and Washington counties, with broader Northeast Tennessee coverage in some relief efforts.
Yes. The recent grants are labeled organization support, and its stated philosophy includes general operating support, capacity building, organizational strengthening, and unrestricted support. That pattern is consistent across the recent recipient list.
2026
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2026.
Current and upcoming funding from United Way of East Tennessee Highlands that your nonprofit may be able to apply for.
Who can apply: Registered nonprofit organizations that serve residents of Carter, Johnson, or Washington counties in Northeast Tennessee; programs should align with United Way focus areas and demonstrate outcomes and sound financial stewardship.
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Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CITY SHOE FUND | JOHNSON CITY, TN | $35,000 | 2026 | ORGANIZATION SUPPORT |
| CITY SHOE FUND | JOHNSON CITY, TN | $35,000 | 2026 | ORGANIZATION SUPPORT |
| APPALACHIA OPPORTUNITY FUND | KINGSPORT, TN | $24,500 | 2026 | ORGANIZATION SUPPORT |
| APPALACHIA OPPORTUNITY FUND | KINGSPORT, TN | $24,500 | 2026 | ORGANIZATION SUPPORT |
| BOY'S & GIRL'S CLUB JOHNSON CITY | JOHNSON CITY, TN | $20,000 | 2026 | ORGANIZATION SUPPORT |
| BOY'S & GIRL'S CLUB JOHNSON CITY | JOHNSON CITY, TN | $20,000 | 2026 | ORGANIZATION SUPPORT |
| BOYS & GIRLS CLUB ELIZABETHTON | ELIZABETHTON, TN | $20,000 | 2026 | ORGANIZATION SUPPORT |
| COALITION FOR KIDS | JOHNSON CITY, TN | $20,000 | 2026 | ORGANIZATION SUPPORT |
| BOYS & GIRLS CLUB ELIZABETHTON | ELIZABETHTON, TN | $20,000 | 2026 | ORGANIZATION SUPPORT |
| COALITION FOR KIDS | JOHNSON CITY, TN | $20,000 | 2026 | ORGANIZATION SUPPORT |
| FRONTIER HEALTH | GRAY, TN | $16,000 | 2026 | ORGANIZATION SUPPORT |
| FRONTIER HEALTH | GRAY, TN | $16,000 | 2026 | ORGANIZATION SUPPORT |
| ELIZABETHTON SENIOR CENTER | ELIZABETHTON, TN | $15,000 | 2026 | ORGANIZATION SUPPORT |
| FAMILY PROMISE OF GREATER JC | JOHNSON CITY, TN | $15,000 | 2026 | ORGANIZATION SUPPORT |
| FAMILY PROMISE OF GREATER JC | JOHNSON CITY, TN | $15,000 | 2026 | ORGANIZATION SUPPORT |
| ELIZABETHTON SENIOR CENTER | ELIZABETHTON, TN | $15,000 | 2026 | ORGANIZATION SUPPORT |
| CARTER COUNTY DRUG PREVENTION | ELIZABETHTON, TN | $10,000 | 2026 | ORGANIZATION SUPPORT |
| RED CROSS | KINGSPORT, TN | $10,000 | 2026 | ORGANIZATION SUPPORT |
| CHANGE IS POSSIBLE | ERWIN, TN | $10,000 | 2026 | ORGANIZATION SUPPORT |
| CARTER COUNTY DRUG PREVENTION | ELIZABETHTON, TN | $10,000 | 2026 | ORGANIZATION SUPPORT |
| CHANGE IS POSSIBLE | ERWIN, TN | $10,000 | 2026 | ORGANIZATION SUPPORT |
| RED CROSS | KINGSPORT, TN | $10,000 | 2026 | ORGANIZATION SUPPORT |
| JONESBOROUGH SENIOR CENTER | JONESBOROUGH, TN | $6,000 | 2026 | ORGANIZATION SUPPORT |
| JONESBOROUGH SENIOR CENTER | JONESBOROUGH, TN | $6,000 | 2026 | ORGANIZATION SUPPORT |
| GIRLS INCORPORATED | JOHNSON CITY, TN | $56,500 | 2025 | ORGANIZATION SUPPORT |
| SALVATION ARMY | JOHNSON CITY, TN | $54,000 | 2025 | ORGANIZATION SUPPORT |
| COALITION FOR KIDS | JOHNSON CITY, TN | $50,000 | 2025 | ORGANIZATION SUPPORT |
| BOY'S & GIRL'S CLUB JOHNSON CITY | JOHNSON CITY, TN | $50,000 | 2025 | ORGANIZATION SUPPORT |
| CITY SHOE FUND | JOHNSON CITY, TN | $45,000 | 2025 | ORGANIZATION SUPPORT |
| FRONTIER HEALTH | GRAY, TN | $31,000 | 2025 | ORGANIZATION SUPPORT |
| ELIZABETHTON SENIOR CENTER | ELIZABETHTON, TN | $30,000 | 2025 | ORGANIZATION SUPPORT |
| BOYS & GIRLS CLUB ELIZABETHTON | ELIZABETHTON, TN | $25,000 | 2025 | ORGANIZATION SUPPORT |
| COUNTY SHOE FUND | JOHNSON CITY, TN | $25,000 | 2025 | ORGANIZATION SUPPORT |
| FAMILY PROMISE OF GREATER JC | JOHNSON CITY, TN | $20,000 | 2025 | ORGANIZATION SUPPORT |
| APPALACHIA OPPORTUNITY FUND | KINGSPORT, TN | $19,500 | 2025 | ORGANIZATION SUPPORT |
| RED CROSS | KINGSPORT, TN | $19,000 | 2025 | ORGANIZATION SUPPORT |
| CARTER COUNTY DRUG PREVENTION | ELIZABETHTON, TN | $17,500 | 2025 | ORGANIZATION SUPPORT |
| SECOND HARVEST FOOD BANK | KINGSPORT, TN | $15,500 | 2025 | ORGANIZATION SUPPORT |
| ASSISTANCE & RESOURCE MINISTRIES | ELIZABETHTON, TN | $15,000 | 2025 | ORGANIZATION SUPPORT |
| CHANGE IS POSSIBLE | ERWIN, TN | $15,000 | 2025 | ORGANIZATION SUPPORT |
| JOHNSON COUNTY SENIOR CENTER | MOUNTAIN CITY, TN | $11,000 | 2025 | ORGANIZATION SUPPORT |
| JONESBOROUGH SENIOR CENTER | JONESBOROUGH, TN | $11,000 | 2025 | ORGANIZATION SUPPORT |
| JOHNSON COUNTY COMMUNITY CENTER | MOUNTAIN CITY, TN | $10,000 | 2025 | ORGANIZATION SUPPORT |
| APPALACHIA SERVICE PROJECT | JOHNSON CITY, TN | $10,000 | 2025 | ORGANIZATION SUPPORT |
| PROJECT ACCESS | JOHNSON CITY, TN | $10,000 | 2025 | ORGANIZATION SUPPORT |
| GIRL SCOUTS | JOHNSON CITY, TN | $10,000 | 2025 | ORGANIZATION SUPPORT |
| A STEP AHEAD FOUNDATION | JOHNSON CITY, TN | $10,000 | 2025 | ORGANIZATION SUPPORT |
| ARC OF WASHINGTON COUNTY | JOHNSON CITY, TN | $10,000 | 2025 | ORGANIZATION SUPPORT |
| FTHRA - ADULT DAY SERVICES | JOHNSON CITY, TN | $10,000 | 2025 | ORGANIZATION SUPPORT |
| BOY SCOUTS | JOHNSON CITY, TN | $10,000 | 2025 | ORGANIZATION SUPPORT |
CITY SHOE FUND
$35,000ORGANIZATION SUPPORT
CITY SHOE FUND
$35,000ORGANIZATION SUPPORT
APPALACHIA OPPORTUNITY FUND
$24,500ORGANIZATION SUPPORT
APPALACHIA OPPORTUNITY FUND
$24,500ORGANIZATION SUPPORT
ORGANIZATION SUPPORT
BOYS & GIRLS CLUB ELIZABETHTON
$20,000ORGANIZATION SUPPORT
BOYS & GIRLS CLUB ELIZABETHTON
$20,000ORGANIZATION SUPPORT
ELIZABETHTON SENIOR CENTER
$15,000ORGANIZATION SUPPORT
FAMILY PROMISE OF GREATER JC
$15,000ORGANIZATION SUPPORT
FAMILY PROMISE OF GREATER JC
$15,000ORGANIZATION SUPPORT
ELIZABETHTON SENIOR CENTER
$15,000ORGANIZATION SUPPORT
CARTER COUNTY DRUG PREVENTION
$10,000ORGANIZATION SUPPORT
CHANGE IS POSSIBLE
$10,000ORGANIZATION SUPPORT
CARTER COUNTY DRUG PREVENTION
$10,000ORGANIZATION SUPPORT
CHANGE IS POSSIBLE
$10,000ORGANIZATION SUPPORT
JONESBOROUGH SENIOR CENTER
$6,000ORGANIZATION SUPPORT
JONESBOROUGH SENIOR CENTER
$6,000ORGANIZATION SUPPORT
GIRLS INCORPORATED
$56,500ORGANIZATION SUPPORT
SALVATION ARMY
$54,000ORGANIZATION SUPPORT
CITY SHOE FUND
$45,000ORGANIZATION SUPPORT
ELIZABETHTON SENIOR CENTER
$30,000ORGANIZATION SUPPORT
BOYS & GIRLS CLUB ELIZABETHTON
$25,000ORGANIZATION SUPPORT
COUNTY SHOE FUND
$25,000ORGANIZATION SUPPORT
FAMILY PROMISE OF GREATER JC
$20,000ORGANIZATION SUPPORT
APPALACHIA OPPORTUNITY FUND
$19,500ORGANIZATION SUPPORT
CARTER COUNTY DRUG PREVENTION
$17,500ORGANIZATION SUPPORT
ASSISTANCE & RESOURCE MINISTRIES
$15,000ORGANIZATION SUPPORT
CHANGE IS POSSIBLE
$15,000ORGANIZATION SUPPORT
JOHNSON COUNTY SENIOR CENTER
$11,000ORGANIZATION SUPPORT
JONESBOROUGH SENIOR CENTER
$11,000ORGANIZATION SUPPORT
JOHNSON COUNTY COMMUNITY CENTER
$10,000ORGANIZATION SUPPORT
PROJECT ACCESS
$10,000ORGANIZATION SUPPORT
GIRL SCOUTS
$10,000ORGANIZATION SUPPORT
A STEP AHEAD FOUNDATION
$10,000ORGANIZATION SUPPORT
ARC OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
$10,000ORGANIZATION SUPPORT
BOY SCOUTS
$10,000ORGANIZATION SUPPORT