Private foundation · Knoxville
Willayne E Towe Foundation
In 2025 it gave 13 grants worth $97,500 to Tennessee groups, 11 of them in Knox County. A typical grant was $5,000 to $10,000.
Takes applications. See how to apply below.
Key facts
- Grants in Tennessee
- 13 totaling $97,500 · 11 in Knox County
- Typical grant How we figure this
- $5,000 to $10,000 (the middle half of its Tennessee grants)
- A realistic first ask How we figure this
- About $7,500: the middle grant to the 4 Tennessee groups it funded for the first time in 2025.
- Where it gives
- Knox County, Carter County, Roane County · plus 2 grants outside Tennessee
- Buildings & equipment
- None of its Tennessee grants in this filing were for buildings or equipment
- Funds new groups? How we figure this
- 31% of the Tennessee groups it funded in 2025 were new (not funded in 2023–2024): 4 of 13.
- Total giving that year
- $107,500
Giving by year
| Tax year | Total grants paid | To Tennessee | Tennessee grants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $108K | $98K | 13 |
| 2024 | $52K | $44K | 10 |
| 2023 | $38K | $34K | 10 |
All grants paid To Tennessee
How to apply
- Contact
- Gregory D Mcmurry · Knoxville · (865) 806-5733 · Gregmac13@gmail.com
- What to send
- Christian organizations should submit letters specifying the purpose for which funds are requested and the amount desired. The application should include a copy of the organization's irs determination letter if applicable.
- Limits
- Awards are limited to exempt christian organizations who desire funds for programs promoting the teachings of the gospel of jesus christ, the establishment of new ministries, planting new churches, encouraging the application of biblical principles in everyday life and helping develop a better understanding of the bible through studies and education.
As the foundation reported to the IRS for tax year 2025. Check its website or call before sending anything, because contacts and deadlines change.
Board and officers
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- Gregory D McmurryPresident / director
- Bob CoppockSecretary / director
- Kelsey S McmurryDirector
As listed in its 2025 IRS filing. Many foundations decide through their board, so a personal connection often matters more than a perfect application.
How big its Tennessee grants are
| Grant size | Grants |
|---|---|
| Under $1,000 | 0 |
| $1,000 to $4,999 | 0 |
| $5,000 to $9,999 | 8 |
| $10,000 to $24,999 | 5 |
From its 2025 IRS filing. Small groups: look at how many grants sit in the bands you'd ask for.
Tennessee organizations it funded
Knox County grants are listed first, then the largest. Past winners are good people to ask what the foundation looks for. Select a group to see who else funds it.
| Past winner | Where | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knoxville Inner City Kids Outreach | Knoxville, Knox County | General fund | $10K |
| Restoration House | Knoxville, Knox County | General fund | $10K |
| Street Hope TN | Powell, Knox County | General fund | $10K |
| Susannah's House | Knoxville, Knox County | General fund | $10K |
| Widowed Parent Relief Project | Knoxville, Knox County | General fund | $10K |
| Thrive Ministry | Knoxville, Knox County | General fund | $7,500 |
| Hand Up for Women | Knoxville, Knox County | General fund | $7,500 |
| Family Promise of Knoxville | Knoxville, Knox County | General fund | $5,000 |
| Cedarbrook Outreach Inc. | Knoxville, Knox County | General fund | $5,000 |
| Girls Incorporated of Oak Ridge | Knoxville, Knox County | General fund | $5,000 |
| The Cross | Knoxville, Knox County | General fund | $5,000 |
| Isaiah 117 House | Elizabethton, Carter County | General fund | $7,500 |
| Mane Support | Rockwood, Roane County | General fund | $5,000 |