Private foundation · Knoxville
Willayne E Towe Foundation
Takes applications. See how to apply below.
Key facts
- Grants in Tennessee
- 13 totaling $97,500 · 1 in Roane County
- Typical grant
- $5,000 to $10,000 (the middle half of its Tennessee grants)
- A realistic first ask
- About $7,500, its middle Tennessee grant. First-time winners usually get less than repeat ones.
- 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?
- 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 |
How to apply
- Contact
- Gregory d mcmurry · Knoxville · 8658065733 · 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.
Tennessee organizations it funded
Roane 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mane Support | Rockwood, Roane County | General fund | $5,000 |
| 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 |
| Isaiah 117 House | Elizabethton, Carter 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 |