Private foundation · Athens
Athens Federal Foundation
Takes applications. See how to apply below.
Key facts
- Grants in Tennessee
- 43 totaling $314,160 · 31 in McMinn County
- Typical grant
- $3,010 to $8,000 (the middle half of its Tennessee grants)
- A realistic first ask
- About $5,000, its middle Tennessee grant. First-time winners usually get less than repeat ones.
- Where it gives
- McMinn County, Bradley County, Monroe County, Polk County, Meigs County, Franklin County
- Buildings & equipment
- 9 of its Tennessee grants went to buildings, renovations or equipment, e.g. “Assistance with Building repair projects”; “Expansion of the Youth Community Action Project (Y-CAP) for at risk youth”; “Purchase of swift water rescue equipment”
- Funds new groups?
- 62% of the Tennessee groups it funded in 2025 were new (not funded in 2023–2024): 26 of 42.
- Total giving that year
- $314,160
Giving by year
| Tax year | Total grants paid | To Tennessee | Tennessee grants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $314K | $314K | 43 |
| 2024 | $372K | $372K | 39 |
| 2023 | $272K | $272K | 33 |
How to apply
- Contact
- Nicole Gibbs · Athens · 4237451111
- What to send
- No special form; format is outlined in grant application policy,.
- Deadlines
- June 1 of each year
Next one: Jun 1, 2027 if the dates haven't changed since its 2025 filing - Limits
- Restricted to 501(c)(3) public charities in the communities served by (Former) Athens Federal Community Bank.
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
Does your board know anyone here?
Checked in your browser only. The names are kept on this device for other foundation pages and are never sent to GrantMe.
- Jeffrey L CunninghamPresident
- Michael R HutsellTreasurer / director
- Nicole GibbsSecretary
- Allen CarterDirector
- Elaine M CathcartDirector
- Kathy ClarkDirector
- Ray GrantDirector
- Vant HardawayDirector
- Jason RobertsonDirector
- Sandra RowlandDirector
- Lyn B ThompsonDirector
- Michael Baily TurnerDirector
As listed in its 2025 IRS filing. Many foundations decide through their board, so a personal connection often matters more than a perfect application.
What it funds most often
- Purchase books for Imagination Library program
- Purchase of food for food pantry
- Recruitment, screening and training for volunteer advocates
- Funding to stock clothing and personal care items for each McMinn County public schools
- Scholarship support
- Scholarships for workforce development programs
- Funding for 5 mentor teachers and instructional materials for adult ESL classes
- Recruitment, screening and training for volunteer advocates and expansion of Fostering Futures Program
Tennessee organizations it funded
McMinn 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Wesleyan University | Athens, McMinn County | Scholarship support | $25K |
| YMCA of Athens | Athens, McMinn County | Assistance with Building repair projects | $25K |
| Mcminn Education and Community Foundation - Compasion Closet | Athens, McMinn County | Funding to stock clothing and personal care items for each McMinn County... | $20K |
| YMCA of Athens | Athens, McMinn County | Expansion of the Youth Community Action Project (Y-CAP) for at risk youth | $20K |
| Miracle Lake Inc. | Etowah, McMinn County | Assisting with food costs for program participants | $15K |
| Tennessee Wesleyan University - Love Thy Neighbor Project | Athens, McMinn County | Funds for back sack program for McMinn County Schools | $15K |
| Englewood Rural Fire Department | Englewood, McMinn County | Purchase of swift water rescue equipment | $12K |
| Casa Cooradoir of TN | Athens, McMinn County | Recruitment, screening and training for volunteer advocates | $12K |
| The Hope Center Inc. | Athens, McMinn County | Materials and resources to facilitate Darkness to Light program and... | $10K |
| Etowah Rescue Squad | Etowah, McMinn County | Purchase of rope rigging rescue equipment | $10K |
| Mcminn County Emergency & Rescue Squad | Athens, McMinn County | Purchase of QTAC skit system with rescue stokes basket | $7,850 |
| Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church - Etowah Community Food Pantry | Etowah, McMinn County | Food costs for Etowah Food Pantry | $7,500 |
| Good Faith Clinic Inc. | Athens, McMinn County | Funding for 2026 Community Health Fair | $6,000 |
| Coordinated Charities of Athens | Athens, McMinn County | Purchase of food for food pantry | $6,000 |
| Morning Star Ministries Inc. | Athens, McMinn County | Funding for practical skills curriculum and supplies | $5,000 |
| Helping Hands Ministry of Mcminn County Inc. | Athens, McMinn County | Building materials and subcontracting work for home repair and handicap... | $5,000 |
| Let's Read 20 | Athens, McMinn County | Operational expenses for agency providing free books and literacy resources... | $5,000 |
| Mcminn County Educational and Community Foundation | Athens, McMinn County | Purchase books for Imagination Library program | $5,000 |
| The Grace House in Athens | Athens, McMinn County | Funding for operations of Homeless/Recovery House in Athens TN | $5,000 |
| Women at the Well Ministries | Athens, McMinn County | Scholarship support for women entering program for assistance with life... | $5,000 |
| Straightway Ministry Inc. | Athens, McMinn County | Funds to assist with food costs, Supportive services at TCAT and Cleveland State | $5,000 |
| St Paul's Episcipal - Love Period | Athens, McMinn County | Purchase of program supplies | $5,000 |
| Etowah Area Senior Center Inc. | Etowah, McMinn County | McMinn County Meals on wheels program | $5,000 |
| Mcminn County Senior Citizens Inc. | Athens, McMinn County | Funding for Senior Advocate and Senior Safe at Home program | $5,000 |
| St Paul's Episcopal Church Table Graces | Athens, McMinn County | Purchase of food for food pantry | $5,000 |
Foundation website All its IRS filings (ProPublica) Sign in to save