United Way of Greater Knoxville (UWGK) has awarded $3.91 million in Community Investment Grants to 105 local nonprofits across its five-county service area. The announcement came September 10, 2026, at a Block Party on Market Square hosted by Visit Knoxville.

The grants support organizations addressing critical needs in UWGK’s three impact areas: Economic Mobility, Early Care and Education, and Healthy Communities. Funding is designed to seed, grow and strengthen effective programs, with an emphasis on collaboration and measurable outcomes.

Chrystal Armstrong Brown, president and chief executive officer, said many of United Way’s partners are serving record numbers of people. “We are proud to invest in local organizations doing important work for our neighbors every day.”

Of the 105 grantees this year, 88 serve Knox County, 13 serve Jefferson County, seven serve Grainger County, three serve Claiborne County and two serve Union County; 11 serve multiple counties.

Is this the only grant funding opportunity?

No. Community Investment Grants are United Way’s largest grant process, but not its only one. Additional opportunities are listed here. (Scroll to bottom of page.)

The 2025 Campaign, led by co-chairs Kim and Greg Gheen, raised $8.3 million.

Five businesses contributed $250,000 or more – Clayton Homes, Y-12 National Security Complex, Pilot Company, Home Federal Bank and The Boyd Foundation.

Major grant recipients included:

  • Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley – $200,000
  • Helen Ross McNabb Center – $200,000
  • YMCA of East Tennessee – $200,000
  • YWCA Knoxville & the Tennessee Valley – $200,000
  • Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee – $175,000
  • InterFaith Health Center – $130,000
  • Volunteer Ministry Center – $125,000
  • Centro Hispano de East Tennessee – $110,000
  • Emerald Youth Foundation – $100,000
  • Knoxville Leadership Foundation – $100,000
  • Legal Aid of East Tennessee – $100,000

Five non-profits got grants in the “emerging” category:

  • Battlefield Farm & Gardens, Knox County – $10,000
  • Brave Boxing & Fitness, Claiborne County – $5,000
  • N Her Footsteps, Jefferson County – $5,000
  • ReLaunch, Knox County – $10,000
  • The Fresh Wagon, St Teresa of Kolkata, Union County – $5,000

Last year, UWGK-funded initiatives and programs impacted more than 429,000 people across the region. Since 2020, UWGK has awarded more than $61 million in grants. Funded partners leveraged an additional $12.8 million in resources last year, extending the impact of those investments. The full list of funded partners and more information about the grant process are available at uwgk.org/funded-partners.

The 2026 Campaign is underway with co-chairs Mike Keith, Voice of the Vols, and Jim Atchley, Knoxville market president for First Horizon Bank. Pictured at the Block Party are Jim Atchley, Smokey, Kim Bumpas of Visit Knoxville, Chrystal Armstrong Brown and Mike Keith.

Notes & Quotes

Hillcrest Healthcare Foundation is seeking sponsors for its annual golf tournament, to be held on Monday, October 12, 2026, at Avalon Golf & Country Club in Lenoir City. Learn more here.

Pine Fest in White Pine, Jefferson County, will be Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 10-4. Live music, crafts, etc. The flyer doesn’t say where, but I’m guessing if you can find White Pine, the festival will be obvious.

Legacy Luncheon for the Parks is Friday, September 25, 2026, with speaker Conor Knighton, CBS Sunday Morning correspondent and author of a book about his visits to all U.S. national parks. The event is at Johnson University from 11:30-1 p.m. Ticket info here.

Wesley House will hold its Masquerade Ball on Friday, September 25, 2026, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Bridgewater Place. It raises funds to support Knoxville youth, senior citizens and underserved members of the Beaumont, Lonsdale and Mechanicsville communities. This black-tie event will include fine dining, live entertainment, a silent auction, dancing, drinks, and this year – a new concept – Masked Singer. Link to Masquerade Ball tickets. Link to Wesley House.

Quote: “Artificial Intelligence (AI) could kill us all in the next 10 years.” –  Scientists working to develop AI.

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Sandra Clark compiles obituary links and writes the Let’s Talk series for KnoxTNToday – Let’s Talk – Leaders archive. Follow KnoxTNToday on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn. Get daily articles in one place with our free newsletter. Send comments to news@knoxtntoday.com/.