Feb. 11, 2026
United Way of Greater Knoxville (UWGK) today released its Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the 2026-2028 Community Investment Grants process, inviting nonprofit organizations serving Knox, Claiborne, Grainger, Jefferson and Union counties to apply. First-stage applications will be accepted from Feb. 19-March 13, 2026.
For more than 100 years, community investment through grantmaking has been one of UWGK’s core strategies. Through this process, UWGK stewards and directs resources toward data-driven efforts that align with its impact priorities, as defined by community needs assessments, and that deliver measurable outcomes for neighbors across the region.
Through this grant cycle, UWGK will invest in organizations working in one or more of its three focus areas:
- Economic Mobility
- Early Care & Education
- Healthy Communities
Funding decisions are made through a volunteer-led, open grantmaking process, with recommendations from community volunteers and final approval by UWGK’s Board of Directors. Grant award notifications will be made in August 2026.
“Caring for the well-being of our neighbors is part of the fabric of our community,” said Chrystal Armstrong Brown, president and CEO of United Way of Greater Knoxville. “Our grantmaking process weaves together donors, volunteers and nonprofit organizations around a shared responsibility to help those in need and sustain the services they depend on.”
Grant funding prioritizes work that supports ALICE households, families who are asset limited, income constrained and employed. While these households earn above the federal poverty level, many still struggle to afford basic necessities such as housing, childcare, food, transportation and health care. In Knox County, 43 percent of families fall below the ALICE threshold, reflecting the scale of financial strain facing working families.
In the 2024-2025 Community Investment Fund grant cycle, UWGK awarded funds to 96 nonprofit organizations, representing a 50% increase from the previous grant cycle and the largest number of grantees in a single grant process in UWGK’s 102-year history. The awarded grants totaled $3.76 million invested strategically into programs that address critical needs and drive systemic change.
In the first year of the grant cycle alone, funded partners served more than 429,000 clients across UWGK’s service area. Additionally, 57 percent of funded partners leveraged UWGK’s investment to secure more than $12 million in additional funding, extending the reach and impact of these grants.
Furthermore, UWGK’s enhanced grantmaking process enabled a larger pool of nonprofits, including first-time recipients, to access funding in this last cycle. First-time grant recipients accounted for 21% of the 96 organizations that were awarded funds.
The Community Investment Grants process is guided by the Notice of Funding Opportunity and reflects UWGK’s commitment to transparency, collaboration and trust-based philanthropy. Grants awarded through this cycle may provide up to two years of operational support, offering organizations flexibility to support programs or core operations based on organizational need.
Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations providing services in Knox County and throughout UWGK’s broader service area, including Claiborne, Grainger, Jefferson and Union counties.
To support interested applicants, UWGK will host Nonprofit Information Sessions providing an overview of funding priorities, the application process and key dates, as well as time for questions. Sessions are organized based on where organizations are headquartered. Advanced registration is required, and registration details are available at uwgk.org.
For organizations based in Knox County (including those that may also serve additional counties), sessions include:
- Tuesday, Feb. 17, at 1 p.m. – UWGK offices at 1301 Hannah Ave., Knoxville, TN 37921
- Wednesday, Feb. 18, at 1 p.m. – UWGK offices at 1301 Hannah Ave., Knoxville, TN 37921
For organizations based outside of Knox County (serving Claiborne, Grainger, Jefferson and Union counties):
- Thursday, Feb. 19, at 9 a.m. – virtual session
Nonprofit organizations are encouraged to review the full Notice of Funding Opportunity and application materials at uwgk.org prior to the sessions.
For more information about UWGK and its Community Investment Grants program, visit uwgk.org.
