Grants
2026 Funding Update:
The Foundation will have one additional round of funding in 2026. Grant applications are due September 1 and will be considered at the Foundation’s October 13 board meeting. Awards will be announced within 1-2 weeks of the October board meeting.
Grant Process Overview
The Lawson Family Foundation makes grants to 501c3 organizations in Knoxville and Knox County whose missions and activities align with the Foundation’s Strategic Priorities. Eligible public charities may apply for one-year grants to build organizational capacity, support general operations, expand existing programs, or fund new projects.
New Applicants: After carefully reading the FAQ section below, please select Create Organizational Profile at the bottom of the page to begin the process.
Previous Applicants/Former Grant Recipients: Please contact the Foundation President or use the Contact page to request your existing Organization ID number and access to a new online application. DO NOT CREATE A NEW ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE.
Please use the Contact page for any further questions.
Grants FAQ
How do we apply?
On the Lawson Family Foundation website, select Create Organization Profile. You will be directed to fill out a form to create a profile. After submission, you will receive an email containing your Organizational ID. If all eligibility requirements are met, the Foundation will then invite you via email to complete a grant application. Input your Organizational ID and complete questions. Note: The online application will NOT save your work. We strongly recommend that applications prepare their responses to the application questions in a separate Word document and then cut and paste the information into the online application form only when ready to submit.
When are grant applications due?
For the remainder of 2026, grant applications are due September 1 and will be considered at the Foundation’s October 13 board meeting.
When will grant awards be announced?
Grant awards will be announced within 1-2 weeks of the October 13 board meeting and funds will be disbursed shortly thereafter.
What materials are required with our application?
When creating an Organization Profile, applicants must upload a copy of their IRS 501c3 Determination Letter. Qualified applicants invited to apply must complete all required portions of the application form. Applicants must also upload copies of their most recent IRS Form 990 tax filing. Note: If your organization receives less than $50,000 in revenue annually and you are exempt from filing a Form 990, please mention this in the application and attach a PDF containing your most recent Statement of Financial Activities, Statement of Financial Position, and Annual Budget.
How should former grant recipients apply for further funding?
Grant recipients may reapply for funding after the completion of their 12-month grant cycle and submission of a satisfactory Grant Impact Report to the Foundation. Please contact the Foundation President or use the Contact page to receive your Organizational ID and request a link to a new online grant application form.
Can we apply for multi-year funding?
No, the Foundation does not typically fund multi-year grants. All applications should be for one-year, one-time funding over a 12-month reporting cycle, after which organizations may reapply for new/additional funding.
What amount should our organization ask for?
Average grant sizes for open applications range from $2,500 to $25,000. However, the Foundation is willing to discuss larger grants on a case-by-case basis, after a process of independent research and relationship building. The Foundation aims to contribute to organizations’ programmatic, capital, and operational needs through grants, but cannot serve as a complete financial solution. Note: Requested amounts should not exceed 25% of an organization’s annual operating budget.
How many applications may our organization submit?
An organization may submit only one application per calendar year. Awarded organizations may reapply for program funding after their 12-month reporting cycle has been completed and a satisfactory Grant Impact Report has been submitted to the Foundation.
Does the Foundation sponsor fundraising events?
On a case-by-case basis, but typically only for organizations who have received a previous programmatic grant.
Does the Foundation make grants to individuals or provide scholarships?
No. The Foundation makes grants only to 501c3 charitable organizations based and/or operating in Knox County, TN.
What restrictions apply to awarded grants?
To receive awards, grantees are required to sign a Grant Agreement. Grantees are required to deliver a 12-month Grant Impact Report to the Foundation and clearly demonstrate how the grant funds were used for the designated purposes.
Is there a reporting template?
Yes. Grant Impact Reports should clearly summarize the impact/outcomes from the Foundation grant using the performance indicators referenced in the grant application. Please also include any brief stories or anecdotes which demonstrate qualitative results. Contact the Foundation President or use the Contact page to request a copy of the latest reporting form.