October 2024 Grant Winner

We’re rolling out the red carpet for Training Wheels Preschool | Downside Up Inc. a recipient of our $3,000 UNFoundation grant!

Training Wheels is on a mission to offer preschool programming for children with medical and behavioral needs—kids who require a little extra TLC and support to thrive. Think: therapeutic play, STEM, art, music, and more, all in a nurturing, inclusive environment. Because these kids deserve to get their hands dirty with learning, just like any other preschooler.

With this grant, Training Wheels will hire an additional teacher, making sure each child gets the individual attention they need (because, let’s be real, 1:1 care goes a long way). This helps them expand their reach, meaning more kiddos can join in on the fun—whether that’s exploring STEM projects, jamming out to music, or just enjoying some much-needed playtime. And let’s not forget: parents will get some well-deserved respite too. Win-win!

Why does this matter? Because there are limited options for children with unique needs in the Chattanooga area. The demand for programs like Training Wheels is real—and the need for smaller class sizes and specialized care is only growing. With this grant, they’re able to meet that need head-on, ensuring these children get the early education they deserve without breaking the bank for families.

So, what’s next? More students, more growth, and the ability to make an even bigger impact in the community. Here’s to more learning, more laughter, and yes, more teachers in the spring semester.

Training Wheels Preschool is rolling full speed ahead, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to support them.

September 2024 Grant Winner

Let’s give a round of applause to the Glass Street Community Block Party, the ultimate neighborhood bash that’s ready to make a grand comeback! After a pandemic hiatus, this beloved annual event is gearing up for a 2024 return, and thanks to a $1,500 grant from the UNFoundation, the team is all set to bring the fun (and some serious community spirit) back to Glass Street. It’s been too long, and they’re ready to roll out the red carpet with food trucks, local vendors, music, games for the kiddos, and, of course, an unmissable good time.

What’s the plan, you ask? The funds will help cover the essentials needed to throw an unforgettable event, including renting a stage, sound equipment, tables and chairs, paying performers, and securing safety equipment. With a grand total of $2,925 for the event (hey, good times don’t come cheap), the team is using the UNFoundation grant to get the ball rolling, ensuring that all equipment is booked, and the performers are lined up.

This block party isn’t just about the fun and festivities. It’s an investment in the Glass Street community, shining a light on its vibrant local businesses, musicians, and vendors. It’s about fostering pride, building connections, and bringing in people from outside the neighborhood to see what makes Glass Street so special.

By supporting this event, the grant money isn’t just going toward a party—it’s helping spark economic growth, creating new opportunities for local talent and entrepreneurs, and bringing the community together like never before. If you haven’t marked your calendar for November 2nd, 2024, you should probably go ahead and do that. Glass Street is about to turn it up, and you’ll want to be there!

September 2024 Grant Winner

Do you care about kids? We do. Enter our $1,500 grant to the Family Visitation Center of Chattanooga! This incredible organization is making a real difference in the lives of families in need.

The Family Visitation Center provides a safe and supervised space for families to connect, even in the most challenging circumstances. Their dedicated staff ensures that visits are conducted in a secure and supportive environment, promoting positive interactions and strengthening family bonds.

With the support of this grant, the Family Visitation Center will be able to furnish their new location with essential items like office furniture, toys, and supplies. This will create a welcoming and comfortable space for families to visit and reconnect.

By providing a safe and supervised visitation space, the Family Visitation Center is helping to protect families and promote healing. We're proud to support their important work and look forward to seeing the positive impact they will continue to make in the Chattanooga community.

August 2024 Grant Winner

Get ready for a cultural feast! We are pumped to support Semillas TN's 5th Annual Dia de Muertos Community Ofrenda. This incredible event celebrates the rich traditions of Latinx culture and honors loved ones who have passed.

With our $1,900 grant, Semillas TN will be able to elevate its Ofrenda to new heights. Imagine educational workshops, a "U-pick" cempasúchil, commonly known as Mexican marigolds, flower day, and a captivating Catrina parade. The stunning Ofrenda centerpiece will be adorned with vibrant decorations, fragrant flowers, and delicious food.

Semillas TN is creating a space for connection, reflection, and joy by bringing the community together. This event honors tradition and fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of Latinx culture. We're excited to see how this year's Ofrenda will inspire and uplift the Chattanooga community.

August 2024 Grant Winner

Get ready for some outdoor excitement! We're thrilled to announce our August grant has been awarded to East Side Elementary's Outdoor Adventure Club (OAC). This amazing club is giving 5th graders the chance to explore nature, build confidence, and create lasting memories.

With this grant, OAC will be able to take their young adventurers on three unforgettable trips:

• Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center: A peaceful escape into nature's beauty.

• Raccoon Mountain Caverns: An underground adventure filled with wonder and awe.

• YMCA Camp Ocoee: A thrilling experience of canoeing and outdoor skills.

These trips will be completely free for all participants thanks to our $1,100 grant, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to connect with nature and learn valuable life skills. We can't wait to see the impact this grant will have on these young explorers!

July 2024 Grant Winner

Get ready to queer cheer! The Black Rainbow Movement has been awarded our July grant for a Name Change Clinic. Our $3,000 will support them as they walk alongside Black, queer individuals to create a more inclusive Chattanooga.

With this grant, they'll be able to expand the Name Change Clinic, helping even more transgender people live authentically and confidently. Dropping a dead name and owning your chosen name costs money, and our grant will fund those fees. It's not just a name-changer; it’s a game-changer!

Alongside their amazing partners, Homeserve USA, the Chattanooga Trans Liberation Collective, and Legal Aid of East Tennessee, they are working tirelessly to make this happen in Fall of 2024.

Together, we're building a brighter future for Black, queer people. Let's celebrate them and keep the momentum going!

June 2024 Grant Winner

Surely you know about The Seed Theatre. Their mission is to support marginalized communities (particularly LGBTQ+, BIPOC and their families) by providing resources, education, support and community while celebrating differences through arts and culture.

Enter Summer Art Camp, led by the acclaimed art educator Brouquelle Long. Designed to spark creativity in Chattanooga’s youth, campers aged 6-18 explored painting, sculpture, and more through engaging workshops and collaborative projects, all within a supportive and inclusive environment.

The camp featured three dynamic 3-day sessions (yeah, 9 sessions total) tailored to different age groups: 6-10, 11-13, and 14-18. Each class was taught by Brouquelle, whose six years of experience and numerous awards make her a standout in the art education field.

Our $3,000 grant offered 24 scholarships to ensure that financially marginalized children can participate at no cost, with the remaining spots available to paying participants.

Shouldn’t everyone have access to art education? It offers them a chance to express themselves, boost their confidence, and develop vital skills—all while having fun. By making the arts accessible, future generations of artists and community leaders can spring to life.

May 2024 Grant Winner

What is the Chattanooga Free Store? It is a mutual aid organization located at 1701 Dodson Avenue, Suite C. The storefront is where anyone can access things like clothing, food, sexual health items, harm reduction supplies, and more, all for free and without having to show any form of ID. In order to access these same items elsewhere, you need money or an ID.

This local organization is a vital lifeline for community members in need. By expanding access to essential items, The Chattanooga Free Store is making a significant impact on the lives of those facing hardship.

With this grant, the Free Store will be able to increase its stock of essential items, ensuring that community members have consistent access to these necessities. By removing barriers to basic needs, the Free Store enables individuals and families to focus on other aspects of their lives, such as finding employment or pursuing education.

We commend The Chattanooga Free Store for their dedication to serving the community and congratulate them on this well-deserved $3,000 grant.