We fund any individual or organization project that will make Chattanooga better.  As long as we’re not funding a keg party or buying you a sweet new (insert product here) for personal enjoyment, we’re open to all ideas.  The goal of this project is to give up to $3,000 to a project that deserves it, each month.  Artists, artisans, justice seekers, neighborhood organizers, culinary cats, scientists, hot air ballooners, authors, athletes, anime’ers, and anyone else who wants to do something that needs a little extra cash, apply and you’ll get a fair shot at up to $3,000.

Yes, we fund cool ideas. No, we don't fund cool ideas without clear expenditures. Make sure your application has a detailed budget. Also, tell us the impact it will have: 5 people, 50 people, 1 person. We tend to lean towards affecting more people vs fewer but we need to know your audience. If you are holding an event or want to help a group of people please make sure to outline how you are going to choose who gets to attend or how your group will be selected. And explain to us why your event/program is needed and how you know your audience actually needs your help. Apply for this grant at the right time, don't be too late needing something next week or too early needing funding for an event 9 months from now.

Think of it this way: Footprint, Charitable, Sustainable, Urgency, Impact. Read through the slides at the bottom of the page, these are what we go over in our grant writing advice workshops.

What type of projects will you NOT fund?

Although the UNFoundation is open to projects of all types, our trustees only fund projects that make Chattanooga a better place.  Submissions that won’t be funded include:

-Funding for personal use:  We won’t just hand over $3,000 for a rent payment, beach house rental, or a new trumpet, unless its a part of a larger project that makes Chattanooga a better place.

-Fees for established charities and organizations:  Your non-profit/charity/etc may still apply, but you’re only likely to get funded if you can think of a specific and creative project that our money will serve.

-Cryptic and vague applications:  It’s simple.  The more specific and clear you are about your goals, timeline, and use of money, the better.

-”For profit” endeavors lacking a charitable component: we tend to shy away from these but its not written in stone.

Who decides if I get the money?

Our advisory board.

When is the application deadline each month?

Midnight on Monday before the last Tuesday of the month.