The African American Equity Restoration Task Force has announced a grant funding program for non-profit and community-based organizations that meet its key goals for reinvestment in the East Knoxville community. 

Grants up to $25,000 are available to fund programs to be carried out between June and December 2024 in the priority areas of Education, Community Investment and Engagement, Homeownership, Small Business Development & Entrepreneurship, and Workforce Development. Proposals chosen for funding will specifically support programming, stipends, payments or other services directly related to the key investment areas identified by the Task Force in its Strategic Framework published in December 2023. 

“As part of our ongoing efforts to drive meaningful change and advance equity, 
the Task Force is looking to support work that channels empowerment through educational initiatives increasing academic proficiencies for African American youth, workforce development, small business development and entrepreneurship in addition to increasing access to homeownership,” says Task Force Chair Tanisha Fitzgerald-Baker. 

“These areas are essential pillars in restoring access to opportunities, resources, financial stability and sustainability,” she says. “We hope these grants will contribute to long-lasting efforts toward equity and empowerment for African American citizens in Knoxville. Let’s work together to invest in our communities and create the change we wish to see.”

Download grant guidelines and application. 

The deadline to turn in applications by mail, email, or in person is May 10, 2024, by 4:30 p.m. Applicants who wish to have City staff review their applications for completeness must apply by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, May 3, 2024.

The City’s Office of Community Safety and Empowerment, which provides staff support for the Task Force, will manage the grant process. 

The Task Force was established by City Council resolution in December 2020 to study, review and identify strategic solutions to improve areas of disparity and disenfranchisement in the East Knoxville community by working with existing community agencies to develop policy and program recommendations that will create opportunities for generational wealth building.

The Task Force meets on the second Monday of the month at 5 p.m. at different community locations. Additional information about the Task Force, its meetings, the Strategic Framework, and the Resolution by Council to Acknowledge and Apologize for Past Actions Hurting African Americans and to Address Equity Restoration at KnoxvilleTN.gov/EquityTaskForce.