From Foster Care to Health Care: 4 Organizations Making a Difference in Knoxville
At Connecting Knox, our mission is simple: to link residents—whether you’ve just moved here or have called Knoxville home for years—with the groups and organizations that support our neighbors and the Greater Knoxville Area. Today, we’re shining a light on four incredible foundations dedicated to serving individuals, families, and communities in need. Today, we’re spotlighting four outstanding foundations that are working hard to support individuals, families, and entire neighborhoods. Whether you're ready to lend a hand, give back, or find support yourself, Connecting Knox makes it easy to discover and connect with the causes that matter most—all in one place.
East Tennessee Foundation
The East Tennessee Foundation supports 25 counties across the East Tennessee region, leading efforts to build stronger, more connected communities. With a mission to “provide philanthropic leadership inspiring donors to make lives better and communities stronger in enduring ways across generations,” the Foundation is dedicated to helping local communities thrive. Through strategic grantmaking and donor partnerships, they provide essential funding to both community initiatives and nonprofit organizations throughout the region.
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The Bair Foundation
New to Knoxville but backed by 50 years of experience, The Bair Foundation is a therapeutic foster care agency dedicated to supporting both children in foster care and the families who care for them. Guided by their vision “to be the most sought after, Christ-centered social services ministry for children, youth, and families in North America,” they bring a deep commitment to healing and hope. By joining Connecting Knox, The Bair Foundation is expanding its reach—connecting with more families in need and strengthening its ability to grow and serve the Knoxville community.
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East Tennessee Kidney Foundation
The East Tennessee Kidney Foundation (ETKF) is making a powerful impact by focusing on early detection of kidney disease, community education, and improved access to care. As a completely independent foundation and 100% local, ETKF ensures that every dollar raised stays right here in our community—supporting neighbors, saving lives, and building a healthier East Tennessee.
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A Step Ahead Foundation of East Tennessee
A Step Ahead Foundation of East Tennessee is committed to removing barriers to contraception through education, outreach, and free access to birth control for anyone living in their 16-county service area. By partnering with trusted clinics, they ensure women can choose the birth control method that’s right for them—at no cost. Their goal is clear: to empower women to take charge of their health, plan their futures, and pursue their goals with confidence.
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These organizations are just a few of the many making a lasting difference in the Greater Knoxville area. From supporting foster families and advancing women’s health to providing life-saving kidney care and building stronger communities through philanthropy, their missions are diverse—but their impact is united. At Connecting Knox, we’re proud to connect residents with the people, programs, and resources that uplift our city. Whether you're looking to get involved, give back, or find support, it all starts here.
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