Foundation Offices:

Giving Circle Grant Program

We are currently reviewing applications for the 2011-2012 grant cycle.

The Alliance of Women Philanthropists Giving Circle Grant Program is sponsored by the board members of the Alliance of Women Philanthropists, an organization committed to educating, empowering, and inspiring women to be philanthropic leaders at UT. The grant program promotes women’s involvement in philanthropic ventures and changing lives through education, leadership, and philanthropy.

Applicants who receive grant funding will develop a new project or program, or they will expand substantially upon an existing project/program with grant funds. Grant-funded projects and programs must promote the spirit of the Alliance of Women Philanthropists by providing opportunities which inspire leadership among students, faculty, and alumni.

2011-2012 Giving Circle Grants Cycle

  • 5/1/2011 – Begin accepting applications for 2012 awards
  • 9/30/2011 – Proposals due
  • November 2011- Review of proposals/applications by committee begins
  • 3/9/2012 – Board votes on recommendations by committee
  • 3/10/2012 – Grant recipients notified. Letters will be sent to non-recipients.
  • May 2012 – Grants awarded to recipients

The Giving Circle Grants Program seeks to:

  • Advance the community of learning through research, scholarship, service, and artistic creativity
  • Partner with campuses, institutes, and other affiliated organizations to promote interdisciplinary initiatives and cultivate a spirit of cooperation that has a widespread and positive impact
  • Improve the quality of life for UT students and the citizens of Tennessee by promoting economic, intellectual, social, and cultural advancements

For 2012 awards, applications must be submitted via e-mail to alliance@tennessee.edu by midnight (EST) September 30, 2011. Grant recipients will be notified March 10, 2012.

Eligible Applicants (from all campuses and units):

  • Students (both undergraduate and graduate)
  • Faculty
  • Staff
  • Departmental Unit
  • University-recognized student organizations
  • Organizations with a formal relationship with one of the following entities:
    • University of Tennessee Institute for Public Service
    • University of Tennessee Space Institute
    • University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture
    • University of Tennessee Alumni Association

Funding MAY NOT be used for any of the following activities or expenditures:

  • General operating expenses or overhead, including faculty salaries
  • Grants to benefit only one individual
  • Endowment funding
  • Interim or bridge funding

Grant Information

Grants will be awarded to the most innovative and deserving applicants as determined by the Alliance Executive Board. An attempt will be made to equally distribute grants among the various campuses and entities. However, there is no guarantee that a grant will be awarded to each campus or entity in any given year.

    • Grants range between $5,000 to $25,000 and are awarded annually. Recipients will have up to one year to use funds.
    • Projects/programs may be ongoing or a one-time event.
    • Applicants may submit ONE application per year.
    • The grant funds should be used as seed funding by providing support for projects that are new or introduce a measurable expansion of an existing program/project.

If you have questions regarding the grant process, please email us at alliance@tennessee.edu or call us at (865) 974-7544.