Our COVID-19 Response

United Way of Greater Knoxville has been chosen to distribute ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds from the City of Knoxville in order to support Knoxville’s response to and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds will be distributed through phases with priorities based on community need until the funds are depleted. 

Phase 1: Basic Needs 
 
This priority area focuses on supporting individuals who are experiencing financial insecurity exacerbated by the pandemic. The expiration of benefits associated with the pandemic (child tax credit, SNAP benefits, & child care subsidies) and rising costs have left individuals and families struggling to be self-sufficient. Applications in this priority area should focus on providing short-term support or services to individuals and families disproportionately affected by the pandemic to stabilize living conditions. 
 
The following basic needs will not be considered during this phase because of additional dollars already available in the community: 

• transportation 
• shelter services 

 
Weighted priority will be given to applicants considered small to medium sized organizations (up to $1 million in annual expenses) who have and/or can demonstrate a clear, intentional focus on addressing inequities in communities disproportionately affected by the pandemic. 
 
Organizations may request from $5,000-$20,000 for use in a 6 month period. We will be awarding grants of various sizes and encourage grants of all amounts in this range. Applications are due by 11:59pm on 3/23/22. 

APPLY NOW

If you are interested in receiving updates on our progress, including grant timeline announcements, please fill out the form below. This page will also be updated as information is available.  

United Way’s COVID-19 Impact Survey

Last year, United Way of Greater Knoxville held 9 granting rounds and distributed over $1 million in COVID-19 relief funds. Through the granting rounds:

• 48% of the funds went to small or medium organizations who might not typically be eligible for funding through UWGK 
• 23% of the funds went to BIPOC led (executive director) organizations 
• 45% of funds went to addressing emerging needs as defined by the receiving organization 

• 17% went to healthcare 
• 15% went to housing, rent/mortgage, or utility assistance

Phase 1 Grant Recipients 

Phase 2 Grant Recipients

Phase 3 Grant Recipients

Phase 4 Grant Recipients

Phase 5 Grant Recipients

Phase 6 Grant Recipients

Phase 7 Grant Recipients

Phase 8 Grant Recipients

Phase 9 Grant Recipients