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 – Awards

Phase 2: Mental Health Expansion 
 
This priority is based on the increased need for mental health services in our community due to the pandemic. The goal of this phase is to support organizations attempting to reduce disparities in equitable access to high-quality mental health treatment. This is one time funding and should be used to boost efforts that will continue to positively affect our community into the future. We are looking for gap-filling projects with a plan for sustainability. 
 
Weighted priority will be given to organizations who have and/or can demonstrate a clear, intentional focus on addressing inequities in communities disproportionately affected by the pandemic (e.g. those living below the ALICE threshold, in Qualified Census Tracts, and other specific populations outlined in research). The Knox County State of Mental Health Report from the Mental Health Association of East Tennessee outlines several areas of need and inequities, including racial and cultural diversity of professionals and child psychiatry needs. You are also encouraged to reference other research backed recommendations. 
 
Priority will also be given to local providers with a clearly demonstrated connection to the community they serve; including lived experience of frontline and other staff, community input in programming, and/or ongoing community feedback. 

Organizations may make a request in any amount, but funds are limited. Organizations of all sizes are encouraged to apply. 

LOIs (letter of intent) are due by 11:59pm on 6/16/22.

LEARN MORE AND APPLY

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