Clinch-Powell, in partnership with The Nature Conservancy, is awarding up to $85,000 in Cumberland Forest Community Fund grants for nature-based projects to begin September 2026. Applications are open through June 19, 2026, with awards to be announced in August. The funds are open to public, private and nonprofit entities in Campbell, Claiborne, Grainger, Hancock, and Union counties whose projects meet eligibility criteria.

Eligible projects will demonstrate “triple bottom line outcomes” through tangible contributions to: (1) local economic development, (2) increased community capacity, and (3) enhanced environmental quality. Funds are limited, with $85,000 available for requests between $5,000-25,000 per application. Grantees will have 12 months to implement the project, with all projects expected to be complete by August 2027.

Funding is provided by The Nature Conservancy and the program is administered in Tennessee by Clinch-Powell, an East Tennessee based not-for-profit organization with 37 years invested in building strong communities, caring for people, and protecting natural resources.

Visit Clinch-Powell’s website at https://clinchpowell.net/conservation/ for the application and more information. Applications will close June 19, 2026 at 11:59pm ET.