Our History
Since its inception, the Women’s Fund of East Tennessee (WFET) has been a catalyst for lasting change, working to break down barriers that prevent low-income women and girls from achieving self-sufficiency through education and opportunity. What began in 2010 as a vision led by a small group of determined women has evolved into a powerful force for regional impact. Rooted in advocacy, strategic philanthropy, and collaboration, WFET has become a trusted leader across East Tennessee’s 25 counties—funding innovative programs, launching community partnerships, and championing long-term solutions that uplift and empower. With an unwavering focus on equity and a growing Endowment, the Fund continues to drive meaningful progress for generations to come.
Milestones of Impact
Founding Task Force Formed (2010)
In 2010, Carol Transou chaired the first Task Force (that included the other four founders) to develop a Women’s Fund for East Tennessee (WFET) focused on low-income women and girls.
Incorporation and Endowment Launch (2011)
In February of 2011, the Women’s Fund of East Tennessee became an incorporated fund of the East Tennessee Foundation (ETF) with its own Advisory Board; 65 women joined as Lifetime Founders to help fund a $2 million Endowment from which grant-making commenced to fuel the mission.
Becomes Independent 501(c)(3) (2015)
In October of 2015, the WFET became a 501(c)3 public, non-profit, and supporting organization of the ETF, focused on growing the Endowment, advocacy and growing awareness in all 25 counties of our service area.
Statewide Recognition and Advocacy Forum (2015)
In November of 2015, Governor Haslam endorsed the WFET’s work at the first “Stop the Violence” forum to help educate philanthropists and bring about collaboration with agencies, city and county government leaders, and the TBI/FBI.
Named Foundation of the Year (2015)
Also in November of 2015, the WFET was named “Foundation of the Year” by the region’s Association of Fundraising Professionals for its collaborative efforts to help first-generation college-bound women attain financial self-sustainability.
Selected by UT Leadership Scholars (2016)
In 2016, the WFET was chosen as one of three charities by the UT Leadership Scholars for a two-year research and vetting program based on best practices in grant-making and network development.
UT Communications Study and Branding (2017)
In February of 2017, the WFET is chosen by the UT Communications Graduates for a study in non-profit community benefit, allowing for new opportunities in branding and awareness.
National Spotlight from HSN (2017)
In May of 2017, the WFET is named by the internationally televised Home Shopping Network as one of their “30 Days of Caring" $1000 Award Winners and featured on their network for their work to advance self-sustainability through education.
Launch of Strong Women Strong Futures (2018)
In 2018, the WFET narrows its focus and commits funding to launch the Strong Women Strong Futures Network to align with selected agencies in our 25 county service area to collaborate on barriers preventing low-income women and girls from pursuing post-secondary education or career training.
PBS “Be More” Award Recipient (2018)
In August of 2018, the WFET is recognized as one of PBS’s twelve (12) “BE MORE” Award Winners sponsored by Home Federal Bank.
Gold Seal of Transparency from Candid (2022)
In 2022, the WFET is awarded Candid’s “Gold Seal of Transparency,” a high-level recognition awarded to non-profit organizations that demonstrate a strong commitment to transparency and accountability.
Endowment Grows and New Fund Established (2024)
In 2024, the WFET Endowment tops $4.5 million, and a secondary grant channel aptly named the Self-Sustainability Fund, is launched and aimed at granting nonprofits necessary dollars for programming, service, and emergency needs that align with our mission.
How We Got Here
In late 2015, the Women’s Fund of East Tennessee (WFET) conducted an evaluation of its grant making and reached the conclusion that the WFET could be more strategic with its philanthropic investments by:
1) Sharpening its focus
2) Finding a niche within a specific area of need
3) Building a network of agencies working to address that need.
After conducting a series of focus groups in 25 counties, the WFET found that a major barrier to post-secondary education in the region is a cultural and familial attitude discouraging women and girls from furthering their education beyond high school.
Consequently, the WFET made a long-term commitment to focus on this issue.
Outcomes
We believe that this investment will produce the following outcomes:
– A higher number of young women entering post-secondary education in communities served by the WFET
– Coordination of resources and communications among network organizations
– Lessons that can and will be shared
– Attention to public policy for women and girls around education in Tennessee
– Determine goals and activities for the next phase of work