From Julie’s Desk…

Our 15th Anniversary Year has launched with a blast—thankfully not the Arctic kind we’ve all been experiencing recently! As we celebrate this milestone, we are truly “saving a seat at our table for you” and actively seeking luncheon sponsorships.

If you are reading this, we hope you have already made plans to join us on Thursday, March 26.

We have an exciting day planned—from our dynamic keynote speaker, Dr. Marianne Wanamaker, to featured highlights from each of our first 15 years, the announcement of new grantees, a fabulous menu from The Press Room, and much more. We are thrilled to celebrate our 15 years of impact with You!

We also recently wrapped up our annual, free Tax-Wise Giving Seminar. If you were unable to attend and would like additional information, please don’t hesitate to reach out—we would be happy to connect. In addition, we are hosting small, in-home gatherings designed to share more about the unique work of the Women’s Fund and the success of our networking efforts. If you are interested in hosting a few friends in your home, we’ll take care of everything—from e-invitations to logistics. It’s a meaningful and enjoyable way to learn more about serving our community, whether in the evening or on a weekend.

Finally, as we prepare to reopen new cycles of both the Self-Sustainability and Strong Women Strong Futures grant programs in the first half of the year, we remain committed to continually evaluating best practices in grantmaking and capacity-building alongside our grantee partners. This work strengthens our region-wide focus on addressing the barriers that prevent low-income women, girls, and their families from achieving financial independence. Our collaborative approach—working in alignment with other nonprofits through our granting channels—remains a defining and powerful part of the Women’s Fund story, and a true catalyst for empowering change in East Tennessee.

Thank you for your continued support, which makes this critical work possible.

Julie Sharpe, Executive Director, julie@wfet.org

Archives

Related Recent News

Turning Advocacy Into Action With Savanna’s Law

A major milestone for Tennessee took effect on January 1, 2026, with the implementation of Savanna’s Law. This new legislation makes Tennessee the first state in the nation to establish a registry for persistent domestic violence offenders, an important step toward...

read more

Building Sustainable Futures Through Education

One clear objective of the Women’s Fund of East Tennessee is advancing post-secondary education as a powerful pathway to self-sustainability. Education beyond high school opens doors to economic security, leadership, and long-term stability for women and girls,...

read more

Grantee Spotlight: East Tennessee Artscapes

Recognized as a 2024 Sustainability Grant Recipient, East Tennessee Artscapes is weaving creativity and community together in Cocke County. We connected with Project Director Shanon Kelley to explore their work more deeply. Women’s Fund: Shanon, East Tennessee...

read more