Giving Relief to Arts & Culture in Emergencies

Emergency support for artists when it matters most

The GRACE Fund provides rapid, confidential financial assistance to artists and arts workers in Greater Knoxville facing urgent hardship, helping them stay housed, stable, and working.

When artists hit a financial crisis, there’s often nowhere else to turn.

The GRACE Fund exists to fill that gap by providing direct support for essential needs like:

• Rent and housing stability
• Utilities
• Medical expenses
• Other urgent, basic costs

Grants of up to $2,000 are awarded to eligible applicants, with decisions typically made quickly so support arrives when it’s actually needed.

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Who Can Apply?

Any individual resident of Greater Knoxville who has worked or participated in the local arts and culture community, regardless of the income derived from that work, for at least two of the last five years (professionally or vocationally) in the local arts and culture community is eligible to apply for up to $2,000 at one time from the program.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and an individual may submit a GRACE application once every six months. Average response time is within two weeks of application submission. Please call (865) 523-7543 with any questions.

Applications and documentation of need can be submitted via email to info@knoxalliance.com or mailed to: Arts & Culture Alliance, ATTN: GRACE Fund, PO Box 2506, Knoxville, TN 37901

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Support the GRACE Fund

Your 100% tax-deductible gift goes directly to artists in crisis.

• 100% of donations support eligible recipients
• Funds cannot be earmarked for individuals
• Every contribution helps stabilize someone’s life and career

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Recent Impact

In November 2025, during the federal government shutdown, many local artists unexpectedly lost access to SNAP benefits. The GRACE Fund responded by providing $250 Kroger gift cards to help cover essential food costs, offering immediate relief during a period of sudden financial instability.

Thank you for supporting your neighbors in the local arts community!