Arconic Foundation awards $475,000 to East Tennessee nonprofits

The Arconic Foundation has awarded 15 grants totaling $475,000 to nonprofit organizations in Blount, Knox and Sevier counties to further education, environmental sustainability, and social equity programs throughout the region.

The Arconic Foundation invests in communities where Arconic has a presence, according to a Friday release from the foundation. Nonprofit partnerships are selected based on the Arconic Foundation’s funding priorities and local needs.

“We are thrilled to invest in programs through Arconic Foundation that support our mission, vision, and values,” said Chad Birge, Arconic Operations Plant Manager. “To name a few, this year’s grants will increase local recycling rates thanks to Keep Blount Beautiful; allow more folks access to Seven Islands State Birding Park through Tennessee State Parks; let students and teachers have class in the Great Smoky Mountains through Friends of the Smokies; and allow local families to become first-time homeowners through Foothills Community Development.”

The 2024 Arconic Foundation-funded grant programs include:

Alcoa City Schools: $25,000

Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Tennessee: $25,000

Blount County Education Foundation: $30,000

Boys and Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley: $25,000

Community Food Connection of Blount County: $25,000

East Tennessee Equality Council: $30,000

Foothills Community Development: $27,000

Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park: $25,000

Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont: $35,000

Harbours Gate: $25,000

Keep Blount Beautiful: $25,000

Richard Williams Jr. Leadership Development Academy: $15,000

Tennessee College of Applied Technology, Knoxville: $100,000

Tennessee State Parks Conservancy: $28,000

United Way of Blount County: $35,000