Flexible Funding Grants

The goal of Flexible Funding grants is to add vibrancy to the other Buzz framework strategies and provide flexible funding so we can be more effective in achieving our vision. The two primary areas for funding are to support 1) Buzzer cross-pollination & collaboration and 2) vibrant neighborhoods as they relate to the Buzz framework.

BUZZER CROSS-POLLINATION GRANTS
Buzzers will creatively work together to extend their reach, innovate together and amplify their impact. If two or more Buzzers have an idea for collaboration, they can submit a request for funding here.

  • Applications must include two or more Buzzers to be eligible.

  • Awardees may receive up to $25,000 per year, per project.

  • Projects do NOT have to align with a specific Buzz strategy, but they should reflect the overall mission and commitments outlined on page 5 of the handbook.

  • External organizations can be included in the project.

  • Requestors must have a 501(c)(3) or fiscal sponsor.

    In 2025, 8 grants totaling $157,500 were awarded to Buzzers who collaborated on the following:

  • Returning Talent ReEntry Gala (Troy Rogers, Demetrus Coonrod)

  • Horton Keller Center: Young Men's Trauma Healing Groups (Donivan Brown, Dr. Ternae Jordan)

  • Urban Civic Studio: Power, Participation, People (Demetrus Coonrod, Troy Rogers, Ann Law)

  • NextLevel (Marco Perez and Reginald Smith)

  • Rooted: Creative Leadership Cohort & Retreat (Shane Morrow, Rondell Crier, Donna Williams)

  • Sankofa Chattanooga NextGen Civic Leadership Fellowship Studio (Lakweshia Ewing, Shane Morrow, James McKissic)

  • Trails Accessibility for Visually Impaired (Brenna Kelly and Mark McKnight)

  • Table For 3 (Kreneshia Whiteside-McGee, Ann Law, Donivan Brown)

VIBRANT NEIGHBORHOOD GRANTS
Neighborhoods will be activated and become more vibrant through arts, culture and greenspaces with an emphasis on nurturing community connections, health and wellness. If a Buzzer has referred you here because you have an idea that complements the Buzz framework, you can submit a request for funding here.

(Please note: Vibrant neighborhood grant requests have been temporarily paused, as they are meant to complement the work of the Buzz framework strategies and not for general grant requests. This grant opportunity will become available when the other Buzz strategies are farther along.)