The Athens Federal Foundation was established by Athens Bancshares Corporation, the holding company for Athens Federal Community Bank, and its shareholders as part of the Bank’s 2009 stock conversion. The Foundation was created to provide funding and support for charitable causes within the bank’s market (Bradley, McMinn, Meigs, Monroe and Polk counties). In conjunction with the initial stock offering, Athens Bancshares Corporation contributed $1,000,000.00 (one million dollars) of Athens Bancshares Corporation stock and $100,000.000 (one hundred thousand dollars) in cash to the Foundation.

The Foundation’s mission is to “support and fund community development via affordable housing, job training and programs that assist the economically disadvantaged. The Foundation will also consider requests for educational initiatives, health care programs and supportive human service programs as well as local cultural institutions for the purpose of broadening access to cultural and arts activities.”

2011 Athens Federal Foundation Grant Recipients

Boys and Girls Club of Monroe Area – awarded $5,000 to fund education programs in Monroe County
Bradley/Cleveland Public Education Foundation – awarded $2,500 to fund education programs in Cleveland and Bradley County
CASA – Corridor of East TN – awarded $4,000 to fund a program director salary in Athens
CASA – Monroe, Inc. – awarded $560 to fund an art project program in the Monroe County area
Cleveland 100 – awarded $2,500 to fund an appreciation event for volunteers
Coordinated Charities of Athens – awarded $4,000 to provide assistance to low income households in Athens and McMinn County
Etowah Rescue Squad – awarded $2,500 to purchase safety equipment
Etowah United Fund – awarded $2,500 to redistribute to participating organizations
Full Circle Women’s Services – awarded $5,000 toward a grant match goal for a new program
Grace and Mercy Ministries – awarded $4,000 to fund a meal delivery van
Habitat for Humanity of McMinn County – awarded $4,000 to provide assistance to low income households in Athens and McMinn County
H.O.P.E. Center Inc. – awarded $4,000 to fund a child abuse prevention program salary
Lift and Redemption Ministries (The Caring Place) – awarded $4,000 to fund a food assistance program in Bradley County
McMinn County Education & Community Foundation – awarded $2,500 to provide assistance for the Imagination Library program
Tennessee Wesleyan College – awarded $4,000 to provide assistance for the Center for Servant Leaders program
The Grace House in Athens – awarded $3,000 to purchase a sprinkler system for the shelter
Tri-County Center – awarded $4,000 to fund a group home renovation
Wesley Memorial Helping Hand – awarded $2,000 to provide assistance in stocking the food pantry

IMPORTANT LINKS:

Grant applications for the 2012 calendar year will be accepted from June 1, 2012 - August 1, 2012

Athens Federal Foundation Request for Proposals (RFP)

2012 Athens Federal Foundation Grant Application

For additional information about the Athens Federal Foundation or its grants for the 2012 calendar year,
contact Jeff Cunningham at 423-745-1111 or stop by any Athens Federal office. Visit www.athensfederal.com for locations.