As Chattanooga's public foundation, the mission focuses on working alongside numerous inspiring nonprofit organizations to serve and meet essential needs within the community. This involves creating a permanent fund through planned and current gifts from generous Chattanoogans to support community-led grants, care for the most vulnerable, and invest in systemic changes for greater opportunity for all neighbors. The foundation emphasizes addressing root causes and the systems that perpetuate inequity while also responding to the needs of vulnerable populations.
The Fund for Chattanooga, by the Community Foundation, aims to foster a community where every neighbor has access to necessary resources and opportunities to reach their full potential, irrespective of their starting point in life. Offering $16,500 unrestricted grants, the foundation focuses on nonprofit partners engaged in helping residents overcome difficult situations and achieve stability. Priority is given to organizations primarily dedicated to meeting basic human needs (such as food and financial assistance), creating access to living wage jobs, supporting affordable housing and shelter, enhancing mental wellbeing, and facilitating affordable healthcare access.