On Nov. 12, Sewanee students participating in the philanthropy internship program at the University, announced $30,000 in grants to local organizations: Beersheba Springs Medical Clinic, Folks @ Home, Growing Roots, Isaiah 117 House, Monteagle Elementary School, Mountain T.O.P. the Town of Tracy City, and Tracy City Elementary. Projects supported by the grants met needs for transportation, medical care, housing, education, and public safety.

Students participating in the program were Madison Spann of Dickson, Tenn.; Christopher Le of Hanoi, Vietnam; Clara Rominger of Birmingham, Ala.; and Becket Bowz, of Los Angeles, Calif.; and Lucy Cheney, of Atlanta, Ga.

Alexander Gibson, executive director of Appalshop, an iconic arts and community development institution in Whitesburg, Ky., gave the keynote address, telling the audience that philanthropy was institutionalized kindness and critical work in a time when society is increasingly divided.

The philanthropy internship program is an innovative collaboration between the University of the South and the South Cumberland Community Fund (SCCF), now in its 10th year of working hand in hand with partners on the Plateau to improve the quality of life for all. Students at the University shadow SCCF’s grant-making process in the spring and then do their own grant round in the fall. Along the way, they learn about theories of philanthropy—especially the growing importance of community-based philanthropy—and learn to evaluate grant proposals.

This year’s philanthropy internship took place as part of Sewanee’s first-year program, and was offered on an accelerated schedule.

Mountain T.O.P.: $5,000

This grant provides personnel support needed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As an anchor institution that provides housing improvements to many on the Plateau, Mountain T.O.P.’s operating budget has been stretched, and this grant will help the organization continue its vital mission.

Isaiah 117 House Coffee/Franklin/Grundy Counties: $3,039

This grant provides for operational start-up funding. The organization has broad support on the Plateau as it seeks to provide suitable accommodations for children who are transitioning to foster care.

Beersheba Springs Medical Clinic: $3,250

This grant supports a renovation in the Clinic to accommodate prescription drug storage. This project will have a significant impact on the ability of Beersheba Springs Medical Clinic to provide much needed prescription medicines to patients.

Growing Roots: $5,000

This grant provides implementation of water and power sources for two community garden spaces managed by the organization. Growing Roots is a vibrant new community partner that provides innovative opportunities for meaningful wellness engagement while simultaneously lowering barriers for access to healthy food.

Tracy City Elementary School: $4,946

This grant allows TCE to create a music classroom that recognizes the influence of the local Appalachian heritage, accessible to all students. The new space will support the passion and enthusiasm of TCE staff to provide important music education to students.

Town of Tracy City: $4,600

This grant supports new street signage for the Town’s ambitious placemaking efforts which will direct visitors’ attention to important community assets.

Monteagle Elementary School: $2,350

This grant allows the installation of water bottle filling stations, supporting the school’s efforts to provide a safe learning environment while addressing students’ basic need for easy access to safe drinking water.

Folks at Home: $1,815

This grant supports continued funding of the Folks at Home “Essential Medical Transportation” initiative established during the pandemic, and follows a similar grant awarded during the SCCF 2021 spring grants cycle. These grants ensure that at-risk members of the community have safe access to transportation for medical care and other basic needs.