Donors Ourselves

by Mike McClamroch, East Tennessee Foundation

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As the East Tennessee Foundation (ETF) continues to take advantage of opportunities to enrich lives in our region, wouldn’t it be wonderful to foresee the future? Perhaps a crystal ball would allow us to magically view what better or different roles we can play to strengthen communities across East Tennessee. But don’t we already know much of what will be needed? The expertise of ETF staff and the community leadership of board members provide us with an insight into opportunities, while past successes offer models for the future. Endowed funds lend a sense of security that resources will be available as we go forth to meet future challenges.

ETF acts as a bridge between traditional philanthropy and more cutting-edge charitable giving that focuses on present and future sustainability. Our philanthropy promotes a strong sense of community and environmental responsibility, which in turn fosters a balance of economic prosperity and environmental well-being. A sustainable future involves creating prosperous, inclusive and sustainable communities. Sustainable communities are safe places where people want to live and work. Such communities meet the diverse needs of residents, demonstrate sensitivity to their environment and are concerned with a higher quality of life for their citizens.