TVA Cares Community Program Grants

TVA Cares Community Program Grants is sponsored by Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and Athens Electric. TVA Cares provides funding to nonprofits in the TVA service area, with a focus on education, particularly STEM-related activities. An example award shows support for a FIRST LEGO League Challenge Robotics Team.

TVA Cares energizes area nonprofits with $46,000 in community program grants | Athens The News Courier You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser or activate Google Chrome Frame to improve your experience.

TVA Cares energizes area nonprofits with $46,000 in community program grants Published 7:00 am Saturday, August 8, 2026 TVA Cares & Athens Utilities present checks for local programs: Pictured from left are Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks, Athens Utilities Manager Blair Davis, city council members Amy Golden, Dana Henry and James Lucas, Athens Electric Manager Hunter Allen, and Scott Jackson and April Davis with the Athens Fire & Rescue Auxiliary — one of several recipients of recent TVA Cares program grants.

| Photo: City of Athens Local officials say that a Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) funding program originally begun during the COVID-19 pandemic is having an energizing effect on community outreach projects across Limestone County. Launched by TVA and supported by Athens Electric, the TVA Cares program aims to support area nonprofit organizations for projects and initiatives that meet TVA’s funding priorities.

TVA allocates an amount of annual funding for each local power company’s service area, which is further matched by the local power company. This week, TVA and Athens Electric announced the awarding of $46,000 in TVA Cares funding to Limestone County nonprofits. TVA’s listed priorities this year include: Education, in particular STEM related activities.

Workforce development/training. Environment/community stewardship. Disaster relief/emergency response.

“We have many organizations that work in Athens and Limestone to help our community, and Athens Electric is honored to assist their efforts,” said Athens Utilities Manager Blair Davis. A sampling of awarded local projects includes a Limestone County program to help underinsured residents get the medicine they need; another will fund homemade meals for area senior citizens.

Local students also will be able to explore the arts, robotics, reading, career and life skills while having an opportunity to earn scholarships and obtain laptops to continue their education. Other projects will combat litter, provide outdoor space and help children who are grieving or those who need nutritional assistance. Officials presented checks to TVA Cares recipients on Wednesday, August 5, at Athens City Hall.

Below is a summary of funding awards that went to local organizations and their programs: Athens Arts League — $1,841 for STEAM projects that utilize the arts to teach math and science as well as incorporate problem solving, teamwork and career learning. Athens City Schools Foundation — $2,500 to provide classroom grants to teachers who have STEM projects, such as technology integration, coding, programming and critical thinking.

Athens Fire & Rescue Auxiliary — $3,200 to teach children about budgeting by shopping with them for necessities (hygiene items, clothing) along with “wants” through its Shop with a Firefighter Christmas program.

Athens Limestone Community Association — $2,700 to create a “Legacy Porch” outdoor gathering space around a historic oak tree at Trinity-Fort Henderson to give the public a place to rest and enjoy the outdoors while visiting and learning about the site. Athens-Limestone County Family Resource Center — $2,750 to support its Dolly Parton Imagination Library for birth to 5 years in order to encourage family literacy and learning.

Athens-Limestone Hospital Foundation — $3,500 to support its Patient Assistance Program to provide needed prescriptions and medical items for those who lack insurance or are underinsured. Boys and Girls Club of Athens — $3,179 to support the all-girls FIRST LEGO League Challenge Robotics Team by purchasing a 6th-8th grade kit.

Calhoun Community College Foundation — $9,580 to fund two scholarships for those in the utility linemen program. Community Table of Athens — $2,000 to create children’s bags packed and filled with high-nutrition items above and beyond what parents in need receive, and to include educational information about the importance of nutrition and ways to snack healthy.

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