About
The Benwood Foundation is a private foundation focused on supporting shared prosperity in Chattanooga through strategic grant-making, collaborative problem-solving, and adaptive leadership. We partner with a number of entities – including nonprofits, other foundations, local government, community leaders, and businesses – to accomplish this work. Together, we leverage collective knowledge, creativity and resources for a greater impact than any of us can make alone.
Mission & Values
At the Benwood Foundation, we work toward a vision of making the Chattanooga community a truly great place:
Where commitment to both people and place creates new possibilities
Where the growth, vitality, and prosperity of Downtown directly translates to new opportunities for people in other parts of our City
Where all our children develop a sense of purpose and belief in a bright future.
Where all Chattanoogans have the opportunity and agency to improve their lives, reach their full potential and strengthen their communities
Our work is made possible through a generous gift from George Thomas Hunter. Mr. Hunter began working in 1904 as an apprentice in the Coca-Cola Bottling Company (Thomas) Inc., owned by his uncle, Ben Thomas. Hunter became president of the company when his uncle died in 1914 and led it through a period of enormous growth.
| Board of Trustees | Staff |
|---|---|
| Valoria Armstrong | Sarah Morgan, President smorgan@benwood.org |
| Charlie Brock | |
| Stephen Culp | Connie Perrin, Accounting & Grants Manager cperrin@benwood.org | Eric Fuller | Jeff Pfitzer, Program Officer jeff@benwood.org | [/cmsmasters_tr]
| Ken Jones | Marsha Orr, Administrative Assistant morr@benwood.org |
| Elaine Swafford | Lori Quillen, Program Officer lquillen@benwood.org |
| Todd Womack | |
While we do not accept unsolicited grant requests, we are eager to find long-term, strategic partners that work within our priority areas. Potential partners will be invited to submit a proposal. All proposals are reviewed at our quarterly Trustee meetings. For more information contact Marsha Orr at 423.267.4311 or morr@benwood.org.