General
Civic Experiment Grant Program
Civic experiments turn conversation into community-led action.
The Civic Experiment Grant Program supports local residents and grassroots projects that spark connection, collaboration, and problem solving across the tri-state greater Chattanooga region.
Administered by Thrive Regional Partnership with support from the Trust for Civic Life, these grants range from $1,000-$20,000 and are meant to help communities test new ideas and potential in their streets, parks, gathering places, and shared experiences.
Timeline
February 23, 2026: Virtual information session. Register here.
March 31, 2026: Application deadline
April 30, 2026: Award decisions finalized
May 2026: Awards distributed and orientation
June-November 2026: Implementation
October 7-9, 2026: Grantee Showcase at the 2026 Tri-State Summit
December 2026: Celebration and reporting
To prepare for the application:
The application includes short answer questions about project vision, goals, and budget. You will also be asked to provide supporting materials such as a list of your organization's board of trustees and the contact information of the fiscal sponsor of your project. To prepare, you can find a view-only version of the application questions here.
Discover your community's potential. Apply today to test a civic experiment where you live!
Photo: Greater Dalton Chamber of Commerce
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Civic experiments are locally led projects that bring neighbors together for civic dialogue, shared learning, and collaborative problem-solving. These projects do not have to be large or complex, and, ideally, they strengthen belonging by making connections to the nature treasures, built environment, and culture of a community.
Civic Experiments bring residents together for civic dialogue, shared learning, and collaborative problem-solving, offering many benefits along the way.
- Increased civic opportunities. Residents gain new ways to connect in ways that are relevant, meaningful, and enjoyable, such as downtown events, festivals, or community gardens.
- Increased civic participation. More people get involved, including residents who are not always invited into community life. Participation becomes more consistent and more representative. Examples include volunteer trail associations, community centers providing programs, and civic leadership training.
- Solving problems together. Neighbors unite around a shared challenge and make measurable progress within a year, even when viewpoints or backgrounds differ.
Eligible applicants include organizations with a valid IRS determination letter confirming their 501(c)(3) status, Native American tribal agencies, public institutions, religious organizations, and projects with an approved fiscal sponsor. Individuals with project ideas may also be eligible by partnering with one of these entities to carry out a project under the organization’s umbrella.
Our Partners Include
Our Partners Include
Project Partners
Thrive Regional Partnership inspires responsible growth through conversation, connection, and collaboration across southeast Tennessee, northwest Georgia, and northeast Alabama.
The Trust for Civic Life invests in local efforts that help people connect and create their community's future together, ultimately reshaping civic life.
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