Thrive Announces Recipients of Civic Experiment Grants

Selected from a competitive field of 85 applications from 14 counties in the tri-state, Civic Experiment grant recipients will bring people together for civic engagement and community-led action.

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Communities grow stronger when people have meaningful ways to come together, share ideas, and build momentum. Thrive Regional Partnership (Thrive), with support from the Trust for Civic Life, is proud to announce the recipients of the Civic Experiments grant program, a funding initiative designed to support civic engagement by helping local groups and grassroots projects spark connection, collaboration, and problem solving across the tri-state greater Chattanooga region.

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Thrive received 85 applications from organizations in 14 counties in the tri-state region for Civic Experiment grants, totaling $1,280,499 in funding requests. Following a competitive review process, Thrive  will distribute the available $90,000 among the selected recipients listed below. Awarded grants range from $6,000 to $16,500 over 6 months.

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This grant program was built for neighbors who recognize civic potential in their communities, from streets to parks to gathering places and shared experiences. Civic Experiment grants are designed to support communities that are ready to explore how small ideas can create powerful momentum for belonging and collective action.

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2026 Civic Experiment Grant Recipients

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‍“Creative Spark” – Arts & Entertainment District Activation Series

Led by: City of Cleveland, Tennessee

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As Cleveland, TN launches a master planning process for its emerging Arts & Entertainment District, the “Creative Spark” initiative will activate vacant and underutilized spaces through immersive civic experiments designed to shape that vision in real time. In partnership with local artists and Understory Exp, this project will transform overlooked sites into temporary “civic living rooms” featuring art installations, performances, and facilitated community dialogue.

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‍Community Coffee & Conversations

Led by: Dade County Board of Commissioners

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Dade County’s Community Coffee and Conversations program is designed to strengthen civic engagement and build stronger connections between residents and local government. By creating open dialogue and encouraging participation from a broad cross-section of the community, the initiative promotes transparency, strengthens trust, and fosters a stronger sense of shared purpose across Dade County.

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‍The Summer of IMPACT

Led by: IMPACT Learning Center

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The Summer of Impact will offer student-led education for community members of all ages in Jackson County, Alabama. From creative writing, to crafting, and more, the program will encourage intergenerational friendships and activities.

‍Whitwell Mountain Community Event Series

Led by: Miners Memorial Park

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The Whitwell Mountain Community Event Series takes place across three culturally significant landscapes this September and October and is strategically designed to unite, inspire, and empower a generationally underserved hometown. The public is invited to join the community in honoring the cherished mountain’s past while intentionally building its healthy future at these upcoming festivities.

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‍National Park City Seed Drive

Led by: Friends of Outdoor Chattanooga

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Chattanooga National Park City will use their funding to implement bold ideas, big or small, that bring the community together and improve quality of life in the city. These ideas, or Seeds, are place-based, actionable, and repeatable projects that require collaboration; they don't have to start big but the best ones grow into something the whole city can share.

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‍Chattanooga Valley Community Action Plan: A Civic Experiment in Rural Connection and Community-Led Revitalization

Led by: Northwest Georgia Regional Commission

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Through Thrive Regional Partnership’s Civic Experiments grant program, the Northwest Georgia Regional Commission and Trust for Public Land are leading a community-driven action plan for Chattanooga Valley focused on strengthening local economies, protecting rural landscapes, and expanding outdoor recreation access. The initiative brings residents, local leaders, and regional partners together to shape implementation-ready projects that build civic connection and create long-term community benefits. Photo Credit: Northwest Georgia Regional Commission

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‍Rotary on the River Family Fun Summer Series

Led by: South Pittsburg Rotary Foundation

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“Rotary on the River” is designed to engage residents across Marion County in fun family-oriented events. Events such as line dancing lessons, live music or trivia nights will offer a wide range of opportunities that bring people together and celebrate the home town spirit of Marion County.

Remembering the Path, Reclaiming the Future: Cherokee Removal Commemoration in the Sequatchie Valley

Led by: Sequatchie County Chamber of Commerce's THRIVE Sequatchie Initiative

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Set against the historic backdrop of the Dunlap Coke Ovens Historic Site, the location where the Cherokee spent the night on the Trail of Tears, this two-day Pow Wow and Gathering in November will bring together tribal members, dancers, drummers, artisans, and visitors from across the region to commemorate the enduring spirit of those who traveled the Trail of Tears. More than a festival, this gathering serves as a time of remembrance, education, and unity.

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