Speedway Children's Charities is dedicated to helping our next generation exceed expectations and ensure every child has the same opportunities, no matter the obstacles they face. Our organization is dedicated to caring for children to help them lead productive lives. Through our various events, activities and campaigns, we strive to raise funds and provide grants to nonprofit children's organizations in the in northeast Tennessee and southwest Virginia. In 2024, SCC Bristol distributed over $1,000,000 to 83 local organizations.

Eligibility

You are eligible to apply for funding from the Bristol Chapter of Speedway Children's Charities if you are an existing 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity whose primary focus is children in our 18 county service area. Priority consideration will be given to organizations helping the homeless, orphan and foster population, and victims of human trafficking. Below are the pillars we focus on during the grant process:

  • Critical: victims of sex trafficking, homeless, orphans, foster population, food security
  • Medical: illness, dental, disability, therapy
  • Educational: tutoring, literacy, after school programs

All applications will receive consideration, and all eligible organizations are encouraged to apply. We serve the counties of Carter, Greene, Hamblen, Hancock, Hawkins, Johnson, Sullivan, Unicoi and Washington in Tennessee and Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington and Wise in Virginia.

The Speedway Children’s Charities grant does not fund capital projects or funding for operation costs.

2025 Grant Cycle

January - June: Our 2025 SCC Bristol Grant Application period will open in March 2024 and close June 13th at midnight. Eligible organizations must complete an online application to be considered for a SCC Bristol grant. Organizations whose applications are accepted will be contacted and asked to submit additional information for the second-round of the application. Only organizations that complete both phases of the application process on time will be considered for funding. If you miss a deadline, we will be unable to accept your application.

June - August: Applications selected for the second-round review will be notified by the 3rd week of June. Only organizations that complete both phases of the application process will be considered for funding. Once your organization is accepted into round 2, SCC will request specific detailed documentation on your organization. You will have until August 1 to submit further documentation. An organization must submit its paperwork on time to progress in the grant process.

August - October: If your organization is selected to move forward into round 2 and all required documentation is submitted on time, an SCC Trustee will visit your nonprofit in person to conduct a site visit and thorough interview of your organization.

November: By the first full week of November, or sooner, each approved organization will be contacted with an invite to our Annual Night of Smiles Grant Ceremony in mid-November. Each approved organization is required to attend the celebration. You must send an organization representative to the Night of Smiles to receive funding.

If you have any questions regarding the 2025 grant cycle, please email Betsy Holleman at [email protected].

Volunteering

While it is not mandated that every grant applicant volunteer for a Speedway Children's Charities event, it is highly encouraged. The Board of Trustees feels it is essential for our grant partners to support our mission by volunteering with SCC during the 2025 calendar year.

We love supporting our community and look forward to reviewing the excellent work you all are doing in our community!