The Benwood Foundation aims to support shared prosperity in Chattanooga through strategic grant-making, collaborative problem-solving, and adaptive leadership. It focuses on leveraging partnerships across nonprofits, foundations, government, community leaders, and businesses to amplify collective impact, fostering the city’s development into a thriving, inclusive community where more residents can enjoy and contribute to its growing prosperity.
The grant program seeks long-term, strategic partnerships with organizations operating within its priority areas, rather than accepting unsolicited grant requests. Invited proposals are reviewed quarterly. Its broad goals include sustaining Chattanooga's urban vitality, supporting equitable education, creating pathways for upward mobility, fostering leadership and community engagement, and enhancing culture and belonging. These focus areas are aimed at making Chattanooga a thriving city with inclusive growth, equitable education systems, high-wage career opportunities, diverse community leadership, and strong cultural amenities that ensure all residents feel a sense of place and belonging.