Pat Summitt Foundation awards $200k to nonprofits to continue the Lady Vols coach's work

The Pat Summitt Foundation, a fund of the East Tennessee Foundation, has awarded $200,000 in grant funding to nonprofits across the state.

Grants given by the Pat Summitt Foundation provide resources to "programs or services at nonprofit organizations serving those with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia as well as their caregivers," according to a news release from the foundation.

Since the foundation's inception in 2011, it has provided $5.8 million worth of funding to further its mission "to advance research for treatment and a cure, provide care and support for patients and caregivers, and educate the public about Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia."

“Coach Summitt made it her mission to help those battling Alzheimer’s disease and dementia," director of strategic initiatives and advancement for the Pat Summitt Foundation Morgan Vance said in the release. "The Pat Summitt Foundation is proud to continue her work by providing programmatic support and funds that will help get resources into the hands of those who need them the most.”

2024 Pat Summitt Foundation Grant Recipients

The following nonprofits were awarded grants for programming that directly benefit a patient with Alzheimer's disease or dementia, or a caregiver, Vance told Knox News.

• Alzheimer's Association: The Alzheimer's Association will use funding to bolster its work with faith-based communities across the state through Purple Sunday Awareness programs and educational workshops.

• Alzheimer's Tennessee, Inc.: Alzheimer's Tennessee, Inc. will use its funding to support its Heart Sing! Chorus, "the only chorus in Tennessee for people with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers."

• Concord United Methodist Church: The church will put funding toward Concord Adult Day Enrichment Services, a program for aging adults in East Tennessee who are unable to stay home alone as a result of Alzheimer's disease or other challenges.

• Family Affair Ministries: Funding will serve its Transformation to Restoration program, which works to increase awareness of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, and to serve families in Davidson and Wilson counties who need assistance securing related resources.

• First United Methodist Church - Oak Ridge: Grant support will go toward the church's Keystone Adult Day Program and its scholarship fund. The program provides care for those in East Tennessee with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias and in turn provides respite for caregivers.

• Memory Makers of the Midsouth: This group's grant funding will bolster its Memory Café program in Shelby County. The program offers opportunities for social engagement, support and education in neighborhoods where poverty or lack of transportation might typically make it more challenging to access dementia resources.

• Mindful Care Adult Day Services: This Rutherford County program provides daytime care for adults age 45 and over with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias who still live at home. Mindful Care aims to foster independence, self-esteem, individuality and dignity for the folks who participate.

• Monroe County Senior Citizens and Friends: This nonprofit, which also serves Blount, Loudon and McMinn counties, plans to use grant funding for its Redefining Memory project. The project focuses on education, as well as support for caregiving families.

• Our Place Company: Our Place provides patient and caregiver support in Blount, Knox, McMinn, Monroe and Roane Counties and will use funding to enhance outreach and education through Zinnia TV.

• Page-Robbins Adult Day Center: This nonprofit provides daytime activities for those with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias in Fayette and Shelby Counties. While participants are at the center, caregivers have an opportunity for respite and support.

• Shangri-La Therapeutic Academy of Riding: Funding for the academy will support its Reflections Program, which provides a farm experience for those living with Alzheimer's disease in Anderson, Blount, Knox, Loudon, Monroe, Roane and Sevier Counties.

• Uplands Village: Uplands Village will use funding for a garden renovation that will allow residents with cognitive disorders to enjoy the outdoors year-round. Uplands Village serves Cumberland, Putnam and White Counties.

• We Remember You: This Rutherford County group provides resources, education and support to caregivers and professionals.

• West Tennessee Healthcare Foundation: The foundation plans to use funding for education activities for the families of those living with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. West Tennessee Healthcare Foundation will offer these activities at the Alzheimer's Dementia Caregiver and Patient Resource Center.

Hayden Dunbar is the storyteller reporter. Email hayden.dunbar@knoxnews.com.

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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Pat Summitt Foundation awards $200k to continue Tennessee coach's work