Holston Foundation

09/07/2026

On Labor Day we give thanks for the many hands and feet across the connection that make ministry possible. 🤲👣

Ministry happens because people preach and teach, cook and serve, mentor and encourage, give generously, and faithfully show up.

Who is someone whose work has made a difference in your church or community? Tag them to say thank you. 👇♥️

09/05/2026

September is Hunger Action Month! 🤝🧡📢

In the Scenic South District, Brainerd United Methodist Church’s food pantry reported that they have “served 3,690 families, distributing approximately 13,000 pounds of food.”

👀 Wow — that’s nearly 15,000 people served!

The Holston Foundation has provided more than $124,000 in Emergency Food Insecurity Grants to 90 churches and ministries. Brainerd UMC is just one example. 🧡

We’re grateful for churches across Holston offering food, hope, and care to their neighbors. 🫰

Share this post to help raise awareness of hunger and to inspire others!

09/05/2026

✨ Summer may be over, but for many young adults, the experiences they had at Holston Camps or through college externships may become an important part of discerning where God is calling them next. 🤔🫶

For Anna Cooper, an Emory & Henry student and member of Church Street United Methodist Church, an externship opened doors to serve in local churches, build relationships, explore her gifts, and continue discerning God’s call.

Through partnerships like these, generosity becomes opportunity — and opportunity can help shape a lifetime of faithful ministry. ✨

Who opened a door for you along the way? Tag them below and thank them for making a difference. 👇♥️

08/31/2026

We honor the legacy of the Rev. Bob Bean, who did all the good he could.

Founding pastor of Emerald Youth Foundation and longtime Knoxville minister, Robert “Bob” Bean, passed away today, Thursday, Aug. 27. While we grieve the loss of such a faithful man and Christ-follower, we know he is rejoicing with his Savior face to face. Thank you, Rev. Bean, for your commitment to the Gospel and sharing it with countless children and adults. Your impact on our city and beyond is immeasurable.

Read more here: https://www.emeraldyouth.org/blog/a-life-well-given-remembering-pastor-bob-bean

08/26/2026

Faith, Generosity, & the Legacy of Dolly Parton: A reflection from the Holston Foundation president on Dolly Parton and what she taught us about faith, generosity, and legacy. Thank you, Dolly!

Faith, Generosity, & the Legacy of Dolly Parton By LeRae Edwards Collins, Holston Foundation president Today, I join millions around the world in mourning the loss of Dolly Parton. I have been a Dolly fan for as long as I can remember. Of course,

08/21/2026

Thanks to United Methodist News for sharing the grants made possible through generosity from the Holston Foundation!

Respite for dementia caretakers. Diapers for babies in low-income families. And lots of support for food ministries and summer camp for children. These are examples of needs that the Holston Foundation helped meet by awarding 75 ministry grants to churches and other groups that totaled $263,000.

https://www.holston.org/article/2026-foundation-grants-19942325

08/08/2026

Proud to support these students as they served throughout Holston this summer!

08/06/2026

We were proud to provide support for Camp in the Community along with Munsey Church to take camp to the mission field of Willow, Alaska!

07/17/2026

How do you embrace the mundane? The Rev. Jeff Wadley, Appalachian Trail Chaplain and Holston Foundation board member, shares advice from the trail.

The Rev. Jeff “Rocky Top” Wadley is in the midst of a 2,200-mile hike as Holston Conference’s 2026 Appalachian Trail chaplain. Along the way, he ...

07/16/2026

Proud to provide scholarships for Emory & Henry University students to study abroad, which included attending Discipleship Ministries Global Young People’s Convention.