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The Generosity Trust

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The Generosity Trust

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Empowering Christian Giving

10/27/2026

We have a new team member!

Chris Gregory recently joined us as Engagement Officer on the Community Outreach Team. Chris connects with donors, helping to find solutions that address giving needs, and also connects with nonprofits in community events.

Chris shares about his journey to TGT:

“Henry Henegar (retired from TGT) was one of the first people I met when my family moved to Chattanooga. As I got to know Henry, he shared about his role at The Generosity Trust and its role in Chattanooga. I thought, ‘You have the coolest job in the world, encouraging generosity in individuals, families, and the community.’ We opened our TGT fund in 2017 and have enjoyed being a part of this community ever since. Growing up, my parents encouraged us to tithe to our local church, but also took us along as they volunteered at different organizations throughout the community. We have strived to pass this spirit of generosity along to our kids.”

Chris is married to Jodi and they have 3 kids: Katie, Ian & Maggie

He enjoys climbing, playing & watching soccer, and fly fishing.

Are you considering a DAF, or do you want information on how to use the one you have? Message us to get in touch!

10/22/2026

The end of the year will be here before we know it.

If you want your giving to feel thoughtful instead of rushed, now is a great time to plan! A Donor-Advised Fund lets you set aside your gifts today and recommend grants to your church and favorite ministries on your own timeline. Our Giving Fund has no fee and no minimum. Visit https://www.thegenerositytrust.org/donor-advised/ to learn more!

10/20/2026

Jim Barber, President of The Generosity Trust, recently announced an upcoming leadership transition.

Jim shares these heartfelt words:

This transition reminds me of a very necessary principle in estate design. We all must realize we are stewards, not owners. I was handed the keys to The Generosity Trust 26 years ago as a steward. Now it's time to find that next steward. As in estate design, we can't take it with us. We must carefully and prayerfully select and train that next steward. In estate design, we use the language "Is the next steward chosen and prepared?". The same principle applies to TGT. And finding and selecting and training and preparing that next steward takes time.

Click here to read the announcement: https://www.thegenerositytrust.org/the-generosity-trust-announces-leadership-transition-plan/

We are grateful for the growth The Generosity Trust has experienced under Jim's 26 years of leadership!

10/15/2026

Sixty years ago, Dora Maclellan Brown, daughter of Thomas Maclellan, one of the founders of Provident Life & Accident Insurance Company (now Unum), made a decision that would outlast her: rather than leaving her estate as a one-time gift, she established an endowment so her generosity could compound for generations.

That is now The Generosity Trust, a foundation that has helped grant more than $400 million to charities and churches nationwide, still guided by Aunt Dora's original vision.

Read our founder's story: thegenerositytrust.org/history

10/06/2026

The Great Commission is global. Your giving can be too.

Earlier this year, we hosted a webinar with TrustBridge Global to talk about why global generosity matters and how you can expand your giving horizon internationally.

TGT board member, Betsy Brown, and Director of Strategic Relationships at TrustBridge Global, Jamison Griffin, discuss our partnership and provide insight into the landscape of international giving.

Through our partnership with Trustbridge we are able to help send your donation across the world!

To learn more and watch the webinar, visit https://www.thegenerositytrust.org/trustbridge-global/

10/01/2026

What have you gained by doing business?

In our latest blog, we share the story of the Paden family and The Grandview Foundation, a Chattanooga family whose giving has strengthened the community and kept them close for generations. Carter Jr. and Janet made it a priority to glorify God's name, and today their four children carry that vision forward, filtering every grant through the wisdom and joy passed down to them.

Here is a little of what stood out to us:

- A family that gives together, and stays together
- Grant decisions guided by the heart and vision of Carter and Janet
- A Donor Advised Fund at TGT that helps the Foundation steward its giving well
- A reminder that we are all entrusted with time, energy, creativity, and love to put to good use

A DAF can be a great way for any family to make an impact and keep the family together. Curious how one might work for yours? Send us a message, and we would love to connect!

Read the full story here: https://www.thegenerositytrust.org/what-have-you-gained-by-doing-business/

09/24/2026

Collaborative giving is one of the most effective, and often overlooked, tools in community philanthropy.

At The Generosity Trust, we host four Giving Circles where members pool resources and make joint decisions about where funding will have the greatest local impact. It's a simple structure with an outsized result: more eyes on real community needs, and more dollars moving toward solutions.

What is coming up soon in our Giving Circles?
- Sharing God's Goodness Celebration at the Hunter featuring guest Rodney Bullard.
- Unidos Giving Circle membership meeting to award grants to local organizations serving the Latino community.
- Stepping into Generosity Women's Giving Circle members are nominating nonprofits for a potential grant.
- Young Givers just met to award $5,000 to one organization, and they will be meeting for coffee and volunteering together before the end of the year.

Curious to know if there is a good fit for you?

Learn about our Giving Circles: thegenerositytrust.org/local-initiatives

09/22/2026

This month in our Community Spotlight, we are excited to share about local organizations working in the addiction and recovery space.

Addiction touches many families, whether directly or tangentially. Breaking the stigma of addiction is the first step to bringing hope and light.

Did you know?

- When comparing drug overdose death rate by population, Tennessee ranks #2 in the Nation.
- Veterans are nearly twice as likely to die from opioid overdose compared to civilians.
- Youth in foster care are nearly twice as likely to suffer a non-fatal drug overdose.

Since January 2025, TGT Fund holders have given away $948,674.97 to 12 local organizations that have committed to collaboration in the recovery space.

Read more about how our community is working together to combat this "wicked problem."

Link in bio!

09/17/2026

Our Sharing God's Goodness Giving Circle supports African American ministries locally. We recently received reports on funds awarded this year to 7 organizations that offer summer programming for youth.

Mt. Peria Missionary Baptist Youth Initiative shared:

"Your investment became much more than a financial contribution. It became an opportunity for a child to paddle a canoe for the first time, explore God's creation on a sensory forest hike, build and erupt a volcano, create something with their own hands, sleep in a tent, roast s’mores, laugh with friends, and learn more about Jesus in an environment created especially for them. Your generosity helped us create a summer where children could learn, explore, belong, and grow.

Perhaps the greatest testimony to your investment cannot be measured in dollars or attendance numbers. Two children willingly surrendering their lives to Jesus Christ cannot be measured. For our ministry, no measure of impact is greater than growing the kingdom of God. Those two decisions represent lives touched, seeds planted, and the very reason for 'Cultivate the Seed.'"

On September 29, we are excited to celebrate 4 years of the Giving Circle at a special lunch at The Hunter Museum. More than $200,000 has been given by the group since it started!

09/15/2026

Not every promising ministry starts with tax-exempt status, and that's where our Alpha Fund comes in.

For up to three years, an emerging Christian ministry or project can operate under The Generosity Trust's 501(c)(3) umbrella, allowing it to receive tax-deductible gifts while it builds toward independent nonprofit status.

It's a practical, low-barrier way we serve as a catalyst for the Chattanooga faith community, helping good ideas get off the ground. To learn more, visit https://www.thegenerositytrust.org/funds/alpha/

Some local organizations that have launched from the Alpha Fund include: Faith Co-Op, Nonprofit Resource Center, Momentum Network, First Things First, and Kingdom Partners, to name just a few!

Some common questions:

Q: Does the Alpha Fund program provide funding for my ministry?
A: No, it provides YOU with the vehicle to raise funds for the project.

Q: Is this a good fit if I'm in the idea stage?
A: It could be if you are ready and willing to put in some work! Before you apply to TGT, you will have to form a board, adopt governing documents, and file with the TN Secretary of State.

Q: Why a 3 year time limit?
A: This provides you with the chance to build your organization, try out your programs, and decide if you will file for 501(c)(3) status, partner with another organization, or close down your project. If you decide to apply for 501(c)(3) status, this gives you time to apply while still receiving tax-deductible donations.

Contact us for more details!

Address

345 Frazier Avenue, Unit 205
Chattanooga, TN
37405

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday	8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday	8am - 4:30pm
Thursday	8am - 4:30pm
Friday	8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+14232665257

Website

http://www.thegenerositytrust.org/

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