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The Knoxville RAGBRAI Executive Committee is giving revenue they made from RAGBRAI’s overnight stop in Knoxville back to local non-profit organizations, and is purchasing a new welcome sign with the deadline for applications approaching. 

The grants have been created as appreciation for the community rallying together to welcome 20,000 riders, and to use those funds for betterment projects. This spring, a large “KNOXVILLE” sign will be installed on Pleasant Street, welcoming everyone entering from the west. More than just a landmark, this will be a photo spot for residents and visitors, inspired by the historical Knoxville sign on the former VA campus. 

From now until December 31st, local 501c3 organizations are invited to apply for one of five $1,000 grants to support community betterment projects. Knoxville Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Nathan Sage says the Knoxville community then will choose the five winners.

“The coolest part about it is, is the executive committee is not the one deciding, but the community will decide who gets those grants. That’s what we wanted to do, we wanted to give it up to the community and we thank them for being such good hosts during RAGBRAI, so we figured this was an awesome way to give back to the community and an awesome way to always remember what they did.”

Look out for more details on this selection process in January 2025. You can find the application form here.