What: Knox SOUP Announces New Name, November 5 Community Dinner, and Call for Project Proposals
When: Thursday, November 5, 2026 - 5:30pm
Where: Knoxville First Presbyterian Church, 620 State Street

Knoxville SOUP is now Knox SOUP, a name that better reflects the organization’s commitment to supporting community-driven projects throughout Knox County. The organization has always welcomed proposals from across the county, and the updated name makes clear that its reach extends beyond the city of Knoxville.

Knox SOUP — Supporting Outstanding Unique Projects — will celebrate its continued mission at a community dinner on Thursday, November 5, 2026, and is inviting individuals and groups to submit project proposals for consideration on their website - KnoxSOUP.org.

Knox SOUP is a community-powered dinner where local people pitch ideas that can make Knoxville and Knox County stronger, more connected, and more vibrant. Since launching in 2015 as Knoxville SOUP, the organization has raised more than $14,500 to support grassroots community projects.

Past funded projects have included greenways and nature trails, exercise equipment for seniors, back-to-school drives, charitable initiatives, and small businesses with a social focus. Additional funded projects can be reviewed on the KnoxvilleSOUP.org website.

Four Questions. A Few Minutes. A Chance to Make It Happen.

At each dinner, up to four individuals or groups are selected to present their projects. Each presenter answers four straightforward questions:

1. What’s the project?
2. Why does it matter to the community?
3. How will the funding be used?
4. What’s the time frame?

Knox SOUP dinners are local people sharing ideas and explaining how they hope to make a difference in the community. After the presentations, attendees vote for the project they want to help fund. The project receiving the most votes earns the evening’s People’s Choice funding.
Project proposals must be submitted by October 27, 2026 at knoxvilleSOUP.org/SOUP_Proposals. Selected presenters will be notified October 29.

Come to SOUP!

The November 5 dinner will be held at Knoxville First Presbyterian Church, 620 State Street. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and presentations begin at 6:00 p.m.

For a suggested $5 donation, attendees enjoy soup, salad, bread, and dessert, along with the opportunity to vote for their favorite project. Raffle proceeds provide additional funding to presenting projects that do not receive the top People’s Choice award, helping support more than one community idea.

Community members are encouraged to attend, bring friends, spread the word, and volunteer. Knox SOUP depends on community participation to make each dinner possible.

Event Details
What: Knox SOUP Community Dinner
When: Thursday, November 5, 2026
Doors Open: 5:30 p.m. | Presentations: 6:00 p.m.
Where: Knoxville First Presbyterian Church, 620 State Street, Knoxville, TN
Suggested Donation: $5
Project Proposal Deadline: October 27, 2026

To submit a project proposal or learn more, visit KnoxSOUP.