Emerald Youth Foundation to use grant money to hire part-time workers Officials said that the Emerald Youth Foundation is looking to fill 27 positions right now, and hopes funds from a grant will help fill them. Author: WBIR Staff Updated: 10:35 PM EDT July 6, 2021 KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Emerald Youth Foundation works to give young people in Knoxville the tools they need to become leaders as they grow up. They serve the community by engaging kids, and they will receive thousands of dollars to continue their mission. Officials said they will receive a routine grant amounting to around $250,000 and they plan to use it to grow the organization. They said they hope to use the money to hire more part-time workers, filling 27 open positions through its AmeriCorps program.