Best Putnam County Grants for Nonprofits in Tennessee

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Putnam County, Tennessee that run existing digital literacy programs for families or seniors can apply for US $2,500 - US $50,000 to expand broadband education and access. Spectrum supports programs in its service markets that partner with low-income or multicultural communities and can report clear impact metrics on closing the digital divide.

Black Appalachian oral tradition culture bearers connected to Putnam County, Tennessee and other ARC-designated Appalachian counties can receive US $5,000 fellowships to sustain Black storytelling traditions. Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation’s CALT Black Appalachian Storytellers Fellowship honors artists preserving Black American culture and heritage, including recognition at the “In the Tradition…” National Black Storytelling Festival and Conference.

Nonprofit organizations and local government entities in Putnam County, Tennessee can seek funding for arts projects and activities that enhance community vitality and engagement in urban counties. With a mission to support multidisciplinary arts, Tennessee Arts Commission provides US $1,000 - US $18,000 for projects involving recognized art forms, including festivals, performances, exhibitions, residencies, and accessibility initiatives.

The Ferguson Cares Grant is an essential aspect of Ferguson's Sustainability strategy, focusing on social challenges and community wellbeing. This grant supports nonprofit organizations in the U.S. dedicated to affordable housing, skilled trades workforce development, clean water access, and enhancing local economic quality of life. Ferguson aims to create lasting partnerships that drive positive impact within their operational regions, reflecting their commitment to social responsibility and community support.

College-bound female students in Putnam County, Tennessee pursuing postsecondary education can receive scholarship support through the Charlene (Charlie) Jane Toomey Memorial Scholarship Fund. Grants from Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee permanently endow one or more awards, with preference for applicants holding at least a 3.0 GPA and demonstrating extracurricular or community involvement.

Female students in Putnam County, Tennessee pursuing technology-related degrees can receive scholarship support for four-year college study through the WiTT Endowment Scholarship Fund. Grants from Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee help women in a 40-county Middle Tennessee area, including Putnam County, access higher education in fields like computer science, information systems, cybersecurity, and software engineering.

Middle Tennessee students preparing for legal careers, including those in Putnam County, Tennessee, can apply for the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee’s William Thomas McHugh and Lou Gower McHugh Scholarship Fund to support law school tuition. Eligible applicants must attend an accredited or Tennessee Supreme Court–approved law school; working students at Cumberland School of Law receive preference.

Nonprofit arts organizations with at least a $30,000 budget in Tennessee’s eligible urban counties, including Putnam County, Tennessee, can receive operating support for ongoing arts programming and expenses. With a mission to support the arts, Tennessee Arts Commission provides competitive grants up to US $45,000, requiring a 1:1 cash match and prior Commission funding history.

The B’nai B’rith Maimonides Lodge #46 Scholarship supports legally blind students pursuing post-secondary education. Established by the oldest Jewish service organization in Nashville, this scholarship honors 38 years of community service through a summer camp for visually-impaired children. The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee administers the fund, ensuring assistance reaches those in need while fostering an inclusive community. Eligible applicants must provide documentation of their legal blindness to apply.

The Brandon Key Scholarship Fund, established by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, honors a young man dedicated to community service and civil rights. This scholarship supports Middle Tennessee students with a minimum GPA of 2.5, who demonstrate a commitment to serving their community and plan to attend an accredited college. Preference is given to applicants from low socioeconomic backgrounds aiming for Historically Black Colleges or Universities, promoting inclusivity and opportunity for future generations.

Putnam County, Tennessee students seeking academic scholarships for post–high school education can access funding through the Sponsors Scholarship Fund, administered by Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. This fund continues a long-standing effort to help financially disadvantaged, promising young people improve their economic prospects through college and other postsecondary opportunities.

The Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative aims to revitalize communities impacted by coal industry transitions. This initiative provides funding for projects that diversify local economies, enhance job training, and create new employment opportunities. By fostering collaboration among various stakeholders, the POWER Initiative supports strategic investments that align with regional economic development plans, ensuring a more resilient future for coal-affected areas.

High school seniors from Middle Tennessee’s 40 counties who plan to attend Tennessee State University or Vanderbilt University can access college scholarship support through the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. Putnam County students with at least a B average over their last two years of high school may be eligible for this academic scholarship funding.

The Drue Smith/Society of Professional Journalists’ Scholarship Fund, established in memory of pioneering journalist Drue Smith, supports college juniors, seniors, and graduate students from Middle Tennessee pursuing careers in journalism or broadcast news. This fund honors Drue's legacy as the first woman president of the Society of Professional Journalists in Tennessee, promoting professional development for aspiring journalists and fostering the next generation of media professionals in a rapidly changing landscape.

Putnam County, Tennessee high school seniors and recent graduates pursuing engineering technology or aerospace majors at Middle Tennessee State University can access funding through the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee’s Donald and Frances McDonald Endowed Scholarship Fund. Eligible students must have strong academics, demonstrate financial need, and enroll full-time in qualifying degree programs.

High school students from Putnam County, Tennessee and other Middle Tennessee counties with at least a 21 ACT score and 3.0 GPA can seek renewable scholarship support through the J. Barrett Melton Family Memorial Scholarship Fund. Grants from Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee help eligible students pursue academic goals, with preference for applicants from Cannon County.

The John and Belinda Havron Scholarship Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, supports students from the 40 counties of Middle Tennessee with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. This scholarship aims to alleviate financial barriers for students pursuing post-secondary education, reflecting John and Belinda's commitment to fostering educational opportunities. Their legacy emphasizes the importance of community support and encourages scholarship recipients to 'pay it forward' in their own journeys.

Students from Middle Tennessee’s 40 CFMT counties, including Putnam County, pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies in education, theology, music, film, historic preservation/public history, or fine arts may be eligible for this renewable scholarship. Grants from Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee prioritize applicants with at least a 3.0 GPA who demonstrate significant financial need.

The Area Development Grant Program, managed by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), supports economic growth in Appalachia through investments in critical infrastructure and workforce development. Targeting 423 counties across 13 states, the program encourages local communities to collaborate with state governments to identify and implement impactful projects. Key focus areas include enhancing utilities, promoting entrepreneurship, and strengthening local leadership. This initiative aims to uplift the 26 million residents of Appalachia, fostering sustainable economic opportunities.

The ARISE Grants, offered by the Appalachian Regional Commission, aim to drive regional economic transformation across 13 Appalachian states. With funding of up to $63.5 million for implementation grants and $10 million maximum awards, the initiative supports collaborative projects that enhance community capacity and economic growth. The program encourages innovative partnerships to strengthen local economies and achieve socioeconomic parity, benefiting over 26 million residents in the Appalachian Region.

Putnam County, Tennessee land and habitat conservation nonprofits can access funding through Open Space Institute to acquire permanent conservation easements or fee interests in large forest blocks. Eligible projects must lie within the Southern Cumberland Plateau grant region, permanently protect high-priority forests, and be led by organizations with strong long-term stewardship and transaction capacity.

The Brown Center for Autism: Benjamin M. Liske Scholarship Fund, established by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, supports graduating seniors from Middle Tennessee diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. This scholarship honors Ben Liske, who excelled academically despite his challenges. Since its inception in 2008, the Brown Center has provided vital resources and training to families and professionals, aiming to enhance the lives of those affected by autism and promote a thriving, inclusive community.

The H. Franklin Brooks Scholarship Fund, established by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, offers renewable scholarships to graduating high school seniors from Middle Tennessee. This fund particularly supports self-identified LGBTQ+ students, especially those whose families have ceased financial support for their education. With over 30 years of community impact, CFMT aims to foster a thriving, inclusive environment through collective philanthropy.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Putnam County, Tennessee that preserve or support Central Appalachian folk and traditional arts can apply for South Arts’ In These Mountains Infrastructure Grants, with awards of US $30,000 for non-programming needs. Funding may cover professional development, minor equipment or software, travel, marketing, strategic planning, and similar operational improvements.

The A. O. Smith Foundation, established in 1955, provides grants to support charitable, educational, and human services organizations primarily in communities where A. O. Smith Corporation operates. With a mission focused on enhancing community well-being, the Foundation promotes education, arts, culture, and health initiatives. It encourages employees to engage in volunteerism, fostering a culture of community involvement. Notably, the Foundation does not fund politically active organizations or those primarily aiming to influence legislation.

The Appalachian Community Fund's Technical Assistance Grants are designed to strengthen grassroots organizations in Central Appalachia. These small grants support specific technical assistance needs, enhancing skills in areas such as leadership, fundraising, and community organizing. ACF prioritizes projects that address systemic issues and promote social, economic, and environmental justice. Organizations eligible for funding must be community-led and demonstrate a commitment to creating equitable change in their communities.

The LGBTQ Fund Grant Program, offered by the Appalachian Community Fund, supports grassroots social change in Central Appalachia. It prioritizes funding for organizations that promote inclusivity and tackle systemic issues affecting LGBTQ communities, particularly youth. Grants are available to community-led organizations with a focus on building capacity and addressing social, economic, and racial justice. This initiative embodies a commitment to collective action and resource-sharing, fostering positive transformation in Appalachian communities.