Best Financial Assistance Grants in Tennessee

Grassroots, community-led 501(c)(3) organizations in Tennessee’s Appalachian counties can use this funding to build organizational capacity for social, economic, racial, and environmental justice work. Focused on technical assistance, Appalachian Community Fund invites groups to strengthen leadership, fundraising, planning, financial management, community organizing, and related skills to advance systemic social change in Central Appalachia.

State and local agencies, tribal governments, higher education institutions, and nonprofits in eligible Tennessee Appalachian counties can apply for Appalachian Regional Commission’s Area Development funding to support critical infrastructure and business and workforce development projects. Grants may benefit financial assistance needs tied to water and wastewater systems, transportation, broadband, entrepreneurship, and worker training initiatives.

Tennessee nonprofits and local charities seeking support for operations, programs, capital, or equipment may be eligible for CBE Companies’ Community Outreach Program. Focused on community enrichment, CBE Companies invites organizations near its Tennessee offices in arts and culture, education, health, or human services to request financial assistance for their work.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

Tennessee educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies can access funding for safety, education, and community development projects through State Farm Companies Foundation. Grants may support auto and home safety, disaster preparedness and recovery, affordable housing, neighborhood revitalization, financial literacy, food insecurity, job training, and K–12 or higher education initiatives.

Local governments, nonprofits, businesses, farmers, and forest landowners in Tennessee can apply for the Governor’s Response and Recovery Fund for flexible, grant-based disaster recovery projects. Administered by Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, this fund supports repairing infrastructure, restoring nonprofit and business facilities, and agricultural or forest-land recovery after a Governor-declared State of Emergency.

Tennessee cultural nonprofits with audited expenses over $2 million can access funding through the William Randolph Hearst Foundation for arts and science programs that create lasting, measurable impact. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) institutions such as museums, theaters, ballets, symphonies, and arts schools may receive more than US $100,000 for program, capital, or limited general support, especially for youth engagement and artist development.

Tennessee veteran service organizations providing honor guard burial ceremonies can access funding through the Tennessee Department of Veterans Services, with awards up to US $7,500. These state-funded grants help cover costs for dignified funeral honors and support community connection for veterans and their families across Tennessee.

Nonprofit organizations working on health, education, or community programs in Tennessee can access funding through Labcorp Charitable Foundation to support services and initiatives. The foundation backs projects such as food pantries, healthcare and patient services for underserved populations, STEM programming, and healthy lifestyle efforts, with eligibility limited to U.S.-based 501(c)(3) or equivalent charities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Middle Tennessee can seek funding for health care access, human and social services, education, youth development, senior enrichment, and community services. Focused on community impact, Memorial Foundation invites data-driven, trauma-informed agencies to apply for capital projects, general operating support, or start-up initiatives serving counties in the former Nashville Memorial Hospital service area.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

Nonprofit and humanitarian organizations working on health, education, and disaster relief can apply for support from Semnani Family Foundation, which serves communities worldwide including Tennessee. The foundation funds programs such as healthcare access, women’s and children’s health, hunger relief, homelessness services, and humanitarian aid for marginalized and vulnerable populations.

Focused on arts and cultural programming, Tennessee Arts Commission invites Tennessee 501(c)(3) organizations and local governments to apply for flexible funding up to US $5,000. Grants can support technical assistance, community arts participation projects, touring artists, or small equipment and supply purchases that strengthen operations and expand community engagement in the arts.

Rural grassroots community groups in Tennessee working on social, economic, or environmental justice can access funding through Southern Partners Fund for organizing, capacity building, technical assistance, and travel support, with awards up to US $3,500. Eligible projects may include education reform, immigration rights, and voter engagement efforts in rural Southern communities.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

Nonprofit organizations in eligible Appalachian counties of Tennessee, Kentucky, and North Carolina can receive US $30,000 for infrastructure needs that strengthen folk and traditional arts programs. Grants from South Arts help with professional development, minor equipment or software, travel, marketing, and planning, with priority for rural and historically underserved communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing community services in Tennessee counties like Davidson, Hamilton, Knox, and Shelby can seek philanthropic grants or event sponsorships to support their service and fundraising goals. With a mission to strengthen communities, Insperity provides eligible charities with financial support when they engage employees, are clients, or serve local Insperity communities.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

Public entities and community organizations in Tennessee counties served by the Appalachian Regional Commission can apply for Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development funding, with awards up to US $1,000,000 for construction and $500,000 for non-construction projects. Grants support economic and community development, especially water, wastewater, and other public infrastructure for industry and rural communities.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations planning capital projects in higher education, healthcare, or the arts in Northeast Tennessee can seek support, including limited programmatic funding. With a mission to enhance education, health, and cultural life, the McGlothlin Foundation provides grants for projects in its designated counties, with proposals accepted January through April and awards made in December.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

Rural, community-based 501(c)(3) organizations in Tennessee and other Southeastern states using grassroots organizing for social, economic, or environmental justice can seek general or project support through the Hubert E. Sapp Regular Grant Cycle. Southern Partners Fund backs small-budget groups building community leadership, strengthening rural communities, and advancing justice-focused campaigns rather than direct services.

Public agencies and 501(c)(3) or other nonprofit organizations in Tennessee can seek funding to plan and promote preservation of battlefields, viewsheds, and related historic structures, with awards of US $2,500 - US $10,000. The National Trust for Historic Preservation supports planning, capacity building, and public education efforts that advance battlefield preservation goals.