Best Public Policy Grants in Tennessee

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) charities, government entities, and qualifying foundations in Tennessee can receive support for STEM education, basic needs like hunger and housing, and social justice initiatives. American Electric Power Foundation funds organizations within its service territory or with broader regional or national reach that benefit the public, environment, or AEP customers.

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

501(c)(3) nonprofits serving youth and children’s health, education, development, or welfare can apply for Dan Paul Foundation grants, with awards up to US $15,000. Organizations in Tennessee working on child advocacy, homelessness, poverty, refugee enrichment, or environmental responsibility programs may be eligible for support that complements their public policy efforts.

Early-stage, impact-first nonprofits and mission-driven for-profits in Tennessee tackling major social or environmental challenges can access funding and support from Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation. Grants up to Up to US $300,000 over three years back scalable, systems-focused solutions benefiting underserved communities, which may include organizations whose work intersects with public policy and civic systems.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on early childhood education or community and economic development in Tennessee communities where PNC operates can seek funding for programs serving low- and moderate-income residents. PNC Foundation supports initiatives such as early learning, affordable housing, small business support, neighborhood revitalization, arts, and essential human services that may complement public policy efforts.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

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.

Nonprofits, government units, and educational institutions serving East Tennessee communities can seek up to US $25,000 for collaborative capacity-building projects that strengthen operations, finances, data systems, and programs. With a mission to strengthen communities, East Tennessee Foundation provides Tennessee public policy and community-focused organizations with support to improve sustainability, partnerships, and long-term impact.

Insperity's Corporate Contributions program emphasizes community involvement and corporate citizenship, providing philanthropic grants and event sponsorships to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Eligible organizations must engage Insperity employees or contribute to the communities where they operate. The program aims to support nonprofits in achieving their service goals and enhancing community welfare. Applications must be submitted 90 days prior to events, and funding requests can be made once a year.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting basic needs, at-risk youth, or domestic violence services near TJX locations in Tennessee can seek program funding that helps vulnerable families and children. The TJX Foundation supports initiatives such as food, clothing, shelter, out-of-school enrichment, and workforce readiness, which may benefit Tennessee groups engaged in community and public policy-related work.

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.

Rural Tennessee hospitals and 501(c)(3) or local government entities partnering with them can receive up to US $25,000 to create or expand arts-based health and wellness programming. Tennessee Arts Commission funding supports projects like murals, meditation gardens, exhibitions, and artist-led classes, which may benefit organizations integrating arts into community health and public policy efforts.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

Professional artists in Tennessee can receive unrestricted fellowship funding to support their ongoing creative work across craft, media, visual, dance, music, theatre, and literary arts. Focused on strengthening the arts ecosystem, Tennessee Arts Commission awards $5,000 fellowships that may benefit artists whose work intersects with public policy or civic and community issues.

Local governments and 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organizations in rural Tennessee counties can receive up to US $200,000 to build, renovate, or expand arts and cultural facilities. Grants from Tennessee Arts Commission help communities improve stages, galleries, museums, and accessibility, which may support public policy goals around rural development and cultural participation.

Tennessee nonprofits, government units, and fiscally sponsored groups serving women, children, and youth in Knox County can seek funding for early childhood education, health drivers, and ACEs prevention projects. Knox County public policy or systems-focused initiatives that improve these outcomes may be eligible for up to US $20,000 from East Tennessee Foundation’s Mount Rest Fund.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations addressing youth mental health can apply for US $100,000 - US $150,000 from Cigna Foundation to expand evidence-informed programs for ages 5–18. With a mission to improve health and vitality, it supports school and community-based efforts in Tennessee and select states that build social-emotional skills and increase access to care.

The Community Ties Giving Program by Union Pacific Foundation offers local grants aimed at enhancing community well-being through diverse funding priorities. These include safety initiatives, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability. The program emphasizes supporting organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to create impactful projects that resonate with Union Pacific's heritage and mission. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations serving Union Pacific communities and demonstrate a clear need and capacity to deliver effective programming.

Graduate students in urban planning, policy, public administration, economics, or related fields can receive US $20,000 fellowships to work on housing, small business, and workforce development projects with community organizations, including in Tennessee. Tennessee public policy and community development groups may apply as host organizations to partner with the National Community Reinvestment Coalition and mentor a Student Fellow.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, government units, and educational institutions serving youth in Tennessee can access funding through East Tennessee Foundation’s Youth Endowment Fund. Grants up to US $20,000 over two years support early childhood education, drivers of health, and prevention or mitigation of Adverse Childhood Experiences in its 25-county service area, benefiting youth-focused public policy efforts.

Nonprofits, government units, and educational institutions in East Tennessee can receive $5,000 - $6,500 for charitable and economic programs that foster regional economic development. East Tennessee Foundation supports economic services and development across its 25-county service area, and public policy organizations working on economic issues in Tennessee may be eligible.

With a mission to strengthen communities, East Tennessee Foundation provides Tennessee nonprofits, government units, and educational institutions with up to US $50,000 for innovative life literacy projects serving Washington County residents. Programs may address education, health, financial literacy, life skills, or civic engagement, and must show unmet needs, measurable impact, matching funds, and a sustainability plan.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, government units, educational institutions, and fiscally sponsored groups in East Tennessee can apply for East Tennessee Foundation’s Arts Fund for $5,000 - $15,000 to support arts and cultural programming. Public policy organizations that use arts to engage communities or underserved populations in Tennessee may be eligible.