Best Williamson County Grants for Nonprofits in Tennessee

The First Generation College Opportunity Fund, established by a generous donor, aims to support first-generation college students in the Nashville area. Managed by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, this fund provides scholarships to students with a minimum 3.0 GPA attending public or private high schools in the region. It empowers young individuals to pursue higher education, fostering a more inclusive and thriving community for generations to come.

Williamson County Tennessee municipalities or counties seeking to build or improve household hazardous waste collection facilities can access funding through the Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation. Grants support permanent or temporary collection infrastructure, including storage buildings, siting of facilities, safety equipment, signage, and operating and disposal reimbursement in eligible Tennessee counties.

Female students pursuing technology-related degrees in four-year programs and living in Williamson County, Tennessee (within CFMT’s 40-county service area) may receive scholarship support for higher education. Grants from Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee help women studying fields like computer science, information systems, cybersecurity, or related technology disciplines prepare for tech careers.

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.

Students from Middle Tennessee preparing for a legal career can apply for the William Thomas McHugh and Lou Gower McHugh Scholarship Fund to support tuition at accredited law schools, including those approved by the Tennessee Supreme Court. Applicants from Williamson County, Tennessee may be eligible, with preference for working students attending Cumberland School of Law.

The NFL Foundation Grassroots Program, in partnership with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), aims to enhance the quality, safety, and accessibility of community football fields. With grants up to $250,000, this initiative addresses the critical lack of safe recreation spaces in low-income neighborhoods, ensuring children and adults have access to well-maintained facilities for gathering and exercise, ultimately fostering community health and well-being.

College-bound female students from Williamson County, Tennessee and other counties served by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee can receive scholarship support for postsecondary education. Grants from Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee help students, especially those with a 3.0 GPA or higher and extracurricular or community involvement, access academic scholarship opportunities.

Public and private schools in Williamson County, Tennessee can apply for Captain Planet Foundation’s Project Learning Garden package, valued at US $7,500 in in-kind support, to create outdoor STEAM learning gardens. Awards include raised beds, a mobile cooking cart, curriculum resources, supplies, and teacher training to support garden-based education and activities.

Williamson County, Tennessee education nonprofits and youth-serving organizations can access funding through Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee’s Sponsors Scholarship Fund to support academic scholarship programs for financially disadvantaged students. Organizations helping high school students pursue postsecondary education in Middle Tennessee and Allen County, Kentucky may be eligible to connect promising youth with college opportunities.

Academy Sports + Outdoors, a leading sporting goods retailer, supports community initiatives by providing donations to registered 501(c)(3) organizations. Their focus is on promoting safety and responsibility in sports and outdoor activities. Proposals must foster community engagement and must not be affiliated with religious or political groups. Events should take place in areas with Academy stores, ensuring a positive local impact while encouraging active lifestyles and connection among community members.

Williamson County, Tennessee children’s nonprofits can access funding through Speedway Children's Charities for programs serving kids in middle Tennessee. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations focus on children and may work in areas like homelessness, foster care, trafficking recovery, health, literacy, or after-school education. Capital projects and general operating costs, including salaries, are typically not supported.

Nonprofit organizations and local government entities in Williamson County, Tennessee can seek funding for arts projects and activities that enhance community vitality and engagement in urban areas. With a mission to support the arts statewide, Tennessee Arts Commission provides US $1,000 - US $18,000 for projects across disciplines such as music, visual arts, theater, dance, media, literary, and folk arts.

The Middle Tennessee Fund Grant, offered by the HCA Healthcare Foundation, supports nonprofits in addressing community needs related to basic necessities, healthcare, education, and the arts. Since its inception in 1997, it has prioritized organizations with established relationships with HCA Healthcare. Eligible applicants must be 501c3 organizations with a minimum budget of $250,000, serving the Middle Tennessee area, and demonstrating engagement with HCA Healthcare through board involvement or volunteerism.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Williamson County, Tennessee can apply for funding for arts and culture, education and leadership, environmental sustainability, financial literacy, and health and human services projects. First Horizon Foundation supports eligible nonprofits in Nashville and surrounding communities, including Franklin and Brentwood, to strengthen long-term community well-being.

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.

The TAC Small Urban Partnership Support Grant provides competitive operating support to arts organizations in Tennessee's urban counties. Eligible organizations must have a minimum budget of $30,000 and can request up to 20% of their cash operating expenses. A one-to-one dollar match is required. Applicants must demonstrate a history of funding from the Tennessee Arts Commission and meet specific eligibility criteria related to IRS status and recognized art forms.

The Brinker International Charitable Giving Program focuses on giving back to communities through support for kids, hunger, and education. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501c(3) non-profits and submit requests at least six weeks prior to events. The program does not support individuals, political or religious organizations, or explicit discrimination policies. Funding is provided through monetary donations or in-kind contributions like dining certificates.

The Dr. Robert W. Ikard Scholarship Fund, established by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, honors the legacy of Dr. Ikard, a surgeon and author committed to education and social justice. This scholarship supports descendants of slaves in Maury County, helping them access higher education opportunities. Eligible candidates must be residents of Maury or Williamson counties, have a minimum 3.0 GPA, and can reapply annually. The fund aims to foster a thriving, inclusive community through education.

The City of Franklin Nonprofit Funding Program supports local nonprofit organizations by providing funding to enhance their community impact. Eligible organizations, including 501C3, 501C6, and 501C4 entities, can apply for allocations to promote the welfare of Franklin residents and create job opportunities. The program emphasizes compliance with state regulations and non-discrimination principles, ensuring fair access to funds for all qualified applicants.

The Teddy Wilburn Scholarship Fund, established by country music star Teddy Wilburn, aims to provide financial assistance to students at Tennessee State University and Vanderbilt University. This scholarship supports those who have demonstrated a commitment to their education, requiring a minimum B average in the last two years of high school. By promoting access to higher education, it reflects Wilburn's dedication to helping others achieve their academic aspirations, despite his own lack of a college experience.

The Nissan Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations that promote cultural diversity and heritage. Established in 1992, the foundation focuses on enhancing community quality of life where Nissan operates. Eligible organizations must have 501(c)(3) status, be active for over three years, and serve specific communities. Ineligible programs include those not aligned with the foundation's mission, such as disease advocacy and political activities. The foundation does not provide multi-year grants, but organizations can reapply for funding in subsequent cycles.

Students in Williamson County, Tennessee pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees 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 support well-rounded applicants with at least a 3.0 GPA and demonstrated financial need from the 40 Middle Tennessee counties it serves.

The Donald and Frances McDonald Endowed Scholarship Fund, administered by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, supports students majoring in engineering technology or aerospace at Middle Tennessee State University. Eligible applicants must maintain a 3.0 GPA, demonstrate financial need, and be enrolled full-time. This renewable scholarship aims to foster academic success and career development in vital engineering fields, contributing to the growth and inclusivity of the local community.

The J. Barrett Melton Family Memorial Scholarship Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, offers renewable scholarships for students in middle Tennessee. Applicants must have a minimum ACT score of 21 and a GPA of 3.0. Preference is given to students from Cannon County. This initiative aims to support local students in achieving their academic goals, fostering a thriving community through education.

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 of any age in Williamson County, Tennessee pursuing trade, associate degree, or certificate programs can receive renewable scholarship support for education-related costs. With a mission to build a thriving community, Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee helps cover expenses like tools or other non-tuition needs that might otherwise prevent enrollment or completion.