Best Carter County Grants for Nonprofits in Tennessee

The Arts Fund for East Tennessee Grant Program, established in 1986, supports artistic excellence and cultural diversity in East Tennessee. In 2024, it aims to sustain cultural traditions and encourage diverse artistic expressions. Grants ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 will be awarded for two-year terms starting July 1, 2024. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and those with fiscal sponsors, focusing on outreach to underserved populations and grassroots art initiatives.

Nonprofit organizations and local government entities running arts or cultural projects in Carter County, Tennessee and other eligible rural counties can seek US $1,000 - US $5,000 to benefit their communities. Tennessee Arts Commission’s Targeted Arts Development Initiative focuses on underserved, distressed, and at-risk areas, building local capacity and encouraging broader participation in state arts funding.

Carter County, Tennessee 501(c)(3) arts organizations in rural areas can access operating support funding through the Tennessee Arts Commission’s Small Rural Partnership Support program, with awards up to US $25,000. Eligible nonprofits must be chartered in a designated rural county, have a minimum $30,000 budget, and a recent Tennessee Arts Commission funding history.

The Tennessee Arts & Rural Health Initiative Grant, funded by the Tennessee Arts Commission, aims to enhance health and wellness in rural hospitals through arts-based programs. With a budget of $75,000 from the NEA, the initiative supports 4-6 hospitals, offering grants between $5,000 to $25,000. Projects may include artist-led classes, meditation gardens, and healing spaces, leveraging the therapeutic power of the arts to improve patient outcomes and community engagement in healthcare settings.

The Rural Arts Facilities Fund, established by the Tennessee Arts Commission, aims to support rural communities in enhancing their arts and cultural facilities. Grants of up to $200,000 are available for projects that benefit local arts programming, foster community identity, and promote economic growth. Eligible applicants include local governments and nonprofit organizations in rural Tennessee. By investing in these facilities, the program seeks to improve access to arts experiences, create jobs, and stimulate tourism in underserved areas.

International Paper Grants focus on community engagement, emphasizing education, hunger relief, health & wellness, and disaster relief. They support nonprofit organizations that demonstrate good financial standing and effective management. Eligible organizations must operate in areas where International Paper has facilities. The foundation prioritizes local needs, particularly critical and environmental issues, while encouraging employee involvement. Ineligible entities include private foundations and those without a local presence. Applications are accepted through mid-September in the U.S. and Canada.

Nonprofit agencies serving low-income women and girls in Carter County, Tennessee can apply for one-time Self-Sustainability Grants to address urgent needs or emerging opportunities that build independent, resilient futures. Grants from Womens Fund of East Tenenssee help organizations enhance services for women and their families and expand their reach across East Tennessee counties, including Carter County.

Carter County, Tennessee nonprofits, government units, public schools, and houses of worship providing Hurricane Helene disaster response, relief, or long-term recovery can access funding through East Tennessee Foundation. Support is limited to organizations serving the most-affected counties within the foundation’s 25-county East Tennessee service area, including Carter County.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Carter County, Tennessee can apply for McGlothlin Foundation support for capital and programmatic projects in higher education, healthcare, and the arts. Eligible projects include brick-and-mortar or infrastructure efforts for colleges, hospitals, theatres, and museums, with proposals accepted January through April and awards made in December.

The Harry W. and Carolyn W. Galbraith Memorial Fund Grant supports animal care organizations focusing on spaying and neutering programs for cats and dogs. Established in 2014, it awards grants ranging from $3,000 to $5,000 for one-year terms beginning August 2024. Eligible organizations must be located within the Foundation's service area and provide services primarily to low-income pet owners. Funds may also cover rabies vaccinations, enhancing overall animal welfare in the community.

The Youth Endowment Fund Grant, managed by the East Tennessee Foundation, supports innovative solutions to challenges faced by youth within a 25-county service area. Grants of up to $20,000 are available for projects focusing on early childhood education, health drivers, and the prevention of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Eligible organizations must demonstrate a commitment to serving youth and adhere to non-discrimination policies. This initiative aims to foster stronger, healthier communities through impactful youth programming.

The Economic Development Fund for East Tennessee Grant Program, established in 1991, aims to support charitable and economic initiatives that foster regional economic growth. Organizations eligible for funding must operate within East Tennessee's 25-county service area and provide necessary documentation, including nonprofit status. Grants, ranging from $5,000 to $6,500, will be awarded for one-year terms starting August 1, 2024, with applications opening in August 2024.

Nonprofit and community organizations conserving grasslands and wildlife in Carter County, Tennessee can apply for US $200,000 - US $1,500,000 to support habitat and species restoration projects. The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation funds work that restores interconnected grasslands, benefits grassland-dependent species, and engages local and tribal communities in long-term stewardship and sustainable livelihoods.

Black Appalachian storytellers connected to Carter County, Tennessee can apply for Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation’s CALT Black Appalachian Storytellers Fellowship, offering US $5,000 to sustain oral tradition and community story-sharing. Eligible applicants must have strong Black Appalachian identity and heritage and a demonstrated commitment to preserving Black storytelling traditions.

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.

Local governments and organizations in Carter County, Tennessee can apply for Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development’s Appalachian Regional Commission funding; awards Up to US $1,000,000 for construction and non-construction projects. Funding supports economic and community development, especially water and wastewater infrastructure, business expansion, workforce, tourism, and other public infrastructure in eligible Appalachian counties.

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.

Students from East Tennessee seeking an internship in the Tennessee State Legislature can apply for the Senator Carl O. Koella, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund, administered by Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. Carter County, Tennessee residents pursuing higher education and academic scholarship opportunities tied to this legislative internship may be eligible.

Carter County 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government units, and educational institutions can access funding through the Opportunity Endowment Fund for collaborative capacity-building projects. Administered by East Tennessee Foundation, this program offers up to US $25,000 to strengthen operations, data systems, leadership, financial sustainability, and partnerships serving communities in its 25-county East Tennessee service area.

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.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Carter County, Tennessee that run existing digital literacy or broadband education programs for families or seniors can apply for US $2,500 - US $50,000 to expand their impact. Charter Communications’ Spectrum Digital Education Grants support programs in Spectrum markets that address the digital divide and partner with low-income or multicultural communities.

Carter County, Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on higher education, economic and community development, or human services can access funding through Steel Dynamics Foundation. Eligible organizations must serve communities near Steel Dynamics facilities and may receive support for STEM and business education, workforce development, and programs that improve local quality of life.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Carter County, Tennessee focused on folk and traditional arts infrastructure can apply for South Arts’ In These Mountains Infrastructure Grants of US $30,000. Grants from South Arts help Central Appalachian arts groups cover non-programming needs like professional development, minor equipment or software, travel, marketing, and strategic planning to sustain their cultural work.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

Existing 501(c)(3) charities focused on children and serving Carter County, Tennessee can seek grants for critical children’s services, including education, health, mental health, homelessness, foster care, and trafficking support. Grants from Speedway Children's Charities prioritize programs for homeless, orphaned, and foster children, and victims of sex trafficking in the Bristol chapter’s Tennessee and Virginia service counties.

Existing 501(c)(3) children-focused nonprofits serving Carter County, Tennessee can seek the Jeff Byrd Grant to fund exceptional projects addressing children’s needs. With a mission to support child-focused services, Speedway Children's Charities provides a single US $50,000 award for projects valued at $50,000 or more that directly benefit children in its Bristol chapter service area.