Best Chattanooga Grants for Nonprofits in Tennessee

Grants help Chattanooga, Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in affordable housing, skilled trades, clean water, sanitation, or community development, where Ferguson has a business presence. Ferguson supports U.S.-based organizations within its geographic footprint, so Hamilton County groups should confirm they operate in an eligible service area before applying.

The W. R. Grace Foundation Grant supports non-profit organizations with 501(c)(3) status in the U.S. that focus on STEM education and basic needs like food and healthcare. Since its inception in 1961, the Foundation has contributed financial and volunteer resources to enhance community wellbeing, particularly in areas where Grace employees reside. They also match employee donations to accredited educational institutions, promoting civic engagement and support for local charities.

Local governments and other entities in Chattanooga, Tennessee and eligible Appalachian counties can apply for Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development funding; awards up to US $1,000,000 for construction and US $500,000 for non-construction projects. Funding supports economic development, public infrastructure, water and wastewater systems, workforce initiatives, tourism, and community revitalization.

The Saint-Gobain Corporation Foundation Direct Grants program provides support to non-profit organizations in focus areas including STEM education, sustainable construction, and workforce development. The foundation aims to foster community development and environmental stewardship. Eligible applicants include IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organizations and accredited educational institutions in the U.S. The Foundation prioritizes partnerships that allow employee involvement and volunteer support, aiming to build meaningful relationships with grantees.

The CALT Black Appalachian Storytellers Fellowship, supported by the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation, celebrates and preserves the rich traditions of Black Appalachian storytelling. This fellowship honors those who embody the history and culture of African Americans in the region. Each year, fellows are recognized at the National Black Storytelling Festival and Conference, receiving awards crafted by Dr. Dena Jennings. The program fosters a deeper understanding of these traditions and invites fellows to share their stories at future events.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving underserved children and adults in Chattanooga, Tennessee can seek funding to advance education, economic mobility, and related community development initiatives. With a mission to strengthen the greater Chattanooga region, Lillian L. Colby Foundation provides US $5,000 - US $25,000 grants through collaborative, proactive grantmaking.

First Horizon Foundation Grant 

Through the First Horizon Foundation we are constantly investing in organizations across our footprint that do important work every day to make the places we serve better and stronger.

Contributions from the Foundation include the following areas:

• Arts and Culture
• Education & Leadership
• Environmental Sustainability
• Financial Literacy
• Health & Human Services

Our contributions are targeted to strengthen these pillars of the communities we serve:

• Improving the well-being of our communities
• Investing in the financial future
• Educating and developing the next generation of leaders
• Promoting excellence and enrichment in the arts
• A more sustainable tomorrow and future

High school graduates and second-career adults attending accredited Tennessee cosmetology schools can receive scholarship support for their training, including those from Chattanooga, Tennessee. Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee’s Katie Rose Martin Scholarship Fund assists students pursuing professional cosmetology education, which may benefit local nonprofits that support workforce development or education-focused programming.

Nonprofit and community organizations in Chattanooga, Tennessee seeking sponsorships or donations for community, health, or wellness events can apply for support; awards may include sponsorships or in-kind assistance. With a mission to help those in need, ATI Physical Therapy provides Chattanooga nonprofits with resources that elevate local health and wellness initiatives.

The Hawkins Family Foundation Grant supports diverse non-profit initiatives including healthcare, education, and community development. Primarily funding organizations in Chattanooga, Dublin/Columbus, and Tampa Bay, it requires applicants to be 501(c)(3) public charities or have fiscal sponsors with this status. This grant aims to uplift local communities and enhance the quality of life through various supportive programs.

Qualified nonprofit land trusts and conservation organizations in Chattanooga, Tennessee can seek capital grants to permanently protect large, high-priority forest blocks on the Southern Cumberland Plateau. The Open Space Institute Land Trust funds conservation easements, fee acquisitions, and related transaction costs for projects in its designated region that safeguard biodiversity and climate-resilient habitats.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Hamilton County, Tennessee that preserve or support folk and traditional arts infrastructure may be eligible for $30,000 through South Arts’ In These Mountains Infrastructure Grants. Grants from South Arts help Chattanooga, Tennessee arts and culture nonprofits cover non-program expenses like professional development, minor equipment, software, travel, marketing, and strategic planning for Central Appalachian traditions.

The Tucker Foundation Grant Program aims to support nonprofit organizations that foster character development in youth and conserve the environment. The foundation focuses on education, environmental conservation, arts, and social improvement, primarily in Tennessee and Wyoming. Eligible organizations must have IRS 501(c)(3) status, while ineligible activities include political lobbying, purely religious efforts, and requests benefiting individuals. The foundation seeks to empower communities through meaningful projects.

Tennessee municipalities and counties needing household hazardous waste collection facilities in Chattanooga, Tennessee can apply for funding to establish or upgrade permanent or temporary HHWCF infrastructure. Grants from Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation support eligible equipment, storage buildings, siting of permanent facilities, safety equipment, signage, and operating and disposal reimbursement, based on need and alignment with the state solid waste plan.

501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on financial literacy or housing in Chattanooga, Tennessee can seek Union Home Foundation grants to equip families for economic self-sufficiency. Funding of more than US $1,000 typically supports one-year programs, and Hamilton County organizations working on affordable or supportive housing and related education may be eligible.

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.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations running science education, environmental, or health and safety programs in Chattanooga, Tennessee, may be eligible for BASF Corporation’s charitable contributions. With a mission to combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility, BASF provides funding to enhance quality of life in its site communities, including Hamilton County, Tennessee.

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.

Nonprofit organizations and community partners in Chattanooga, Tennessee can seek funding for community development, education, and economic opportunity initiatives that advance shared prosperity. Focused on inclusive urban vitality, talent development, and upward mobility, Benwood Foundation invites potential long-term, strategic partners to connect about invited proposals reviewed at quarterly Trustee meetings.

Nonprofit and conservation-focused organizations restoring forests, grasslands, or freshwater habitats in the Cumberland Plateau, including Chattanooga, Tennessee, can apply for National Fish and Wildlife Foundation grants. Focused on habitat and working lands conservation, this program offers US $250,000 - US $750,000 to improve wildlife habitat, soil health, water quality, and carbon sequestration.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Chattanooga, Tennessee that run existing digital literacy programs for families or seniors may be eligible for Spectrum Communications’ Spectrum Digital Education Grants. Awards of US $2,500 - US $50,000 support efforts that bridge the digital divide in Spectrum service areas and can demonstrate measurable, lasting impact in low-income or multicultural communities.

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 organizations running arts, education, environmental, or health and wellness projects in Chattanooga, Tennessee can apply for Stantec’s Community Engagement Grant to support community initiatives or events. Programs located in or near Stantec office communities, including Hamilton County, Tennessee, may be especially competitive for funding to strengthen local quality of life.

Students in accredited paramedic degree programs who are members of the Nashville Fire Department EMS Division can receive scholarship support for their EMS education, including those connected to Chattanooga, Tennessee. With a mission to build a more thriving and inclusive community, Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee administers the United Paramedics of Nashville and Chief Kappu Deshpande EMS Education Scholarship.

The TAC Arts Project Support grant provides funding for diverse arts projects that enhance community vitality in urban areas. Eligible applicants, including Tennessee-based nonprofit organizations and local government entities, must match the requested grant amount dollar-for-dollar. Projects may encompass various art forms such as visual arts, music, and theater, promoting engagement and accessibility. Applicants should carefully review ineligibility criteria to ensure their proposals align with the funding philosophy.

The PNC Foundation's Grow Up Great Grant is a significant initiative aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for children from birth to age 5. With a commitment of $500 million, this program focuses on improving school readiness through support in vocabulary development, social-emotional learning, and the arts. By partnering with community-based nonprofits, PNC aims to foster stronger, smarter, and healthier communities, ensuring a brighter future for the next generation.