Best Foundation Grants for Nonprofits in Tennessee

The Auto Club Group Foundation focuses on creating a positive impact through grants that enhance traffic safety, driver education, and financial literacy across 14 U.S. states and two territories. With a mission rooted in community service, the foundation supports nonprofit organizations and government entities that align with its goals. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $15,000, addressing crucial areas such as traffic safety initiatives, financial literacy for K-12 students, and equitable access to driver education programs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Tennessee counties served by Nashville Memorial Hospital can seek funding for health care access, human and social services, education, youth development, senior enrichment, and community services. Focused on data-driven, trauma-informed programs, Memorial Foundation considers capital projects, general operating support, and start-up initiatives that address important, unmet community needs.

With a mission to advance Southern vitality through the arts, South Arts provides Tennessee arts nonprofits and government or tribal arts units with up to US $1,000 for professional development. Funding supports staff or board participation in conferences, workshops, and organization-wide training that build capacity, sustainability, and operational stability for smaller arts organizations.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits facing unplanned emergencies like fires, floods, or other disasters can request one-time support for emotional, occupational, or nutritional health needs. Focused on community well-being, The Rosendin Foundation invites eligible organizations in its Tennessee office and project areas to apply for emergency grants up to US $5,000, reviewed on an as-needed basis.

Established 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving Davidson County residents in Tennessee can seek Frist Foundation funding for capacity-building, technology improvements, and select operational support. With a mission to strengthen community-serving agencies, the foundation prioritizes organizations addressing arts and culture, food insecurity, health disparities, immigrants and refugees, nonprofit infrastructure, and unhoused neighbors, especially those reaching underserved communities.

Established 501(c)(3) nonprofits in west Tennessee, northern Mississippi, and eastern Arkansas can seek approximately US $15,000 for one-time capacity-building projects that strengthen management, governance, or administration. Focused on organizational development, the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis supports activities like evaluations, staff or board training, technology upgrades, and planning efforts that ultimately enhance services for Mid-South communities.

With a mission to strengthen community services, education, and healthcare, this operating grant provides Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits with unrestricted support for ongoing programs and operations. Eligible organizations are Nashville-area, community-anchored nonprofits serving low-income and vulnerable populations in education, health, or community and social services, with an EIN and profile requirements met.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in youth education, land and habitat conservation, arts education, or community-wide human services can access funding through the Tucker Foundation to support programs and operations. Eligible organizations in the Chattanooga/Hamilton County and Cleveland/Bradley County MSAs may also seek support for scholarships, capital projects, and conservation easements.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, state or municipal agencies, and public schools in Tennessee can apply for Toyota’s grants to support STEM education and workforce readiness programs. Funding prioritizes long-term, sustainable initiatives serving diverse and underserved communities, with particular focus on Carroll, Madison, and Shelby counties.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations over three years old that explore and celebrate cultural diversity and heritage in Tennessee may be eligible for project support. Focused on community culture and inclusion, Nissan Foundation invites Middle Tennessee nonprofits serving local communities to apply using its required online letter of intent form.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving youth through arts, workforce development, or mentorship within 25 miles of Nashville, Tennessee can seek support for programs or general operations. The Graham and Carolyn Holloway Family Foundation supports creative expression, job readiness, and one-on-one youth mentorship, with new applicants submitting an LOI by February 15 and full applications by March 15.

The Mount Rest Fund Grant, established by the East Tennessee Foundation, continues a legacy of support for women and children in Knox County. Founded in 2004, it honors the historical commitment of the Mount Rest Home, which began in 1894. The grant focuses on projects related to early childhood education, health drivers, and addressing Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Eligible organizations must serve the local community and comply with non-discrimination policies to qualify for funding.

Community-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government entities in Tennessee supporting women and girls can receive unrestricted operating support to advance economic self-sufficiency, prevent violence, and promote health and talent. Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee’s Women’s Fund awards up to US $20,000, prioritizing smaller organizations and those devoting at least 75% of their work to women and girls.

Nonprofit community development organizations in Tennessee hosting graduate fellows for housing, small business, or workforce projects can apply to partner with the National Community Reinvestment Coalition. With a mission to advance a just economy, NCRC provides its member hosts with innovative talent and support to tackle local equitable development challenges.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations focused on health, basic needs, and education in Tennessee can seek general operating, program, or invited capital support to strengthen community wellbeing. HCA Foundation supports work such as primary care, mental health, food access, housing, and nonprofit capacity building in Middle Tennessee counties including Davidson, Williamson, Wilson, Rutherford, Cheatham, Dickson, Robertson, and Sumner.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Tennessee and select other states can apply for Cigna Foundation’s Improving Youth Mental Health Grant, offering US $100,000 - US $150,000 for one-year projects. Funding supports evidence-informed programs in schools and related settings that build social-emotional skills, equip caregivers and youth professionals, and expand access to mental health care for ages 5–18.

West End Home Foundation provides Tennessee nonprofits serving older adults with program and capital funding for aging-related services. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations must operate in Cheatham, Davidson, Robertson, Rutherford, Sumner, Williamson, or Wilson counties and demonstrate capacity to deliver measurable outcomes for adults age 60 and older.

Rural, community-based 501(c)(3) organizations in Tennessee using grassroots organizing strategies for social, economic, or environmental justice may be eligible for general or project support. Southern Partners Fund’s Hubert E. Sapp Regular Grant Cycle backs small-budget groups led by community members to build leadership, strengthen rural communities, and advance justice-focused campaigns across the Southeast.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, government units, educational institutions, and fiscally sponsored groups serving youth in East Tennessee can receive up to US $20,000 for two-year projects. East Tennessee Foundation provides Tennessee youth-focused programs with funding for early childhood education, health drivers, and prevention or mitigation of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) in its 25-county service area.

Tennessee nonprofits, mission-oriented for-profits, and eligible housing entities with scalable affordable housing innovations can access funding through Enterprise Community Partners’ National Housing Innovation Grant. Grants of US $2,000,000 support proven solutions in design and construction, finance, or service delivery that expand affordable rental and homeownership options nationwide, including Tennessee communities.

Nonprofits, government units, educational institutions, and fiscally sponsored groups in Tennessee’s 25-county East Tennessee region can receive US $5,000 - US $6,500 for charitable and economic programs fostering regional economic development. East Tennessee Foundation’s Economic Development Fund supports organizations able to document 501(c)(3) or equivalent status and meet its non-discrimination and financial documentation requirements.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Tennessee can seek funding for emotional, occupational, and nutritional health programs, with awards up to Up to US $100,000. With a mission to positively impact communities, Rosendin Foundation provides grants to community-focused nonprofits located in its Tennessee office and project areas that are in good standing with the IRS and state.

East Tennessee nonprofits, government units, and public educational institutions can seek up to US $12,500 for teen resilience or veteran support programs in Tennessee. East Tennessee Foundation’s CNS Y-12 Community Investment Fund offers one-year grants across a 20-county East Tennessee service area, including fiscally sponsored emerging groups that meet its non-discrimination requirements.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing adult workforce development, career navigation, and AI-related training can apply for Truist Foundation Inspire Awards, offering US $10,000 - US $250,000. Headquartered organizations serving Tennessee and other states in the Truist footprint may receive support for upskilling, AI literacy, and wraparound services that advance workers’ economic mobility.

The CoreCivic Foundation Grant aims to support nonprofit organizations that help former offenders, victims of crime, and underserved youth. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charities with a commitment to measurable outcomes. Preference is given to those with a history of collaboration with CoreCivic and those operating in Tennessee. This grant provides essential resources to enhance the quality of services delivered to these vulnerable populations, fostering rehabilitation and community support.

South Arts Inc

Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, South Arts is a nonprofit regional arts organization empowering artists, organizations, and communities, and increasing access to arts and culture.

In partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the State Arts Agencies of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee — with additional funding from other public and private donors such as the Doris Duke Foundation, the Ford Foundation, and Mellon Foundation — South Arts supports artists and organizations through a rich and responsive portfolio of grants, fellowships, and programs. Why? Because South Arts believes that the arts elevate the region, increasing connectedness and inspiring meaningful change in the process.

Our mission: Advancing Southern vitality through the arts.

Arts in Community Grants

Program Description

Arts in Community Grants are designed to support deeper engagements between Southern communities and artists. Through these grants supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, we aim to increase access to the arts, expand audiences for artists, and broaden our reach. Eligible projects require a Southern artist/company visiting another Southern state for public activities, offering access to arts programming by professional artists. Funding supports Southern film directors, traditional artists, visual artists, performing artists, or writers:

• film (documentary, fiction, experimental, and animation),
• traditional arts (music, dance, storytelling, and visual arts/crafts),
• visual arts (crafts, drawing, experimental, painting, photography, sculpture, and mixed media),
• performing arts (theater, music, opera, musical theater, and dance), and
• literary arts (fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry).

Projects require an artist or artist ensemble and a host or partner organization. Project must include at least two in-person or live, virtual public activities – both a public presentation (a film screening, performance, reading, or exhibition) and an educational/community engagement activity (a workshop, demonstration, lecture, facilitated discussion, or master class). The grant requires a dollar-for-dollar cash match.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, government units, educational institutions, and fiscally sponsored groups in Tennessee’s 25-county East Tennessee Foundation service area can apply for East Tennessee Foundation’s Arts Fund awards of US $5,000 - US $15,000 to support arts and culture projects. Funding sustains cultural traditions, expands artistic expression, and can benefit grassroots and underserved community programs.