Best Grants for Environmental Projects in Tennessee

Grassroots, community-led 501(c)(3) organizations needing technical assistance to strengthen social justice work in Tennessee and Central Appalachia can apply for capacity-building support, including training and consulting. Focused on systemic social, economic, racial, and environmental justice, Appalachian Community Fund invites groups to enhance skills in leadership, fundraising, planning, financial management, and community organizing, which may benefit environmental initiatives.

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.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits with innovative approaches to human services and social issues can seek support to develop or expand their programs. Focused on new solutions to existing or overlooked problems, the Creag Foundation invites organizations, including those addressing environmental challenges, to submit a letter of inquiry for potential invitation-only funding.

501(c)(3) nonprofits in Tennessee working on youth-focused environmental or basic needs programs can apply for DanPaul Foundation grants, with awards up to US $15,000. Funding supports projects that advance children’s health, education, development, and welfare, including clean air and water, homelessness, poverty, and refugee enrichment initiatives that engage and benefit young people.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

Tennessee educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies can access funding for safety, education, and community development projects, including disaster preparedness, housing, and financial literacy. Grants from State Farm Companies Foundation may benefit environmental initiatives that intersect with community safety, neighborhood revitalization, or sustainable housing and transportation.

Grassroots, community-led groups advancing LGBTQ justice in Appalachian Tennessee counties can apply for up to $2,000 from the Appalachian Community Fund. Grants prioritize emerging efforts, capacity building, and leadership development, especially among LGBTQ youth, to strengthen long-term organizing, institutional resilience, and regional social change infrastructure.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting early childhood education or community economic development can receive funding for programs serving low- and moderate-income children, families, and neighborhoods in Tennessee communities where PNC operates. PNC Foundation provides grants for early learning, affordable housing, small business support, arts and culture, and revitalization efforts that may include environmental components.

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.

Nonprofit organizations providing health, education, or humanitarian services can seek support for programs serving marginalized communities worldwide, including Tennessee. Semnani Family Foundation provides Tennessee environment-focused groups with funding when their work intersects with health, disaster relief, or social services for vulnerable populations, especially in areas such as healthcare access, child welfare, and humanitarian aid.

Tennessee rural grassroots community groups using organizing strategies for social, economic, or environmental justice can access funding through Southern Partners Fund for projects in its 12-state Southern region. Grants up to US $3,500 support community organizing, capacity-building technical assistance, and travel for conferences or civic engagement, including work on education reform, immigration rights, and voter engagement.

Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation provides Tennessee environmental nonprofits with US $1,000 - US $20,000 to support conservation, wildlife protection, and other community-based programs. IRS-qualified U.S. organizations, including those running environmental projects alongside education, arts, health, or social services, may be eligible to apply during the foundation’s spring or fall award rounds.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

Focused on basic needs and community vitality, this program invites U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits to seek funding for hunger relief, housing, workforce readiness, financial literacy, and cultural enrichment initiatives. Tennessee environmental groups with qualifying community development or neighborhood revitalization projects, especially those engaging Ameriprise volunteers, may be eligible to apply.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

Nonprofit conservation and community organizations, municipalities, Tribal Nations, and agencies in Tennessee can access funding through The Nature Conservancy’s Resilient and Connected Appalachians Grant Program, awarding up to US $100,000 for fee and easement land acquisition. Eligible projects protect resilient, connected Appalachian habitats while delivering meaningful community benefits and climate resilience outcomes.

Environmental and conservation-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits and aligned for-profit organizations in Tennessee can seek the Storytelling Grant to share the impact of their work. Focused on preservation, education, and wellness, Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation supports projects like wildlife conservation, historic preservation, waste reduction, outdoor access, and mental health through compelling storytelling initiatives.

Tennessee and Wyoming 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in youth education, land conservation, arts education, or community-wide human services can apply for support from the Tucker Foundation. Tennessee environmental organizations may be eligible for land acquisition, conservation easements, or related operating support within the foundation’s designated counties.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations improving quality of life in Tennessee communities can seek project, operating, or capital support for economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, or disaster relief. Grants from O'Reilly Automotive Foundation help U.S. community-focused charities, including those whose work may intersect with environmental or community resilience projects.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

Rural, community-based 501(c)(3) organizations using grassroots organizing strategies for social, economic, or environmental justice in Tennessee and other Southeastern states can seek general or project support through this program. Southern Partners Fund’s Hubert E. Sapp Regular Grant Cycle may benefit groups advancing environmental justice and related advocacy in rural communities.

Universities, institutions, cooperatives, producers, and community-based organizations in Tennessee can access funding to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and nursery crops. Tennessee Department of Agriculture provides Tennessee environmental and agricultural groups with support for projects that expand markets, improve sustainability, and advance research benefiting multiple specialty crop producers.

Government entities and not-for-profit organizations in Tennessee holding permanent, historically valuable archival collections can receive up to US $5,000 to improve preservation and access to records, including environmental materials. Tennessee State Library and Archives supports technology, training, contracted services, archivist staffing, and archival supplies that may benefit environmental history and records projects.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on environmental or community service projects, including those in Tennessee, may be eligible for support from the Dudley T Dougherty Foundation. Focused on respecting life, people, and the environment, this grant could help advance conservation, environmental education, or peacebuilding-related initiatives.

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities in Tennessee can apply for Georgia-Pacific Foundation’s grants to support education, environment, entrepreneurship, and community enrichment projects. Organizations must be within 30 miles of a Georgia-Pacific manufacturing community and serve those communities, so Tennessee environmental initiatives near GP facilities may be competitive.