Best Grants for Teachers Continuing Education in Tennessee

Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on economic and workforce advancement, affordable housing, or community arts and culture can access funding through US Bancorp Foundation’s Community Possible program. Organizations that address multiple pillars (work, home, play), advance diversity, equity and inclusion, and serve designated U.S. Bank communities may be especially competitive, including groups supporting teacher workforce or career readiness efforts.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits running programs for children, education, or health and human services can apply for monetary support that complements teachers’ continuing education efforts. Grants from Costco Foundation help organizations in communities where Costco operates that can demonstrate community need, measurable outcomes, collaboration, and a broad base of financial support in their project budgets.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits with innovative approaches to human services and other social issues can seek funding to develop or expand their programs. Focused on innovation, Creag Foundation invites eligible organizations to propose new ways of addressing existing or previously unaddressed social problems, which may include creative models for teacher development or continuing education initiatives.

Early-stage nonprofit and mission-driven for-profit organizations in Tennessee tackling urgent social or environmental challenges can access funding and support through Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation; awards up to US $300,000 over three years for scalable, impact-first solutions. Education-focused initiatives that directly benefit underserved communities and can grow to reach thousands may be competitive.

501(c)(3) organizations in Tennessee developing educational testing tools, teacher support materials, or innovative education projects can apply for Dunn Family Foundation grants, typically US $5,000 - US $25,000, to fund project costs. Initial awards support specific projects, with possible follow-on operating or capital support tied to prior funding.

Nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations using technology to deliver education, crisis response, or economic empowerment programs for predominantly economically underserved communities, including in Tennessee, can seek Global Impact Cash Grants supporting innovative program delivery. Cisco Systems Foundation funds early-stage, tech-enabled solutions such as digital skills education, workforce preparation, and green job creation, with awards up to US $100,000.

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 initiatives; awards support programs like K–12 and higher education, STEM, and college and career pathways. Grants from State Farm Companies Foundation may benefit teacher professional development or continuing education efforts that fit these focus areas.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits and equivalent charities working in education, health, or community services can access funding through the Labcorp Charitable Foundation to support programs like STEM education, food pantries, and healthcare access. This U.S.-based funder reviews requests in March and September and prioritizes equitable care, education, and community well-being.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Tennessee communities where PNC operates can seek funding for early childhood education or community economic development initiatives. PNC Foundation provides support for programs such as birth-to-five learning, teacher professional development, family engagement, job training, affordable housing, and neighborhood revitalization, which may include opportunities tied to teacher development and continuing education.

Focused on humanitarian, education, community, and arts initiatives, this program invites accredited charities in Tennessee and worldwide to seek support for innovative, sustainable projects. Organizations offering science and education programs, youth services, primary health care, or community and environmental initiatives may be eligible for funding from Roche, often in partnership with local affiliate offices.

Nonprofit organizations providing health, education, or humanitarian services in Tennessee and other eligible countries can seek support for programs serving marginalized and vulnerable communities. Semnani Family Foundation provides global funding that may benefit teacher training, literacy initiatives, or medical education efforts connected to continuing education and community health.

With a mission to support charitable, scientific, medical, and educational work, Sidney Stern Memorial Trust provides Tennessee 501(c)(3) organizations with funding for programs that advance education and general welfare. U.S.-based nonprofits, including those offering teachers’ continuing education, may be eligible if all funded activities occur within the country and meet tax-exempt requirements.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking support for community-focused programs can apply for Bank of America Foundation sponsorships. Funding may benefit efforts in workforce education, basic needs like hunger and shelter, community development, arts and culture, environmental initiatives, and diversity and inclusion, helping strengthen economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities nationwide.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and aligned for-profits can seek more than US $50,000 to tell powerful stories about their work through the Storytelling Grant. Focused on preservation, education, and wellness, the Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation invites Tennessee education and teacher-support programs to enhance communications that showcase their community impact.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) organizations focused on education, youth, or family services can access funding via Robinson Foundation for single-year programs that tangibly improve people’s lives. Eligible nonprofits must serve communities in the Southern region and have operated for more than three years; funds are not available for facilities or other capital projects.

With a mission to support community services, Insperity provides Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits with philanthropic grants and event sponsorships to advance key service and fundraising goals. Eligible organizations must either engage Insperity employees, be Insperity clients, or serve communities where its employees live and work, and may apply once per year.

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

Charitable 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and qualified government entities in Tennessee can apply for Georgia-Pacific Foundation’s grants supporting education, environment, entrepreneurship, and community enrichment projects. Eligible applicants must be located within 30 miles of a Georgia-Pacific manufacturing community, so Tennessee teachers’ continuing education initiatives may qualify when based in those areas.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries seeking support for environmental or human services programs in Tennessee can apply for unrestricted grants ranging from US $5,000 - US $10,000. With a mission to back environmental and human services work, Lawrence Foundation provides program or operating support that may help educators and schools enhance continuing education efforts.

Focused on community development and basic needs, Ameriprise Financial invites U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits to apply for grants supporting hunger relief, shelter, adult self-sufficiency, and cultural enrichment. Tennessee education and community organizations that fit these priorities and can engage Ameriprise volunteers may be competitive applicants.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Tennessee can seek project funding for education, social services, health care, civic and cultural, or environmental programs, with awards from US $5,000 - US $25,000. Grants from Dr Scholl Foundation help U.S. organizations, including those supporting teacher development and continuing education, with one-year initiatives rather than general operating support.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Tennessee that improve quality of life through economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, or disaster relief can seek project, operating, or capital support. Grants from O'Reilly Automotive Foundation help community-focused groups addressing poverty, hunger, homelessness, health access, literacy, and related services in areas where O’Reilly Auto Parts operates.

Tennessee nonprofits serving youth and families through education, housing, food security, or environmental programs can access funding through Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards. U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations may receive US $30,000 - US $350,000 for initiatives like academic enrichment, leadership development, hunger relief, family services, community gardens, and environmental stewardship projects.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.