Best Grants for Visual Artists in Tennessee

Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on economic and workforce advancement, safe and affordable housing, or community arts and culture can access funding through US Bancorp Foundation’s Community Possible Grant Program. Organizations, including those supporting visual arts, may submit a letter of interest or be invited as established partners, with priority for groups led by people of color in designated U.S. Bank communities.

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 Arts Commission

The Tennessee Arts Commission was created in 1967 by the Tennessee General Assembly with the special mandate to stimulate and encourage the presentation of the visual, literary, music and performing arts and to encourage public interest in the cultural heritage of Tennessee. TN Arts Commission Governing Policies can be found here.

The mission of the Tennessee Arts Commission is to cultivate the arts for the benefit of all Tennesseans and their communities. Our vision is a Tennessee where the arts inspire, connect and enhance everyday lives.

Creative Aging Tennessee IV

Building on the successes of Creative Aging Tennessee I, II, and III initiatives, the Tennessee Arts Commission (TAC) continues to expand arts learning opportunities for older adults through its latest initiative, Creative Aging Tennessee IV. Funded in part by E. A. Michelson Philanthropy and the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies; and the State of Tennessee, this initiative connects vital resources to under-resourced communities to provide arts programming to older adults through nonprofit senior centers and governmental entities. Through this initiative, creative aging art classes and programs will continue to support serving older adults in rural communities and urban counties with “art deserts” to offer arts programming for older adults living with social isolation, reduced access to trained artists, and in geographically challenged areas. One of the purposes of this grant is to encourage local communities to apply for small micro-grants for projects that will remove barriers for older adults to increase participation in arts activities.

Application Deadline is 30 days prior to the beginning date of the project activity. This is a Rolling Grant opportunity which means applications will be accepted on a continual basis until funds are depleted and/or until April 1, 2027.

501(c)(3) nonprofits worldwide, including those in Tennessee, can apply for DanPaul Foundation grants of up to US $15,000 to support youth health, education, development, and welfare programs. Funding may benefit projects in child advocacy, homelessness, poverty alleviation, refugee enrichment, environmental education, and related services for children and 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 apply for State Farm Companies Foundation’s Good Neighbor Citizenship grants supporting safety, education, and community development initiatives. Visual arts organizations may be eligible if their projects advance auto or home safety, disaster preparedness or recovery, neighborhood revitalization, financial literacy, or education outcomes.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

With a mission to advance Southern vitality through the arts, South Arts provides Tennessee arts organizations with up to US $1,000 for professional development. Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government or tribal arts entities with budgets under $500,000 can fund staff or board training, conferences, workshops, travel, and consultant-led learning tied to their arts programming.

Accredited charities running arts, culture, education, environmental, or humanitarian projects in Tennessee and worldwide can apply for Roche’s philanthropic support. Focused on impactful, sustainable initiatives, Roche prioritizes innovative, high-quality programs in areas like contemporary visual arts, youth education, community development, and disaster relief that allow collaboration with local Roche affiliates and engage Roche employees.

With a mission to strengthen charitable, scientific, medical, and educational work, Sidney Stern Memorial Trust provides Tennessee 501(c)(3) organizations with flexible funding for programs serving U.S. communities. Visual arts nonprofits and fine art institutions may be eligible if they are tax-exempt and their funded activities take place within the U.S.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

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.

Nonprofit organizations and local government entities in Tennessee’s urban counties can receive US $1,000 - US $18,000 to support visual arts and other arts projects that build community vitality and engagement. Tennessee Arts Commission funding can cover exhibitions, festivals, workshops, public art, touring projects, accessibility improvements, and related administrative or technical support costs.

Tennessee K–12 public schools, districts, 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organizations, higher education institutions, and local government agencies can access funding to build sustainable, community-driven arts education systems. The Tennessee Arts Commission’s Arts Education Community Impact Grant supports cross-sector partnerships for innovative arts learning, workforce development, arts integration, and professional learning across Tennessee, including visual arts initiatives. Awards are more than US $20,000.

Nonprofit organizations and local government entities in Tennessee rural counties can receive funding for arts projects across disciplines that build community vitality and engagement. Tennessee Arts Commission supports visual and fine arts in Tennessee by backing exhibitions, festivals, performances, artist residencies, public art, accessibility improvements, and related administrative or technical support. Awards range from US $1,000 - US $25,000.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) public charities and government entities can seek funding for visual arts, arts education, or art therapy programs, with grants up to US $15,000. Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee’s William N. Rollins Fund for the Arts supports organizations advancing visual arts and related educational or therapeutic initiatives in the state.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations can seek project funding in education, social services, health care, civic and cultural, or environmental programs, including work benefiting visual artists in Tennessee. Grants from Dr Scholl Foundation help U.S. organizations with one-year initiatives, offering US $5,000 - US $25,000 for eligible projects rather than general operating support.

Nonprofit organizations providing community services like economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, or disaster relief in Tennessee may be eligible for project, operating, or capital support; grants from O'Reilly Automotive Foundation help U.S.-based 501(c)(3) groups in O’Reilly Auto Parts communities. Visual arts nonprofits that meet these criteria and serve underserved residents could apply.

Nonprofit and governmental arts presenting organizations in Tennessee can use these grants for staff travel, conferences, festivals, workshops, and other professional development or artistic planning needs. With a mission to strengthen Southern presenters, South Arts provides support up to US $1,000 for visual, film, performing, literary, traditional, and multidisciplinary arts organizations.

The Community Ties Giving Program by Union Pacific Foundation offers local grants aimed at enhancing community well-being through diverse funding priorities. These include safety initiatives, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability. The program emphasizes supporting organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to create impactful projects that resonate with Union Pacific's heritage and mission. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations serving Union Pacific communities and demonstrate a clear need and capacity to deliver effective programming.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries seeking support for environmental or human services programs in Tennessee and beyond can apply for grants of US $5,000 - US $10,000. With a mission to back environmental and human services work, Lawrence Foundation provides unrestricted operating or program funding, which may benefit visual arts organizations whose work fits these 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.

Focused on contemporary visual art, this program invites Tennessee visual artists and artist collectives to propose innovative, public-facing projects; awards US $7,500 for project expenses. Eligible applicants are 21 or older, working in 2-D, 3-D, or 4-D media, and creating new work that engages Tennessee communities.

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.

Rural Tennessee hospitals and eligible 501(c)(3) or local government entities can receive up to US $25,000 to create or expand arts-based health and wellness programming. Tennessee Arts Commission’s Tennessee Arts & Rural Health Initiative funds visual, music, dance, and literary arts projects in rural hospitals, which may include murals, meditation gardens, exhibitions, or artist-led classes for patients, families, and staff.

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.

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.