Best Homelessness Grants 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 U.S. Bank Foundation’s Community Possible program. Organizations serving designated U.S. Bank communities and addressing housing or supportive services for people experiencing homelessness may be prioritized, especially those led by people of color and advancing equity.

Nonprofit organizations in Tennessee that are 501(c)(3)s and run programs for children, education, or health and human services can apply for monetary support, which may include homelessness services, from the Costco Foundation. Grants help community-based programs demonstrate measurable outcomes, address documented local needs, and show strong collaboration and diversified financial support.

501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting youth, including those addressing homelessness and basic human needs in Tennessee, can apply for the Dan Paul Foundation’s grants, with awards up to US $15,000. Funding supports programs that directly advance children’s health, education, development, welfare, and related services such as homelessness, poverty, and refugee enrichment.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

Tennessee educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies can access funding through State Farm Companies Foundation for safety, education, and community development initiatives. Programs addressing community/public safety, affordable housing, neighborhood revitalization, financial literacy, job training, or food insecurity may be eligible, including efforts that support people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving communities in the Nashville Memorial Hospital service area of Tennessee 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 work, Memorial Foundation invites requests for capital projects, general operating support, and start-up initiatives, including homelessness services.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

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.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

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 general welfare. U.S.-based nonprofits addressing homelessness among other needs may be eligible if funds are used within the country and the organization meets federal and, when relevant, California tax requirements.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing homelessness and human services in Tennessee’s Montgomery County can receive US $2,500 - US $10,000 to strengthen local communities and support vulnerable residents. Altra Foundation’s Best Life Community Awards are based on member nominations and can also support related areas like housing, food security, health, and community development.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Middle Tennessee seeking to address homelessness and related social issues through innovative, self-sustaining projects may be eligible for this Spark Grant. Grants from Impact100 Nashville help Tennessee human and social services providers tackle homelessness, poverty, addiction, hunger, trafficking, and other debilitating conditions within a 24-month project period.

Homelessness and human services nonprofits in Middle Tennessee can apply for Impact100 Nashville’s Transformation and Innovation Grant to launch or expand creative programs that break cycles of homelessness, poverty, addiction, and related issues. Grants up to US $100,000 support innovative, high-impact projects serving residents of the ten-county Nashville Economic Market area.

Nonprofits and aligned for-profit organizations in Tennessee working in preservation, education, or wellness can receive more than US $50,000 to develop storytelling projects that highlight their community impact. Focused on amplifying transformational work, the Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation’s Storytelling Grant may benefit homelessness service providers whose programs fit these pillars.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) organizations addressing poverty, families, or related human services can access funding through Robinson Foundation for single-year projects serving people in need. Eligible nonprofits must be over three years old and serve communities in the Southern region, and may include homelessness services within broader poverty relief or family support efforts.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking support for community services or fundraising events can apply for grants or event sponsorships that aid important service goals. With a mission to help communities where employees live and work, Insperity provides eligible charities with philanthropic funding or sponsorship once per year, which may benefit homelessness service providers in covered Tennessee counties.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and eligible government entities in Tennessee communities near Georgia-Pacific manufacturing facilities can apply for Georgia-Pacific Foundation grants supporting education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental programs. Homelessness service providers may be eligible if their projects serve GP communities and align with these focus areas and investment priorities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations addressing basic needs, homelessness-related services, youth enrichment, workforce readiness, or domestic violence may be eligible for funding in Tennessee and other areas within 15 miles of a TJX location. The TJX Foundation supports programs helping vulnerable families and children access food, clothing, shelter, safety, and educational opportunities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries can seek funding for environmental, human services, or related programs, including work serving people experiencing homelessness in Tennessee. With a mission to support environmental and human services causes, Lawrence Foundation provides unrestricted US $5,000 - US $10,000 grants for program or general operating needs, with no geographic restrictions.

Food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters in Tennessee and select other states can apply for grants supporting direct food and shelter services to low-income and vulnerable people. Grants from UNICO Foundation fund established, nonprofit community programs that meet health regulations, operate outside private homes, and use 100% of funds for basic needs, not salaries or overhead.

Grants from O'Reilly Automotive Foundation help Tennessee homelessness services and related nonprofits fund projects, operations, or capital needs that improve quality of life for underserved people. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations near O’Reilly Auto Parts locations may be eligible for support in areas like homelessness, hunger, poverty, workforce development, health, and disaster relief.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations whose primary focus is children and who serve Tennessee counties such as Carter, Greene, Sullivan, and others can seek grants to meet critical needs, including homelessness services. Speedway Children's Charities’ Bristol Chapter prioritizes programs for homeless, orphaned, and foster children, and victims of sex trafficking across its Tennessee and Virginia service area.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving children in middle Tennessee can receive grants for critical needs, including homelessness, foster care, and victims of sex trafficking. Speedway Children's Charities also supports medical, educational, literacy, tutoring, and after-school programs, so Tennessee homelessness service providers focused on children may be eligible if they operate within the listed middle Tennessee counties.

Nonprofits and local agencies in Tennessee addressing homelessness and housing instability can apply for Tennessee Housing Development Agency’s Emergency Solutions Grant, with awards of US $35,000 - US $125,000 for housing-focused services. Funding can support emergency shelter, rapid rehousing, supportive housing, and related services that help people quickly regain stability in permanent housing.