Best Cycling Grants in Tennessee

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.

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

501(c)(3) nonprofits worldwide, including those in Tennessee, can apply for Dan Paul Foundation grants supporting youth health, education, development, and welfare, with awards up to US $15,000. Organizations running programs for child advocacy, early childhood development, poverty and homelessness, refugee enrichment, or environmental education may be eligible, including youth cycling initiatives with related educational or enrichment goals.

Grants from Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation help Tennessee biking organizations and other early-stage social enterprises scale innovative programs that benefit underserved communities; awards up to US $300,000 over three years. Eligible independent nonprofits or impact-first for-profits must be post-pilot, under 10 years old, and focused on measurable, scalable social or environmental impact.

Nonprofit and NGO programs using technology for crisis response, education access, or economic empowerment in Tennessee and worldwide can seek Global Impact Cash Grants, with awards up to US $100,000. Cisco Systems Foundation supports innovative, early-stage, tech-enabled solutions serving predominantly economically underserved communities, with applications accepted year-round via an initial LOI.

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.

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 small-budget, tax-exempt arts nonprofits and public agencies can fund staff or board participation in conferences, workshops, or organization-wide training that strengthens capacity and sustainability, which may benefit groups supporting cycling-related arts initiatives.

Nonprofit organizations providing health, education, or humanitarian services can access support from Semnani Family Foundation, which works in Tennessee as part of its U.S. focus. Funding prioritizes healthcare access, disaster relief, women and children’s health, literacy, and social services for marginalized communities, and may benefit groups whose cycling programs intersect with these needs.

Rural-focused 501(c)(3)s, community-based entities, and other eligible organizations running experimental civic participation programs in the U.S. can apply for Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors’ Trust for Civic Life Civic Experiment Grants, with awards up to US $25,000 for specific programs. Tennessee biking and cycling groups in rural communities that build inclusive, community-led civic engagement may be eligible.

Individual writers and literary-focused organizations in Tennessee and the broader South Arts region can seek up to US $5,000 to create, publish, or share contemporary literary work, or pursue professional development. Focused on literary arts, South Arts supports poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, drama, community engagement projects, and career-building opportunities for writers.

Youth- and family-serving 501(c)(3) organizations and government agencies in Tennessee’s Nashville and Middle Tennessee area can seek funding for specific projects, durable goods, or one-time programs. Focused on biking and active lifestyles, Nashville Predators Foundation offers US $500 - US $10,000, with priority for smaller-budget charities and those interested in deeper partnership.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Tennessee working on basic needs, community vitality, or volunteer-driven programs may be eligible for Ameriprise Financial support. Focused on hunger relief, shelter, adult self-sufficiency, and community development, Ameriprise Financial invites U.S. nonprofits with strong volunteer engagement and measurable outcomes to apply for funding aligned with these priorities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations strengthening health and wellbeing through basic needs, primary care, education, or capacity-building programs in Middle Tennessee may be eligible for this funding. HCA Foundation supports health-focused initiatives in Tennessee, and cycling or biking programs that advance community wellness in eligible counties could qualify, with general operating, program, and select capital requests considered.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

Nonprofit organizations in select Tennessee counties working on health, human services, education, workforce development, community and economic development, or quality of life projects can apply for Thompson Charitable Foundation support. Funding is available for matching funds and capital projects, which may benefit groups improving cycling infrastructure or access as part of broader community initiatives.

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 the Hubert E. Sapp Regular Grant Cycle. Southern Partners Fund backs small-budget groups building local leadership and power, which may include advocacy connected to cycling, transportation, or related community issues.

Tennessee housing and community development organizations with scalable affordable housing innovations can access funding through Enterprise Community Partners for design and construction, finance, or service delivery solutions. This national competition offers US $2,000,000 grants to nonprofits, mission-oriented for-profits, quasi-governmental housing entities, and tribal housing authorities serving low- and moderate-income residents.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits with programs in emotional, occupational, or nutritional health can apply for Rosendin Foundation’s annual grants of up to US $100,000. With a mission to positively impact communities, The Rosendin Foundation provides funding to community-focused organizations working within its supported health focus areas.

Nonprofit organizations, local governmental authorities, and public transit agencies in Tennessee can access funding to improve transportation for seniors and individuals with disabilities through the Tennessee Department of Transportation. Grants support rolling stock projects in small urban and rural areas, and public transit providers may also apply for mobility management projects that could complement local biking and cycling initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Middle Tennessee seeking to launch innovative, self-sustaining projects to break cycles of hardship may be eligible for Impact100 Nashville’s Spark Grant Category. Grants from Impact100 Nashville help Tennessee groups addressing issues like homelessness, poverty, addiction, hunger, or trafficking, including programs that incorporate biking or active transportation components.

Middle Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits with $500,000–$5,000,000 in revenue can seek up to US $100,000 for innovative programs addressing issues like homelessness, poverty, addiction, hunger, or trafficking. Grants from Impact100 Nashville help Tennessee human and social service organizations drive sustainable, high-impact social transformation in the ten-county Nashville economic market area.

Tennessee contemporary visual artists and artist collectives can receive project-based funding for innovative, public-facing visual art projects that engage local communities and audiences. Focused on visual arts, the Andy Warhol Foundation, via Tri-Star Arts’ Current Art Fund, offers US $7,500 grants to support materials, labor, documentation, and other eligible project expenses across the state.

Lawson Family Foundation

The Lawson Family Foundation was established by Phil Lawson in 2020 to serve as a catalyst for the development of a more healthy, prosperous, and inclusive Knoxville community. As a private grantmaking foundation, the Lawson Family Foundation focuses support on organizations involved in the areas of Justice & Economic Mobility, Education & Youth Development, Prevention of Exploitation & Violence, and Community Health & Food Security. 

Driven by the belief that every life has equal value, the Lawson Family Foundation exists to support efforts that promote justice and opportunity in all aspects of society, primarily in Knoxville, Tennessee. In doing so, it seeks to achieve a positive impact in marginalized communities that will last for generations.

Lawson Family Foundation Community Health & Food Security Grant

Access to basic healthcare and nutritious food is essential for individual well-being and community resilience. However, many families in the Knoxville area lack access to healthy food, preventative care, and wellness resources—contributing to persistent physical and mental health disparities, particularly in historically underserved communities.

The Foundation supports programs that expand access to nutritious food, promote healthy lifestyles, and strengthen community-based health resources. 

Lawson Family Foundation

The Lawson Family Foundation was established by Phil Lawson in 2020 to serve as a catalyst for the development of a more healthy, prosperous, and inclusive Knoxville community. As a private grantmaking foundation, the Lawson Family Foundation focuses support on organizations involved in the areas of Justice & Economic Mobility, Education & Youth Development, Prevention of Exploitation & Violence, and Community Health & Food Security. 

Driven by the belief that every life has equal value, the Lawson Family Foundation exists to support efforts that promote justice and opportunity in all aspects of society, primarily in Knoxville, Tennessee. In doing so, it seeks to achieve a positive impact in marginalized communities that will last for generations.

Lawson Family Foundation Education & Youth Development Grant

Education is foundational to long-term success and thriving communities. Yet many children in the Knoxville area face disparities in access to quality education, supportive environments, and essential resources—including children with physical, mental, intellectual, and learning disabilities, as well as those from historically underserved communities.

The Foundation invests in efforts that strengthen early childhood development, improve literacy, and expand pathways to college and career. We support programs such as after-school enrichment, mentorship, and family-centered initiatives, with an emphasis on inclusive approaches that ensure all children—regardless of ability or background—have access to the tools, support, and opportunities needed to reach their full potential.

Lawson Family Foundation

The Lawson Family Foundation was established by Phil Lawson in 2020 to serve as a catalyst for the development of a more healthy, prosperous, and inclusive Knoxville community. As a private grantmaking foundation, the Lawson Family Foundation focuses support on organizations involved in the areas of Justice & Economic Mobility, Education & Youth Development, Prevention of Exploitation & Violence, and Community Health & Food Security. 

Driven by the belief that every life has equal value, the Lawson Family Foundation exists to support efforts that promote justice and opportunity in all aspects of society, primarily in Knoxville, Tennessee. In doing so, it seeks to achieve a positive impact in marginalized communities that will last for generations.

Lawson Family Foundation Justice & Economic Mobility Grant

Persistent poverty in Knoxville, especially in East Knoxville, reflects the lasting impact of historic injustices such as redlining and Urban Renewal. These forces have contributed to declining homeownership, loss of generational wealth, and increased risk of displacement—disproportionately affecting historically underserved communities and communities of color. Individuals with prior incarceration often face additional barriers to stable employment and economic advancement.

The Foundation supports initiatives that expand access to financial literacy, capital, and quality employment. 

Lawson Family Foundation

The Lawson Family Foundation was established by Phil Lawson in 2020 to serve as a catalyst for the development of a more healthy, prosperous, and inclusive Knoxville community. As a private grantmaking foundation, the Lawson Family Foundation focuses support on organizations involved in the areas of Justice & Economic Mobility, Education & Youth Development, Prevention of Exploitation & Violence, and Community Health & Food Security. 

Driven by the belief that every life has equal value, the Lawson Family Foundation exists to support efforts that promote justice and opportunity in all aspects of society, primarily in Knoxville, Tennessee. In doing so, it seeks to achieve a positive impact in marginalized communities that will last for generations.

Lawson Family Foundation Prevention of Exploitation & Violence Grant

Human trafficking and domestic violence remain urgent and growing threats across Tennessee, with women and children disproportionately affected. These forms of exploitation and abuse undermine individual dignity and destabilize families and communities.

The Foundation is committed to preventing exploitation and supporting survivors through a comprehensive approach: strengthening education and prevention efforts, supporting victim protection and restoration, and advancing the prosecution of offenders. 

The Tennessee Bar Foundation's IOLTA Grant Program offers support to law-related organizations improving access to legal services for low-income communities. With over $3 million awarded in 2025, the program encourages both new and existing grantees to apply. Grants fund critical services such as legal representation, mediation, and support for domestic violence survivors. The Foundation is committed to fostering positive change and urges eligible organizations to submit their applications.