Best Diversity Grants for Nonprofits 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. Organizations that advance diversity, equity, and inclusion and are based in designated U.S. Bank communities may be eligible, with priority for groups led by a person of color.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Tennessee with innovative human services or social problem-solving programs can seek funding to develop or expand their work. Focused on innovation, Creag Foundation invites eligible groups to propose new approaches to societal issues, which may include diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within communities and service systems.

Early-stage nonprofit and mission-driven for-profit organizations in Tennessee tackling urgent social or environmental challenges can access funding and intensive capacity-building support through Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation. Grants from Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation help Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and related initiatives scale impact for underserved communities, with up to US $300,000 available over three years for high-potential social enterprises.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

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, and community programs. Focused on community impact, Memorial Foundation invites data-driven, trauma-informed agencies to request support for capital projects, general operations, or new initiatives addressing critical local needs.

Qualified nonprofit land trusts in Tennessee can secure capital funding to acquire permanent conservation easements or fee interests in large, high-priority forest blocks on the Southern Cumberland Plateau. With a mission to protect climate-resilient habitats, Open Space Institute Land Trust also considers limited stewardship costs and short-term, low-interest bridge loans for eligible projects.

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.

Nonprofits and community partners working on urban forestry and greening projects in Tennessee can use this grant to fund management, tree planting, program development, and workforce training, with awards from US $5,000 - US $40,000. Grants from Tennessee Department of Agriculture help advance tree equity, reduce urban heat, and expand sustainable community forests.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) arts organizations, government units, and tribal communities in Tennessee and other South Arts region states can receive US $500 - US $2,500 to make arts programs more accessible for people with disabilities. South Arts supports program and minor facility enhancements, with priority for BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, disability-led, and rural organizations.

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 501(c)(3) organizations, state or municipal agencies, and public schools in Tennessee communities served by Toyota can apply for Toyota’s grants supporting STEM education and workforce readiness programs. Initiatives that create inclusive opportunities and long-term benefits for diverse, under-resourced populations may be especially competitive for this funding.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

Insperity's Corporate Contributions program emphasizes community involvement and corporate citizenship, providing philanthropic grants and event sponsorships to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Eligible organizations must engage Insperity employees or contribute to the communities where they operate. The program aims to support nonprofits in achieving their service goals and enhancing community welfare. Applications must be submitted 90 days prior to events, and funding requests can be made once a year.

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.

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 in Tennessee with programs exploring and celebrating cultural diversity and heritage can seek support for community-based initiatives. Focused on cultural understanding, Nissan Foundation invites eligible groups in Middle Tennessee counties it serves to apply using its required letter of intent form during the annual application window.

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 community vitality initiatives. Tennessee organizations advancing economic opportunity, cultural enrichment, or inclusive community services may be especially competitive if they engage Ameriprise employees or advisors as volunteers.

Local governments and Tennessee-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits can apply for Tennessee Arts Commission Creative Placemaking grants of US $3,000 - US $30,000 to enhance community character through arts-driven revitalization projects. Grants from Tennessee Arts Commission help Tennessee organizations use arts and cultural activities to improve neighborhoods, support community development, and may benefit diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.

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 for fee and easement land acquisition. Grants up to US $100,000 support resilient, connected land protection with strong community benefits, including equity-focused climate resilience and outdoor access projects across the Appalachian region.

Nonprofit community development organizations in Tennessee working on housing, small business, or workforce development projects can host a graduate fellow through the National Community Reinvestment Coalition’s Fellowship for Equitable Development. With a mission to advance a just economy, NCRC provides member hosts with skilled fellows to support equity-focused, diversity and inclusion-oriented community projects.

Nonprofit organizations and public schools in Tennessee working on housing, forestry-related environmental initiatives, or manufacturing and trades education can seek US $10,000 - US $20,000 through Louisiana Pacific Foundation’s LP Community Grant. With a mission to build strong, inclusive communities, the foundation supports programs that protect the environment, enrich education, and expand opportunities in manufacturing and construction fields.

West and Middle Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving older adults can seek funding for senior-focused programs or capital projects. West End Home Foundation provides Tennessee aging-services organizations with support for direct services, collaborative initiatives, and advocacy that promote successful aging for adults age 60 and older in Cheatham, Davidson, Robertson, Rutherford, Sumner, Williamson, and Wilson counties.

Nonprofit and governmental arts presenting organizations in Tennessee can receive up to US $1,000 to support staff or guest artists’ professional development travel and training. With a mission to strengthen arts presenters, South Arts provides funding for conferences, festivals, workshops, virtual trainings, and planning meetings, which may advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in their programming.

East Tennessee nonprofits, government units, and public educational institutions can receive up to US $12,500 for programs advancing teen resilience and veteran support in selected counties. East Tennessee Foundation’s CNS Y-12 Community Investment Fund emphasizes inclusive, non-discriminatory services, so organizations with strong diversity, equity, and inclusion practices may be especially competitive.

Nonprofits, government units, educational institutions, and fiscally sponsored groups serving Monroe County residents in Tennessee can apply for East Tennessee Foundation’s John D. Grubb and Louise G. Sumner Fund, awarding US $5,000 - US $7,500 for two-year projects. Funding supports creative use of local resources and improving quality of life, and may benefit diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.

Tennessee nonprofits and government entities working on affordable housing in Knoxville can access funding through East Tennessee Foundation for new construction, major rehabs, and stabilization programs for low-income homeowners and renters. Projects that expand housing opportunities and support very low-income households may fit diversity, equity, and inclusion goals in Tennessee communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, government units, educational institutions, and fiscally sponsored emerging groups in East Tennessee can apply for East Tennessee Foundation’s Arts Fund for two-year project support, with awards of US $5,000 - US $15,000. Funding sustains cultural traditions, public arts access, and diverse artistic expression, benefiting communities across the foundation’s 25-county Tennessee service area.