Best Food Grants for Nonprofits in Tennessee

State and local agencies, local governing boards, nonprofits, tribes, and higher education institutions in eligible Appalachian Tennessee counties can apply for Appalachian Regional Commission’s Area Development funding to support critical infrastructure and workforce or business development projects. Food access and hunger programs that strengthen local economies or workforce systems in these communities may be eligible.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative human services or social problem–solving programs in Tennessee can seek invitation-only support that may also benefit food access and hunger initiatives. Focused on new approaches to existing or previously unaddressed social issues, Creag Foundation considers smaller or evolving organizations that have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year.

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.

Nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations using technology to expand food security or related crisis response programs in Tennessee and beyond can apply for Global Impact Cash Grants, with awards up to US $100,000. Cisco Systems Foundation supports innovative, tech-enabled solutions serving mostly economically underserved communities in crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate resilience.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing health, human and social services, education, youth, senior, or community programs in Tennessee can apply for support that may also strengthen local food access efforts. Focused on community well-being, Memorial Foundation invites data-driven, trauma-informed agencies in the Nashville Memorial Hospital service area to seek capital, program, or general operating funding.

Organizations serving urban low-income children and youth through education, health, or family economic stability projects can apply for more than US $50,000 from the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation; awards support project implementation or scaling. Tennessee nonprofits working on food access may be eligible if their programs fit these child- and youth-focused priorities in the U.S.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on early childhood education or community economic development in Tennessee communities where PNC has a significant presence can apply for PNC Foundation’s Foundation Grant. Funding may support programs for low- and moderate-income families, including job training, affordable housing, neighborhood revitalization, arts and culture, and related human services.

Charitable organizations worldwide can seek support for humanitarian, social development, science education, community, environmental, and contemporary arts projects that engage Roche expertise and employees. Focused on broad community impact, Roche invites accredited charities, including those in Tennessee with food access or related social service programs, to propose innovative, sustainable initiatives managed in-country through local affiliate offices.

Nonprofit organizations addressing food access, hunger, and related health and human services in Tennessee and other eligible countries can seek support for programs serving marginalized communities. Semnani Family Foundation provides global grants focused on health, education, and disaster relief, which may benefit Tennessee nonprofits working on food insecurity within broader humanitarian efforts.

501(c)(3) nonprofits serving Davidson County residents with food access and hunger programs in Tennessee can seek capacity-building and technology project support from the Frist Foundation. With a mission to strengthen agencies tackling major community challenges, Frist Foundation provides grants for capital needs, earned-revenue development, consulting, and technology improvements, prioritizing organizations serving underserved communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing food or broader human services in Montgomery County, Tennessee can receive US $2,500 - US $10,000 to advance community well-being. Altra Foundation’s Best Life Community Awards are member-nominated and support education, health, human services, and community-strengthening work, which may include food access and hunger initiatives.

With a mission to fight hunger, 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Tennessee can receive Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation support to purchase food for local hunger-relief efforts. Eligible organizations must operate within 20 miles of a Food Lion store and may apply once every 12 months during the bi-annual grant cycles.

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.

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.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking support for community services or fundraising events can apply for grants or event sponsorships that benefit local communities. With a mission to help communities where employees live and work, Insperity provides eligible charities with philanthropic grants and event sponsorships, including organizations serving Tennessee counties where its employees are based.

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 Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

Nonprofit community development organizations in Tennessee working on housing, small business, or workforce development projects can apply to host a graduate-level fellow through the National Community Reinvestment Coalition. With a mission to advance a just economy, NCRC provides member hosts with skilled fellows who can support planning and implementation that may also strengthen local food access efforts.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Tennessee addressing food access, hunger, and related community needs can seek project, operating, or capital support to improve quality of life for underserved residents. Grants from O'Reilly Automotive Foundation help U.S.-based community nonprofits working where O’Reilly Auto Parts operates, especially in economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief, which may include food programs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Tennessee can apply for Union Pacific Foundation’s Community Ties Local Grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $30,000 for safety, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability projects. Food access and hunger programs that meet basic needs or support community vitality in Union Pacific–served communities may be eligible.

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 focused on children in middle Tennessee can apply for program funding that supports critical needs like food security, homelessness, foster care, and victims of sex trafficking. Speedway Children's Charities also considers medical, educational, and therapeutic programs, so Tennessee groups addressing child hunger within broader youth services may be eligible.

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.

Agricultural, food, and forestry businesses, nonprofits, farmers, and local governments in Tennessee can apply for the Agricultural Enterprise Fund, awarding up to US $499,999 for value-added projects, equipment, and infrastructure. Administered by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, it supports ventures that boost farm income, expand market access, increase capacity, or advance agricultural innovation.

Nonprofits, government units, educational institutions, and fiscally sponsored groups in Tennessee serving Washington County residents can seek up to US $50,000 for life literacy projects that enhance economic, cultural, social, and educational well-being. With a mission to strengthen communities, East Tennessee Foundation supports efforts like nutrition education, healthy habits, reading, financial literacy, and life-skills programs that may advance food access and related needs.