Best Grants for Museums in Tennessee

Tennessee Housing Development Agency

Since 1973, THDA has been at the forefront of creating housing opportunities in Tennessee.

Our purpose

• Promote the production of more affordable new housing units for very low-, low-, and moderate-income individuals and families in Tennessee.
• Promote the preservation and rehabilitation of existing housing units for very low-, low-, and moderate-income individuals and families.
• Bring greater stability to the residential construction industry and related industries so as to assure a steady flow of production of new housing units.

Emergency Repair Program (ERP)

Program Purpose

The ERP exists to correct, repair, or replace an essential system and/or critical structural problem that poses an immediate danger to life, safety, or health of low-income homeowners who are elderly (60+) or disabled. This is not a comprehensive home renovation program; the aim is to stabilize the homeowner’s residence by making emergency repairs to ensure that homeowners can continue to reside safely in their homes. 

The following repairs are eligible under the Emergency Repair Program:

• Roofs: Where there is structural failure, risk of structural failure, or there are active roof leaks present.
• Electrical Systems: Where the electrical system has failed or there are demonstrated deficiencies in the electrical system that pose an immediate danger to life, safety, or health.
• Plumbing and/or Sanitation/Septic Systems: Where the plumbing and/or sanitation/septic system has failed or there are demonstrated deficiencies in such system(s) that pose an immediate danger to life, safety or health.
• Heating and/or Air Conditioning System(s): Where a heating and/or air conditioning system has failed at a critical time when exterior temperatures could pose a threat to life, safety, or health.
• Structural Repairs to Floors and/or Walls: Where floors and/or walls demonstrate structural damage or deterioration, which pose an immediate threat to life, safety, or health.
• Window/Door Replacement: Where repair is necessary to remedy a threat to life, safety, or health.
• Accessibility Improvements: Where necessary for a homeowner with age-related limitations or a physical disability to access and use the home for one or more major life activities.

The Tennessee Trucking Foundation Scholarship Fund, established by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, supports education for Tennessee residents who are dependent children, spouses, or employees of the Tennessee Trucking Association. This scholarship aims to empower applicants from Freshman to Senior status at Tennessee Higher Education Institutions or adjacent states offering in-state tuition, especially those interested in the trucking industry. The fund embodies the belief in education's transformative power.

The Corporate Giving Program by the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation supports nonprofit organizations that enhance community welfare. Focus areas include agriculture, education, fighting hunger, and public safety. Eligible applicants must have IRS 501(c)(3) status and a Taxpayer Identification number. Requests are prioritized for programs directly benefiting communities near Perdue facilities across various states. The foundation emphasizes responsible stewardship and community engagement in all funding decisions.

The Buddy Pierce and Maggie P. Speight Scholarship Fund for the Arts, established by two siblings with a passion for the arts, aims to support low-income students pursuing music or arts education in college. Administered by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, the fund reflects a commitment to fostering creativity and artistic expression. Eligible applicants must maintain a B average and can apply for renewals, ensuring ongoing support for their educational journey. This initiative promotes a thriving arts community in the Nashville area.

The CFMT William N. Rollins Fund for the Arts, established by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, aims to enhance the local arts scene. This fund supports visual arts, arts education, and art therapy programs, providing grants up to $15,000 for eligible 501(c)(3) public charities and government entities. Through collective philanthropy, it strives to foster a thriving and inclusive community while honoring the legacy of Bill Rollins, a passionate artist.

The Training Opportunities for the Public (TOP) Grant is available for public libraries to be able to provide services for their communities. Grant funds are available for training, hotspots, solar charging tables and Internal Connections. 

The David, Helen and Marian Woodward Fund, established by Marian Woodward Ottley in 1974, aims to support non-profit organizations in Georgia and neighboring states. The fund prioritizes capital projects and educational programs that enhance graduation rates, particularly those with religious affiliations. Grants are awarded exclusively to 501(c)(3) organizations, while governmental agencies can also apply. The foundation's mission underscores a commitment to improving the world for future generations.

Senior Center Capital Grants

The Department of Disability and Aging (DDA) is accepting applications for competitive grant funding for senior centers. The Tennessee General Assembly has provided $5 million to be distributed to senior centers throughout the state. The one-time funding is intended to support senior centers in providing older adults with access to resources, activities and social connection.

Senior centers are invited to apply for grant funding ranging from $5,000 to $50,000. The grant funding is encouraged to fund the following goals:

• Capital Projects, including building improvements and equipment

State Board Programming Regrants (SBPG)

The Tennessee Historical Records Advisory Board (THRAB) is pleased to provide a grant opportunity for improving the preservation of and access to Tennessee’s historical records, educate and train records custodians, and support archival program development and enhancement.

The grants will be available up to $5,000 per institution and are available to any government entity or not-for-profit organization that holds permanent, historically valuable archival collections. There is no match requirement,

Grant funds are available for the following:

Technology

• This category provides funding for hardware, software, peripherals, and other technology items used to create online digital collections.
• Items requested may not exceed $5,000.

Training

• This category provides funding for registration costs for webinars or workshops related to conservation, digitization, and digital project planning for archivists and museum personnel.

Contracted Services

• This category provides funding to hire a vendor or independent contractor for the purpose of digitization or conservation services.
• You must include a quote for these services from a specific vendor as part of your application.

Contract/Part-Time Archivist

• This category provides funding to hire a contract or part-time archivist for the duration of the grant period to scan documents and create corresponding metadata.
• This person cannot already be employed by or paid by your organization. This cannot be supplemental to an existing salary or hourly employee.

Supplies

• This category provides funding for archival shelving units, acid-free, lignin-free folders and boxes, and other necessary archival supplies or environmental monitoring devices.

The TAC Partnership Support Grant provides crucial operating support for arts organizations chartered in Tennessee. Eligible applicants include independent arts groups and local arts agencies with a minimum budget of $75,000. Organizations can request up to $100,000, representing 20% of their total cash operating expenses. Applicants must adhere to specific eligibility criteria, including prior funding history and having a full-time administrator. This competitive grant fosters community engagement and promotes the arts across Tennessee.

The B. J. Runnels Dean Scholarship Fund, established by Myrte Veach and friends of B.J. Dean, honors her legacy in advancing women in ministry. Administered by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, this fund provides scholarships to female residents of Tennessee or Texas pursuing a career in ministry. With a mission to foster a thriving and inclusive community, the fund embodies B.J. Dean's commitment to service and empowerment, ensuring that future generations of women can follow their calling.

The TAC Major Cultural Institutions Grant provides crucial operational support to established arts organizations in Tennessee. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a strong history of programming, with at least three consecutive years of annual revenue exceeding $1 million. This competitive grant allows for funding requests up to $200,000, based on documented operating expenses. The grant aims to enhance the cultural landscape of Tennessee by supporting organizations that make a significant impact on their communities.

BlueCross Healthy Places aims to enhance community health by creating accessible spaces for physical activity. This initiative focuses on developing features like community gathering spots, fitness areas, and playgrounds tailored to local needs. The program encourages collaboration with both government and non-profit organizations to ensure projects are community-driven and inclusive. By prioritizing public access and community input, BlueCross Healthy Places seeks to foster healthier lifestyles and stronger community bonds.

Tennessee museums and other eligible 501(c) or 170(c) organizations can receive matching donations for gifts from recent Regions retirees, supporting arts and culture, education, and community programs. Regions Bank provides up to US $1,000 per retiree per year to match monetary contributions made within five years of retirement.

The TAC Creative Placemaking grant aims to enrich Tennessee's local character through arts and culture. It supports projects that enhance community identity and promote economic development. Applicants can request up to $30,000, with a required cash or in-kind match. The program encourages collaboration among various sectors to create vibrant community spaces. Notably, schools and ongoing arts programming are ineligible for funding, ensuring resources are directed toward innovative, transformative projects.

Company culture at Clark Associates emphasizes responsibility, sharing our success with others, and the importance of building strong communities. To help fulfill these goals, Clark Associates Charitable Foundation (CACF) was incorporated in 2001 and provides funding to organizations serving people in need and those delivering positive experiences for youth. CACF supports non-profits operating in and around its business locations and those where our employees volunteer and actively contribute. To date, CACF has distributed over $44 million in charitable contributions.

Organizations must be registered 501c3 charities serving three basic categories: people in need, innovative youth educational programs, and youth programs in music and the arts. People in need represents the largest giving category and includes homelessness, food insecurity, individuals with disabilities, victims of abuse, and people in recovery. Examples of other grant recipients include those assisting veterans, senior citizens, at-risk youth, academic enrichment, mentorship, leadership development, and those focused on the performing and visual arts.CACF evaluates grant applications submitted by non-profit organizations every month of the year.

The Southeastern Branch John Henry Comstock Award recognizes outstanding Ph.D. students in entomology, promoting interest in the field and supporting attendance at the ESA annual meeting. Awardees receive an all-expenses-paid trip, a $100 cash prize, and a certificate, with additional cash prizes presented by the Southeastern Branch. Eligibility includes being a current member and demonstrating excellence in graduate studies. This award fosters professional development and engagement within the entomology community.

The Tennessee Arts & Rural Health Initiative Grant, funded by the Tennessee Arts Commission, aims to enhance health and wellness in rural hospitals through arts-based programs. With a budget of $75,000 from the NEA, the initiative supports 4-6 hospitals, offering grants between $5,000 to $25,000. Projects may include artist-led classes, meditation gardens, and healing spaces, leveraging the therapeutic power of the arts to improve patient outcomes and community engagement in healthcare settings.

The Rural Arts Facilities Fund, established by the Tennessee Arts Commission, aims to support rural communities in enhancing their arts and cultural facilities. Grants of up to $200,000 are available for projects that benefit local arts programming, foster community identity, and promote economic growth. Eligible applicants include local governments and nonprofit organizations in rural Tennessee. By investing in these facilities, the program seeks to improve access to arts experiences, create jobs, and stimulate tourism in underserved areas.

The TN Agricultural Resources Conservation Fund Grant supports Tennessee landowners in implementing Best Management Practices (BMPs) to mitigate agricultural water pollution. Through cost-share assistance, landowners can install BMPs that address soil erosion and water runoff issues. The program, facilitated by Soil Conservation Districts, encourages educational projects to raise awareness about soil and water quality. Applications are encouraged on a watershed basis, focusing on streams and rivers identified as impaired by agricultural activities.

About Us

The Tennessee Office of Homeland Security (TOHS) has primary responsibility and authority for directing statewide activities pertaining to the prevention of and protection from terrorist related events. This responsibility includes the development and implementation of a comprehensive and coordinated strategy to secure the state from terrorist threats and attacks. Further, TOHS serves as a liaison between federal, state and local agencies, as well as the private sector, on matters relating to the security of our state and citizens.

Houses of Worship State Security Grant Program

The State of Tennessee’s Houses of Worship Security Grant is a competitive grant for eligible 501(c)(3) organizations intended to fund contracted security personnel for their religious institutions. This grant has a 12-month grant period and funds will be disbursed through a Tennessee cost reimbursement grant contract.

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security ("Department") has been appropriated funding, from the Tennessee General Assembly, to disburse through Tennessee cost reimbursement grant contracts. No more than one (1) grant award will be made to an eligible organization in a single state fiscal year. An applicant must demonstrate the threat and vulnerability to their organization and how the grant funding will address gaps and deficiencies in their current program and capabilities. Only one applicant can apply per building, facility, physical structure, or address. As a competitive grant, funds are not awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Each item in the application has been assigned a point value, each application will be evaluated and scored, and grant contracts will be awarded based on scores and funding availability.

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant for schools to implement the PLTW Biomedical Science program for the 2026-2029 academic years. Eligible schools can receive up to $14,000 to cover participation fees and training costs. This grant encourages public, private, and charter schools across the U.S. to enhance their science curriculum, supporting students with engaging, hands-on learning experiences. Schools must commit to offering specific courses during the grant period to qualify for funding.

Tennessee Department of Transportation

The Department of Transportation provides citizens of Tennessee and travelers with one of the best transportation systems in the country. TDOT consistently wins awards for its projects, highway design and innovative approach to transportation.

TDOT is a multimodal agency with responsibilities in aviation, public transit, waterways, railroads and cycling and walking. Our involvement ranges from airport improvements to funding transit buses to planning for river ports.

Section 5310: Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities

The purpose of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Section 5310 program is to improve mobility for seniors and individuals with disabilities by removing barriers to transportation services and expanding the transportation mobility options available to seniors and individuals with disabilities.

TDOT is seeking applications for Rolling Stock Projects from Non-Profit Organizations, Local Governmental Authorities, and Public Transit Agencies located in Small Urban and Rural areas of Tennessee. Public Transit Providers are also eligible to apply for Mobility Management Projects. 

The Cigna Group Foundation is launching the Improving Youth Mental Health Grant, committing $9 million over three years to enhance mental health support for youth aged five to 18. This initiative targets post-pandemic challenges, offering resources to parents, caregivers, and youth service professionals. Nonprofits are encouraged to apply for funding between $100,000 and $150,000 to develop programs that promote social-emotional skills, enhance caregiver support, and improve access to mental health interventions in underserved communities.

About CommonSpirit

A calling that defines and unites

At CommonSpirit Health, we passionately care for the most vulnerable, relentlessly innovate how and where healing can happen and believe in uniting to benefit the common good. Our expansive network spans diverse communities, uniquely positioning us to meet their changing needs, improve population health and help chart the path to health equity.

Our mission, vision and values inform every aspect of our work each day and remind us that we serve our patients, their families, our communities – and each other. Our community health, research and home health programs help us address the primary barriers to healthier communities.

Sponsorship requests

We’re proud to support nonprofits that expand access to care, advance health equity and healthier communities. Learn more about our priorities.

Supporting our communities

CommonSpirit Health and our local facilities support nonprofit organizations that share our mission, vision and values. We give priority to programs that improve access to care and promote health equity and healthier communities.

CommonSpirit is proud to support nonprofit organizations that help improve the health and well-being of our communities. Guided by our mission, vision and values, we prioritize projects that focus on advancing health equity, improving access to care and improving community wellness.

Archives Development Program Direct Grants

This grant is solely provided by the Tennessee Secretary of State.

The  Archives Development Grant is available for the official county or municipal archives or a not-for-profit organization that has an official, legal authorization to maintain the records generated by a county or municipality to replace or purchase archival supplies to improve the storage conditions of archival collections, operations, or public accessibility. Applicants must show the archives/preservation of records as a line item in the county budget and have an active Public Records Commission that has met at least twice during the county’s fiscal year.

In fiscal year 2026, grants are available for up to $10,000.00 for improvements to local archives.

Grant funds are available for the following:

• archival shelving units
• acid-free, lignin-free folders and boxes
• other necessary archival supplies or environmental monitoring devices
• contracted conservation treatments
• hiring part-time worker
• improving online access to collections through digitization
• registration fees for webinars from approved organizations

The TN Used Oil Grants, offered by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, aim to enhance environmental quality by funding projects that establish or upgrade used oil collection infrastructure. Eligible applicants include nonprofit recycling organizations and municipalities. The grant prioritizes projects that create new collection sites, upgrade existing facilities, or establish DIY collection options. This non-matching grant emphasizes compliance with state standards, fostering sustainability and community engagement in waste management.