Best Grants for Nonprofits Serving Disabled in Tennessee

The Community Possible Grant Program by U.S. Bank aims to foster economic and workforce advancement, as well as safe and affordable housing. By partnering with 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, the program seeks to drive lasting change within communities through collaborative grantmaking. Priority is given to organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and that address multiple pillars of work, home, and play. This initiative reflects U.S. Bank's commitment to creating a more equitable society.

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 DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Nonprofit charities managing humanitarian, social, educational, environmental, or arts projects in Tennessee and worldwide can seek philanthropic support for innovative, sustainable initiatives. Focused on humanitarian and social development, science education, community and environment, and arts and culture, Roche invites accredited charities, including those serving people with disabilities, to propose high-quality projects that engage local partners and may involve Roche expertise.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations funding charitable, educational, scientific, or medical programs in Tennessee can apply for support that must be used within the U.S. With a mission to strengthen charitable, scientific, medical, and educational work, Sidney Stern Memorial Trust provides nonprofits serving disabled people among other populations with project or program funding.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving people in need can access funding through Robinson Foundation for programs in areas like children and families, poverty relief, education, health, and humanitarian aid. Eligible organizations must serve communities below the Mason-Dixon line, be operating for more than three years, and seek single-year, non-capital support; disability-focused programs may be competitive.

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 Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations near TJX locations that support basic needs, at-risk youth, or domestic violence survivors may be eligible for TJX Foundation funding in Tennessee and across the U.S. The foundation supports programs providing food, clothing, shelter, out-of-school enrichment, workforce readiness, and safety services, which may benefit nonprofits serving disabled children and adults.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits and local government entities can receive project funding for arts activities that enhance community vitality and engagement in urban counties. Tennessee Arts Commission provides US $1,000 - US $18,000 for projects across disciplines, including performances, festivals, exhibitions, residencies, and accessibility improvements that may benefit people with disabilities.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

Local government entities and 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organizations in rural Tennessee counties can seek up to US $200,000 to build, renovate, or expand arts and cultural facilities. Grants from Tennessee Arts Commission help communities improve stages, galleries, and accessibility, which may benefit organizations expanding inclusive arts access for people with disabilities.

Nonprofit organizations and local government entities in rural Tennessee counties can receive US $1,000 - US $25,000 for arts projects that enhance community vitality and engagement. Tennessee Arts Commission supports visual, performing, literary, folk, media, and public art activities, which may include improved accessibility and participation for people with disabilities in rural communities.

Tennessee nonprofits, government units, and fiscally sponsored groups serving women, children, and youth in Knox County can access funding through East Tennessee Foundation for projects in early childhood education, drivers of health, and preventing or mitigating Adverse Childhood Experiences; awards are up to US $20,000. Programs supporting disabled women or children in these areas may be eligible.

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. Disability-serving nonprofits, including those supporting children with disabilities, may be eligible if their programs primarily benefit communities along Union Pacific’s service footprint.

Tennessee nonprofits that are 501(c)(3) organizations or their equivalents and run programs for underserved youth, families, or communities can access funding through Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards. Grants of US $30,000 - US $350,000 support youth education, housing, food security, and environmental stewardship, which may benefit organizations serving disabled children and families.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, government units, educational institutions, and fiscally sponsored groups serving youth in East Tennessee can receive up to US $20,000 for two-year projects. East Tennessee Foundation funds early childhood education, health drivers, and ACEs prevention, which may benefit programs supporting disabled children and youth in Tennessee.

Nonprofits, government units, and educational institutions in East Tennessee fostering regional economic development can receive US $5,000 - US $6,500 for one-year projects. East Tennessee Foundation’s Economic Development Fund supports organizations in its 25-county service area; programs that advance economic opportunities for disabled residents in Tennessee may be eligible.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) charities, government units, and educational institutions serving communities in East Tennessee can seek up to US $25,000 for collaborative capacity-building projects. With a mission to strengthen communities, East Tennessee Foundation provides Tennessee disability and human services organizations with funding to improve operations, data systems, leadership, financial sustainability, and partnerships that enhance long-term impact.

Nonprofits, government units, educational institutions, and fiscally sponsored groups in Monroe County, 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 improving local quality of life. Organizations serving disabled residents in Monroe County may be especially interested.

With a mission to strengthen communities, East Tennessee Foundation provides Tennessee nonprofits and public entities with up to US $50,000 for innovative life literacy projects in Washington County. 501(c)(3) organizations, governments, schools, and fiscally sponsored groups serving county residents— including those with disabilities—can fund programs in education, health, financial literacy, life skills, and civic engagement.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, government units, educational institutions, and fiscally sponsored groups in Tennessee’s 25-county East Tennessee region can apply for East Tennessee Foundation’s Arts Fund awards of US $5,000 - US $15,000 to sustain cultural traditions and encourage artistic expression. Programs that expand arts access for underserved or disabled communities may be especially competitive.