Best Fentress County Grants for Nonprofits in Tennessee

Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation

The Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation goes beyond food aid to create lasting change. Through innovative programs, strategic partnerships and volunteer action, Stop Hunger tackles the root causes of food insecurity.

In 2025, Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation and the Hunger Center awarded grants to 131 programs representing 118 communities in 37 states plus the District of Columbia. Collectively, these programs provided an estimated 22,000 backpacks full of shelf-stable food items for students to take home for the weekend or holidays when school meals are not served.

Since 2006, the Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation has been a driving force behind weekend and holiday hunger relief for students across the U.S. Through support of food backpack programs, the Foundation partners with local food banks and schools to discreetly provide K-12 students with backpacks filled with nutritious, shelf-stable meals. These backpacks are distributed in safe, familiar settings – typically on the last school day before a weekend or school break – ensuring that all children who rely on free or reduced-price school meals don’t go hungry when school is out.

K-12 Backpack Grant

The K-12 Backpack Grant is an initiative launched by the Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation and administered in partnership with the Congressional Hunger Center to support community backpack programs. Grants of $1,000 will be issued to community organizations with established backpack feeding programs that provide students with shelf-stable, nutritious meals when school is out of session.

The BJA FY 2026 Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crimes Act Program aims to assist state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies in investigating and prosecuting civil rights offenses that resulted in death before December 31, 1979. This funding opportunity is part of the DOJ's broader commitment to enhance public safety, protect civil rights, and ensure justice for victims of violent crime. Applications are due on November 20, 2026.

The F26AS00023 FY2026 Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue and Response Grant Program offers crucial financial support for marine mammal rescue efforts. This initiative aims to assist eligible participants in the recovery and treatment of stranded marine mammals, provide emergency response to stranding events, and enhance scientific research on marine mammal health. The program prioritizes applications that effectively address species-specific needs and bolster the capacity of stranding networks, ensuring the welfare of marine wildlife under the management of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The NIH is set to release a Notice of Funding Opportunity for early to definitive clinical trials across various biomedical fields. This initiative focuses on trials evaluating drugs, devices, and interventions that align with NIH's mission. Utilizing the R61/R33 funding mechanism, projects can span up to 7 years, supporting both planning and trial phases. Interested investigators are encouraged to prepare collaborative proposals, although applications are not currently being solicited.

Across the United States, small and micro businesses (SMBs) play a critical role in driving economic opportunity, job creation, and community prosperity. Yet many entrepreneurs continue to face challenges accessing the training, resources, and support needed to grow and remain competitive in an evolving economy. To help address these needs, Visa Foundation is committing $2M to launch an open-call grant program that will support nonprofit Entrepreneurial Support Organizations (ESOs) that provide direct services to SMBs. Through this program, Visa Foundation aims to strengthen the capacity of high-impact organizations that help small businesses build greater resilience, expand economic opportunity, and contribute to thriving local economies. 

About PLTW EngineeringPLTW Engineering students adopt a problem-solving mindset, are engaged in compelling, real-world challenges that help them become better collaborators and thinkers, and are prepared with skills to step into any career path they take. Lockheed Martin has committed funds to support PLTW grants to schools interested in adding PLTW. Since 2007, Lockheed Martin has partnered with PLTW to address the nation's critical need for future engineers, computer scientists, and math- and science-trained professionals, and to equip all students with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive. Lockheed Martin supports PLTW programs in school districts across the nation and has contributed to the development of PLTW's middle school and high school courses focused on aerospace engineering and flight. Since the first school district partnership in 2014, over 855 PLTW programs have been implemented and more than 145,328 students have gained access to PLTW.Program Requirements:Grantee must use their grant funds to expand their existing PLTW Engineering program. Example expansion activities include but are not limited to adding an additional PLTW Engineering course not previously offered, and/or adding additional class periods of an existing PLTW Engineering courses previously offered, and/or training additional teachers in PLTW Engineering courses for the 2027-2028 academic year. Grant Award and Distribution Schedule:

• Total Award: $10,000
  • 2027-2028: $10,000

The Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC) focuses on enhancing the lives of parents with disabilities through research, training, and technical assistance. This initiative aims to develop evidence-based services and supports that empower parents in their caregiving roles. Funded by the US HHS: Administration for Community Living (ACL), the project spans 60 months with a commitment to fostering inclusive environments for families. The RRTC will explore innovative interventions and technologies to better support these parents in their daily challenges.

The Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center aims to enhance services for individuals who are blind or have low vision through innovative technology development. This initiative focuses on overcoming rehabilitation challenges and environmental barriers, promoting independence and community living. A grant of five years will support ongoing research efforts, ensuring advancements in assistive technologies that empower the target population. The project aligns with the Rehabilitation Act's goals, emphasizing the importance of accessibility and inclusion.

The Center on Knowledge Translation for Disability and Rehabilitation Research (KTDRR Center) aims to enhance the use of relevant disability and rehabilitation research through effective knowledge translation. Serving as a key resource for NIDILRR grantees and the general public, the KTDRR Center's initiatives will support high-quality research dissemination. The project spans 60 months, including five 12-month budget periods, ensuring ongoing support for researchers and stakeholders in the field.

The Burn Injury Model System Centers aim to enhance burn rehabilitation through innovative research. These centers must create knowledge to improve the health, community engagement, and employment outcomes for individuals affected by burn injuries. Funded by US HHS's Administration for Community Living, grants support site-specific and collaborative research while contributing to a longitudinal database. Each grant has a maximum duration of 60 months, divided into five budget periods, ensuring comprehensive support for ongoing studies.

The Field Initiated Projects Program (Development) aims to enhance the inclusion and self-sufficiency of individuals with disabilities through innovative research and development. This program supports the creation of tools, methods, and systems that assist people with disabilities, particularly those with significant support needs. With 16 grants available, the initiative will span 36 months, focusing on impactful projects that foster independence, employment, and community integration.

The Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems Centers aim to enhance TBI rehabilitation through evidence-based research. These centers focus on generating knowledge to improve health, community participation, and employment outcomes for TBI individuals. Funded by the US HHS Administration for Community Living, the grants support site-specific and collaborative research, contributing to a longitudinal database. Each center can receive varying funding amounts, depending on eligible database participants, with a project timeline of 60 months comprising five 12-month budget periods.

The Lifespan Respite Care Program invites state agencies to apply for grants aimed at enhancing respite services for caregivers of individuals with disabilities or chronic conditions. This initiative supports both new states and those re-establishing their programs, focusing on collaboration, training, and outreach to address the respite needs of diverse populations. Approximately ten cooperative agreements will be funded over three years, aligning with federal requirements for lifespan respite care.

The National Breastfeeding Support Initiative aims to enhance maternity care quality by engaging diverse partners and providing training to healthcare organizations. It focuses on implementing evidence-based practices to support breastfeeding, ensuring safe and effective maternity care in hospitals across the U.S. and territories. By fostering collaboration and utilizing data for quality improvement, the initiative seeks to create a sustainable impact on maternal and infant health.

Request for Proposals: Launchpad Funds

Background

Coefficient Giving is increasing its giving, primarily to prepare for the billions of dollars in new philanthropic capital that may become available in the coming years. Our increased giving in global health and wellbeing is a temporary surge, with two objectives: to smooth funding and pull forward initiatives we expect to be cost-effective, and to help create an ecosystem of regrantors and implementers with the capacity to allocate this new money as cost-effectively as possible. Additional context on our scaling is provided in this blog post. 

With new potential capital on the way, we want to increase the supply of actionable and fundable plans to address some of the world’s hardest problems. We’re looking for specific, credible strategies to convert funding into measurable progress. Our ideal funds are:

However, we are also open to funds that are thematic and don’t have a quantified goal — for example, a fund organized around a promising type of intervention. Such funds still need to be led by a single, identifiable person who is accountable for the fund’s direction.

Through this request for EOIs, we aim to seed or scale Launchpad Funds that can grow to $100m+ over the next few years. We don’t seek scale for its own sake; it is a proxy for the ambition of the fund, and a signal that the problem is large and tractable enough to justify deploying significantly more capital over time.

What we will fund

• We expect to support established ideas that have either not yet secured anchor support or could significantly scale beyond their existing level of funding.
• This funding can cover operating expenses, but we expect most of it to be used for activities that make progress on the fund’s goals — whether through regranting or direct implementation.
• For exceptional proposals, we may consider funding levels beyond $50m. We anticipate higher funding levels will involve more thought partnership from our team.
• While we don’t expect to make grants longer than 36 months, funded proposals may later be considered for additional funding beyond the initial period.

The NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Phase I program invites proposals for groundbreaking aerospace concepts, aiming to transform potential in aeronautics. This initiative supports innovative research through multiple award phases, focusing on Phase I requirements and evaluation criteria. A virtual forum will be held on October 7, 2026, to discuss the Appendix’s details and clarify submission guidelines. Additional information will be available on the NSPIRES page, ensuring participants are well-informed about the process.

The National Parks Business Plan Internship aims to enhance the operational health of national parks through a graduate-level program that trains students in business management and NPS operations. Participants will engage in substantive analysis, gain insights into park management, and promote federal careers in conservation. This initiative seeks to involve underrepresented graduate students from disciplines such as business administration and public policy, fostering a commitment to stewardship of public lands.

This funding opportunity aims to enhance the cancer surveillance workforce through education and support for certified Oncology Data Specialists. The initiative will improve the quality and completeness of cancer data collected by the National Program of Cancer Registries. By fostering collaboration and promoting the value of cancer surveillance data, this program seeks to empower public health actions, research, and policy-making, ensuring a robust response to current and future cancer-related challenges.

Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) exists to enhance the quality of life for citizens of Tennessee and to be stewards of our natural environment by:

• Protecting and improving the quality of Tennessee’s air, land, and water through a responsible regulatory system
• Protecting and promoting human health and safety
• Conserving and promoting natural, cultural and historic resources
• Providing a variety of quality outdoor recreational experiences

Brownfield Redevelopment Area Grant (BRAG)

Program Purpose and Authority

In 2023, the Tennessee General Assembly authorized TDEC to establish the Brownfield Redevelopment Area Fund, enabling a state-administered brownfield grant program to support the identification, investigation, planning, and remediation of brownfield sites.

Program Objectives and Priorities

• Facilitate identification and cleanup of brownfield sites.
• Encourage economic and community redevelopment through reuse.
• Support environmentally sound remediation.
• Promote balanced access to funding statewide.

Project Categories

To support BRAG’s purpose of supporting identification, assessment, or remediation activities, TDEC will award grants for the identification, planning, assessment, remediation and closure of brownfield sites across the state.

Identification Grants

Inventory of brownfield sites across multiple locations. Contract Term: 12 months

Allowable Activities

The following is a list of allowable actions under an identification grant. Other expenses may be allowable but would require prior approval by TDEC.

• Developing or updating an inventory of previously unidentified brownfield sites within a grantee community (brownfield redevelopment area). In preparing a brownfield inventory, the inventory shall include, to the extent easily ascertainable: an assessment of the contaminants known or suspected to have been discharged or that are currently stored on the site; the extent of any remediation performed on the site; the site's proximity to transportation networks; and the availability of infrastructure to support the redevelopment of the site.

• The following information gathered for the inventory shall be submitted to TDEC: the location and size of the brownfield property; current and anticipated uses of the property; known data about the environmental conditions or past uses of the property; and ownership of the property.

Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) exists to enhance the quality of life for citizens of Tennessee and to be stewards of our natural environment by:

• Protecting and improving the quality of Tennessee’s air, land, and water through a responsible regulatory system
• Protecting and promoting human health and safety
• Conserving and promoting natural, cultural and historic resources
• Providing a variety of quality outdoor recreational experiences

Brownfield Redevelopment Area Grant (BRAG)

Program Purpose and Authority

In 2023, the Tennessee General Assembly authorized TDEC to establish the Brownfield Redevelopment Area Fund, enabling a state-administered brownfield grant program to support the identification, investigation, planning, and remediation of brownfield sites.

Program Objectives and Priorities

• Facilitate identification and cleanup of brownfield sites.
• Encourage economic and community redevelopment through reuse.
• Support environmentally sound remediation.
• Promote balanced access to funding statewide.

Project Categories

To support BRAG’s purpose of supporting identification, assessment, or remediation activities, TDEC will award grants for the identification, planning, assessment, remediation and closure of brownfield sites across the state.

Planning Grants

Activities preparing for redevelopment of sites. Developing an actionable plan for addressing a single or group of brownfields within a community. Contract Term: 12 months

Allowable Activities

The following is a list of allowable actions under a planning grant. Other expenses may be allowable but would require prior approval by TDEC.

• Conduct planning around one or more brownfield: initiate site revitalization and prepare for site redevelopment
• Conduct site-specific cleanup and redevelopment planning: identify a scope and process plan
• Conduct community involvement on brownfield redevelopment: inform and engage the community on site redevelopment goals

Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) exists to enhance the quality of life for citizens of Tennessee and to be stewards of our natural environment by:

• Protecting and improving the quality of Tennessee’s air, land, and water through a responsible regulatory system
• Protecting and promoting human health and safety
• Conserving and promoting natural, cultural and historic resources
• Providing a variety of quality outdoor recreational experiences

Brownfield Redevelopment Area Grant (BRAG)

Program Purpose and Authority

In 2023, the Tennessee General Assembly authorized TDEC to establish the Brownfield Redevelopment Area Fund, enabling a state-administered brownfield grant program to support the identification, investigation, planning, and remediation of brownfield sites.

Program Objectives and Priorities

• Facilitate identification and cleanup of brownfield sites.
• Encourage economic and community redevelopment through reuse.
• Support environmentally sound remediation.
• Promote balanced access to funding statewide.

Project Categories

To support BRAG’s purpose of supporting identification, assessment, or remediation activities, TDEC will award grants for the identification, planning, assessment, remediation and closure of brownfield sites across the state.

Assessment Grants

Environmental site assessments under ASTM standards. Conducting a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA), conducted in accordance with the current ASTM E-1527 standard, a Phase II Environmental Site Assessment conducted in accordance with the current ASTM E1903 standard, or other relevant environmental investigations.

Contract Term: 24 months

Allowable Activities

The following is a list of allowable actions under an Assessment grant. Other expenses may be allowable but would require prior approval by TDEC.

• Preparing a Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessment(s) document(s).
• Preparing an Analysis of Brownfields Cleanup Alternatives (ABCA).
• Site assessment and characterization of the project site.

Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) exists to enhance the quality of life for citizens of Tennessee and to be stewards of our natural environment by:

• Protecting and improving the quality of Tennessee’s air, land, and water through a responsible regulatory system
• Protecting and promoting human health and safety
• Conserving and promoting natural, cultural and historic resources
• Providing a variety of quality outdoor recreational experiences

Brownfield Redevelopment Area Grant (BRAG)

Program Purpose and Authority

In 2023, the Tennessee General Assembly authorized TDEC to establish the Brownfield Redevelopment Area Fund, enabling a state-administered brownfield grant program to support the identification, investigation, planning, and remediation of brownfield sites.

Program Objectives and Priorities

• Facilitate identification and cleanup of brownfield sites.
• Encourage economic and community redevelopment through reuse.
• Support environmentally sound remediation.
• Promote balanced access to funding statewide.

Project Categories

To support BRAG’s purpose of supporting identification, assessment, or remediation activities, TDEC will award grants for the identification, planning, assessment, remediation and closure of brownfield sites across the state.

Remediation Grants

Actions to contain, remove, mitigate, or dispose of hazardous substances, pollutants, other contaminants, or petroleum products, at a brownfield site. This may include certain types of demolition performed at a brownfield and the installation or upgrade of the minimum amount of infrastructure that is necessary to make a brownfield property usable.

Contract Term: 24 months

Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) exists to enhance the quality of life for citizens of Tennessee and to be stewards of our natural environment by:

• Protecting and improving the quality of Tennessee’s air, land, and water through a responsible regulatory system
• Protecting and promoting human health and safety
• Conserving and promoting natural, cultural and historic resources
• Providing a variety of quality outdoor recreational experiences

Brownfield Redevelopment Area Grant (BRAG)

Program Purpose and Authority

In 2023, the Tennessee General Assembly authorized TDEC to establish the Brownfield Redevelopment Area Fund, enabling a state-administered brownfield grant program to support the identification, investigation, planning, and remediation of brownfield sites.

Program Objectives and Priorities

• Facilitate identification and cleanup of brownfield sites.
• Encourage economic and community redevelopment through reuse.
• Support environmentally sound remediation.
• Promote balanced access to funding statewide.

Project Categories

To support BRAG’s purpose of supporting identification, assessment, or remediation activities, TDEC will award grants for the identification, planning, assessment, remediation and closure of brownfield sites across the state.

Remedial Closure Grants

Post-remedial monitoring to achieve NFA or NLUR letters. 

Contract Term: 24 months

Program Objectives and Priorities

The following is a list of allowable actions under a remedial closure grant. Other expenses may be allowable but would require prior approval by TDEC.

• Conduct final monitoring and other assessments necessary to close the site with TDEC.

Tennessee Department of Health

Mission: Protect, promote, and improve the health and well-being of all people in Tennessee.

The Tennessee Department of Health's highly talented and dedicated professionals reflect a standard of performance in its effective and engaging public health efforts and collaborative commitment to providing compassionate service to people in all 95 counties of the state. TDH provides health care and wellness services daily to Tennesseans through a statewide network of 89 rural and six metropolitan county health departments at 117 physical locations.

Rural Healthcare Access Modernization Program (RAMP)

Description

The Rural Healthcare Access Modernization Program (RAMP) is intended to strengthen healthcare access in rural Tennessee by funding targeted capital improvements at rural hospitals and supporting the establishment or expansion of rural primary care practices. The opportunity seeks to increase service capacity, improve operational efficiency and quality of care, modernize healthcare facilities, and address critical provider shortages, particularly in pediatrics and obstetrics.

Funding is available for eligible capital investment projects that support rural Tennessee and for new or expanded primary care practices in rural areas facing critical provider shortages, with particular focus on pediatrics and obstetrics. 

Capital Investment Projects

A total of $100,000,000 is available for hospital capital investment projects.

The majority of RAMP funding is dedicated to rural capital investment projects that strengthen healthcare infrastructure and improve access to care in rural communities.

These investments may support renovations, facility expansions, and new construction projects that enhance healthcare delivery and address community healthcare needs. Capital investments are intended to help reduce financial barriers to critical healthcare infrastructure projects while supporting long-term sustainability and community impact.

Types of Projects

Organizations may apply for multiple grants, provided each proposed project is separate, clearly defined, and within the eligible project categories listed below. Allowable projects include: 

• Projects designed to expand access to healthcare and healthcare services to underserved rural populations.

• Projects designed to “right size” healthcare facilities to improve access.

• Projects to expand capacity and operational efficiency.

• Projects to renovate or upgrade existing healthcare facilities such as operating rooms, emergency departments, trauma rooms, or Intensive Care Units (ICU) to expand services.

• Projects to provide Information and Technology (IT) and equipment upgrades included in the scope of the approved capital investment “brick and mortar” project. These costs are limited to twenty percent (20%) of the total award.

• Projects funded via the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), Healthcare Reiliancy Program (HRP) in support of Rural Health Transformation Funding (RHTF) priorities which exhausted federal funds and/or projects not initiated due to unavailability ARPA HRP funds and deemed necessary to support current and future capital investment extending access to healthcare in for rural Tennessee.

• New or expanded primary care practices in rural areas facing critical provider shortages, with particular focus on pediatrics and obstetrics. Multi-site operators with proven models for rural primary care expansion may apply for multiple site grants, subject to a per-applicant cap of $500,000. 

The R3PEATS Grassroots Rigor Projects, funded by the NIH, aim to enhance research practices through two project types: Metascience and Laboratory Capacity-Building. Metascience projects focus on creating tools and metrics to promote high-quality research, while Laboratory Capacity-Building projects help labs adopt new techniques and share data that influence research outcomes. This initiative is part of a broader effort to improve rigor, replicability, and reproducibility in scientific research.

The R3PEATS Multi-Team Triangulation initiative supports collaborative research teams to explore a central biomedical question using diverse methods and model systems. It emphasizes the importance of identifying biological variability and ensuring the robustness of findings through replication strategies. This program is part of the NIH Common Fund's Rigor, Replicability, & Reproducibility to Promote Excellence in Science, aiming to enhance the accuracy and translation of scientific discoveries.