Best Hancock County Grants for Nonprofits in Tennessee

About Us

advancing the science of water ®

Who We Are

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is the leading research organization advancing the science of all water to meet the evolving needs of its subscribers and the water sector. WRF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, educational organization that funds, manages, and publishes research on the technology, operation, and management of drinking water, wastewater, reuse, and stormwater systems—all in pursuit of ensuring water quality and improving water services to the public.

5429 - Bioavailability and Transformation of Dissolved Organic Nitrogen and Phosphorus Across WRRFs

Project Objectives

• Survey and characterize dissolved organic nitrogen and phosphorus (DON/DOP) concentrations and speciation across North American wastewater facilities, including but not limited to influent, secondary effluent, tertiary effluent, digester supernatant, thermal hydrolysis process (THP) centrate, autothermal thermophilic digestion (ATAD) sidestreams, and dewatering recycle streams.
• Understand the dynamics of DON/DOP in effluent, including quantifying the bioavailable fraction of DON/DOP in different relevant process streams, evaluating their transformation into nitrogenous disinfection by-product (N-DBP) precursors, determining bio-uptake rates representative of receiving water conditions, and measuring the timescale for biodegradation in receiving waters.

About Us

advancing the science of water ®

Who We Are

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is the leading research organization advancing the science of all water to meet the evolving needs of its subscribers and the water sector. WRF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, educational organization that funds, manages, and publishes research on the technology, operation, and management of drinking water, wastewater, reuse, and stormwater systems—all in pursuit of ensuring water quality and improving water services to the public.

5427 - Advancing Actionable Climate Resilience Metrics for Water Supply Planning

Grant Information

• Catalog existing performance metrics that consistently drive water utility operational and capital decisions, assess their applicability to support future resilience-based decision making under nonstationary climate conditions, and identify adjustments or alternative metrics needed to support forward-looking, resilience-based decision making for water utilities.
• Determine the appropriate level of climate resilience analysis needed to evaluate and apply climate resilience metrics, with requirements scaled based on metric sensitivity to climate change, decision context, and utility characteristics.
• Develop guidance to integrate climate resilience metrics into planning and decision processes.

The OVC FY 2026 Specialized Human Trafficking Assistance program provides critical funding to enhance the capacity of multidisciplinary anti-trafficking task forces and legal service providers. This initiative aims to strengthen the Enhanced Collaborative Model (ECM) through specialized training, ensuring effective identification and support for victims of human trafficking. By focusing on victim-centered investigations and successful prosecution of traffickers, this funding opportunity aligns with the U.S. Department of Justice’s mission to protect citizens and combat violent crime.

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.

Healthcare Resiliency Program (HRP): Service Line Expansion & Co-Location

Expands integrated primary, specialty, behavioral, and diagnostic services in sustainable rural models.

The program aims to improve access and quality of health services for rural Tennesseans by facilitating service integration, care collaboration, and sustainability through digital models and value-based care, with emphasis on perinatal, behavioral health, emergency, pediatric, and chronic care coordination services.

Funding may be used for:

• Evidence-based prevention and chronic disease programs
• Behavioral health and substance use treatment
• Rural workforce recruitment and retention
• Training on emerging care technologies
• Telehealth and digital infrastructure improvements
• Innovative care delivery models

Benefits to Rural Tennessee

RHT funding will help Tennessee:

• Strengthen rural hospitals and prevent closures
• Expand access to maternal, behavioral, and chronic care services
• Improve workforce stability in underserved areas
• Modernize rural healthcare technology
• Support innovative care models that improve outcomes

Reimbursement Structure

This is a reimbursement-based grant program:

• Sub-recipients pay costs upfront
• Submit required documentation
• Receive reimbursement after approval

Administrative & Indirect Costs

• Subawardees must follow Tennessee’s approved indirect cost rates
• Administrative costs are capped at 10%

Department of Finance & Administration

The Department of Finance & Administration (F&A) is the state’s chief corporate office, playing a crucial role in the governance and operational efficiency of the State of Tennessee.

Our Mission is leading through great business and exceptional customer service.

Regional Digital Forensic Collaboration (RDFC) Grant

Program Purpose

This funding is intended to expand access to training, software, and equipment that will enable small and medium-sized law enforcement agencies to conduct forensic examinations of digital forensic evidence efficiently and effectively. The project will enhance local capacity for investigating and prosecuting violent crimes by supporting the technical resources and expertise needed to process digital evidence in a timely and reliable manner.

As technology expands and increases, the collection, processing, and analysis of digital forensic evidence has become increasingly critical in reducing violent crime. Through the Regional Digital Forensic Collaboration (RDFC) grant program, the Office of Criminal Justice Programs (OCJP) has allocated funding to expand access to digital forensic investigative software, hardware, training, and technical expertise for local law enforcement agencies. This allocated funding will support the collection, processing, and analysis of digital forensic evidence through two project types:

• Project Type A – Regional Digital Forensic Collaboration
• Project Type B – Regional Digital Forensic Collaboration - Technical Assistance Provider

Successful applicants will be able to demonstrate in their proposal a clear forward-looking vision for establishing a regional collaboration focused on training, planning, and the deployment of centralized, accessible digital forensic investigative software and equipment. 

Geographic Priority

The State's goal is to establish a network of Regional Digital Forensic Collaborations that provides geographic coverage across Tennessee, with at least one State-funded regional collaboration serving each of Tennessee's three Grand Divisions: East, Middle, and West Tennessee.

• In making funding decisions, the State may give priority to qualified applications that advance this goal, particularly applications proposing to serve areas of the state that do not currently have reasonable access to an existing State-funded Regional Digital Forensic Collaboration.

Project Type A – Regional Digital Forensic Collaboration

Formal planning, training, and ongoing collaboration among multiple regional law enforcement partners within a secure, accessible shared physical space dedicated to storing and processing digital forensic evidence. Additional space for ongoing training and mentoring is an additional priority.

About

Founded in 1971, the Mensa Foundation was established by members of American Mensa to extend the organization’s impact. While connected by a shared purpose, the Foundation operates independently, guided by its own Board of Trustees, strategic plan, and initiatives.

Awards

Mensa Foundation Prize

The Mensa Foundation Prize celebrates exceptional achievements that redefine our understanding of intelligence and creativity.

Awarded biennially, this distinguished honor highlights transformative scientific discoveries that elevate the understanding of intelligence.

Details

One of the most prestigious honors in the field, the Mensa Foundation Prize highlights exceptional contributions that elevate the understanding of intelligence.

Award Components

Criteria for Entry

Department of Finance & Administration

The Department of Finance & Administration (F&A) is the state’s chief corporate office, playing a crucial role in the governance and operational efficiency of the State of Tennessee.

Our Mission is leading through great business and exceptional customer service.

Regional Digital Forensic Collaboration (RDFC) Grant

Program Purpose

This funding is intended to expand access to training, software, and equipment that will enable small and medium-sized law enforcement agencies to conduct forensic examinations of digital forensic evidence efficiently and effectively. The project will enhance local capacity for investigating and prosecuting violent crimes by supporting the technical resources and expertise needed to process digital evidence in a timely and reliable manner.

As technology expands and increases, the collection, processing, and analysis of digital forensic evidence has become increasingly critical in reducing violent crime. Through the Regional Digital Forensic Collaboration (RDFC) grant program, the Office of Criminal Justice Programs (OCJP) has allocated funding to expand access to digital forensic investigative software, hardware, training, and technical expertise for local law enforcement agencies. This allocated funding will support the collection, processing, and analysis of digital forensic evidence through two project types:

• Project Type A – Regional Digital Forensic Collaboration
• Project Type B – Regional Digital Forensic Collaboration - Technical Assistance Provider

Successful applicants will be able to demonstrate in their proposal a clear forward-looking vision for establishing a regional collaboration focused on training, planning, and the deployment of centralized, accessible digital forensic investigative software and equipment. 

Geographic Priority

The State's goal is to establish a network of Regional Digital Forensic Collaborations that provides geographic coverage across Tennessee, with at least one State-funded regional collaboration serving each of Tennessee's three Grand Divisions: East, Middle, and West Tennessee.

• In making funding decisions, the State may give priority to qualified applications that advance this goal, particularly applications proposing to serve areas of the state that do not currently have reasonable access to an existing State-funded Regional Digital Forensic Collaboration.

Project Type B – Regional Digital Forensic Collaboration - Technical Assistance Provider

Technical assistance to provide specialized training, support, and expert guidance to facilitate the planning and implementation of Regional Digital Forensic Collaborations.

About

Founded in 1971, the Mensa Foundation was established by members of American Mensa to extend the organization’s impact. While connected by a shared purpose, the Foundation operates independently, guided by its own Board of Trustees, strategic plan, and initiatives.

Awards

Lifetime Achievement Award

The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals whose lifelong contributions have profoundly advanced the understanding, support, and application of intelligence.

Details

This prestigious honor highlights transformative contributions that have reshaped how intelligence is studied, taught, and applied in real-world settings.

Award Components

Recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award receive:

• Permanent recognition as a distinguished leader in the field of intelligence.
• A $2,500 monetary award in honor of their exceptional achievements.
• A commemorative trophy celebrating their lasting impact on the field.

About

Founded in 1971, the Mensa Foundation was established by members of American Mensa to extend the organization’s impact. While connected by a shared purpose, the Foundation operates independently, guided by its own Board of Trustees, strategic plan, and initiatives.

Grants & Fellowships

Fellowships

The Mensa Foundation Fellowship program empowers exceptional individuals committed to advancing the application of intelligence in their respective fields.

Details

Our current fellowship, the Gifted Education Fellowship, is designed to empower educators pursuing graduate studies in gifted education or closely related fields, enabling them to make a transformative impact in their classrooms and communities. The fellowship supports both doctoral and non-doctoral students, with awards and renewal terms tailored to each track.

About

Founded in 1971, the Mensa Foundation was established by members of American Mensa to extend the organization’s impact. While connected by a shared purpose, the Foundation operates independently, guided by its own Board of Trustees, strategic plan, and initiatives.

Grants & Fellowships

Dissertation Mini-Grant

The Mensa Foundation empowers the next generation of researchers through its Dissertation Mini-Grant program.

Designed to support advanced doctoral students, this grant funds innovative studies that broaden our understanding of intelligence, creativity, gifted education, and related fields.

Details

The Mensa Foundation Dissertation Mini-Grant provides $2,500 to advanced doctoral students conducting research on intelligence and gifted education. By funding innovative studies, the grant promotes research that addresses the complexities of intelligence, creativity, and related fields.

Grant Components

About

Founded in 1971, the Mensa Foundation was established by members of American Mensa to extend the organization’s impact. While connected by a shared purpose, the Foundation operates independently, guided by its own Board of Trustees, strategic plan, and initiatives.

Grants & Fellowships

Early Career Mini-Grant

The Mensa Foundation empowers emerging researchers through its Early Career Mini-Grant program.

Designed to support post-doctoral researchers and early career faculty, this grant funds innovative studies that advance our understanding of intelligence, creativity, gifted education, and related fields.

Details

The Early Career Mini-Grant provides $2,500 to support post-doctoral researchers and faculty within five years of completing their doctoral degree. This grant is intended to promote groundbreaking studies that advance our understanding of intelligence and its applications in education and beyond.

Grant Components

About

Founded in 1971, the Mensa Foundation was established by members of American Mensa to extend the organization’s impact. While connected by a shared purpose, the Foundation operates independently, guided by its own Board of Trustees, strategic plan, and initiatives.

Awards

Cooper Black Award for Creativity

The Copper Black Award for Creative Achievement honors Mensa members whose innovative solutions and practical creativity have brought meaningful benefits to the world.

Details

The Copper Black Award annually recognizes Mensa International members who have demonstrated a specific creative achievement with practical value. This award honors innovations that have been implemented, at least in part, to benefit others.

Award Components

About

FastTrack Grants are made to local communities for public infrastructure improvements. The funds must be used for specific infrastructure projects benefitting one or more companies committed to creating new jobs and/or making new capital investments. These funds require local matching funds based on a community’s ability to pay.

Grants at a Glance

Tennessee’s grant programs support strategic investments that drive job creation, strengthen communities and advance long-term economic growth. From infrastructure and real property improvements to workforce training, these programs help offset costs and support companies as they locate or expand in the state.

FastTrack Job Training Assistance Program

Benefit: Grants provided directly to new or expanding companies to support the training of net new full-time employees.

The FastTrack Economic Development Fund provides crucial grants to local communities in Tennessee for public infrastructure projects that support job creation and significant capital investments. These grants necessitate local matching funds and are aimed at enhancing community development. The program promotes strategic investments that lead to long-term economic growth, helping to offset costs for companies as they expand or establish operations in the state.

The FastTrack Infrastructure Program, administered by the Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development, provides grants to local governments for essential public infrastructure projects. These funds are aimed at supporting new or expanding companies and require local matching contributions. Eligible projects include improvements to water, sewer, and electrical systems, fostering job creation and economic growth in the community.

The FY 2027 Continuation of Solicitation invites applications to support various program areas, including Advanced Scientific Computing, Basic Energy Sciences, Fusion Energy Sciences, and more. This annual open solicitation from the Department of Energy (DOE) allows research proposals throughout the fiscal year. Applications must align with SC's mission and can be submitted until September 30, 2027, or until a new solicitation is issued. Detailed submission processes are outlined in 10 C.F.R. part 605.

The Region 4 Small Business Transportation Technical Assistance Center (SBTTAC) aims to empower small businesses by providing essential technical assistance and business development support. Funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation, this initiative will facilitate access to capital resources, connect businesses with key transportation agencies, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. The program is dedicated to minimizing barriers for small enterprises while fostering a robust support system in the transportation sector.

The Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives Program (DBI) for Fiscal Year 2026, administered by the USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service, invites applications from existing initiatives to support the dairy industry. With approximately $12.65 million available, the program aims to diversify dairy markets, enhance farmer income, and promote regional milk production. Funding will prioritize equipment and infrastructure projects, which are vital for strengthening the capacity of dairy businesses and fostering innovation in processing and marketing.

The Water Resources Research Act Program National Competitive Grants FY2026, administered by the U.S. Geological Survey, aims to support innovative research initiatives at Water Resources Research Institutes across the U.S. and its territories. These grants facilitate essential studies on water management, addressing critical water resource challenges while promoting collaboration among states. This program seeks to enhance the understanding of water issues, ultimately contributing to sustainable management practices and informed decision-making in water resource policy.

The Fiscal Year 2026 Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program aims to enhance public safety by reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions and improving habitat connectivity for various species. With approximately $80 million available through cost reimbursable grants, this initiative supports eligible projects that address these critical environmental and safety concerns. The program may also distribute leftover funds from previous years, contingent on availability, fostering innovative solutions in wildlife management and transportation safety.

The SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program, managed by the Department of War, aims to enhance the U.S. military's technical workforce by offering competitive scholarships for STEM degrees. With a funding cap of $1.3 billion over ten years, the program prepares scholars for critical roles in national defense, ensuring a pipeline of skilled professionals. Since its inception in 2005, over 8,000 scholarships have been awarded, fostering a strong connection between education and service in defense-related fields.

The National Digital Newspaper Program (NDNP) invites applications to digitize historically significant newspapers published between 1690 and 1963 across the U.S. This initiative by the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Library of Congress aims to create a comprehensive online database accessible to the public. Successful applicants will convert approximately 100,000 pages into digital format over two years, following specific technical guidelines. This program enhances access to vital historical resources for research and education.

The Social Impact Partnerships to Pay for Results Act (SIPPRA) by the U.S. Department of the Treasury aims to enhance social service effectiveness through innovative funding strategies. Established in 2018, SIPPRA encourages state and local governments to apply for awards that redirect funds from ineffective programs to those that yield measurable outcomes. By promoting public-private partnerships and performance-based funding, SIPPRA seeks to address critical social issues and improve the lives of families and individuals in need.

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) is launching a funding opportunity for the Collaborative Initiative on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (CIFASD). This program aims to foster multidisciplinary research on FASD, addressing critical needs such as early identification, intervention development, and mechanisms of alcohol exposure effects. By supporting integrated projects within the CIFASD consortium, the initiative seeks to enhance understanding and reduce the impact of FASD through coordinated research efforts.

The Community Development Block Grant Program for Indian Tribes and Alaska Native Villages aims to foster the development of viable communities by providing funding for housing, living environments, and economic opportunities, primarily benefiting low- and moderate-income individuals. The program is competitive, offering both single-purpose and imminent threat grants to address urgent public health and safety issues, ensuring that tribes can improve their community welfare effectively.

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) is launching the Centers for Research on Neglected Infectious Diseases (CReNIDs) to enhance research on neglected infectious diseases (NIDs). This initiative aims to tackle substantial health challenges posed by communicable viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections, especially in endemic regions. By fostering multidisciplinary research and sustainable local capacities, the program seeks to improve health outcomes and mitigate the spread of these diseases, ultimately safeguarding public health in the U.S. and globally.

About AOTF

Established in 1965, AOTF is an independent 501(c)(3) charitable, scientific, and educational organization. We serve as the premier resource for occupational therapy research and scholarship, working alongside researchers, educators, practitioners, community partners, and students to build evidence-based practice that improves lives.

As the only foundation dedicated exclusively to advancing occupational therapy science, we bridge the critical gap between innovative research and real-world practice. Our work ensures that occupational therapy interventions are grounded in rigorous scientific evidence, ultimately improving outcomes for millions of people worldwide.

Community Engaged Research Grant (NBCOT®)

Background

It is imperative that occupational therapy research is grounded in the priorities and lived experiences of the individuals it aims to serve, particularly for historically marginalized or underrepresented communities.

Community-engaged research is a collaborative approach that establishes equitable and meaningful partnerships between researchers, community members, service providers, and other stakeholders throughout all phases of the research process. It centers on addressing community-identified priorities and co-creation of research that produces mutually beneficial outcomes.

By ensuring that research is culturally relevant, contextually appropriate, and responsive to community priorities, this approach enhances its impact while improving health, participation, and quality of life.

Program Mission

The Community Engaged Research Grant program supports studies that apply rigorous qualitative and/or quantitative methodologies to address research priorities and service or knowledge gaps identified in partnership with communities.

AOTF emphasizes the importance of equitable partnerships in which power, decision-making, and responsibility are shared between researchers, practitioners, community-based organizations, people with lived experience, and other relevant partners.

By fostering these inclusive practices, AOTF aims to ensure that occupational therapy scholarship remains scientifically rigorous, equitable, and responsive to the real-world needs of diverse communities.

Funding Priorities

All proposed projects must: 

• Be led by a community-academic partnership.
• Identify at least one community member as a Co-Investigator.
• Demonstrate meaningful and equitable engagement of community partners.
• Include a plan to compensate community partners.
• Address potential barriers to engagement
• Clearly align with the scope of occupational therapy practice.
• Focus on original research.