Best Hawkins County Grants for Nonprofits in Tennessee

Nonprofit organizations in Hawkins County, Tennessee can seek funding for arts and culture, education and leadership, environmental sustainability, financial literacy, and health and human services projects. First Horizon Foundation supports programs that strengthen community well-being, develop future leaders, promote the arts, advance financial stability, and foster a more sustainable future in the region.

The Central Appalachia Habitat Stewardship Program aims to restore and sustain healthy forests, rivers, and streams to support diverse native bird and aquatic species. Funded by major organizations including the Richard King Mellon Foundation, this initiative focuses on improving forest management and stream health to enhance wildlife populations. Strategies include engaging landowners through education and financial assistance, targeting species like the golden-winged warbler and brook trout to ensure ecological balance and habitat connectivity.

Nonprofits, government units, and educational institutions in Hawkins County, Tennessee can seek two-year arts and culture project funding through the Arts Fund for East Tennessee, with awards of US $5,000 - US $15,000. With a mission to sustain cultural traditions and encourage artistic expression, East Tennessee Foundation prioritizes outreach to underserved communities, public art, grassroots groups, and diverse cultural programming.

Grassroots 501(c)(3) organizations and fiscally sponsored groups in Central Appalachia, including Hawkins County, Tennessee, can apply for Appalachian Community Fund’s technical assistance grants to build organizational capacity and skills. Funding supports training and consulting in areas like leadership development, fundraising, board roles, planning, financial management, legal issues, and community organizing for social, economic, racial, and environmental justice work.

501(c)(3) nonprofits and fiscally sponsored, community-led groups in Hawkins County, Tennessee can apply for Appalachian Community Fund’s LGBTQ Fund Grant Program; awards up to US $2,000 to build capacity and institutional resources for LGBTQ organizing. Grassroots efforts for systemic social, economic, racial, and environmental justice, especially new or youth-focused projects, may be prioritized.

The Neighbor to Neighbor Disaster Relief Fund Grants, managed by the East Tennessee Foundation, focus on supporting nonprofits and agencies responding to the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in East Tennessee. This initiative aims to assist communities in recovery and rebuilding efforts, specifically targeting counties severely affected by flooding. Eligible organizations include public charities and educational institutions. The fund prioritizes long-term recovery efforts, fostering resilience and sustainability in impacted areas.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Hawkins County, Tennessee that run existing digital literacy or broadband education programs for families or seniors can apply for US $2,500 - US $50,000 to expand their impact. Charter Communications’ Spectrum Digital Education Grants support technology access and digital literacy efforts in low-income or multicultural communities within Spectrum service markets.

Black Appalachian oral tradition culture bearers connected to Hawkins County, Tennessee can apply for the CALT Black Appalachian Storytellers Fellowship, receiving US $5,000 to sustain Black storytelling traditions. Grants from Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation honor storytellers preserving the history, heritage, and culture of African Americans in Central Appalachia.

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 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 Area Development Grant Program, managed by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), supports economic growth in Appalachia through investments in critical infrastructure and workforce development. Targeting 423 counties across 13 states, the program encourages local communities to collaborate with state governments to identify and implement impactful projects. Key focus areas include enhancing utilities, promoting entrepreneurship, and strengthening local leadership. This initiative aims to uplift the 26 million residents of Appalachia, fostering sustainable economic opportunities.

Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development

The mission of the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development is to work as a team to promote workforce and economic development and improve workplace safety and health throughout Tennessee.

Rural Workforce Initiatives

Rural communities in Tennessee often struggle to access quality healthcare due to factors like limited facilities, long travel distances, workforce shortages, and high costs. The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD) is leading efforts to address workforce shortages across various industries, with healthcare as a priority.

Rural Healthcare Initiatives Grant 

The Program's Purpose

The Rural Healthcare Initiatives grant program aims to leverage existing healthcare training structures and expand apprenticeship and Workforce Development Initiatives to strengthen the pipeline of healthcare professionals in rural communities.

Financial support will be provided to sponsoring entities to offer training, certification, and apprenticeships, while also addressing ancillary costs like transportation, childcare, and examination fees that create barriers for participants.

Where will the grant provide services?

Potential recipients must identify a desired service area in their application. Service area must be in the 91 counties outside the major metropolitan counties of Davidson, Hamilton, Knox, and Shelby. Entities located within the counties of Davidson, Hamilton, Knox, and Shelby may apply for funding if funding is utilized for programing located in one of the other 91 counties in Tennessee. The service area must identify the need for the designated training or certification of the population based on county and regional employment opportunities and needs using local/state data and Labor Market Information. The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development will consult with applicants to ensure services are offered equitably across Tennessee.

What is the total grant award amount?

Applicants will propose their desired funding amount up to a maximum of $250,000 and will use the guidance found in this document.

How will subrecipients receive funds?

This is a reimbursable grant. Recipients will be required to submit requests at least once per month with supporting documentation to be reimbursed for allowable costs. Recipients must use The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development’s grant system, SmartSimple, for submissions. 

Learn more here.

The Brinker International Charitable Giving Program focuses on giving back to communities through support for kids, hunger, and education. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501c(3) non-profits and submit requests at least six weeks prior to events. The program does not support individuals, political or religious organizations, or explicit discrimination policies. Funding is provided through monetary donations or in-kind contributions like dining certificates.

Hawkins County, Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government units, and educational institutions can access funding through the Opportunity Endowment Fund to strengthen organizational capacity and collaborations. Administered by East Tennessee Foundation, this program offers up to US $25,000 for projects improving operations, sustainability, data systems, leadership, and partnerships that support community needs, especially prevention-focused work.

The Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative aims to revitalize communities impacted by coal industry transitions. This initiative provides funding for projects that diversify local economies, enhance job training, and create new employment opportunities. By fostering collaboration among various stakeholders, the POWER Initiative supports strategic investments that align with regional economic development plans, ensuring a more resilient future for coal-affected areas.

The Union Home Foundation Grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that promote economic self-sufficiency through financial literacy and housing initiatives. Established in 2015, this grant has awarded over $2 million to various nonprofits across the U.S. Grants typically start at $1,000 and are available for a one-year period. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and can only apply once per year, following specific eligibility criteria.

The Harry W. and Carolyn W. Galbraith Memorial Fund Grant supports animal care organizations focusing on spaying and neutering programs for cats and dogs. Established in 2014, it awards grants ranging from $3,000 to $5,000 for one-year terms beginning August 2024. Eligible organizations must be located within the Foundation's service area and provide services primarily to low-income pet owners. Funds may also cover rabies vaccinations, enhancing overall animal welfare in the community.

The Youth Endowment Fund Grant, managed by the East Tennessee Foundation, supports innovative solutions to challenges faced by youth within a 25-county service area. Grants of up to $20,000 are available for projects focusing on early childhood education, health drivers, and the prevention of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Eligible organizations must demonstrate a commitment to serving youth and adhere to non-discrimination policies. This initiative aims to foster stronger, healthier communities through impactful youth programming.

The Economic Development Fund for East Tennessee Grant Program, established in 1991, aims to support charitable and economic initiatives that foster regional economic growth. Organizations eligible for funding must operate within East Tennessee's 25-county service area and provide necessary documentation, including nonprofit status. Grants, ranging from $5,000 to $6,500, will be awarded for one-year terms starting August 1, 2024, with applications opening in August 2024.

Nonprofit agencies serving low-income women and girls in Hawkins County, Tennessee can seek one-time Self-Sustainability Grants to address urgent needs or emerging opportunities that build independent, resilient futures. Grants from Womens Fund of East Tenenssee help vetted programs enhance services for women and their families and expand their reach across East Tennessee.

Public, private, and charter schools in Hawkins County, Tennessee can apply for Project Lead The Way’s PLTW Computer Science – New Program grant to launch and grow PLTW computer science courses. Grants from the John Deere Foundation and Project Lead The Way provide up to US $20,000 for fees, required technology, equipment, supplies, and teacher core training.

Local governments and partner organizations in Hawkins County, Tennessee can apply for Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development’s Appalachian Regional Commission funding; awards up to US $1,000,000 for construction and US $500,000 for non-construction projects. Funding supports economic and community development, especially water and wastewater infrastructure for industry, rural basic services, and other opportunity projects.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations focused on children’s services in Hawkins County, Tennessee can seek support for critical needs such as education, health, welfare, and mental health programs. Grants from Speedway Children's Charities prioritize groups serving homeless, orphaned, and foster children, as well as youth affected by sex trafficking across the Bristol chapter’s Tennessee and Virginia service area.

Existing 501(c)(3) children-focused nonprofits serving Hawkins County, Tennessee can seek the Jeff Byrd Grant to fund exceptional projects addressing direct needs of children. With a mission to support child-focused services, Speedway Children's Charities provides a US $50,000 award for projects valued at $50,000 or more; applicants must also apply for the Bristol Chapter grant.

The Educational Foundation of America (EFA) supports the Reproductive Health & Justice Grant Program to enhance access to abortion and contraception throughout the U.S., particularly in Appalachia, Alabama, and Florida. EFA funds innovative organizations that advocate for reproductive rights, provide direct support to abortion services, and leverage impact investing strategies. This commitment aims to ensure reproductive freedom, foster equity, and promote sustainability in underserved communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and local government entities in Hawkins County, Tennessee can receive US $1,000 - US $25,000 to support rural arts projects and activities across all disciplines that enhance community vitality and engagement. Grants from Tennessee Arts Commission help fund performances, festivals, exhibitions, residencies, planning, accessibility improvements, and other arts programming in rural counties statewide.

Nonprofit organizations and local government entities running arts projects in underserved communities in Hawkins County, Tennessee can seek US $1,000 - US $5,000 to benefit their schools and neighborhoods. Tennessee Arts Commission’s Targeted Arts Development Initiative focuses on rural, distressed, and at-risk counties, building local arts capacity and leadership through community-focused cultural activities.