Best Diversity Grants for Nonprofits in Tennessee

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Tennessee with innovative human services or social problem-solving programs can seek funding to develop or expand their work. Focused on innovation, Creag Foundation invites eligible groups to propose new approaches to societal issues, which may include diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within communities and service systems.

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.

Tennessee arts and culture nonprofits offering substantial programs in the arts or sciences can access funding through the William Randolph Hearst Foundation for program, capital, and limited general or endowment support. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations with audited expenses over $2 million, strong impact, and broad reach may be eligible, including those advancing inclusive arts education or STEAM initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving communities in the Nashville Memorial Hospital service area of Tennessee can seek funding for health care access, human and social services, education, and community programs. Focused on community impact, Memorial Foundation invites data-driven, trauma-informed agencies to request support for capital projects, general operations, or new initiatives addressing critical local needs.

Qualified nonprofit land trusts in Tennessee can secure capital funding to acquire permanent conservation easements or fee interests in large, high-priority forest blocks on the Southern Cumberland Plateau. With a mission to protect climate-resilient habitats, Open Space Institute Land Trust also considers limited stewardship costs and short-term, low-interest bridge loans for eligible projects.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

Nonprofit organizations providing health, education, or humanitarian services can seek support for programs serving marginalized communities in Tennessee and worldwide. Semnani Family Foundation provides global human and social services groups with funding for healthcare access, disaster relief, women and children’s health, literacy, and related initiatives that may advance diversity, equity, and inclusion outcomes.

Nonprofits and community partners working on urban forestry and greening projects in Tennessee can use this grant to fund management, tree planting, program development, and workforce training, with awards from US $5,000 - US $40,000. Grants from Tennessee Department of Agriculture help advance tree equity, reduce urban heat, and expand sustainable community forests.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, state or municipal agencies, and public schools in Tennessee communities served by Toyota can apply for Toyota’s grants supporting STEM education and workforce readiness programs. Initiatives that create inclusive opportunities and long-term benefits for diverse, under-resourced populations may be especially competitive for this funding.

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 in Tennessee with programs exploring and celebrating cultural diversity and heritage can seek support for community-based initiatives. Focused on cultural understanding, Nissan Foundation invites eligible groups in Middle Tennessee counties it serves to apply using its required letter of intent form during the annual application window.

Local governments and Tennessee-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits can apply for Tennessee Arts Commission Creative Placemaking grants of US $3,000 - US $30,000 to enhance community character through arts-driven revitalization projects. Grants from Tennessee Arts Commission help Tennessee organizations use arts and cultural activities to improve neighborhoods, support community development, and may benefit diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.

Nonprofit conservation and community organizations, municipalities, Tribal Nations, and agencies in Tennessee can access funding through The Nature Conservancy’s Resilient and Connected Appalachians Grant Program for fee and easement land acquisition. Grants up to US $100,000 support resilient, connected land protection with strong community benefits, including equity-focused climate resilience and outdoor access projects across the Appalachian region.

Nonprofit community development organizations in Tennessee working on housing, small business, or workforce development projects can host a graduate fellow through the National Community Reinvestment Coalition’s Fellowship for Equitable Development. With a mission to advance a just economy, NCRC provides member hosts with skilled fellows to support equity-focused, diversity and inclusion-oriented community projects.

Nonprofit organizations and public schools in Tennessee working on housing, forestry-related environmental initiatives, or manufacturing and trades education can seek US $10,000 - US $20,000 through Louisiana Pacific Foundation’s LP Community Grant. With a mission to build strong, inclusive communities, the foundation supports programs that protect the environment, enrich education, and expand opportunities in manufacturing and construction fields.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

West and Middle Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving older adults can seek funding for senior-focused programs or capital projects. West End Home Foundation provides Tennessee aging-services organizations with support for direct services, collaborative initiatives, and advocacy that promote successful aging for adults age 60 and older in Cheatham, Davidson, Robertson, Rutherford, Sumner, Williamson, and Wilson counties.

Nonprofit and governmental arts presenting organizations in Tennessee can receive up to US $1,000 to support staff or guest artists’ professional development travel and training. With a mission to strengthen arts presenters, South Arts provides funding for conferences, festivals, workshops, virtual trainings, and planning meetings, which may advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in their programming.

The Community Ties Giving Program by Union Pacific Foundation offers local grants aimed at enhancing community well-being through diverse funding priorities. These include safety initiatives, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability. The program emphasizes supporting organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to create impactful projects that resonate with Union Pacific's heritage and mission. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations serving Union Pacific communities and demonstrate a clear need and capacity to deliver effective programming.

Tennessee nonprofits and 501(c)(3) organizations serving youth, families, and communities can access funding through Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards for programs in education, housing, food security, and environmental stewardship. Grants of US $30,000 - US $350,000 support initiatives that may advance diversity, equity, and inclusion through community-based services and leadership development.

East Tennessee nonprofits, government units, and public educational institutions can receive up to US $12,500 for programs advancing teen resilience and veteran support in selected counties. East Tennessee Foundation’s CNS Y-12 Community Investment Fund emphasizes inclusive, non-discriminatory services, so organizations with strong diversity, equity, and inclusion practices may be especially competitive.

Nonprofits, government units, educational institutions, and fiscally sponsored groups serving Monroe County residents in 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. Funding supports creative use of local resources and improving quality of life, and may benefit diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.

Tennessee nonprofits and government entities working on affordable housing in Knoxville can access funding through East Tennessee Foundation for new construction, major rehabs, and stabilization programs for low-income homeowners and renters. Projects that expand housing opportunities and support very low-income households may fit diversity, equity, and inclusion goals in Tennessee communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, government units, educational institutions, and fiscally sponsored emerging groups in East Tennessee can apply for East Tennessee Foundation’s Arts Fund for two-year project support, with awards of US $5,000 - US $15,000. Funding sustains cultural traditions, public arts access, and diverse artistic expression, benefiting communities across the foundation’s 25-county Tennessee service area.