Best Diversity Grants for Nonprofits in Tennessee

Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on economic and workforce advancement, affordable housing, or community arts and culture can access funding through US Bancorp Foundation. Organizations that advance diversity, equity, and inclusion and are based in designated U.S. Bank communities may be eligible, with priority for groups led by a person of color.

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.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Tennessee working on diversity, equity and inclusion, basic needs, workforce development, housing, environment, arts, or community development can seek sponsorship support. Bank of America Foundation supports programs that preserve neighborhoods, address hunger and emergency shelter, educate the workforce, and strengthen the social and cultural life of communities.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

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.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

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.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

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.

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.

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.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

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.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

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.

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.

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.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

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.