Best Grants for Environmental Conservation 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’s Community Possible program. Organizations in designated U.S. Bank communities, especially those led by people of color and addressing multiple pillars, may be eligible to support projects that include environmental conservation of public spaces.

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

501(c)(3) nonprofits worldwide, including those in Tennessee, can apply for DanPaul Foundation grants up to US $15,000 to support youth health, education, development, and welfare. Programs may include environmental education on clean air and water, poverty and homelessness services, refugee enrichment, child advocacy, and related youth-focused initiatives.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

Nonprofits and NGOs using technology for crisis response, education, economic empowerment, or climate resilience projects in Tennessee and worldwide can seek Global Impact Cash Grants, with awards up to US $100,000. Cisco Systems Foundation prioritizes innovative, early-stage, tech-enabled solutions serving predominantly economically underserved communities and accepts applications year-round via an initial Letter of Inquiry.

Tennessee educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies can access funding through State Farm Companies Foundation for safety, education, and community development initiatives. Programs that improve auto or home safety, support disaster preparedness and recovery, expand affordable housing, address food insecurity, or strengthen education and job readiness may be eligible, including environmentally focused projects.

Tennessee cultural nonprofits offering arts or science programming can access funding through the William Randolph Hearst Foundation to support impactful culture initiatives. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations with audited expenses over $2 million may receive program, capital, or limited general/endowment support, with a focus on arts education, artist development, and STEAM-related science programs. Awards are typically more than US $100,000.

Tennessee nonprofits and other eligible charitable organizations can receive support for health, education, and community initiatives, including food pantries, patient services, and STEM programs. Labcorp Charitable Foundation provides funding that may benefit environmental conservation groups with community health or education components serving local residents.

Organizations such as nonprofits, schools, governments, and social enterprises working on education, children’s health, or family economic stability in Tennessee may be eligible for Michael & Susan Dell Foundation grants; awards more than US $50,000 for project support or scaling. Programs must serve children or youth from urban low-income communities in the U.S., India, or South Africa.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

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.

Environmental conservation nonprofits in Tennessee can seek project or program support through the Dudley T Dougherty Foundation, which funds 501(c)(3) charitable organizations. Focus areas include environmental conservation, broader environmental initiatives, community services, and peacebuilding, so Tennessee-based groups working at these intersections may be competitive applicants.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and qualified local government entities in Tennessee communities near Georgia-Pacific manufacturing facilities can apply for Georgia-Pacific Foundation’s grants to support education, environment, entrepreneurship, and community enrichment projects. Environmental conservation initiatives that strengthen long-term community well-being may be especially competitive if they serve areas within 30 miles of a GP facility.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office can seek TJX Foundation support for basic needs, youth education, workforce readiness, and safety from domestic violence. Tennessee environmental groups that also provide these services for vulnerable families and children may be eligible if they meet the mission and policy requirements.

Environmental nonprofits, public schools, and libraries in Tennessee can seek unrestricted program or operating support for conservation and related human services work. With a mission to back environmental and human services causes, Lawrence Foundation provides US $5,000 - US $10,000 grants to 501(c)(3) public charities and similar organizations, with no geographic restrictions.

Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation provides Tennessee environmental conservation nonprofits with US $1,000 - US $20,000 to support environmental and wildlife protection activities. IRS-qualified U.S. organizations, including community-based programs, museums, schools, and related groups working on conservation and community services, may be eligible to apply during the foundation’s spring or fall award rounds.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on basic needs, community development, cultural enrichment, or volunteer-driven programs in the U.S., including Tennessee, may be eligible for Ameriprise Financial Community Grants. Focus areas such as housing, hunger relief, workforce readiness, and arts access could support conservation-related groups that also strengthen community resilience and economic stability.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and government entities in Coffee County, Tennessee can apply for the Lillian Ashley Fund, with awards up to US $20,000 to implement or expand specific program activities. Administered by Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, this grant supports children’s health, animal welfare, and environmental conservation initiatives that advance clear goals and milestones.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations can seek project funding in areas like environmental programs, education, health care, social services, and civic or cultural initiatives, including work in Tennessee. Grants from Dr Scholl Foundation help support one-year projects, with awards ranging from US $5,000 - US $25,000, primarily for U.S.-based applicants.

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 projects. Grants up to US $100,000 support capital, due diligence, stewardship, and community engagement costs for conserving resilient, connected lands with clear community benefits.

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.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on environmental conservation, education, or youth development can apply for Tucker Foundation support for land acquisition, conservation easements, operating activities, or related programs. Organizations in Hamilton or Bradley County may be eligible, especially those preserving natural environments or offering conservation-focused educational initiatives for young people.

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.

Government entities and not-for-profit organizations in Tennessee that hold permanent, historically valuable archival collections can receive up to US $5,000 to improve preservation and access to records. Tennessee State Library and Archives funds technology for digitization, conservation training, contracted digitization services, part-time archivists, and archival supplies, which may benefit environmental conservation collections and records.

Non-sectarian nonprofits helping disadvantaged people become self-reliant can seek US $5,000 - US $250,000 for social and humanitarian programs, including disaster relief, from Gupta Family Foundation. With a mission to support focused interventions, the foundation funds smaller organizations, typically 501(c)(3)s or qualifying foreign entities, currently operating in select countries including the U.S.

Official county or municipal archives and authorized Tennessee not-for-profit record repositories can apply for the Tennessee State Library and Archives’ Archives Development Program Direct Grants, with awards up to US $10,000 for archival supplies, conservation, staffing, and digitization. Programs preserving environmental or land-use records may be eligible under this opportunity.