Best Grants for Mentoring Programs in Tennessee

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charities serving adults with workforce development, small business support, or mentoring-related programs in Tennessee and other eligible states can apply for Truist Foundation grants of more than US $15,000. Truist Foundation provides U.S.-based nonprofits with funding to build career pathways to economic mobility and strengthen racially diverse and women-owned small businesses.

The TruStage Foundation focuses on fostering economic mobility through education and housing initiatives. By supporting K-12 literacy, mentoring, and affordable housing projects, the foundation aims to uplift marginalized communities. With a commitment to addressing racial and socioeconomic disparities, TruStage seeks to empower individuals and families to build a brighter future. Their funding is directed towards impactful programs that align with their mission, while avoiding causes that do not meet their criteria for economic mobility.

Faculty developing or expanding undergraduate mentoring, reading groups, or discussion-based programs in Tennessee can apply for the Institute for Humane Studies’ Free Society Grants to support liberal tradition–grounded programming. Eligible projects include mentorship programs, structured reading series, colloquia, student research workshops, and symposia that deepen engagement with political, economic, and civic questions; adjunct and visiting faculty may be considered.

The Indigo Oak Fund's Education Grant Program supports educational initiatives in Colorado and the Bay Area, focusing on both traditional schools and alternative learning experiences. This program aims to empower individuals through education, fostering personal growth and lifelong learning. By funding resources for teachers and career advancement for adults, the Fund seeks to create equal opportunities, enhance community engagement, and contribute to a more equitable society.

State education affiliates in Tennessee and across the U.S. can apply for National Education Association Staff Organization’s ARP Implementation Network Grant, offering up to US $100,000 to fund a coordinator position. This role supports implementation of the American Rescue Plan for public education, which may include mentoring, tutoring, and related student support programs.

Early-career live entertainment production managers in Tennessee can apply for the Carolyn A. Satter Production Management Mentorship Program, receiving US $2,000 plus conference mentorship and management experience. This United Institute for Theatre Technology opportunity supports U.S.-based professionals seeking intensive, mentored production management practice at the USITT Annual Conference & Stage Expo.

Nonprofit organizations, school districts, government agencies, and higher education institutions in Tennessee can apply for the Community Collaboration Challenge, awarding US $5,000 - US $10,000 for evidence-based K-12 supports. Funded activities include high-impact tutoring, mentoring, student success and postsecondary coaching, and wraparound supports that engage community networks around shared goals.

Tennessee mentoring and tutoring innovators can access funding through the Bergel Institute’s FE3 Fellowship to spend a year designing a professional, credentialed mentoring industry in the U.S. Individuals of any age, including graduate students, receive structured support to research and develop training, certification, and licensing frameworks that improve outcomes for children in high-poverty communities.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering tutoring, mentoring, or youth services can receive US $2,500 - US $10,000 to advance education and community programs through the Best Life Community Awards. Focused on education and community strengthening, Altra Foundation invites organizations in eligible counties, including Montgomery County, to be nominated by Altra Federal Credit Union members.

Youth-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits in middle Tennessee can seek program funding for children’s critical needs, health, education, and mentoring. Focused on child welfare, Speedway Children's Charities prioritizes organizations serving homeless, orphaned and foster youth, and victims of sex trafficking, including tutoring, literacy, after-school, and mentoring-style programs across eligible Tennessee counties.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and government programs in Tennessee that provide ongoing academic or life-skills mentoring for low-income youth can receive Ross gift cards to buy school or professional clothing. Grants from Ross Stores Foundation help tutoring, STEM, financial literacy, and career readiness programs serving youth ages 3–24 within 25 miles of a Ross or dd’s DISCOUNTS store; awards US $300 - US $500.

Undergraduate students and recent college graduates in Tennessee interested in public health and healthcare careers can access a full-time, 10‑week summer internship that provides real-world experience, mentoring, and networking. Focused on diverse, underrepresented, and first-generation students, John Muir Health’s Health Career Connection Internship may benefit mentoring-focused education and youth programs.

High school, undergraduate, and medical students in Tennessee interested in healthcare mentoring can participate in a year-long near-peer mentorship program focused on family medicine. John Muir Health provides virtual mentoring and leadership opportunities from high school through residency, which may benefit mentoring-focused initiatives and partner organizations supporting diverse, under-represented students exploring medical careers.

Emerging film composers scoring independently financed feature-length films can receive approximately US $20,000 to cover score-related costs such as composer fees, musicians, equipment, and studio expenses. Focused on supporting music for film, New Music USA’s Reel Change Film Fund also offers mentorship; Tennessee-based mentoring programs for developing composers may be eligible if they meet these criteria.

Tennessee students interested in mentoring-rich legal and higher education experiences can access funding and a paid fellowship through the Josh Dubin Fellowship. Current Shawn Carter Foundation scholars receive a seven-week professional development program with legal research, case analysis, mentoring, site visits, and additional scholarship support, which may benefit youth-focused tutoring and mentoring initiatives.

Individuals with bachelor’s or master’s degrees pursuing AI or computer science research careers can access a predoctoral mentoring and research program that may benefit Tennessee tutoring and mentoring initiatives. Grants from Allen Institute for Artificial Intelligence help early-career researchers gain intensive mentorship, collaborate on cutting-edge AI projects, and strengthen their preparation for top PhD programs.

High school seniors pursuing business or engineering with strong academics and financial need can receive renewable scholarship support and one-on-one mentorship through the Jacob A. Bradley Memorial Scholarship. Bradley Family Foundation provides U.S. students, including those from Tennessee mentoring programs, with funding for four-year college degrees and structured mentor relationships connecting school to the workplace.

Undergraduate, master’s, and medical students interested in pediatric oncology research can receive up to US $5,000 for a mentored summer research internship, including opportunities in Tennessee. With a mission to change the lives of children with cancer, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation provides hands-on training that may appeal to mentoring-focused programs and institutions.

High school seniors in the City of Milwaukee seeking undergraduate education and mentoring support can receive US $3,000 - US $5,000 scholarships that include ongoing guidance and college navigation help. With a mission to support higher education, Rotary Club Of Milwaukee Community Tr provides students with financial aid and structured mentoring that may benefit those involved in tutoring and mentoring initiatives.

The Mentored Research Scientist Career Development Award (KR1) offers crucial support for researchers aiming for independence. Funded by the US Dept. of Health & Human Services through the NIH, this award allows candidates to engage in intensive research training under a mentor's guidance for up to five years. It is designed for those with research doctoral degrees, facilitating their transition into independent research roles and enhancing their contributions to the scientific community.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and 509(a) organizations offering tutoring, mentoring, and academic enrichment can receive US $2,000 - US $10,000 to support education, human services, and related programs. McGraw Foundation provides U.S. organizations, including those in Tennessee, with single-year grants for general operating support, specific projects, and occasionally capital needs.

The John Ben Snow Memorial Trust Grant supports educational programs and initiatives that assist individuals demonstrating financial need. Founded in 1975, it prioritizes funding for organizations that enhance educational opportunities, arts, culture, and community initiatives, particularly for youth and disadvantaged populations. The Trust encourages proposals from 501(c)(3) organizations, with grants typically ranging from $10,000 to $20,000. It also considers limited proposals in disabilities, environmental protection, and historic preservation, focusing on educational impact.

The Joe C. Davis Foundation Grant focuses on supporting charitable organizations that embody core values such as personal initiative, hard work, and education. With an emphasis on education, healthcare, and community services, the Foundation primarily supports initiatives in Nashville, Tennessee. It funds a variety of programs, from K-12 education to healthcare services, and prefers one-time grants that enhance existing programs or create new ones with sustainable financial models.

The Mentored Clinician Research Scientist Career Development Award (KC1) from the NIH supports clinician research scientists for up to five years, providing dedicated time for intensive research career development. This award aims to guide candidates with clinical doctoral degrees towards achieving research independence by pairing them with experienced mentors who can help navigate their career paths.

The Mentored Career Transition Award (KT1/R00) offers a biphasic funding opportunity for up to 5 years, supporting the transition of postdoctoral researchers to independent faculty positions. The first phase provides 1-2 years of mentored career development, while the second phase grants up to 3 years of independent research support, contingent upon satisfactory progress and faculty appointment. This grant aims to enhance the capacity of early-career researchers in achieving research-intensive roles.

The Established Clinician Investigator Award to Support Mentoring (KS1) is designed to provide established clinician investigators with dedicated time for mentoring early-career clinician research scientists. This initiative by the US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health (NIH) aims to enhance the quality of mentorship, fostering the development of future leaders in clinical research. It supports a sustained commitment to training and guidance, ensuring a robust pipeline of skilled professionals.

The Kars4Kids Small Grant Program aims to support educational initiatives globally, impacting the lives of children. This program welcomes applications from IRS-recognized nonprofit organizations focused on youth development, mentorship, and education. Grants typically range from $500 to $2,000, depending on mission alignment and available funds. Kars4Kids, a national Jewish nonprofit, is dedicated to nurturing productive community members through educational and mentoring opportunities.