Best Disaster Preparedness and Relief Grants in Tennessee

Local governments, nonprofits, businesses, farmers, and forest landowners in Tennessee can apply for the Governor's Response and Recovery Fund when activated after a state-declared emergency; awards support disaster recovery and rebuilding projects. Administered by Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, this flexible funding can help restore facilities, infrastructure, operations, and community services after disasters.

Individuals, families, and local organizations in Tennessee facing disaster-related emergencies or serious financial hardship can apply for Giving Branch Foundation’s Giving Branch Donations program, with awards up to US $5,000. Funding can help with natural disaster recovery, sudden death, emergency needs, or ongoing hardships such as job loss, illness, or temporary displacement.

Tennessee nonprofit organizations needing physical or cybersecurity upgrades and facility hardening for disaster and terrorism preparedness can access funding through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security Foundation. This Nonprofit Security Grant Program – Urban Area award offers up to US $200,000 for high-risk nonprofits in designated Tennessee urban areas to strengthen security and integrate with broader state and local preparedness efforts.

Nonprofit organizations in Tennessee seeking to improve disaster preparedness and security can apply for funding to enhance physical and cybersecurity, facility hardening, and related protective measures. Focused on homeland security, the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security Foundation’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP-S) offers up to US $200,000 for at-risk facilities outside designated high-risk urban areas.

Southern U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations active for over three years and providing disaster relief or humanitarian aid, including in Tennessee, can seek single-year program support from the Robinson Foundation. The family-operated funder prioritizes tangible, meaningful impact across areas like disaster relief, poverty relief, children and families, and related community services, but does not support capital projects.

Tennessee K-12 public schools with existing libraries that suffered significant library damage from recent disasters can access funding through Dollar General Literacy Foundation to rebuild books, media, and equipment. Eligible schools must be within 15 miles of a Dollar General store or distribution center and apply within 36 months of the qualifying event.

Community-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits addressing emergency needs and disaster-related impacts in Tennessee can seek one-time emergency funding for unplanned costs such as fires, floods, or other crises. The Rosendin Foundation supports requests up to US $5,000 that advance emotional, occupational, or nutritional health in areas where it conducts business.

Volunteer and service-focused nonprofits and government agencies in Tennessee can access funding through Volunteer Tennessee to operate AmeriCorps programs addressing disaster services, economic opportunity, education, environmental stewardship, healthy futures, and veterans and military families. Programs that include disaster preparedness or disaster relief activities may be especially relevant for organizations seeking disaster-focused support.

Catholic dioceses with pastoral or social outreach ministries, including disaster-related efforts in Tennessee, can apply for Catholic Extension’s Enhancing Pastoral and Social Ministry Grants to establish, expand, or enhance programs. Funding may support catechetical resources, family ministries, Catholic media, liturgical life, social outreach for vulnerable groups, and minor support restoring ecclesial services after disasters.

Grants to support disaster-impacted health centers maintaining access to comprehensive primary care services in Tennessee and other Hurricane Helene FEMA-declared areas may be available as advances on FY 2025 Health Center Program awards. Grants from HRSA help health care providers cover unforeseen, in-scope costs for disaster relief, health care access, and clinic operations.

Jack’s Family Fund

At Jack’s Family Restaurants, we’ve always thought of ourselves as one big family — employees and guests alike. Giving back to the communities in which we do business is part of our DNA. That’s why we’ve established the Jack’s Family Fund.

We think of our guests as part of the Jack’s family, and we’ll be there in times of need. With your help, we can make a difference in people’s lives and support those we call family, friends, and neighbors.

Jack's Family Fund Grant

The Jack's Family Fund is a non-profit charitable organization established to provide emergency financial assistance to members of the communities that Jack’s Family Restaurants (JFR) serve. Fund grants are made to assist those who have temporarily found themselves in need, but under normal circumstances are self-sustaining.

Our grants assist with:

• Immediate, short- term needs of individuals who may be victims of disasters or other emergency hardship situations including floods, fires, riots, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes and similar large-scale events, or
• Emergency hardship caused by illness, death, accident, violent crime or other types of personal injury.
• Community 501(c)(3) organizations working to respond to these types of needs on a broad scale.

Types of expenses grants may be awarded for include (but are not limited to):

• funeral expenses
• past due utilities (electric, water, natural gas)
• past due rent/mortgage
• emergency housing

Grants from the Fund are not intended to replace personal or homeowners insurance, federal disaster relief or other types of aid, but rather to assist on an immediate and short-term basis when other sources of assistance are not available.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits and independent emergency response organizations can access funding for safety, disaster preparedness, and community resilience projects through the Union Pacific Foundation’s Community Ties Local Grants, with awards of US $5,000 - US $30,000. Programs must primarily serve a Union Pacific rail-served community and align with its safety or disaster preparedness priorities.

Nonprofit organizations advancing health equity, disaster preparedness, or disaster relief in Tennessee can apply for McKesson Foundation grants up to US $25,000. Funding supports crisis response, including preparedness, disaster relief and recovery, and medicine and food access, with priority for programs serving vulnerable and underserved communities across the U.S. and Canada.

With a mission to strengthen communities, the International Paper Company Foundation provides Tennessee nonprofits, schools, and eligible public entities with US $2,500 - US $10,000 to address education, hunger, health, disaster relief, and preparedness. Organizations in Tennessee counties where International Paper operates may be eligible, especially those tackling disaster relief, humanitarian aid, or critical community needs.

Eligible educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies in Tennessee can apply for State Farm Companies Foundation’s Good Neighbor Citizenship company grants to support safety, community development, and education initiatives. Funding may benefit disaster preparedness, mitigation, and recovery efforts, as well as related community resilience and public safety projects.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and local government agencies seeking backup power solutions to maintain essential services during emergencies can apply for US $300,000 in support, including those in Tennessee. Focused on disaster preparedness and relief, Hillman Family Foundations funds projects that keep facilities powered so communities retain access to food, shelter, safety, and heating or cooling.

Tennessee public entities and regional economic partners recovering from 2023–2024 natural disasters can seek funding to plan, implement, or scale economic recovery projects. The US Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration provides up to US $50,000,000 for readiness, implementation, or industry transformation efforts that rebuild local economies and strengthen long-term disaster resilience.

Tennessee nonprofits and U.S.-based 501(c)(3) institutions working on disaster preparedness, relief, and related resilience projects can access funding through the Japan Foundation’s Japan–U.S. Global Partnership Grant Program. Support is for Japan–U.S. collaborative, policy-oriented research and dialogue addressing global issues like climate change, disaster prevention, post-disaster recovery, public health, and community resilience.

Nonprofit organizations in the U.S. or Canada working on health equity, cancer, workforce development, or crisis response can apply for McKesson Foundation grants over More than US $25,000. Grants from McKesson Foundation help Tennessee disaster preparedness and relief programs, cancer prevention and treatment, food and medicine access, and STEM and medical education initiatives serving vulnerable communities.

The Joan M. Wismer Foundation, established in 2001, honors the legacy of Joan Marilynn Wismer, who was dedicated to charitable work and community service. The foundation focuses on improving lives through education, youth development, safety, humanitarian services, and medical research. It primarily supports IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and churches, while emphasizing the importance of sustainable funding and effective financial management in its grant-making process.

The Crawford Taylor Foundation focuses on enhancing programs that create lasting legacies in St. Louis. With priorities in community development, women's health, animal welfare, and environmental preservation, the foundation seeks to support 501(c)(3) organizations that meet specific eligibility criteria. They avoid funding multi-year grants or for-profit initiatives, emphasizing support for local causes and relief efforts deemed important by the Taylor family.

The EA Funds: Long-Term Future Fund Grant focuses on improving civilization's long-term trajectory by funding projects that mitigate global catastrophic risks. With grant sizes ranging from $1,000 to over $500,000, it welcomes applications from individuals and organizations globally. The fund particularly supports innovative small teams and individuals, emphasizing projects that reduce existential risks from AI and enhance global governance of transformative technologies. Applicants are encouraged to apply even if unsure of eligibility.

The Bellevue Community Foundation, part of the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, has been fostering positive change in the community since 2007. By supporting local organizations and encouraging grant requests up to $5,000, it aims to amplify donor intent and address the region's most pressing needs. With a focus on collaboration and inclusivity, the foundation seeks to build a thriving community that benefits all residents in the Bellevue area.

The IATSE Local 700 Hardship Relief Fund provides emergency financial assistance to eligible members of the performing arts and entertainment industry during critical times. This support helps cover essential living expenses, such as housing and healthcare, to prevent eviction and utility shut-offs. To qualify, members must have met minimum dues requirements or be officially retired. The fund does not cover expenses like credit cards, loans, or business-related costs.

The IATSE Local 798 Fund offers emergency financial assistance to performing arts and entertainment professionals facing unexpected critical needs. This support helps cover essential living expenses, including housing, utilities, and healthcare, to prevent eviction or service shut-offs. Eligible applicants must be union members for at least two years and have experienced unforeseen financial hardship due to circumstances beyond their control, such as injury or natural disasters.

Full-time radio and television broadcasters in Tennessee facing acute financial need from personal property damage or home emergencies can receive one-time disaster relief grants to aid recovery. Broadcasters Foundation of America provides these emergency awards to individuals or via employer applications, supporting U.S. broadcast professionals after natural disasters and serious misfortunes.

The National Leadership Grants for Libraries (NLG-L) program, funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, aims to enhance library services across the nation. By supporting projects that promote adult reading, health and financial literacy, and effective use of new technologies, this initiative fosters community prosperity and builds partnerships among libraries, archives, and museums. The grants ensure that libraries can respond effectively to public needs and enhance their contributions to education and information access.