Best Grants for Charter Schools in Tennessee

Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits with innovative approaches to human services and social issues can seek invitation-only funding to develop or expand their work. Focused on innovation, Creag Foundation invites organizations, including those supporting K–12 education and charter schools, to submit a letter of inquiry if they have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year.

Charter schools, other pre-K–12 schools, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and government entities in Tennessee can receive in-kind transportation services or donated railroad equipment to support community, military, or first responder initiatives. CSX Foundation supports K–12 education-related community efforts in eligible service areas across its rail network, including Tennessee charter schools.

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.

Charter school operators and education-focused social enterprises in Tennessee working on scalable K–12 solutions can receive up to US $300,000 in early-stage support to expand impact. Grants from Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation help organizations in Africa, Europe, India, the U.S., and select regions grow innovative models serving underserved students and communities.

Nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations using technology for education, crisis response, or economic empowerment programs serving mostly economically underserved communities in Tennessee and worldwide can apply for Global Impact Cash Grants, with awards up to US $100,000. Cisco Systems Foundation supports innovative, tech-enabled solutions that improve access to education and build skills for K–12 students and beyond.

Tennessee K–12 education and cultural nonprofits offering arts, science, or STEAM programming for young people can access funding through the William Randolph Hearst Foundation’s Culture Grant, with awards more than US $100,000. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations with audited expenses over $2 million may receive program, capital, or limited general/endowment support for impactful cultural initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Tennessee communities where PNC operates can seek funding for early childhood education or economic development programs serving low- and moderate-income families. PNC Foundation provides support for initiatives like birth-to-five learning, educator development, family engagement, affordable housing, small business support, job training, and community revitalization that charter schools and partners may build into their services.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

Nonprofit organizations and local government entities in eligible Tennessee counties can receive US $1,000 - US $5,000 to run arts and cultural projects that benefit their communities. Focused on arts access and education in underserved, rural areas, the Tennessee Arts Commission invites K–12 schools and community partners to build capacity and leadership through these initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Tennessee working on housing, workforce education, hunger relief, community development, or related programs can seek sponsorship support to strengthen local communities. Bank of America Foundation also considers arts, culture, environmental, sports, and diversity initiatives, which may benefit charter schools and K–12 education efforts in the state.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) organizations serving K–12 students and their families can access funding through Robinson Foundation for education, children and families, and poverty relief programs. Eligible nonprofits must operate in the Southern region for more than three years and seek single-year support, excluding facilities or other capital projects; charter schools with qualifying programs may be eligible.

K–12 schools, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and qualified public entities within 30 miles of a Georgia-Pacific manufacturing community in Tennessee can apply for Georgia-Pacific Foundation support for education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental programs. Charter schools in eligible Tennessee communities may benefit if their projects advance local well-being and align with the foundation’s four focus areas.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting basic needs, K–12 youth enrichment, workforce readiness, or domestic violence safety near Tennessee TJX locations may be eligible for this funding. The TJX Foundation supports programs that help vulnerable children and families access food, clothing, shelter, education, and training, which can include out-of-school supports for charter school students.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) public charities, public schools, and libraries seeking support for environmental, human services, or other community programs can apply for grants of US $5,000 - US $10,000. With a mission to back these priorities, Lawrence Foundation provides unrestricted operating or program funding, which may benefit charter schools working within its stated areas of interest.

Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation provides Tennessee K-12 education organizations and other IRS-qualified nonprofits with US $1,000 - US $20,000 for school programs, youth services, and community initiatives. Charter schools may be eligible for support for educational, cultural, skills-training, and related community-based projects within the U.S.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

Charter schools, public K–12 schools, districts, and other education-focused entities in Tennessee can fund single, high-quality, hands-on arts education projects with measurable outcomes through this program, with awards from US $12,000 - US $25,000. With a mission to strengthen arts learning, Tennessee Arts Commission supports community-based arts learning, educator professional development, and out-of-school youth arts programs.

Charter schools and other 501(c)(3) education organizations in Tennessee can seek project funding for K–12 programs, social services, health care, civic, cultural, or environmental initiatives. Grants from Dr Scholl Foundation help U.S. nonprofits with one-year projects, awarding US $5,000 - US $25,000 through an annual October–March application cycle.

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 K–12 education and youth-serving nonprofits can access funding for programs that support academic success, character and leadership development, food access, housing, and environmental education. Through the True Inspiration Awards, Chick Fil A Foundation offers US $30,000 - US $350,000 to 501(c)(3) organizations in the U.S. and equivalent charities in Canada, the United Kingdom, and Singapore.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and government entities in Tennessee can apply for Arts Build Communities funding to support community arts projects and cultural enterprises in Fayette, Lauderdale, Shelby, and Tipton counties. Focused on arts and culture, ArtsMemphis invites applicants, including charter schools with community-facing arts programming, to broaden access to arts experiences and address local quality of life issues.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) organizations and government entities planning public arts projects can receive up to US $5,000 to broaden access to arts experiences and improve community quality of life. Charter schools and other K–12 institutions may be eligible if projects are nonprofit, public-facing, and occur in Fayette, Lauderdale, Shelby, or Tipton counties.

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.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government entities, and eligible colleges can seek funding for community-focused arts projects through the Tennessee Arts Commission’s Arts Build Communities program, with awards up to US $5,000. Focused on community arts and cultural initiatives, the Commission invites Tennessee organizations, including charter schools with qualifying arts activities, to broaden access to the arts and address local priorities.

Nonprofit organizations helping disadvantaged people become self-reliant, including those serving K–12 students in Tennessee, can seek US $5,000 - US $250,000 for social and human services, disability support, poverty relief, or disaster aid. With a mission to foster self-reliance, Gupta Family Foundation supports smaller, non-sectarian organizations operating in the U.S. and select countries.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) education, healthcare, and social service organizations seeking major capacity-building, expansion, or capital support can apply for Joe C Davis Foundation’s Transformational Grant. Charter schools and K–12 programs in Tennessee may be eligible if they serve the Nashville area and demonstrate strong performance, financial stability, and alignment with the foundation’s priorities.