Best Grants for Churches in Tennessee

Tennessee churches and faith-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits can seek funding for community programs that advance economic and workforce development, safe and affordable housing, or arts and culture. Organizations may submit a letter of interest or be invited by US Bancorp Foundation, with priority for groups in designated U.S. Bank communities and those advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting children, education, and health and human services can apply for monetary program support, which may benefit church-affiliated community outreach efforts. Grants from Costco Foundation help organizations demonstrating clear community need, measurable outcomes, collaboration, and a broad base of financial support; applications are typically reviewed within 4–6 weeks.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits with innovative human services or social problem–solving programs can seek funding to develop or expand their work. Focused on new approaches to societal issues, Creag Foundation invites eligible organizations, including those rooted in Christian ministry or community outreach, to submit a letter of inquiry for invitation-only grant consideration.

501(c)(3) nonprofits serving youth and children’s health, education, and welfare can apply for DanPaul Foundation grants of up to US $15,000 for direct-service programs. Tennessee churches with qualifying nonprofit status and programs in child advocacy, homelessness, poverty relief, early childhood development, or refugee enrichment may be eligible for support.

Early-stage, independent nonprofit and impact-first, mission-driven for-profit organizations tackling urgent social or environmental problems in Tennessee and beyond can access funding and support through Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation; awards up to US $300,000 for scalable, systems-focused solutions. Grants from Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation help organizations serving underserved communities grow capacity, capital, and community connections.

Nonprofit and NGO programs using technology for crisis response, education access, or economic empowerment worldwide, including Tennessee, may be eligible for Global Impact Cash Grants supporting innovative, early-stage social impact solutions. Cisco Systems Foundation prioritizes initiatives serving mostly economically underserved communities and focused on areas like disaster relief, food and housing security, digital skills, workforce readiness, and green jobs.

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. Church-based or faith-affiliated organizations in Tennessee may be eligible if their programs address areas like disaster preparedness, affordable housing, food insecurity, financial literacy, or K–12 and higher education.

Tennessee arts and cultural nonprofits with U.S.-based 501(c)(3) status can access funding through the William Randolph Hearst Foundation for culture programs, capital projects, and limited general or endowment support. Larger institutions in performing arts, museums, arts education, and STEAM-related science programming that engage youth and demonstrate measurable impact may be especially competitive; faith-based applicants must offer inclusive services.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) organizations working in health, education, or community services can access funding through Labcorp Charitable Foundation to support programs and services. The foundation backs efforts such as food pantries, healthcare for underserved populations, STEM education, and healthy lifestyle initiatives, which may benefit church-based community and outreach programs.

Churches and faith-based organizations in Tennessee working as eligible nonprofits or social enterprises can apply for Michael & Susan Dell Foundation grants of more than US $50,000 to support or scale projects in education, children’s health, or family economic stability. Programs must serve urban low-income children or youth and align with the foundation’s values and geographic priorities.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

Charitable organizations managing humanitarian, educational, community, environmental, or arts projects in Tennessee and worldwide can seek philanthropic support for program work from Roche. Focused on sustainable development and high-impact partnerships, Roche invites accredited charities, including those connected with church-based community services, to propose innovative projects that engage local partners and, where appropriate, Roche employees.

Churches and faith-based nonprofits in Tennessee working on health, education, or humanitarian services can apply for support to aid marginalized and vulnerable communities. Semnani Family Foundation provides global grants for healthcare access, disaster relief, literacy, and social services. Christian congregations offering community outreach or relief programs may be competitive applicants.

With a mission to strengthen charitable, scientific, medical, and educational work, Sidney Stern Memorial Trust provides Tennessee 501(c)(3) organizations with funding for programs that advance the general welfare. Faith-based nonprofits, including churches with qualifying charitable or educational activities, may be eligible if they are tax-exempt and use awarded funds within the U.S.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Tennessee working on basic needs, housing, workforce development, arts, environment, or inclusion may be eligible for community sponsorship support. Bank of America Foundation supports programs that preserve neighborhoods, address hunger and emergency shelter, and strengthen community life, which can include church-based or faith-rooted initiatives.

Nonprofit organizations focused on preservation, education, or wellness can receive more than US $50,000 to develop storytelling projects that highlight their community impact, including work in Tennessee. Focused on narrative-driven media, the Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation invites eligible 501(c)(3)s and aligned for-profits, including faith-based groups, to share transformational stories that may support church-related outreach or ministries.

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.

Churches and other 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Tennessee can seek funding for community services, environmental conservation, and peacebuilding projects. Focused on broad social and environmental impact, the Dudley T Dougherty Foundation invites eligible organizations to propose initiatives that respect people, life, and the environment, which may include faith-based community outreach.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting basic needs, at-risk youth, or domestic violence services in Tennessee can seek program funding that helps vulnerable families and children build better futures. The TJX Foundation supports initiatives near its stores and facilities that provide food, clothing, shelter, enrichment, and workforce readiness opportunities outside of school hours.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries in Tennessee can seek unrestricted program or operating support for environmental, human services, and related community work. With a mission to support environmental and human services causes, Lawrence Foundation provides US $5,000 - US $10,000 grants, which may also benefit faith-based groups with eligible charitable programs.

Tennessee IRS-qualified nonprofit organizations, including faith-based groups with community programs, can seek funding for museums, arts, education, health facilities, environmental efforts, and social services. Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation provides US $1,000 - US $20,000 to U.S. organizations where modest grants can significantly enhance local, youth, senior, disability, or community-based initiatives.

Grants from Dr Scholl Foundation help Tennessee 501(c)(3) organizations fund education, social service, health care, civic, cultural, and environmental projects. Faith-based and Christian churches with qualifying nonprofit status may be eligible for one-year project support, with typical awards ranging from US $5,000 - US $25,000, primarily for U.S.-based applicants.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving local communities through economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, or disaster relief may be eligible for project, operating, or capital support. Grants from O'Reilly Automotive Foundation help organizations in O’Reilly Auto Parts service areas that address hunger, homelessness, poverty, literacy, and related community needs.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) public charities running safety, workforce, community vitality, or environmental sustainability programs can apply for Union Pacific Foundation’s Community Ties Local Grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $30,000. Faith-based organizations with separate 501(c)(3)s offering community outreach open to all may be eligible if their projects primarily serve Union Pacific–served communities in Tennessee.

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.