Best Grants for Environmental Justice in Tennessee

Grassroots, community-led 501(c)(3) organizations in Tennessee and other Central Appalachian counties can seek technical assistance funding to build capacity for social, economic, racial, and environmental justice work. Focused on organizational skills like leadership, fundraising, planning, and community organizing, the Appalachian Community Fund invites groups advancing environmental justice and broader systemic change to apply.

Tennessee nonprofits working on economic and workforce advancement, affordable housing, or community arts and culture can access funding via US Bancorp Foundation’s Community Possible program. 501(c)(3) organizations in designated U.S. Bank communities, especially those led by people of color and addressing multiple pillars of work, home, and play, may be eligible to support equity-focused community initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Tennessee that support children, education, or health and human services may be eligible for program funding. Grants from Costco Foundation help environmental justice and advocacy groups that also serve youth or community health, emphasizing measurable outcomes, demonstrated community need, collaboration, and a broad base of financial support for their projects.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative human services or social problem-solving programs in Tennessee can seek funding to develop or expand their work. Focused on new approaches to societal issues, the Creag Foundation invites smaller or evolving organizations to inquire about support, which may include environmental justice and advocacy initiatives.

Early-stage nonprofits and mission-driven for-profits tackling social or environmental problems can receive multi-year core funding and strategic support from the Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation. The foundation prioritizes scalable, systems-changing solutions with clear leadership, strong impact potential, and a focus on underserved communities across the United States and globally.

Nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations using technology to tackle crisis response, education access, economic empowerment, or climate resilience in Tennessee and worldwide can seek Global Impact Cash Grants, with awards up to US $100,000. Cisco Systems Foundation supports innovative, early-stage, tech-enabled solutions serving predominantly economically underserved communities, with applications accepted year-round via an LOI process.

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. Projects such as disaster preparedness, neighborhood revitalization, affordable housing, financial literacy, and job training may benefit environmental justice efforts in impacted Tennessee communities.

Tennessee cultural nonprofits offering arts or science programming can access funding through the William Randolph Hearst Foundation for program, capital, and limited general or endowment support. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations with audited expenses over $2 million, strong impact, and broad reach may be competitive, including those integrating STEAM education that intersects with environmental justice work.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

Nonprofit, community-led LGBTQ organizations building institutional capacity and organizing for justice in Tennessee’s Appalachian counties can seek funding for grassroots social change efforts. With a mission to support community-led movements, Appalachian Community Fund provides resources for LGBTQ organizing, prioritizing new and emerging projects and youth-focused efforts that address systemic oppression and build inclusive, democratic communities.

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.

Focused on community, environment, and humanitarian development, accredited charities in Tennessee can apply for Roche’s philanthropic support for social, educational, cultural, and environmental projects. Organizations working on environmental justice and advocacy may be eligible if their programs align with Roche’s global focus areas and can engage local Roche affiliates and employees.

Nonprofit organizations providing health, education, or humanitarian services in Tennessee and other eligible countries can seek support for programs serving marginalized and vulnerable communities. Semnani Family Foundation provides funding for healthcare access, disaster relief, child welfare, women and girls’ services, and related human and social services, which may benefit environmental justice efforts addressing community health impacts.

Tennessee rural grassroots community groups using organizing strategies for social, economic, environmental justice, education reform, immigration rights, or voter engagement can access funding through Southern Partners Fund. Grants up to US $3,500 support community organizing projects, capacity-building and technical assistance, and travel for conferences or civic engagement within SPF’s 12-state Southeastern region.

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 seeking community services funding, including program support or event sponsorships, may be eligible if they engage Insperity employees, are Insperity clients, or serve communities where employees live and work. With a mission to strengthen communities, Insperity provides philanthropic grants and fundraising event sponsorships to qualifying charities once per year.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on environmental conservation, community services, or peacebuilding can seek project support that may benefit environmental justice efforts in Tennessee. Focused on respecting life, people, and the environment, the Dudley T Dougherty Foundation invites charitable organizations to propose initiatives that create positive, forward-looking change in their communities.

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, workforce readiness, or safety from domestic violence in Tennessee and other U.S. communities can seek program funding that helps vulnerable families and children. The Tjx Foundation requires applicants to be within 15 miles of a TJX location, aligned with its mission, and to complete an eligibility questionnaire and LOI process.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation provides Tennessee nonprofits with grants supporting museums, arts and cultural programs, education and skills training, health facilities, environmental conservation, wildlife protection, and other community services. IRS-qualified organizations working on environmental justice or related community-based initiatives can request US $1,000 - US $20,000, especially where modest funding can make a significant impact.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations can seek project funding for education, social services, health care, civic and cultural, or environmental programs, including work in Tennessee, with grants of US $5,000 - US $25,000. Grants from Dr Scholl Foundation help environmental justice and advocacy efforts as part of its broad community-focused giving, primarily supporting U.S. applicants.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) public charities with programs in safety, workforce development, community vitality, or environmental sustainability can apply for Union Pacific Foundation’s Community Ties Local Grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $30,000 for specific projects. Organizations serving Union Pacific rail communities, including those advancing environmental justice for underrepresented residents, may be competitive.

Tennessee environmental justice and community nonprofits can access funding through Chick Fil A Foundation to support youth-focused education, housing, food security, and environmental stewardship initiatives, with awards of US $30,000 - US $350,000. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) organizations in the U.S. or equivalent charities in Canada, the United Kingdom, or Singapore working on these priorities.

Rural, community-based 501(c)(3) organizations using grassroots organizing strategies for environmental, social, or economic justice in Tennessee and other Southeastern states can seek general or project support through this grant cycle. Southern Partners Fund prioritizes small-budget groups building community leadership and power, including those advancing environmental justice and advocacy in rural communities.