Best Grants for Global Health in Tennessee

Agricultural producers, non-industrial private forest landowners, Tribes, and water management entities in Tennessee can receive technical and financial help to implement conservation practices on working lands. With a mission to improve environmental quality, USDA: Natural Resources Conservation Service of Tennessee supports projects that enhance soil health, water and air quality, wildlife habitat, and climate resilience, which may benefit organizations with global health-related outcomes.

Tax-exempt 501(c)(3) and 509(a) organizations working in health, human services, education, conservation, or cultural programs, including those in Tennessee, can apply for McGraw Foundation support. McGraw Foundation provides nonprofits with US $2,000 - US $10,000 for general operating support, specific projects, and occasionally capital programs, with occasional larger awards for especially promising efforts.

Graduate students researching drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can receive US $3,000 to advance projects with practical benefits for the water industry. Focused on water-related environmental and health challenges, the American Water Works Association scholarship may benefit students in Tennessee working on global or community health issues.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking support for economic and workforce advancement, affordable housing, or community arts and culture programs can apply for the Community Possible Grant Program. Grants from US Bancorp Foundation help organizations in designated U.S. Bank communities advance equity, especially those led by people of color and addressing multiple pillars of work, home, and play.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) public charities with programs in safety, workforce development, community vitality, or environmental sustainability can access funding through Union Pacific Foundation’s Community Ties Local Grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $30,000. Organizations serving communities on the Union Pacific network may be eligible, including those whose work indirectly supports global health outcomes through basic needs and community wellbeing.

Nonprofits and local agencies in Tennessee working on homelessness, housing stability, and related support services can seek US $35,000 - US $125,000 to help people quickly regain permanent housing. Tennessee Housing Development Agency’s Emergency Solutions Grant may benefit programs that intersect with global health through housing, mental health, addiction, and crisis intervention services.

Nonprofit organizations working on global health-related services such as health care, humanitarian aid, and child welfare can access funding through The Father's Table Foundation, with awards up to US $750,000. Tennessee groups addressing women’s and children’s health, HIV/AIDS, sanitation, food security, or related self-sufficiency programs may be eligible.

NIH provides Tennessee undergraduate-focused higher education institutions with funding for small-scale biomedical research projects that engage primarily undergraduate students. Eligible U.S. colleges and universities must award baccalaureate science degrees and have limited prior NIH support; projects in areas like public health, infectious diseases, and HIV/AIDS may benefit global health-focused programs.

Health and community-focused 501(c)(3) organizations in Tennessee can seek funding for education, environmental initiatives, and healthy, vibrant community programs. Grants from Cleveland Cliffs Foundation help nonprofits serving areas where the company operates, including Tennessee, with projects that expand educational opportunities, protect and restore the environment, and promote human health and community well-being.

Early-career research scientists in low- and middle-income countries conducting clinical or health-related research can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award, which provides approximately US $140,000 in support and protected research time. Grants from the National Institutes of Health help Tennessee-based partners collaborating with LMIC institutions advance global health research capacity over three to five years.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing health, human services, education, cultural enrichment, environment, or community development programs in eligible counties, including Montgomery County, Tennessee, can compete for US $2,500 - US $10,000 awards. Focused on community well-being, Altra Foundation invites nominated nonprofits to seek funding that can strengthen local services and potentially advance global health-related efforts.

About CommonSpirit

A calling that defines and unites

At CommonSpirit Health, we passionately care for the most vulnerable, relentlessly innovate how and where healing can happen and believe in uniting to benefit the common good. Our expansive network spans diverse communities, uniquely positioning us to meet their changing needs, improve population health and help chart the path to health equity.

Our mission, vision and values inform every aspect of our work each day and remind us that we serve our patients, their families, our communities – and each other. Our community health, research and home health programs help us address the primary barriers to healthier communities.

Sponsorship requests

We’re proud to support nonprofits that expand access to care, advance health equity and healthier communities. Learn more about our priorities.

Supporting our communities

CommonSpirit Health and our local facilities support nonprofit organizations that share our mission, vision and values. We give priority to programs that improve access to care and promote health equity and healthier communities.

CommonSpirit is proud to support nonprofit organizations that help improve the health and well-being of our communities. Guided by our mission, vision and values, we prioritize projects that focus on advancing health equity, improving access to care and improving community wellness.

Early-career research scientists in low- or middle-income countries with junior faculty posts can apply for NIH’s Emerging Global Leader Award, offering approximately US $140,000 for mentored health research and career development. Tennessee-based partners mentoring LMIC investigators in areas like cancer, cardiovascular disease, mental health, or environmental health may benefit through collaboration.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations seeking funding for education-focused programs, youth initiatives, arts education, or community services in Tennessee and other U.S. regions can apply for grants from the John Ben Snow Memorial Trust. Focused on educational opportunity for disadvantaged and youth populations, awards range from US $5,000 - US $20,000 and require an initial Letter of Inquiry.

Organizations hosting congresses, events, or initiatives in Tennessee can seek corporate sponsorship funding for health-related programming that offers Biogen tangible benefits such as exhibits or marketing visibility. Biogen Foundation considers a wide range of disease areas, so global health and related medical events may be eligible if sponsorship terms are reasonable and open to other sponsors.

Nonprofit 501(c) or 170(c) organizations in Tennessee can benefit from Regions Bank’s employee Matching Gifts Program, which doubles eligible associates’ tax-deductible donations. Funding can support economic and community development, education and workforce readiness, financial wellness, arts and culture, service members and veterans, and individuals with disabilities, if the organization is within the Regions footprint.

Nonprofit 501(c) or 170(c) organizations in Tennessee working on community development, education, financial wellness, arts, veterans, or disability services can benefit from Regions Bank’s Matching Gifts Program for recent retirees. Eligible donations of $25 or more may be matched up to US $1,000 per year when contributed by Regions recent retirees.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on regenerative agriculture, climate justice, healthy food access, or pollution-free environments can seek general operating support through the Clif Family Foundation Open Call. Focused on grassroots, community-based efforts, this U.S.-oriented program may benefit Tennessee groups advancing environmental health and community well-being, with awards of US $5,000 - US $50,000.

Nonprofit organizations in Tennessee working on STEM education, economic opportunity, digital access, sustainability, health, or arts projects near a Google data center can apply for Meta (Facebook)’s Data Center Community Grants, with awards of more than US $5,000. Programs with measurable community benefit and strong organizational capacity are prioritized.

The William and Helen Thomas Charitable Trust provides funding to nonprofit organizations focused on education, environmental protection, medical research, and support for the underprivileged. This trust, based in Florida, primarily serves communities in Palm Beach, Martin, and St. Lucie Counties, along with select areas in Appalachia. It seeks to assist public charities classified under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, ensuring support for impactful charitable initiatives.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) organizations working in education, healthcare, or community and social services can access funding through the Joe C Davis Foundation for major capacity-building, capital projects, or expanded impact. Nashville-area nonprofits with strong track records and financial stability may be especially competitive, including those providing health services, youth programs, workforce development, or housing support.

NAFC Open Grant/Product Donation Applications

The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) is the only nonprofit 501c(3) organization whose mission is solely focused on the issues and needs of the medically underserved throughout the nation and the more than 1,400 Free and Charitable Clinics that serve them. The NAFC has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar and a 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator. Founded in 2001 and headquartered near Washington, D.C., the NAFC is working to ensure that the medically underserved have access to affordable quality healthcare and strives to be a national voice promoting quality healthcare for all. For more information about the NAFC, including how to become a member, please visit https://www.nafcclinics.org.

NAFC Healthcare Services Expansion Fund

The NAFC Healthcare Services Expansion Fund supports the launch or expansion of clinical programs and new service areas that increase access to care for underserved patients. This funding is designed to help NAFC members introduce new services or grow existing programs that address unmet community health needs and improve access to comprehensive, patient-centered care.

The Soil and Water Stewardship Scholarship, sponsored by the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, provides financial support to students pursuing careers in natural resources. Applicants must reside in specific Illinois counties and plan to enroll in a full-time program related to fields such as ecology, hydrology, and conservation. Academic performance is a key consideration in the selection process. For more details, contact the Winnebago County Soil & Water Conservation District.

The OECD Conference Sponsorship aims to enhance scientific knowledge and provide essential information to influence policy decisions on sustainable resource use in food, agriculture, forestry, and fisheries. It supports international events that showcase innovative research and developments, inviting applications from scientists in these fields. The event sponsorship encourages collaboration among policymakers, industry, and academia, ensuring that research insights are effectively communicated and utilized in decision-making processes.

The RNRF Planning and Small Grants program provides funding up to $50,000 to support projects that enhance collaboration among community partners in addressing critical environmental issues. Eligible applicants must be 501c3 organizations in the U.S. and demonstrate multidisciplinary cooperation. Projects should align with RNRF's mission and focus areas, including air quality, biodiversity, and renewable energy. The initiative aims to create sustainable and impactful outcomes by bridging research and practical implementation.

The RNRF Implementation/Collaboration Grants support innovative projects that enhance collaboration among stakeholders to address critical challenges in environmental, social, and economic systems. Offering up to $200,000 for initiatives lasting 12 months or more, these grants aim to implement evidence-based practices and facilitate multidisciplinary teamwork. Eligible applicants must be from 501c3 organizations in the U.S., ensuring alignment with RNRF's mission and focus areas, fostering sustainable and impactful outcomes.

The Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund, established by the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, has distributed over $16.3 million in grants since 1999. It supports charitable organizations and local governments in eleven Oregon counties, as well as Native American initiatives across the U.S. The fund prioritizes education, health, public safety, addiction prevention, housing, arts, and environmental preservation, ensuring the Tribe's commitment to community support and cultural heritage.