Best Grants for Human Trafficking Nonprofits in Tennessee

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Tennessee and the broader Southern region can seek funding for programs addressing hardships such as poverty relief, children and families, disaster relief, education, medical assistance, and related services. Focused on tangible impact, Robinson Foundation invites established single-year projects that may support vulnerable populations, including those affected by human trafficking.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) children’s organizations addressing issues like homelessness, foster care, and human trafficking in specified Tennessee and Virginia counties can seek program support; grants from Speedway Children's Charities help fund critical services for vulnerable children. Tennessee human trafficking nonprofits serving child victims in these counties may be especially competitive under this Bristol Chapter opportunity.

501(c)(3) nonprofits facing unbudgeted, time-sensitive emergencies that threaten critical services can apply for Community Foundation of Tampa Bay’s Critical Needs List funding, with awards up to US $250,000. Organizations working on human trafficking and related basic needs may be eligible if they serve the foundation’s Florida counties, even if they are outside Tennessee.

Nonprofits addressing human trafficking, child welfare, homelessness, or related humanitarian needs in Tennessee can seek funding for programs that build self-sufficiency and resilience. The Father's Table Foundation provides up to US $750,000 for efforts such as anti-human trafficking initiatives, education, employment assistance, and services for vulnerable women and children in the U.S.

Tennessee human trafficking and human rights nonprofits can access funding through Humanity United to address forced labor, human trafficking, peacebuilding, and related public engagement worldwide. Registered charities and equivalent organizations, as well as some for-profits and fiscally sponsored initiatives, may receive approximately US $150,000 for programs in regions including Asia-Pacific, Colombia, Nepal, South Sudan, and the U.S.

501(c)(3) nonprofits addressing issues like human trafficking, homelessness, poverty, addiction, hunger, or recidivism in Middle Tennessee can seek up to US $100,000 for innovative, transformative programs. Impact100 Nashville provides this Transformation and Innovation Grant to established organizations serving at least one Nashville-area county, with priority for high-impact, sustainable projects for underserved populations.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Middle Tennessee seeking to break cycles of conditions like human trafficking, homelessness, or poverty can apply for Spark Grants to launch self-sustaining, innovative projects. Focused on social transformation, Impact100 Nashville prioritizes high-impact proposals serving underserved populations across its five areas, including family and health and wellness, within the greater Tennessee region.

Children’s 501(c)(3) nonprofits in middle Tennessee working on critical needs, medical care, or educational support may be eligible for project funding that addresses vulnerable youth, including those affected by human trafficking. Focused on child welfare, Speedway Children's Charities prioritizes homeless, orphan, foster, and trafficking-impacted children across its Nashville service counties.

Graduate-level nurses in Tennessee studying human trafficking or related issues such as sexual exploitation, domestic violence, or child maltreatment can receive scholarship support for master’s or doctoral programs. Nurses Educational Funds provides funding to U.S. RNs enrolled in accredited nursing programs with strong academic records and at least two semesters of study remaining.

Nonprofits providing street-based services to runaway, homeless, and street-involved youth in Tennessee can seek US $100,000 - US $200,000 to deliver outreach, basic needs, and connections to shelter or housing. US Dept. of Health & Human Services: Administration for Children & Families supports programs addressing sexual exploitation, human trafficking, and related risks for vulnerable youth.

Tribal governments and authorized designees working to improve criminal justice responses to domestic violence, sexual assault, sex trafficking, and related crimes in Tennessee can apply for this program, with awards up to US $900,000. Grants from the US DOJ Office on Violence Against Women support Tribal efforts addressing human trafficking and victim safety in their communities.

Nonprofits and other eligible organizations combating child trafficking can apply for US $5,000,000 - US $10,000,000 to implement Child Protection Compact projects; awards support prosecution of traffickers, comprehensive care for child victims, and prevention efforts. Tennessee human trafficking organizations may be eligible if proposing a partnership country and multi-year national child protection strategy.

Nonprofits and other eligible organizations combating human trafficking can seek US $1,000,000 - US $10,000,000 to support prosecution of traffickers, protection of victims, and prevention efforts across the U.S. and territories. Tennessee human trafficking organizations may be eligible for this US Department of State Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons opportunity.

Lawson Family Foundation

The Lawson Family Foundation was established by Phil Lawson in 2020 to serve as a catalyst for the development of a more healthy, prosperous, and inclusive Knoxville community. As a private grantmaking foundation, the Lawson Family Foundation focuses support on organizations involved in the areas of Justice & Economic Mobility, Education & Youth Development, Prevention of Exploitation & Violence, and Community Health & Food Security. 

Driven by the belief that every life has equal value, the Lawson Family Foundation exists to support efforts that promote justice and opportunity in all aspects of society, primarily in Knoxville, Tennessee. In doing so, it seeks to achieve a positive impact in marginalized communities that will last for generations.

Lawson Family Foundation Prevention of Exploitation & Violence Grant

Human trafficking and domestic violence remain urgent and growing threats across Tennessee, with women and children disproportionately affected. These forms of exploitation and abuse undermine individual dignity and destabilize families and communities.

The Foundation is committed to preventing exploitation and supporting survivors through a comprehensive approach: strengthening education and prevention efforts, supporting victim protection and restoration, and advancing the prosecution of offenders. 

Grants from Levin Family Foundation help Tennessee human trafficking and related nonprofits fund projects addressing the opiate epidemic, human trafficking, anti-bullying, suicide prevention, and pollinator conservation. U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations may receive up to US $30,000, with priority for work in the Greater Dayton Area that aligns with the foundation’s mission.

The Freedom Shield initiative aims to prohibit imports made with forced labor by awarding $18 million in cooperative agreements for technical assistance projects. The objective is to enhance accountability in key trade partner countries and enforce labor commitments outlined in trade agreements. With potential funding of up to $11 million for projects in four Latin American countries and $7 million for two Asian countries, this initiative addresses enforcement gaps that undermine fair competition for U.S. workers.

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 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.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

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.

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.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

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.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.