Best Grants for Native Americans in Tennessee

Tennessee nonprofits working on economic advancement, affordable housing, or community arts and culture can access funding through U.S. Bank Foundation’s Community Possible Grant Program. 501(c)(3) organizations, including those serving Native American communities, may submit a letter of interest, with priority for groups in designated U.S. Bank communities and those advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Tennessee that support children, education, or health and human services may be eligible for monetary program funding. Grants from Costco Foundation help child- and family-serving groups strengthen youth services and community well-being. Native American organizations with qualifying programs in these areas may also apply if they serve communities near Costco locations.

501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting youth health, education, development, or welfare in Tennessee can apply for DanPaul Foundation grants, with awards up to US $15,000. Programs serving children and teens, including early childhood development, child advocacy, homelessness, poverty, or refugee enrichment, may be eligible alongside related environmental and scholarship initiatives benefiting young people.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

Nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations using technology to tackle education, economic empowerment, crisis response, or climate resilience can seek Global Impact Cash Grants supporting underserved communities, including in Tennessee. Cisco Systems Foundation funds innovative, early-stage, tech-enabled programs serving predominantly economically disadvantaged populations, with applications accepted year-round via an initial Letter of Inquiry.

Tennessee educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies can access funding through State Farm Companies Foundation to support safety, education, and community development initiatives. Native American organizations in Tennessee may be eligible for projects such as disaster preparedness, affordable housing, financial literacy, food insecurity, K–12 and higher education, or job training.

Tennessee cultural nonprofits with audited expenses over $2 million and 501(c)(3) status can seek major support for arts and science programming that serves broad U.S. audiences. Native American organizations running museums, arts education, STEAM, or artist development programs may be eligible. William Randolph Hearst Foundation offers program, capital, and limited general or endowment support, typically above US $100,000.

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.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits and equivalent charitable organizations can receive support for health, education, and community programs that improve local well-being. Labcorp Charitable Foundation provides funding for initiatives such as food pantries, healthcare for underserved populations, STEM education, and healthy lifestyle promotion, which may benefit Native American communities in the state.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting early childhood education or community economic development in Tennessee communities where PNC operates can apply for PNC Foundation’s Foundation Grant. Funding may support early learning programs for children birth to five, educator development, family engagement, affordable housing, small business support, cultural enrichment, and services for low- and moderate-income Native American individuals and families.

Focused on humanitarian, educational, community, environmental, and cultural projects, this program invites accredited charities to seek support for innovative, sustainable initiatives. Tennessee organizations serving Native American communities may be eligible if their work fits Roche’s global focus areas and can engage local Roche affiliates and employees in meaningful partnership.

Nonprofit organizations providing health, education, or humanitarian services in countries including the U.S. can access support through Semnani Family Foundation; funding focuses on marginalized and vulnerable communities. Tennessee groups serving Native Americans through healthcare access, social services, or disaster relief may be eligible if their work aligns with the foundation’s global priorities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Tennessee seeking support for charitable, educational, scientific, or medical programs that operate within the U.S. may be eligible for this funding. With a mission to strengthen broadly beneficial services, Sidney Stern Memorial Trust provides grants to soundly managed organizations, which can include Native American-serving groups that significantly impact their communities and general welfare.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Tennessee working on community development, basic needs, workforce education, arts, environment, or inclusion may be eligible for sponsorship support that advances economic mobility and social progress. Bank of America Foundation’s regional U.S. sponsorships can also benefit Native American communities through programs preserving neighborhoods, addressing hunger and shelter, and enriching cultural life.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and aligned for-profits can seek the Storytelling Grant to share the impact of their preservation, education, or wellness work through compelling media. Focused on these areas, Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation invites Tennessee Native American organizations working in fields like conservation, education, or mental health to strengthen their stories and visibility.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) organizations serving communities through education, poverty relief, health, disaster relief, or related programs can access funding via Robinson Foundation. Eligible nonprofits must serve the Southern region, be active for more than three years, and seek single-year program support, which may include services or initiatives benefiting Native American communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing community services in Tennessee can seek philanthropic grants or event sponsorships to support key service and fundraising goals. With a mission to help communities where its employees live and work, Insperity provides eligible charities with financial, volunteer, or in-kind support when they meet its engagement or client-based criteria.

With a mission to strengthen regional economies, Appalachian Regional Commission provides Tennessee economic and community development organizations with planning and implementation funding for multi-state projects across Appalachia. Eligible entities in designated Appalachian Tennessee counties, including Tribal communities, may seek up to US $10,000,000 to support business growth, workforce readiness, tourism, and community revitalization benefiting Native American residents.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and qualified government entities near Georgia-Pacific facilities in Tennessee can apply for Georgia-Pacific Foundation’s grants to support education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental programs. Native American organizations in these areas may be eligible if their projects serve communities within 30 miles of a Georgia-Pacific manufacturing community.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting basic needs, at-risk youth, workforce readiness, or domestic violence services in Tennessee can seek program funding that helps vulnerable families and children. The Tjx Foundation invites eligible nonprofits located within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office to begin with an eligibility questionnaire and letter of inquiry.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries can seek $5,000 - $10,000 in unrestricted operating or program support for environmental and human services work, including in Tennessee. With a mission to support environmental and human services causes, Lawrence Foundation provides flexible funding that Native American–serving organizations may use for eligible programs and reasonable indirect costs.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Tennessee can apply for Union Pacific Foundation’s Community Ties Local Grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $30,000 for safety, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability projects. Native American-serving organizations in eligible Union Pacific communities may benefit, especially those advancing youth development, basic needs, environmental stewardship, or public safety with a DEI focus.

Tennessee Native American-serving nonprofits working on youth development, food security, housing, or environmental stewardship can access funding through Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations may apply for US $30,000 - US $350,000 to support programs such as educational initiatives, hunger relief, family services, or community and environmental projects benefiting local communities.

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.