Best Grants for Nonprofits Serving Disabled in Tennessee

The Community Possible Grant Program by U.S. Bank aims to foster economic and workforce advancement, as well as safe and affordable housing. By partnering with 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, the program seeks to drive lasting change within communities through collaborative grantmaking. Priority is given to organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and that address multiple pillars of work, home, and play. This initiative reflects U.S. Bank's commitment to creating a more equitable society.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative human services or social problem–solving programs in Tennessee can seek support that may benefit disability care and services. Focused on new approaches to societal issues, Creag Foundation invites letters of inquiry from smaller or evolving organizations that have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year.

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.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

Tennessee nonprofits and other 501(c)(3) organizations can seek funding for health, education, or community programs that benefit local residents, including those with disabilities. Labcorp Charitable Foundation provides support for initiatives such as food pantries, healthcare and patient services for underserved populations, STEM programming, and efforts promoting healthy lifestyles through research and screenings.

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 charities managing humanitarian, social, educational, environmental, or arts projects in Tennessee and worldwide can seek philanthropic support for innovative, sustainable initiatives. Focused on humanitarian and social development, science education, community and environment, and arts and culture, Roche invites accredited charities, including those serving people with disabilities, to propose high-quality projects that engage local partners and may involve Roche expertise.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations funding charitable, educational, scientific, or medical programs in Tennessee can apply for support that must be used within the U.S. With a mission to strengthen charitable, scientific, medical, and educational work, Sidney Stern Memorial Trust provides nonprofits serving disabled people among other populations with project or program funding.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) arts organizations and eligible public or tribal entities in Tennessee can receive US $500 - US $2,500 to make arts programs more accessible for people with disabilities, including facility and program enhancements. South Arts supports efforts like accessible materials, staff training, transportation, and accommodations, with priority for new, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, rural, and disability-led organizations.

Nonprofits, government units, and educational institutions in Tennessee can receive US $2,000 - US $10,000 to provide holiday gifts for under-resourced and underserved children through the Laura J. Kress Angel Tree Fund. East Tennessee Foundation supports children living in Campbell, Claiborne, Cocke, Grainger, Hamblen, Hancock, Hawkins, Morgan, Scott, or Union counties, which may include children with disabilities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) charities, government units, and educational institutions serving communities in East Tennessee can seek up to US $25,000 for collaborative capacity-building projects. With a mission to strengthen communities, East Tennessee Foundation provides Tennessee disability and human services organizations with funding to improve operations, data systems, leadership, financial sustainability, and partnerships that enhance long-term impact.

Tennessee counties, cities, solid waste authorities, and 501(c)(3) nonprofit recycling organizations can seek funding to purchase key recycling equipment in Tennessee. Focused on recycling infrastructure, the Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation invites applicants—especially those creating partnerships or employing developmentally disabled individuals—to request support for collection, processing, and material preparation equipment, including eligible collection trucks and facility machinery.

Insperity's Corporate Contributions program emphasizes community involvement and corporate citizenship, providing philanthropic grants and event sponsorships to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Eligible organizations must engage Insperity employees or contribute to the communities where they operate. The program aims to support nonprofits in achieving their service goals and enhancing community welfare. Applications must be submitted 90 days prior to events, and funding requests can be made once a year.

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.

Local government entities and 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organizations in rural Tennessee counties can seek up to US $200,000 to build, renovate, or expand arts and cultural facilities. Grants from Tennessee Arts Commission help communities improve stages, galleries, and accessibility, which may benefit organizations expanding inclusive arts access for people with disabilities.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits and local government entities can receive project funding for arts activities that enhance community vitality and engagement in urban counties. Tennessee Arts Commission provides US $1,000 - US $18,000 for projects across disciplines, including performances, festivals, exhibitions, residencies, and accessibility improvements that may benefit people with disabilities.

Nonprofit organizations and local government entities in rural Tennessee counties can receive US $1,000 - US $25,000 for arts projects that enhance community vitality and engagement. Tennessee Arts Commission supports visual, performing, literary, folk, media, and public art activities, which may include improved accessibility and participation for people with disabilities in rural communities.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

Tennessee nonprofits, government units, and fiscally sponsored groups serving women, children, and youth in Knox County can access funding through East Tennessee Foundation for projects in early childhood education, drivers of health, and preventing or mitigating Adverse Childhood Experiences; awards are up to US $20,000. Programs supporting disabled women or children in these areas may be eligible.

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 nonprofits that are 501(c)(3) organizations or their equivalents and run programs for underserved youth, families, or communities can access funding through Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards. Grants of US $30,000 - US $350,000 support youth education, housing, food security, and environmental stewardship, which may benefit organizations serving disabled children and families.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, government units, educational institutions, and fiscally sponsored groups serving youth in East Tennessee can receive up to US $20,000 for two-year projects. East Tennessee Foundation funds early childhood education, health drivers, and ACEs prevention, which may benefit programs supporting disabled children and youth in Tennessee.

Nonprofits, government units, and educational institutions in East Tennessee fostering regional economic development can receive US $5,000 - US $6,500 for one-year projects. East Tennessee Foundation’s Economic Development Fund supports organizations in its 25-county service area; programs that advance economic opportunities for disabled residents in Tennessee may be eligible.

Nonprofits, government units, educational institutions, and fiscally sponsored groups in Monroe County, Tennessee can apply for East Tennessee Foundation’s John D. Grubb and Louise G. Sumner Fund, awarding US $5,000 - US $7,500 for two-year projects improving local quality of life. Organizations serving disabled residents in Monroe County may be especially interested.

With a mission to strengthen communities, East Tennessee Foundation provides Tennessee nonprofits and public entities with up to US $50,000 for innovative life literacy projects in Washington County. 501(c)(3) organizations, governments, schools, and fiscally sponsored groups serving county residents— including those with disabilities—can fund programs in education, health, financial literacy, life skills, and civic engagement.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, government units, educational institutions, and fiscally sponsored groups in Tennessee’s 25-county East Tennessee region can apply for East Tennessee Foundation’s Arts Fund awards of US $5,000 - US $15,000 to sustain cultural traditions and encourage artistic expression. Programs that expand arts access for underserved or disabled communities may be especially competitive.