Best Marketing Grants for Nonprofits in Tennessee

Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on economic advancement, affordable housing, or community arts and culture can access funding through US Bancorp Foundation’s Community Possible program. Organizations based in and serving U.S. Bank communities, especially those led by people of color or addressing multiple pillars like work, home, and play, may be competitive applicants.

Early-stage, impact-first nonprofit and mission-driven for-profit organizations tackling major social or environmental challenges can access funding and support that may benefit marketing and growth efforts in Tennessee. Grants from Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provide up to US $300,000 plus intensive capacity-building and community to help scalable solutions expand to underserved populations globally.

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.

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 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.

Organizations working on education, children’s health, or family economic stability projects in Tennessee can apply for Michael & Susan Dell Foundation grants of more than US $50,000 to support or scale their work. Eligible entities include nonprofits, social enterprises, schools, and public agencies serving urban low-income children and youth in the U.S., India, or South Africa.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations advancing early childhood education or economic and community development can apply for funding from PNC Foundation in Tennessee and other communities where PNC has a significant presence. Grants support programs for young children, low- and moderate-income families, affordable housing, small business support, arts, and neighborhood revitalization, and may benefit nonprofits seeking to strengthen outreach and marketing of these services.

Focused on community, education, environment, and culture, Roche invites accredited charities to propose high-quality projects that promote sustainable development and social impact. Tennessee nonprofits may be eligible through local Roche affiliates for humanitarian, science and education, community development, disaster response, or contemporary arts initiatives that actively engage Roche expertise and employees.

Nonprofit and humanitarian organizations working on health, education, and disaster relief can seek support from Semnani Family Foundation for programs serving marginalized communities, including in Tennessee. The foundation funds initiatives such as healthcare access, women and children’s services, literacy, and humanitarian aid in the U.S. and internationally, which may include outreach and marketing components.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Tennessee can seek sponsorship support for community programs that advance economic mobility and social progress. Bank of America Charitable Foundation funds initiatives such as basic needs, workforce development, community development, arts and culture, environmental projects, and diversity and inclusion efforts, which may include marketing or promotional components for these sponsored activities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on health, education, social justice, arts, or community development in Tennessee’s Shelby, Fayette, Tipton, Crittenden (AR), or DeSoto (MS) counties can access funding through the Assisi Foundation of Memphis. Grants may support capacity building, community enhancement, and related initiatives that indirectly strengthen outreach and marketing for local programs.

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 Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations running basic needs, community vitality, or volunteer-driven programs in the U.S., including Tennessee, may be eligible for Ameriprise Financial Community Grants. Focus areas include hunger relief, shelter and supportive housing, adult self-sufficiency, community development, and cultural enrichment, with priority for sites engaging Ameriprise employee or advisor volunteers.

Local governments and Tennessee-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits can seek US $3,000 - US $30,000 to use arts and cultural activities to improve the physical and social character of their communities. Grants from Tennessee Arts Commission help Tennessee organizations revitalize downtowns or neighborhoods, transform community liabilities into assets, and boost engagement with the arts, which may include marketing-related efforts.

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 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.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

Rural public entities, nonprofits, tribes, and educational institutions in Tennessee can receive US $10,000 - US $500,000 to support small and emerging rural businesses through technical assistance, training, and infrastructure projects. Focused on rural development, USDA Rural Development invites eligible applicants to fund activities like business counseling, revolving loan funds, incubators, and community economic development.

Middle Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits with $500,000–$5,000,000 in revenue seeking to transform communities through innovative human and social services can apply for Impact100 Nashville’s Transformation and Innovation Grant, offering up to US $100,000. Grants from Impact100 Nashville help Tennessee organizations address issues like homelessness, poverty, addiction, hunger, literacy, human trafficking, and recidivism.

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.

Agricultural, food, and forestry businesses, nonprofits, and local governments in Tennessee can apply for the Agricultural Enterprise Fund; awards Up to US $499,999 for equipment, infrastructure, and programs that expand value-added processing and markets. Projects from Tennessee Department of Agriculture must boost farm income, market access, capacity, or agricultural innovation and may support related outreach or marketing efforts.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.

Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development

The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) is the state agency that helps businesses large and small succeed in Tennessee. We recruit new businesses to the state, support the growth of existing businesses and market the state as a premier business destination.

In pursuit of sustainable job-creation and investment in Tennessee, TNECD works closely with public- and private-sector partners at the state, regional and local levels. 

Downtown Improvement Grant Program

Tennessee Main Street Programs and Tennessee Downtowns alumni Rounds 1-9 who are currently pursuing certified status and have an active Design Committee, are eligible for a grant from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) for downtown improvements. Grants of up to $300,000 will be awarded to organizations that can illustrate the need for improvements and the ability to execute an effective design plan for eligible properties in their downtown district. Improvement can include:

• Building Façade Improvements (At least 50% of the proposed total grant project must be for façade improvements)
• Downtown Gateway Improvements on publicly owned property
• Streetscape Improvements on publicly owned property
• Downtown Courtyard Improvements-on publicly owned property
• Downtown/Wayfinding Signage
• Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
• Safety and Stability Improvements to include roofs and sprinkler systems at a percentage of total project
• Entertainment Venue Improvements to include stages (Eligibility must be approved by TNECD)

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and qualified local government entities in Tennessee can apply for Georgia-Pacific Foundation’s community grants to support education, entrepreneurship, environmental initiatives, and community enrichment. Eligible applicants must be within 30 miles of a Georgia-Pacific manufacturing community, which may include nonprofits seeking to strengthen marketing or outreach for these priority programs.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.