Best Parent-Teacher Organization Grants in Tennessee

Grants from Vulcan Materials Company Foundation help Tennessee K–12 education organizations and public schools enhance learning, especially in math, science, and business. Eligible 501(c)(3) public charities and units of government can seek support for programs in education, STEM, environmental stewardship, and related community initiatives in areas of Tennessee where Vulcan operates and employees live and work.

Parent-teacher organizations and K–12 education partners in Tennessee can seek funding for traffic safety, driver education, and financial literacy initiatives. Focused on roadway safety and youth financial education, The Auto Club Group Foundation offers US $5,000 - US $15,000 grants, including support for passive speed enforcement equipment like speed display signs.

Catholic school educators in Tennessee Extension dioceses seeking graduate-level leadership training can access a one-year online certificate in Catholic School Administration, covering mission, operations, and instructional leadership. With a mission to strengthen K–12 Catholic education, Catholic Extension provides dioceses with substantial tuition support plus travel and lodging for the introductory on-campus course.

Parent-teacher groups, schools, libraries, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Tennessee offering family-focused literacy programs can apply for Dollar General Literacy Foundation’s Family Literacy Grants, with awards up to US $10,000. Eligible programs must provide adult education, children’s education, and parent-child together time within 15 miles of a Dollar General store.

Tennessee K–12 and youth-focused 501(c)(3) organizations can access funding for education, literacy, cultural enrichment, and Christian family and youth programs. The Mooneyhan Family Foundation offers up to US $30,000 to support projects that build on community strengths and engage schools, families, and local organizations in improving life for children and youth.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) organizations serving K–12 youth in education or health care can access funding through Simmons First Foundation’s Mini Grant program. Awards of US $1,000 - US $2,500 support immediate, long-term program needs, and parent-teacher organizations with qualifying projects may be eligible alongside other school-focused nonprofits.

Focused on K-12 education and youth services, Simmons First Foundation invites Tennessee 501(c)(3) organizations and qualifying schools near Simmons Bank facilities to apply for US $2,500 - US $50,000. Funding supports special education enrichment and substance abuse and violence prevention programs for K-12 youth, which may benefit parent-teacher organizations partnering with schools.

Tennessee K–12 schools, parent-teacher groups, and youth-serving organizations can access funding through Simmons First Foundation for conservation and environmental projects. Grants of US $2,500 - US $25,000 support work in areas like outdoor education, water, air, forestry, energy, or related efforts that directly or indirectly benefit youth.

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.

Tennessee K–12 education nonprofits, including parent-teacher organizations, can seek funding to support economic and workforce advancement, safe and affordable housing, and community arts and culture programs. US Bancorp Foundation’s Community Possible Grant Program prioritizes 501(c)(3) partners in designated U.S. Bank communities, especially organizations led by people of color and those addressing multiple pillars of work, home, and play.

The Change Happens Foundation Grant focuses on supporting charitable initiatives aligned with environmental science, education, and human services. With a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, the foundation prioritizes funding for organizations holding 501(c)(3) status, while advocating for innovative solutions to pressing global challenges. Grants aim to foster systemic change, empower underrepresented communities, and bridge gaps in access to nutrition and healthcare. The foundation operates nationally and internationally, seeking to create significant impact through strategic investments.

The CCS High School Chemical Safety Grant, offered by the American Chemical Society, aims to enhance chemical safety in secondary education. Educators can apply for up to $3,000 to support initiatives like curriculum integration of safety practices, advocating for safe chemical usage, and improving safety infrastructure. Eligible applicants include middle and high school science teachers in the U.S. Grants cover training, equipment, and workshops to promote a culture of safety in educational environments.

Full-time preK–12 teachers in Tennessee can access professional development funding through Fund For Teachers to design self-directed fellowships that enhance classroom instruction and student learning. Eligible educators must work in public, private, or charter schools in the U.S., spend at least half their time teaching, and have three years of experience.

Focused on K-12 insect science education, this grant invites Tennessee teachers and other K-12 educators to seek funding for creative, insect-themed classroom or program projects. The Entomological Society of America’s Chrysalis Fund offers up to US $2,500 for supplies, services, travel, and educator or guest expert compensation directly tied to project goals.

State and county Farm Bureaus seeking to start or expand K-12 agricultural education programs can apply for up to US $1,000 to build reusable ag literacy resources. With a mission to grow agricultural literacy, American Farm Bureau Federation provides competitive grants nationwide; Tennessee Farm Bureaus and school partners may benefit.

K-12 schools, districts, and education-focused organizations in Tennessee and other U.S. jurisdictions can seek funding to develop innovative STEM and biomedical science education for pre-K through grade 12 students and teachers. Grants from the National Institutes of Health help support classroom and informal learning projects, including after-school programs and libraries, with emphasis on quantitative and computational skills.

K–12 educators in Tennessee can apply for American Farm Bureau Federation’s Christina Sue Lilja Resource Grants; awards US $100 in store credit to purchase agricultural literacy materials. Parent-teacher organizations working with classroom teachers may benefit when educators secure these funds to bring accurate agriculture resources into their schools.

Nonprofit organizations providing K-12 education for Native American children living on reservations can apply for approximately US $77,000 from the Ruth Danley and William Enoch Moore Fund to support year-round, measurable programs. With a mission to advance educational and charitable purposes, this fund primarily serves select regions including Pennsylvania, Ohio, New Jersey, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, Maryland, Washington DC, and West Virginia, which may include PTO-partnered initiatives.

Full-time higher education faculty who are SHAPE America members working in K–12-related fields can be nominated for Society of Health and Physical Educators’ Mentor of the Year Award. This national recognition honors outstanding professional role models who advise and involve students in academic, research, and service opportunities, which may benefit Tennessee education-focused programs.

Focused on K–12 music education, this fund invites Tennessee schools, parent-teacher groups, and youth-serving programs to seek support for bluegrass music learning opportunities. The IBMA Foundation uses the Bill Breen Bluegrass Youth Education Fund flexibly to benefit individuals age 21 and younger through lessons, camps, workshops, and related educational activities.

Parent-teacher organizations and K-12 education nonprofits in Tennessee can seek support for youth learning, workforce readiness, and basic needs programs. OneAmerica Financial Foundation supports education-based programs, economic development, and food and housing stability initiatives nationwide, with grants to nonprofits that align with these priorities and serve communities, including those in Tennessee.

The National Girls and Women in Sports (NAGWS) Legacy Award, established by SHAPE America, honors exemplary contributions to increasing opportunities for women in sports. This annual award recognizes current SHAPE America members who submit impactful proposals related to women's sports, with a monetary prize of $1000. The award will be presented at the National Convention & Exposition, with a special deadline of November 1st. Nominations can include various initiatives aimed at empowering women in sports.

The Measurement and Evaluation Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes a distinguished SHAPE America professional who has significantly impacted measurement and evaluation in health and physical education. This prestigious award highlights the importance of scholarly achievement and the influence of national standards in enhancing educational practices. It aims to honor those who have dedicated their careers to improving the quality of health and physical education, ultimately promoting healthier lifestyles for students across the nation.

The Measurement and Evaluation Honor Award recognizes exceptional contributions by a SHAPE America professional towards the Measurement and Evaluation SIG's mission. This prestigious accolade celebrates those who advance health and physical education practices, inspiring educators to enhance student well-being. Eligibility requires current membership in SHAPE America and the Measurement and Evaluation SIG, ensuring that only dedicated professionals are honored. This award embodies the commitment to fostering excellence in educational environments, ultimately aiming to prepare all children to lead active, healthy lives.

About

Paul Newman was born and raised in Ohio by parents who owned a successful sporting goods store. He enlisted in the Navy and completed his military service as a radioman/gunner in the Pacific during World War II. Seeing his father’s business ethic during the Great Depression and experiencing the war fueled his desire to help others in need.

In 1958, Paul made his acting debut on Broadway in “Picnic,” where he also met his future wife, Joanne Woodward. Paul started a successful race car driving career inspired by training for the film Winning. He went on to win second place in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the world’s oldest endurance race event. After years of acting and being recognized for his achievements on screen and stage, he received many accolades including an Oscar for Best Actor in The Color of Money.

Paul used his fame for good. He was dedicated to civil rights–attending the March on Washington in August 1963–women’s rights, and gay rights. He used his platform to advocate for equal pay for his female co-stars. He was a vocal political advocate committed to ending the nuclear arms race and determined to elect opponents of war and militarism. President Jimmy Carter appointed him to a United Nations General Assembly session on nuclear disarmament.

In 1982, Paul Newman and his friend Hotch founded a food company on a bit of a lark. They turned a profit selling salad dressing that first year, and did something truly radical when they decided to “give it all away” to good causes.

Paul established Newman’s Own Foundation to ensure the continuation of his philanthropic legacy after his passing. 40+ years since its founding, his first of its kind food company and its innovative business model are still going strong.

Garden Grants

Through Whole Foods Market’s Garden Grant program, schools turn outdoor spaces into powerful hands-on learning gardens that connect kids with food, spark their curiosity and support classroom curriculum.

The Local President Release Grant, offered by the National Education Association, aims to support local associations by providing financial assistance for the release of local presidents. This program facilitates critical leadership work, professional development, and member engagement within the community. Eligible local associations, including those offering part-time release, can apply to enhance their capacity without compromising existing programs. The initiative ultimately strengthens the effectiveness of local associations in achieving NEA's strategic priorities.

The NCUEA-NEA Urban Grants, funded by the National Education Association Staff Organization, aim to enhance membership growth through focused organizing proposals. These grants specifically support initiatives that promote density growth, bargaining readiness, and the development of new units. By prioritizing these areas, the program seeks to strengthen collective action and empower educators in their bargaining efforts.