Best Social Justice Grants in Tennessee

Focused on social justice capacity-building, Appalachian Community Fund invites Tennessee grassroots 501(c)(3) organizations in eligible Appalachian counties to seek technical assistance support. Community-led groups working for systemic social, economic, racial, and environmental justice can fund training and consulting in leadership, fundraising, planning, financial management, legal issues, community organizing, and communications.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charities, government entities, and qualifying foundations in Tennessee and other AEP service areas can seek funding for social justice, basic needs, and STEM education programs. The American Electric Power Foundation supports efforts advancing equity, hunger and housing services, and related environmental, health, safety, arts, and cultural initiatives.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on economic opportunity, affordable housing, or community arts and culture can access funding via US Bancorp Foundation’s Community Possible Grant Program. Organizations that address multiple pillars (work, home, play), advance diversity, equity and inclusion, and are based in U.S. Bank communities may be especially competitive, including groups advancing social justice and human rights.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative human services or social problem-solving programs in Tennessee can seek funding to develop or expand new approaches. Focused on innovation, Creag Foundation invites smaller or evolving organizations to inquire about support, which may benefit groups advancing social justice or human rights in their communities.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

Early-stage social impact organizations addressing social justice and human rights in Tennessee and globally can access funding and support through Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation, with awards up to US $300,000. Grants provide multi-year capital plus intensive capacity-building and community for scalable, systems-focused solutions benefiting underserved populations.

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 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.

With a mission to support grassroots social change, Appalachian Community Fund provides Tennessee LGBTQ and social justice organizations with grants up to US $2,000 to build capacity and institutional resources. Eligible 501(c)(3) or fiscally sponsored, community-led groups in designated Appalachian counties, especially new or youth-focused efforts, can apply anytime.

Organizations serving urban children and youth in education, health, or family economic stability can apply for Michael & Susan Dell Foundation grants of more than US $50,000 for project support or scaling. Eligible entities in Tennessee and other U.S. locations, India, and South Africa include nonprofits, social enterprises, schools, governments, and community-based organizations.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

Charitable organizations running humanitarian, educational, environmental, or arts and culture programs in Tennessee and worldwide can seek philanthropic support that promotes sustainable development and community well-being. Focused on humanitarian and social development, science education, community and environment, and contemporary arts, Roche invites accredited charities, including those advancing social justice and human rights, to propose innovative, high-quality projects.

Rural grassroots community groups in Tennessee and the broader Southeast can use this grant for community organizing, capacity building, and voter engagement tied to social, economic, and environmental justice. Tennessee social justice and human rights organizers may be eligible for up to US $3,500 from Southern Partners Fund’s Discretionary Fund each year.

The Assisi Foundation provides Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits with funding for health, education, social justice, arts, and community enhancement initiatives in the Mid-South. Eligible organizations must operate in Shelby, Fayette, or Tipton Counties in Tennessee, or nearby counties in Arkansas and Mississippi, and maintain inclusive, non-discriminatory governance and services across faith traditions.

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 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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing community services in Tennessee can seek philanthropic grants or event sponsorships that support their service and fundraising goals. With a mission to strengthen communities, Insperity provides Tennessee nonprofits with financial support when they engage Insperity employees, are Insperity clients, or serve communities where its employees live and work.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations addressing basic needs, youth enrichment, workforce readiness, or domestic violence services near TJX locations in Tennessee can seek grants supporting vulnerable children and families. The TJX Foundation funds programs like food, clothing, shelter, out-of-school learning, and safety initiatives; Tennessee social justice and human rights groups may be eligible if they meet these criteria.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries working on environmental or human services programs in Tennessee and beyond can seek $5,000 - $10,000 in unrestricted operating or project support. With a mission to back environmental and human services causes, Lawrence Foundation provides flexible funding that may benefit social justice and human rights initiatives.

Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation provides Tennessee nonprofits with grants of US $1,000 - US $20,000 to support museums, cultural and performing arts programs, schools and hospitals, youth and senior services, disability programs, environmental and wildlife protection, and other community-based efforts. Organizations advancing social justice or human rights within these areas may be eligible if they are IRS-qualified and U.S.-based.

Focused on community development and basic needs, Ameriprise Financial invites Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits to apply for funding that strengthens hunger relief, housing, adult self-sufficiency, and community vitality. Organizations advancing social justice or human rights through these services, especially those engaging Ameriprise employee or advisor volunteers, may be competitive applicants within this U.S.-wide program.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations improving quality of life through economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, or disaster relief in Tennessee communities where O’Reilly Auto Parts operates may be eligible for project, operating, or capital support. Grants from O'Reilly Automotive Foundation help Tennessee social justice and human rights organizations serving underserved and underrepresented individuals and families build stronger, more resilient communities.

501(c)(3) public charities 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. Organizations serving Union Pacific rail communities, including those advancing equity, youth development, basic needs, or community safety and justice, may be eligible.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving youth and families through education, housing, food security, or environmental stewardship can access funding through Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards. U.S.-based organizations and certain international equivalents may receive US $30,000 - US $350,000 for programs that support underserved young people, which may include social justice or human rights-focused initiatives.

Rural, community-based 501(c)(3) organizations using grassroots organizing for social, economic, or environmental justice in Tennessee and other Southeastern states can seek general or project support through the Hubert E. Sapp Regular Grant Cycle. Southern Partners Fund prioritizes small-budget groups building local leadership and community power rather than providing direct services.

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.