Best Lawrence County Grants for Nonprofits in Tennessee

The ARISE Grants, offered by the Appalachian Regional Commission, aim to drive regional economic transformation across 13 Appalachian states. With funding of up to $63.5 million for implementation grants and $10 million maximum awards, the initiative supports collaborative projects that enhance community capacity and economic growth. The program encourages innovative partnerships to strengthen local economies and achieve socioeconomic parity, benefiting over 26 million residents in the Appalachian Region.

The Area Development Grant Program, managed by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), supports economic growth in Appalachia through investments in critical infrastructure and workforce development. Targeting 423 counties across 13 states, the program encourages local communities to collaborate with state governments to identify and implement impactful projects. Key focus areas include enhancing utilities, promoting entrepreneurship, and strengthening local leadership. This initiative aims to uplift the 26 million residents of Appalachia, fostering sustainable economic opportunities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Lawrence County, Tennessee that run existing digital literacy programs for families or seniors may be eligible for Spectrum Digital Education Grants, funded by Charter Communications. These US $2,500 - US $50,000 awards support technology access and broadband education in low-income or multicultural urban and rural communities, with measurable, lasting impact.

Lawrence County, Tennessee students seeking post–high school education can access scholarship funding through the Sponsors Scholarship Fund, supporting academic advancement and long-term economic prospects. Administered by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, this fund continues a decades-long effort to help financially disadvantaged, promising young people pursue college and strengthen the broader community.

Nonprofit organizations and local government entities in Lawrence County, Tennessee can seek funding for arts and cultural projects that benefit schools and communities. Tennessee Arts Commission supports arts, arts education, and cultural participation in underserved and rural Tennessee counties, offering US $1,000 - US $5,000 through the Targeted Arts Development Initiative to build capacity and leadership.

Nonprofit organizations and local government entities in Lawrence County, Tennessee can apply for Tennessee Arts Commission funding to support rural arts projects and activities that enhance community vitality and engagement. Grants from Tennessee Arts Commission help fund performances, festivals, exhibitions, artist residencies, public art, accessibility improvements, and related administrative, technical, and planning costs across recognized artistic disciplines.

Nonprofit organizations serving Lawrence County, Tennessee and Middle Tennessee can seek support for arts, education, health, and human services programs that improve quality of life. Focused on community impact, Ingram Charitable Fund invites applications from 501(c)(3) organizations whose work benefits broader Middle Tennessee residents, including those in Lawrence County.

Students from Middle Tennessee preparing for a legal career and attending, or planning to attend, an accredited or Tennessee Supreme Court–approved law school can apply for the William Thomas McHugh and Lou Gower McHugh Scholarship Fund from Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. Applicants from Lawrence County, Tennessee, including those at Cumberland School of Law, may be given preference.

The H. Franklin Brooks Scholarship Fund, established by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, offers renewable scholarships to graduating high school seniors from Middle Tennessee. This fund particularly supports self-identified LGBTQ+ students, especially those whose families have ceased financial support for their education. With over 30 years of community impact, CFMT aims to foster a thriving, inclusive environment through collective philanthropy.

Female students pursuing technology-related degrees in four-year programs who live in Lawrence County, Tennessee, may be eligible for scholarship support to advance their higher education. Grants from Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee help women studying fields like computer science, information systems, or cyber security, which can benefit local nonprofits focused on education and women’s services.

The Rural Arts Facilities Fund, established by the Tennessee Arts Commission, aims to support rural communities in enhancing their arts and cultural facilities. Grants of up to $200,000 are available for projects that benefit local arts programming, foster community identity, and promote economic growth. Eligible applicants include local governments and nonprofit organizations in rural Tennessee. By investing in these facilities, the program seeks to improve access to arts experiences, create jobs, and stimulate tourism in underserved areas.

Students from Middle Tennessee’s 40 counties, including Lawrence County, pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in education, theology, music, film, historic preservation/public history, or fine arts may be eligible for this renewable scholarship. Grants from Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee prioritize well-rounded applicants with at least a 3.0 GPA and demonstrated financial need, with preference for Bedford and Williamson County residents.

The Tennessee Arts & Rural Health Initiative Grant, funded by the Tennessee Arts Commission, aims to enhance health and wellness in rural hospitals through arts-based programs. With a budget of $75,000 from the NEA, the initiative supports 4-6 hospitals, offering grants between $5,000 to $25,000. Projects may include artist-led classes, meditation gardens, and healing spaces, leveraging the therapeutic power of the arts to improve patient outcomes and community engagement in healthcare settings.

Individual Black Appalachian storytellers connected to Lawrence County, Tennessee, can receive US $5,000 to sustain and share Black oral tradition and culture. Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation’s CALT Black Appalachian Storytellers Fellowship supports culture bearers with strong ties to ARC-designated Appalachian counties, honoring them at the “In the Tradition…” National Black Storytelling Festival and Conference.

The Brown Center for Autism: Benjamin M. Liske Scholarship Fund, established by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, supports graduating seniors from Middle Tennessee diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. This scholarship honors Ben Liske, who excelled academically despite his challenges. Since its inception in 2008, the Brown Center has provided vital resources and training to families and professionals, aiming to enhance the lives of those affected by autism and promote a thriving, inclusive community.

The Brandon Key Scholarship Fund, established by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, honors a young man dedicated to community service and civil rights. This scholarship supports Middle Tennessee students with a minimum GPA of 2.5, who demonstrate a commitment to serving their community and plan to attend an accredited college. Preference is given to applicants from low socioeconomic backgrounds aiming for Historically Black Colleges or Universities, promoting inclusivity and opportunity for future generations.

The B’nai B’rith Maimonides Lodge #46 Scholarship supports legally blind students pursuing post-secondary education. Established by the oldest Jewish service organization in Nashville, this scholarship honors 38 years of community service through a summer camp for visually-impaired children. The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee administers the fund, ensuring assistance reaches those in need while fostering an inclusive community. Eligible applicants must provide documentation of their legal blindness to apply.

The Drue Smith/Society of Professional Journalists’ Scholarship Fund, established in memory of pioneering journalist Drue Smith, supports college juniors, seniors, and graduate students from Middle Tennessee pursuing careers in journalism or broadcast news. This fund honors Drue's legacy as the first woman president of the Society of Professional Journalists in Tennessee, promoting professional development for aspiring journalists and fostering the next generation of media professionals in a rapidly changing landscape.

Nonprofits and public entities in Lawrence County, Tennessee can seek up to US $1,000,000 for construction and US $500,000 for non-construction projects that support economic development, water and wastewater infrastructure, and community revitalization. Grants from Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development help eligible Appalachian counties expand public infrastructure, strengthen businesses, and build workforce and tourism assets.

Lawrence County, Tennessee arts nonprofits can access funding through the Tennessee Arts Commission’s Small Rural Partnership Support program for general operating expenses. Eligible 501(c)(3) arts organizations in designated rural counties with at least a $30,000 budget and prior Commission funding may request up to US $25,000 with a 1:1 cash match requirement.

The Teddy Wilburn Scholarship Fund, established by country music star Teddy Wilburn, aims to provide financial assistance to students at Tennessee State University and Vanderbilt University. This scholarship supports those who have demonstrated a commitment to their education, requiring a minimum B average in the last two years of high school. By promoting access to higher education, it reflects Wilburn's dedication to helping others achieve their academic aspirations, despite his own lack of a college experience.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Lawrence County, Tennessee that preserve or promote Central Appalachian folk and traditional arts can apply for South Arts’ In These Mountains Infrastructure Grants, with awards of US $30,000 for non-programming needs. Funding can cover professional development, minor equipment or software, travel, marketing, strategic planning, and similar operational infrastructure costs.

The LGBTQ Fund Grant Program, offered by the Appalachian Community Fund, supports grassroots social change in Central Appalachia. It prioritizes funding for organizations that promote inclusivity and tackle systemic issues affecting LGBTQ communities, particularly youth. Grants are available to community-led organizations with a focus on building capacity and addressing social, economic, and racial justice. This initiative embodies a commitment to collective action and resource-sharing, fostering positive transformation in Appalachian communities.

Focused on social justice capacity-building, Appalachian Community Fund invites Lawrence County, Tennessee grassroots 501(c)(3) organizations to seek technical assistance support. Eligible groups are community-led and working for systemic social, economic, racial, or environmental justice in Central Appalachia, including training in leadership, fundraising, planning, financial management, legal issues, and community organizing.

Lawrence County, Tennessee engineering and aerospace students can access funding through Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee to attend Middle Tennessee State University. This renewable scholarship supports full-time students in Engineering Technology or Aerospace who finished high school in Tennessee, meet GPA and ACT requirements, and demonstrate financial need; funds cannot be used for flight time.

High school students in Lawrence County, Tennessee with at least a 21 ACT score and 3.0 GPA can seek renewable scholarship support through the J. Barrett Melton Family Memorial Scholarship Fund, administered by Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. Grants from Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee help middle Tennessee students, with preference for eligible applicants from Cannon County.

Lawrence County, Tennessee 501(c)(3) children’s nonprofits can access funding through Speedway Children's Charities to support programs serving kids in middle Tennessee. Eligible organizations focus on areas like homelessness, foster care, trafficking survivors, medical or mental health, literacy, tutoring, and after-school programs; capital projects and general operating costs are typically not funded.