Best Memphis Grants for Nonprofits in Tennessee

Foot Locker Foundation, Inc-UNCF Scholarship

Foot Locker Foundation, Inc. has partnered with UNCF to fund this scholarship program for students attending a UNCF member college or university during the 2026-2027 school year.

Foot Locker Foundation works to improve upward mobility to build a more equitable and inclusive future through education, economic development and community empowerment. For nearly twenty years, it has partnered with leading organizations helping to mobilize and uplift local communities. 

When applying, a UNCF member school will appear in the drop down options in the application. 

Completed application packages include: transcript, essay, and one letter of recommendation from a faculty member, employer or other community member familiar with your academic performance. All information will be submitted in the appropriate section of the online application.

Individual Award

• Up to $5,000.00

Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Tennessee (TMMTN) Grants aims to foster community improvement by partnering with nonprofit organizations. Committed to enhancing the quality of life, Toyota supports initiatives in community sustainability, inclusive mobility, and workforce readiness. The program prioritizes long-term impact and inclusivity, ensuring diverse populations benefit from funding. Toyota encourages collaborative efforts to tackle pressing societal challenges while engaging employees as volunteers. Note that applications from certain organizations, including those outside the U.S., will not be considered.

Cox Enterprises Scholarship Program

A need-based scholarship for students attending UNCF member institutions with preference given to students majoring in STEM.

Individual Award

• Up to $5,000

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving the Memphis area can seek project or capital funding for health and wellness, education and youth development, community development, or arts access initiatives. Focused on community impact, Autozone Foundation invites Memphis, Tennessee nonprofits to apply for one-time grants that support inclusive, community-wide programs rather than general operating expenses.

Grants help Memphis, Tennessee municipal governments and eligible counties develop household hazardous waste collection facilities and infrastructure. Administered by the Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation, funding supports permanent or temporary collection sites, storage buildings, safety equipment, signage, and operating and disposal reimbursement in line with the state’s 2015–2025 Solid Waste and Materials Management Plan.

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation focuses on improving economic mobility and social progress through partnerships with nonprofits. It prioritizes basic needs, income creation, stable housing, and community empowerment. By supporting vulnerable populations, the foundation aims to enable individuals to achieve their goals and contribute positively to their communities. The foundation emphasizes sustainable progress, ensuring that all community members have access to essential resources and opportunities for growth.

Delta Workforce Grant Program

The Delta Workforce Grant Program (DWP) is an initiative designed to build long-term community capacity and increase economic competitiveness by providing grants to support workforce training and education programs throughout the lower Mississippi River Delta and Alabama Black Belt regions.

DWP supports projects and initiatives that create a more vibrant economic future for the Delta region by expanding opportunities to recruit, train, and retain a diverse and local workforce; aligning workforce and economic development strategies; creating sustainable talent pipelines; establishing or enhancing locally/regionally significant sector-based partnerships; and supporting enhanced workforce productivity through investments in innovative programming or services.

LeBlanc/Baker Scholarship for Change

LeBlanc/Baker Scholarship for Change provides a renewable need-based scholarship to male students attending an accredited, four-year Historically Black College or University (“HBCU”).

LeBlanc/Baker Scholarship for Change award recipients will receive a 2026-2027 academic year award of up to $4,000 based on need. UNCF will send electronic notification to the eligible recipients in April 2026; and scholarship funds will be disbursed to the eligible recipients’ enrolled institutions in the fall 2026.

Scholarship Renewal

If funds are available, recipients may be eligible for awards for up to four (4) additional years within a five (5) year period.

Previously awarded students shall be notified and must meet the following criteria:

• Maintain academic standing consistent with the student’s institution standards for continued enrollment.
• Annually complete FAFSA and continue to have a demonstrated unmet financial need, as verified by their college or university.

A student who transfers from an HBCU to any accredited four-year college or university after successfully completing at least one (1) academic term remains eligible for recurring awards for attendance at their new institution if they otherwise meet the renewal eligibility criteria.

A student who withdraws or takes a leave of absence, after completing at least one (1) academic year, has the equivalent of a full academic year to reenroll at any accredited four-year college or university.

The Community Foundation of Greater Memphis offers Nonprofit Capacity Building Grants to enhance the organizational health of nonprofits in the Mid-South. These one-time financial grants, averaging $15,000 with a total of $210,000 available, are for projects that improve governance and management, rather than direct programming. Organizations must raise matching funds dollar-for-dollar to leverage additional resources. Eligibility requires a reviewed profile on LIVEGIVEmidsouth.org and meeting specific operational criteria.

The PNC Foundation's Grow Up Great Grant is a significant initiative aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for children from birth to age 5. With a commitment of $500 million, this program focuses on improving school readiness through support in vocabulary development, social-emotional learning, and the arts. By partnering with community-based nonprofits, PNC aims to foster stronger, smarter, and healthier communities, ensuring a brighter future for the next generation.

Memphis, Tennessee educators and school-based professionals can access funding through Leaders Education Foundation to support K-12 classroom projects, teacher appreciation initiatives, and professional development. Eligible public and private K-12 schools, technical schools, colleges, and universities in West Tennessee may receive support for books, STEM/STEAM projects, virtual learning, or other educational opportunities.

Memphis, Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in education, community development, arts, public spaces, or civic leadership can access funding through Hyde Family Foundations to strengthen local programs and impact. Eligible U.S.-based organizations must serve Memphis or influence Tennessee statewide policy, with priority for initiatives that build a thriving, unified Memphis.

The ARTSassist grant from ARTSmemphis supports artists in Shelby County, providing unrestricted funding to enhance their artistic work. This grant is open to visual, dance, and film artists, with a focus on innovation and quality. A total of 13 grants of $5,000 each will be awarded, ensuring a fair distribution based on applicant demographics. The program highlights the importance of artists in the community and encourages participation in the vibrant cultural landscape of Memphis.

Students from West Tennessee counties, including Memphis-area Shelby County, interested in aviation-related careers can receive scholarship support for college study. Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee gives preference to applicants from Carroll County and nearby counties, helping high school graduates and other students pursue aviation education and training through the Walter Reece (Walt) Montgomery Scholarship Fund.

Nonprofit and conservation organizations in the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley, including Memphis-area Shelby County, can seek National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) grants of US $150,000 - US $750,000 for habitat and ecosystem restoration projects. Funding supports bottomland hardwood and wetland restoration, conservation on working lands, aquatic connectivity, and community resilience for people and wildlife.

The Best Buy Teen Tech Center is offering a Mini Tech Skills Workshop Grant to support local and national non-profits in providing STEAM skills workshops for youth aged 13-19. These workshops, which include topics such as coding, filmmaking, and robotics, aim to enhance technical skills and career exploration. Funding can reach up to $24,999, with a focus on hands-on, facilitator-led experiences, and additional programming opportunities may be considered.

The ArtsFirst Grants, sponsored by the First Horizon Foundation and ARTSmemphis, support local 501c3 arts organizations in Shelby County that promote artistic excellence. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $30,000 and can be used for general operating support, project support, sponsorship, and capital campaigns. Organizations must have a minimum three-year history of quality arts programming and an active board. This funding aims to strengthen community arts initiatives and enrich cultural engagement.

The Positively Memphis Community Grant supports nonprofit organizations in the Memphis area, providing funding between $1,000 and $25,000 for initiatives that promote health, wellness, and sports. This grant aims to empower organizations that align with the mission of creating positive change and strengthening the Mid-South community. Applications are accepted quarterly, focusing on various priority areas to address community needs effectively.

The Idlewild Presbyterian Community Support Grant aims to embody God’s love by providing funding to community non-profits that offer compassionate services. This initiative enhances Idlewild's outreach efforts, fostering a just, inclusive, and welcoming community. Eligible applicants are community non-profits dedicated to these values, ensuring broad access to support for impactful local initiatives.

The Thomas W. Briggs Foundation Grants support organizations that positively impact Memphis, Tennessee, through strategic funding. Eligible nonprofits must have 501(c)(3) status, a Memphis office, and focus on BIPOC communities for the Equity Fund. The foundation operates on a biennial cycle, offering Core Funding and the Equity Fund, with applications accepted in spring and fall. Prior discussions are encouraged before applying to ensure alignment with funding priorities.

The Steel Dynamics Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community quality of life and local economies by supporting 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Priorities include higher education, economic development, and human services, particularly in communities where Steel Dynamics operates. Grants are awarded based on community impact, employee involvement, and organizational integrity. Applicants must demonstrate a strong ethical track record and effective community engagement to qualify for funding opportunities.

The GM Corporate Giving Grants support U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations focused on STEM education and transportation initiatives. Applications are accepted from January to September, with a requirement to submit requests at least three months before the program’s start date. GM emphasizes charitable contributions in the communities where it operates, ensuring that organizations align with its values. The grant amount is not limited and is assessed based on the proposed program's merit and needs.

The Hope For Memphis Fund Grant aims to empower Christian ministries and leaders in the Memphis area to foster community transformation. By supporting holistic, Gospel-centered initiatives, this fund seeks to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of local nonprofits. Eligible organizations must be IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) entities that serve underserved populations within the Memphis Metro Area. This grant reflects the commitment of the Christian Community Foundation to uplift and support impactful community work.

Undergraduate students from Memphis, Tennessee attending accredited HBCUs can receive up to US $5,000 to support their higher education costs through this scholarship program. With a mission to advance Black student success, United Negro College Fund partners with the NBA Foundation to assist eligible Bay Area and designated county residents, including those in Shelby County, Tennessee.

Mobile Beacon's Connect for Success program addresses the digital divide by providing schools with essential technology resources. This initiative offers up to 25 laptops and 4G devices with 12 months of complimentary high-speed internet service. By targeting students and communities facing digital inequities, the program ensures that all students can complete homework and access educational content from home. With ongoing support options available post-grant, Mobile Beacon is committed to fostering equitable learning environments and empowering educators to enhance digital inclusion.

Undergraduate music majors at UNCF member institutions, including those from Memphis, Tennessee (Shelby County), can apply for the Joe Williams Music Scholarship, with awards up to US $6,000 for the 2025–2026 academic year. Eligible students must be full-time, have at least a 2.5 GPA, and major in visual and performing arts.

The Neighborhood Builders Program, supported by Bank of America, empowers 501(c)(3) nonprofits through a two-year leadership development initiative. Participants receive funding, training, and networking opportunities to enhance their impact in communities. Since its inception, the program has invested over $346 million, training more than 4,000 leaders. The initiative focuses on advancing social mobility and economic opportunities, ensuring affordable housing, and fostering resilient communities. This program is vital for nonprofits aiming to strengthen their leadership and community engagement.