Best Affordable Housing Grants for Nonprofits in Tennessee

Nonprofit 501(c) or 170(c) organizations in Tennessee working on equitable and affordable housing and related community development can access matching gift funding via Regions Bank’s Matching Gifts Program. Eligible charities must fall within Regions’ footprint and may benefit when full-time associates or recent retirees request matches for their tax-deductible donations.

Nonprofit 501(c) or 170(c) organizations working on equitable and affordable housing in Tennessee can access matching gift funding through Regions Bank, via its recent retirees. Regions will match eligible monetary donations of $25 or more, up to US $1,000 per retiree annually, for organizations within its footprint that meet program criteria.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Tennessee working on equitable and affordable housing, homeownership, or supportive housing and shelters may be eligible for this program, which also values leadership by people of color. Grants from US Bancorp Foundation help advance safe, affordable housing alongside related economic and community development efforts.

Nonprofit or local partner agencies in Tennessee can access funding to provide emergency home repairs for low-income elderly or disabled homeowners. Focused on critical health and safety issues, the Tennessee Housing Development Agency’s Emergency Repair Program funds urgent fixes to roofs, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, structural components, windows, doors, and accessibility needs, with awards up to US $24,999.

Nonprofit and public agencies in Tennessee developing or preserving affordable rental housing for low- and very-low income households, seniors, people with disabilities, and other special needs populations can apply for Tennessee Housing Development Agency’s competitive grants, awarding US $200,000 - US $600,000. Funding supports new construction, acquisition, rehabilitation, or conversion of rental units serving households at or below 80% of area median income.

Nonprofit and other eligible rental housing developers in Tennessee can receive US $300,000 - US $1,500,000 to construct or acquire and rehabilitate affordable rental housing. Tennessee Housing Development Agency’s HOME Rental Housing Development Program supports equitable, affordable housing projects that expand safe, stable rental options for low-income residents across the state.

Nonprofits and agencies providing homelessness and housing stability services in Tennessee can seek funding to help people experiencing or at risk of homelessness quickly regain stable permanent housing. Tennessee Housing Development Agency’s Emergency Solutions Grant offers US $35,000 - US $125,000 for activities such as shelters, supportive housing, crisis intervention, and related affordable housing services.

Nonprofit, community-based rural organizations focused on grassroots organizing for social, economic, environmental, or housing justice in Tennessee and other Southeastern states can seek general or project support. Focused on equitable and affordable housing and related justice issues, Southern Partners Fund invites 501(c)(3) groups with budgets under or over $350,000 to apply, following its specific budget rules.

Investing in Our Communities

Regions Bank and Regions Foundation are committed to helping individuals, families, and businesses achieve financial success.

We work alongside nonprofit organizations, local businesses, government and service agencies to address social and economic issues, assist in building inclusive economic prosperity and help more members of our communities benefit from the rewards of a growing economy.

We make strategic and disciplined community investments in programs that seek to achieve three target outcomes:

Economic and Community Development

• Affordable housing
• Job creation
• Small business development
• Homebuyer education and retention
• Neighborhood revitalization and stabilization

Education and Workforce Readiness

• Student competency and skill building
• College and career readiness
• Educational access and success
• Credential building and employment
• Educator training and resources

Financial Wellness

• Financial education to youth, adults, and vulnerable populations
• Financial planning tools and resources, including Regions Next Step®
• Integrated asset-building

AARP Foundation

AARP Foundation strengthens financial resilience for and with older adults by empowering individuals and improving systems.

AARP empowers people to choose how they live as they age. There are 125 million Americans who are 50 or older, and people want their money, health and happiness to last as long as they do. We are a wise friend and fierce defender, focusing on the priorities of older Americans.

Purpose Prize® from AARP

Honoring extraordinary people 50-plus who put their purpose into action.

Purpose is a powerful force for good. The Purpose Prize from AARP honors extraordinary older Americans who put their purpose into action to support AARP’s mission of empowering people to choose how they live as they age. Winners receive $75,000 and a year of organizational support from AARP to grow the impact of their nonprofits. Examples of organizational support include data and evaluation, governance and succession planning, fundraising strategy, and prospectus development.

RRCU Gives Foundation Grant

Mission Statement:

RRCU Gives strengthens our region by providing meaningful financial support to nonprofits addressing hunger, housing, and financial education. Through our annual grant awards and major funding initiatives, we help local organizations grow, thrive, and create lasting change.

 We award grants annually, with applications in June and awards in August.

Focus Areas

• Hunger
• Housing
• Financial Education

Crown Automotive Charities/Hawkins Family Foundation Grant

The Crown Automotive Charities/Hawkins Family Foundation supports a wide range of non-profit initiatives, including healthcare, animal welfare, education, veterans' services, the arts, community and economic development, housing, and special needs. The Foundation primarily funds organizations in the communities where they operate: Chattanooga, Tennessee, Dublin/Columbus, Ohio, and the Tampa Bay area in Florida.

After an application is submitted, the review process usually takes four to six weeks. However, depending on the specifics of the request or if additional information is needed, the process may take longer.

There are two types of Applications: Grants; and Sponsorships.

Sponsorship Application

This is for requesting support for fundraising events or initiatives that include public visibility, recognition, or promotional opportunities (e.g., galas, golf tournaments, charity walks, benefit dinners). Sponsorships are typically event-based and may include logo placement or other marketing benefits.

The ROSS Rapid Response Program (RRP) by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides expedited funding to assist communities in addressing urgent social needs. This program offers one-time cost-reimbursable grants for service coordination and direct services, especially in response to emergencies like natural disasters or public health crises. By streamlining the application process, the RRP empowers local leaders to efficiently support residents in HUD-assisted housing, promoting self-sufficiency and resilience.

AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP Opportunity

About RSVP

Established in 1971 and now one of the largest senior volunteer programs in the nation, AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP engages people ages 55 and older in a diverse range of volunteer activities. AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP volunteers tutor children, help prepare simple taxes, assist victims of natural disasters, provide nutrition/food support, facilitate opioid and substance abuse education workshops, and serve in their communities in many other ways. AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP volunteers choose how, where, and how often they want to serve, with commitments ranging from a few hours to a maximum of 40 hours per week. While serving, AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP volunteers improve their own lives by staying active and civically engaged. 

Funding Priorities

AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP programming is designed to meet community needs. Applicants may propose activities intended to address community needs by thoroughly explaining the unmet need and activities to be completed by volunteers to address that need. In addition, AmeriCorps is interested in programming that addresses agency priorities. AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP priorities for this funding opportunity are:

• Supporting Older Adults and Caregivers: Provide respite, support groups, system navigation, care coordination, and resources for older adults, including custodial grandparents, and caregivers.
• Helping Older Adults Re-enter the Workforce: Offer job readiness, mentoring, training, and remove barriers to employment for older adults (volunteers provide services, not seek jobs).
• Building Strong Families: Support parents in helping children succeed, mentor parents, connect families to resources, and strengthen community partnerships.
• Preventing and Mitigating Fraud and Scams: Use digital navigators and other strategies to protect older adults from financial fraud and exploitation, including emerging AI-driven scams.
• Reducing Homelessness: Develop or renovate affordable housing, assist people experiencing homelessness in finding and maintaining permanent housing, and address housing needs for vulnerable populations.
• Supporting Behavioral Health Initiatives: Improve mental health, reduce isolation, prevent substance use, provide harm reduction tools (Naloxone, fentanyl test strips), peer support, and recovery services.

Award Funding Requirements

Applicants must construct the budget in the following manner. The federal share of the budget must not exceed $75,000 plus up to $350 for every unduplicated volunteer, whether or not they serve in an outcome-based work plan. 

Nonprofit NCRC member organizations in Tennessee working on housing, small business, or workforce development projects can apply to host a National Community Reinvestment Coalition graduate fellow. This fellowship places a part-time, stipend-supported student to advance a compelling, real-world community development project, which may include equitable and affordable housing initiatives in low-wealth communities.

Graduate students in urban planning, policy, public administration, economics, or related fields can apply for the National Community Reinvestment Coalition’s eight‑month, part‑time fellowship, which provides a US $20,000 stipend for equitable community development projects. Tennessee affordable housing nonprofits may benefit by serving as host organizations for fellows working on housing, small business, or workforce development initiatives.

Tennessee local governments, public housing agencies, and their partners working on equitable, affordable housing can access funding through US HUD Office of Public and Indian Housing to implement comprehensive neighborhood revitalization plans. These Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grants, up to US $75,000,000, support transforming distressed public or HUD-assisted housing, improving resident outcomes, and revitalizing surrounding communities.

Tennessee nonprofits working on hunger relief, affordable housing, education, youth programs, or neighborhood enrichment can access funding through Wegmans Family Foundation to strengthen local families and communities. Support may include initiatives that expand access to wholesome food, improve housing stability and economic mobility, and provide safe, skill-building opportunities for children and youth.

National and local REALTOR associations in Tennessee can use this grant to educate members on fair housing, diversity, and anti-bias topics through classes, speakers, or book-club-style events. The National Association of Realtors provides up to US $3,000 via reimbursement, including support for At Home With Diversity and Bias Override courses, with one Level 1 grant per year.

Real estate associations and related groups in Tennessee can use this grant to educate REALTORS and the public about housing affordability through classes, forums, speakers, or stakeholder meetings. The National Association of Realtors’ REALTOR Party offers up to US $3,000 on a reimbursement basis, with one Level 1 Housing Opportunity Grant per association each year.

Nonprofit REALTOR associations and partners addressing affordable housing can use this grant to run housing forums, consumer-facing housing expos, or local housing studies in Tennessee and other eligible U.S. locations. With a mission to strengthen communities, National Association of Realtors provides up to US $7,500 in reimbursable support for one Level 2 Housing Opportunity project per year.

Realtor associations developing comprehensive real estate and housing projects can apply for up to US $15,000 from the National Association of Realtors to launch or expand initiatives. Focused on housing opportunity, this program invites associations, including those partnering with Tennessee affordable housing nonprofits or agencies, to work with at least one non-Realtor primary partner on high-impact, community-wide efforts.

Professional and semi-professional musicians, music industry workers, or their close family members facing serious medical or mental health conditions and financial hardship in Oregon or Clark County, Washington can receive living and medical expense support. Grants from The Jeremy Willson Charitable Trust help cover rent, utilities, and other essential costs, which may interest those focused on equitable and affordable housing stability.

Disabled Veterans National Foundation

The Disabled Veterans National Foundation (DVNF) was established in 2007 to support veterans facing challenges that traditional systems could not fully address. From its earliest days, DVNF has been focused on closing critical gaps in care and providing resources that help veterans rebuild their lives with dignity and stability.

Guided by this commitment, DVNF developed its Health & Comfort programs, offering emergency financial assistance, housing transition support, food assistance, comfort kits, and wellness initiatives. These programs are designed to meet veterans where they are and to provide practical solutions that restore hope and stability. Today, DVNF continues to grow as a trusted national nonprofit. Every day, our team works with a clear purpose: to change lives for the men and women who have served our country.

Homeless To Housing Program - Household Comfort Support

DVNF is dedicated to assisting disabled and at-risk veterans in their transition from homelessness to permanent housing. Recognizing that securing a home is a significant milestone, DVNF understands that true stability is achieved when a house becomes a home, furnished with essential items that provide comfort and functionality. We help cover essential costs related to securing and creating comfortable housing for at-risk veterans.

The H2H Program offers comprehensive support to veterans by providing: Household Comfort Support of up to $2,000 worth of essential household items to ensure veterans have a stable, safe, and comfortable living environment.

For Financial Assistance: Payments are processed through two payment cycles each month, around the 15th and 30th. For Furniture Assistance: Once the List of Items form is completed, DVNF staff will purchase the requested items, which should arrive within 7-10 business days.

Disabled Veterans National Foundation

The Disabled Veterans National Foundation (DVNF) was established in 2007 to support veterans facing challenges that traditional systems could not fully address. From its earliest days, DVNF has been focused on closing critical gaps in care and providing resources that help veterans rebuild their lives with dignity and stability.

Guided by this commitment, DVNF developed its Health & Comfort programs, offering emergency financial assistance, housing transition support, food assistance, comfort kits, and wellness initiatives. These programs are designed to meet veterans where they are and to provide practical solutions that restore hope and stability. Today, DVNF continues to grow as a trusted national nonprofit. Every day, our team works with a clear purpose: to change lives for the men and women who have served our country.

Homeless To Housing Program - Financial Assistance

DVNF is dedicated to assisting disabled and at-risk veterans in their transition from homelessness to permanent housing. Recognizing that securing a home is a significant milestone, DVNF understands that true stability is achieved when a house becomes a home, furnished with essential items that provide comfort and functionality. We help cover essential costs related to securing and creating comfortable housing for at-risk veterans.

The H2H Program offers comprehensive support to veterans by providing: Financial Assistance of up to $2,000 to cover essential costs related to securing permanent housing, such as security deposits and initial rent payments.

For Financial Assistance: Payments are processed through two payment cycles each month, around the 15th and 30th. If your payment is delayed beyond the expected date, a Promissory Note of Payment will be issued to the vendor, confirming our organization's responsibility and requesting that no penalties be applied to the applicant.

The CIF Capacity Builder Awards by Endeavor Health focus on enhancing community health through strategic investments. With over $38.5 million allocated to local partnerships, these awards aim to address critical areas like healthcare access, food insecurity, and workforce development. Designed for nonprofit organizations, the awards range from $100,000 to $500,000 annually for 1-2 years, fostering long-term community impact and advancing health equity in the service areas.

About

Being deeply connected to the community means more than providing access to excellent healthcare. It means understanding, and investing in, the health needs of our community.

Through our Community Investment Fund (CIF), Endeavor Health has awarded more than $38.5 million to 59 local partnerships dedicated to enhancing community health and wellbeing, advancing health equity and supporting local economic growth. Together, we’re committed to helping everyone in our communities be their best.

Award categories

Through the CIF, we will make meaningful and intentional investments through impact awards and capacity builder awards. These awards are intended to meaningfully advance the health of our community over time towards three bold aspirations through investments in five areas of focus.

We aspire to a future where:

• A person’s zip code does not determine how long they will live
• Hunger and homelessness in our communities are history
• The healthcare workforce is thriving and representative of the communities we serve

To help advance these aspirations, the CIF will invest in the following areas:

• Access to healthcare
• Behavioral health
• Food insecurity
• Housing insecurity
• Workforce development for careers in healthcare

Impact awards

• Designed for 5-year initiatives where organizations come together to drive measurable impact and longer-term change in the communities we serve by improving existing systems and innovation
• Emphasize strategic cross-sector and/or intra-sector partnerships between community-based organizations
• Uplift community members of greatest need
• Directly align with CIF areas of focus and meaningfully contribute to CIF goals
• Award amount: $1 million per year, up to 5 years