Best Grants for Charter Schools in Tennessee

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Tennessee supporting children, K–12 education, or health and human services can seek monetary program funding that demonstrates measurable community impact. Grants from Costco Foundation help charter schools and other youth-focused education programs with evidence-based projects that address identified local needs and show strong collaboration and diversified financial support.

Charter schools, other pre-K–12 schools, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and government entities in Tennessee can receive in-kind transportation services or donated railroad equipment to support community, military, or first responder initiatives. CSX Foundation supports K–12 education-related community efforts in eligible service areas across its rail network, including Tennessee charter schools.

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.

Charter school operators and education-focused social enterprises in Tennessee working on scalable K–12 solutions can receive up to US $300,000 in early-stage support to expand impact. Grants from Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation help organizations in Africa, Europe, India, the U.S., and select regions grow innovative models serving underserved students and communities.

Nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations using technology for education, crisis response, or economic empowerment programs serving mostly economically underserved communities in Tennessee and worldwide can apply for Global Impact Cash Grants, with awards up to US $100,000. Cisco Systems Foundation supports innovative, tech-enabled solutions that improve access to education and build skills for K–12 students and beyond.

Tennessee K–12 education and cultural nonprofits offering arts, science, or STEAM programming for young people can access funding through the William Randolph Hearst Foundation’s Culture Grant, with awards more than US $100,000. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations with audited expenses over $2 million may receive program, capital, or limited general/endowment support for impactful cultural initiatives.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Tennessee communities where PNC operates can seek funding for early childhood education or economic development programs serving low- and moderate-income families. PNC Foundation provides support for initiatives like birth-to-five learning, educator development, family engagement, affordable housing, small business support, job training, and community revitalization that charter schools and partners may build into their services.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

Nonprofit organizations providing health, education, or humanitarian services in Tennessee and other eligible countries can seek support for programs serving marginalized communities. Semnani Family Foundation provides Tennessee K–12 education and youth-serving organizations with potential funding for health care access, literacy, child welfare, and related human and social services projects that reach vulnerable populations locally or abroad.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

Nonprofit organizations and local government entities in eligible Tennessee counties can receive US $1,000 - US $5,000 to run arts and cultural projects that benefit their communities. Focused on arts access and education in underserved, rural areas, the Tennessee Arts Commission invites K–12 schools and community partners to build capacity and leadership through these initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Tennessee working on housing, workforce education, hunger relief, community development, or related programs can seek sponsorship support to strengthen local communities. Bank of America Foundation also considers arts, culture, environmental, sports, and diversity initiatives, which may benefit charter schools and K–12 education efforts in the state.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) organizations serving K–12 students and their families can access funding through Robinson Foundation for education, children and families, and poverty relief programs. Eligible nonprofits must operate in the Southern region for more than three years and seek single-year support, excluding facilities or other capital projects; charter schools with qualifying programs may be eligible.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking support for community services or fundraising events can apply for grants or event sponsorships that aid key service and financial goals. With a mission to support community involvement, Insperity provides eligible charities, including those serving areas where its employees live and work, with philanthropic funding and sponsorship opportunities once per year.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

K–12 schools, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and qualified public entities within 30 miles of a Georgia-Pacific manufacturing community in Tennessee can apply for Georgia-Pacific Foundation support for education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental programs. Charter schools in eligible Tennessee communities may benefit if their projects advance local well-being and align with the foundation’s four focus areas.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

Charter schools, public K–12 schools, districts, and other education-focused entities in Tennessee can fund single, high-quality, hands-on arts education projects with measurable outcomes through this program, with awards from US $12,000 - US $25,000. With a mission to strengthen arts learning, Tennessee Arts Commission supports community-based arts learning, educator professional development, and out-of-school youth arts programs.

Charter schools and other 501(c)(3) education organizations in Tennessee can seek project funding for K–12 programs, social services, health care, civic, cultural, or environmental initiatives. Grants from Dr Scholl Foundation help U.S. nonprofits with one-year projects, awarding US $5,000 - US $25,000 through an annual October–March application cycle.

K–12 education nonprofits and other 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. Charter schools with eligible 501(c)(3) partners may secure program-specific support benefiting communities along Union Pacific’s service footprint.

Tennessee K–12 education and youth-serving nonprofits can access funding for programs that support academic success, character and leadership development, food access, housing, and environmental education. Through the True Inspiration Awards, Chick Fil A Foundation offers US $30,000 - US $350,000 to 501(c)(3) organizations in the U.S. and equivalent charities in Canada, the United Kingdom, and Singapore.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and government entities in Tennessee can apply for Arts Build Communities funding to support community arts projects and cultural enterprises in Fayette, Lauderdale, Shelby, and Tipton counties. Focused on arts and culture, ArtsMemphis invites applicants, including charter schools with community-facing arts programming, to broaden access to arts experiences and address local quality of life issues.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) organizations and government entities planning public arts projects can receive up to US $5,000 to broaden access to arts experiences and improve community quality of life. Charter schools and other K–12 institutions may be eligible if projects are nonprofit, public-facing, and occur in Fayette, Lauderdale, Shelby, or Tipton counties.

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.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government entities, and eligible colleges can seek funding for community-focused arts projects through the Tennessee Arts Commission’s Arts Build Communities program, with awards up to US $5,000. Focused on community arts and cultural initiatives, the Commission invites Tennessee organizations, including charter schools with qualifying arts activities, to broaden access to the arts and address local priorities.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) education, healthcare, and social service organizations seeking major capacity-building, expansion, or capital support can apply for Joe C Davis Foundation’s Transformational Grant. Charter schools and K–12 programs in Tennessee may be eligible if they serve the Nashville area and demonstrate strong performance, financial stability, and alignment with the foundation’s priorities.