Best Grants for Minorities in Tennessee

Low-income Black students in Tennessee pursuing higher education at Historically Black Colleges and Universities can receive renewable scholarship support for tuition and related academic costs. With a mission to strengthen communities, Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee provides minority students and families with the LadyAID Scholarship Fund, including those attending HBCUs in Tennessee, Georgia, or elsewhere in the U.S.

Tennessee NCAA Division II schools and multisport conference offices can access funding through the National Collegiate Athletic Association to create full-time, entry-level athletics administration internships that advance ethnic minority and women’s representation. Awards of US $30,000 plus professional development support one-year positions focused on areas like compliance, student-athlete welfare, and diversity initiatives.

Tennessee NCAA Division II conferences and institutions seeking to increase ethnic minority and women’s representation in mid- to senior-level athletics administration can access funding through the National Collegiate Athletic Association. Grants support full-time roles over five years with duties such as strategic planning, budgeting, fundraising, compliance, diversity initiatives, and student-athlete welfare.

Tennessee NCAA Division II member schools seeking to create new assistant coaching positions that increase ethnic minority and gender representation can apply for this coaching enhancement grant. With a mission to support inclusive athletics, National Collegiate Athletic Association provides multi-year funding of US $48,000 toward salary, wages, and benefits for the hired coach.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving minority communities with education, environmental, or community health programs in Tennessee and other Cleveland-Cliffs operating areas can seek project funding. Grants from Cleveland Cliffs Foundation help advance workforce readiness, STEM education, environmental restoration, and healthy, vibrant communities, including initiatives that improve opportunities and services for underserved and minority populations.

NCAA Division III conferences and institutions seeking to expand ethnic minority and gender representation in mid- to senior-level athletics administration can apply for leadership and diversity funding from the National Collegiate Athletic Association. Tennessee Division III schools and conferences may be eligible to support roles in strategic planning, budget management, fundraising, compliance, diversity initiatives, and student-athlete welfare.

National Collegiate Athletic Association provides Tennessee colleges and universities with funding to create new assistant coaching positions that increase ethnic minority and gender representation in NCAA Division III sports. Active Division III member institutions may receive two years of salary and benefits support for a new assistant coach, with institutional matching required.

Tennessee minority health and physical education professionals with long-term service in HPERD settings who are SHAPE America members may be eligible for the E.B. Henderson Award recognizing scholarship, mentorship, and service to underserved populations. Tennessee minority educators active in community health, PE, or K–12 education can access funding through Society of Health and Physical Educators’ national program.

Presbyterian undergraduate students seeking their first associate or bachelor’s degree at accredited U.S. colleges can receive scholarship support, including those from minority communities in Tennessee. Grants from Presbyterian Mission Agency help PC(USA) members with up to US $6,000 toward full-time study in the 2025–2026 academic year.

Students of color pursuing higher education, including those from Tennessee, can receive up to US $3,000 for college costs through scholarships administered by the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts. With a mission to support minority students, the foundation considers applicants for multiple funds, with a preference for residents of Hampden County for this scholarship.

Nonprofit organizations running computing programs for Black, Latina, and Native American women and girls in Tennessee and beyond can seek support to recruit and retain participants in college-level computing. Reboot Representation Tech Coalition supports research-backed, community-embedded programs, with priority for efforts operating in multiple geographies and leveraging existing infrastructure or other funding.

Minority high school seniors and GED students pursuing higher education, especially those of color who have overcome obstacles and show commitment to others, can receive $3,000 scholarships, renewable for up to three additional years. Community Foundation of South Puget Sound supports college-bound students in Thurston and Pierce counties who demonstrate significant financial need.

Minority high school seniors from Louisa or Fluvanna County Public Schools in Virginia seeking postsecondary education can apply for competitive scholarships supporting technical schools, HBCUs, or other accredited colleges. Focused on higher education access for African American and other minority youth, The Community Foundation for a Greater Richmond offers two awards of US $1,000 each.

Minority students in Tennessee pursuing marketing, advertising, design, or computer science studies can access scholarship support for digital marketing and related careers through Innovia Foundation’s Diversity in Advertising Scholarship. Focused on education and creative fields, Innovia Foundation invites Black, Indigenous, and other students of color in its 20-county service region who demonstrate academic achievement to apply.

Undergraduate engineering students from marginalized ethnicities or genders in Tennessee can apply for the Architecture Foundation of Oregon’s PAE Diversity in Engineering Scholarship; awards up to US $20,000 to offset educational costs. Eligible applicants study mechanical, electrical, renewable energy, architectural, or civil engineering at a U.S. four-year college with a commitment to climate justice.

American Indian and Alaska Native LSAMP alumni starting STEM PhD programs can apply for Montana State University's Louis Stokes Bridge to Doctorate support, offering US $88,000 in stipend and education funding. Eligible U.S. citizens, including those from Tennessee, may benefit from this graduate-level opportunity to advance in higher education and STEM fields.

Indigenous undergraduate and graduate students in STEM fields, including those from Tennessee, can apply for the American Indian Science and Engineering Society’s Indian Motorcycle Academic Scholarship, awarding US $5,000 per year for tuition support. Eligible applicants must be AISES members with a 3.0+ GPA and enrolled or descendant citizens of recognized Indigenous communities.

Middle Tennessee high school seniors planning to attend an accredited college or university can apply for the Brandon Key Scholarship Fund to support higher education costs. Administered by Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, it benefits students with at least a 2.5 GPA, strong community service, and gives preference to low-income applicants planning to attend an HBCU.

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers over 160 scholarships. Some of the funds help students from a particular school or area; others provide financial assistance to those pursuing a specific field of study; still others assist students that are most in need. Students who apply to the Scholarship program may be eligible for many of these funds. 

Scholarships are provided for one academic year and are not automatically renewed each year. You can reapply to our program every year you are going to attend college, and the application you submit that year will be considered for all scholarships for which you are eligible

Latino Scholarship Fund

To support graduating Latino high school seniors from Hampden and Hampshire Counties.

Additional Guidelines

• Students can receive up to $3,000 in scholarships from the Community Foundation.
• Scholarship awards could impact the financial aid offered by a college, and students are advised to check with their college financial aid offices about this.
• Scholarships may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. Some part and/or all the award could be considered taxable income. It is advisable students check with the college or tax accountant regarding this matter.

Seattle Foundation is an agent of change, igniting powerful, rewarding philanthropy to make Greater Seattle a stronger, more vibrant community for all.

At Seattle Foundation, we believe that community is more than a place. It’s the shared understanding that our joy and well-being are tied to one another. Every day we work with nonprofits, philanthropists, and partners like you to strengthen community by igniting powerful philanthropy and advancing long-term solutions. Because it takes all of us to create a joyful region where every person can thrive.

HOLA at Microsoft Scholarship

This scholarship supports high school seniors who self-identify as Hispanic/Latino decent and is a U.S. citizen, permanent legal resident or be an individual granted deferred action status under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program. Eligible applicants must plan to study Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Information Systems, Business Administration, Finance or Marketing at an accredited two- or four-year college, university, or vocational school. This scholarship is a $5,000 award with up to five (5) scholarships granted.

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers over 160 scholarships. Some of the funds help students from a particular school or area; others provide financial assistance to those pursuing a specific field of study; still others assist students that are most in need. Students who apply to the Scholarship program may be eligible for many of these funds. 

Scholarships are provided for one academic year and are not automatically renewed each year. You can reapply to our program every year you are going to attend college, and the application you submit that year will be considered for all scholarships for which you are eligible.

Latino Breakfast Club Scholarship Fund   

To support graduating Latino high school seniors from Hampden County.

Additional Guidelines

Students can receive up to $3,000 in scholarships from the Community Foundation.

Scholarship awards could impact the financial aid offered by a college, and students are advised to check with their college financial aid offices about this.

Scholarships may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. Some part and/or all the award could be considered taxable income. It is advisable students check with the college or tax accountant regarding this matter.

The Talati Family Scholarship Fund, administered by the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, aims to support students of color pursuing higher education. Students can apply through a single online application, which connects them to various scholarships based on eligibility. Awards can reach up to $3,000 and may impact financial aid offers. This scholarship is available to undergraduate and graduate students attending accredited institutions in the U.S., particularly those from Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden Counties.

Self-Defense Grants for MMIR Day

Facilitators, educators, organizers — May 5th is the Day of Awareness for Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Relatives. In honor of that day, we are offering mini grants to host a self-defense workshop for Indigenous girls and gender-expansive youth.

Why self-defense?

• Native women are murdered at 10x the national rate
• 84% experience violence in their lifetime
• Over 5,700 Native girls go missing each year

We also name the invisible crisis:

• Indigenous people from Mexico & Central America (Maya, Nahua, Zapotec, Mixtec, Lenca, and others) living in the U.S. face detention, deportation, and disappearances that are rarely counted in MMIR data.
• When a Tzotzil 18 year old like Royer Perez Jimenez dies in ICE custody, the silence is deafening.

Self-defense must include all Indigenous relatives.

XCNC has:

• $500 mini grants for stipends, space, supplies, and translation.

What we ask:

• Plan a workshop between May 5–31, 2026, rooted in community care.

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.

Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.

Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.

Leroy McKinney Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund

This scholarship was created in memory of Leroy McKinney Jr., who was a graduate of Battle Creek Central High School, Class of 1988. Upon graduation, he studied Pre-Engineering in college. He also had an entrepreneurial spirit. Though he struggled with mental illness, one of his proudest accomplishments in life, was returning to college as an adult and completing his Bachelor's degree in Business Management. He would be honored to know this scholarship was created in his legacy to support other African American men to pursue their education in these fields.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Nancy Waters and Mark Waters Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Nancy and Mark Waters, who established the Nancy Waters and Mark Waters Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. In recognition of what this community has meant to their family, Nancy and son, Mark, started this to support the educational, economic and community development needs and interests of African Americans in the greater Muskegon region. Through their leadership they are demonstrating how the Community Foundation can reach and support all its citizens. Mark passed away in 2015.

David & Priscilla Morris Scholarship

The David and Priscilla Morris Scholarship was established to provide tuition support for Black or African American students attending Western Michigan University.

KZCF scholarships may be applied to any items under your school’s cost of attendance (COA). Each school has a different COA that may include items such as tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, health insurance, etc. Scholarship payments are sent directly to your institution.

This scholarship is a one-time award, meaning that it will not repeat in subsequent years. The money awarded can be applied to your education costs alongside other scholarships or funding that you may receive, and there are no necessary steps once funds are sent.

The Native American Research Centers for Health (NARCH) program supports federally-recognized American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes and organizations in advancing health-related research. It aims to enhance research careers and infrastructure through a competitive application process. Funded by the US Dept. of Health & Human Services, this initiative invites eligible entities to apply, ensuring that only high-quality proposals undergo peer review for potential funding.