Best Grants for Museums in Tennessee

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency offers Clean Stream Grants of up to $1,000 each to support stream clean-up projects across its four Aquatic Habitat Protection regions. These grants aim to assist various groups, including cities, schools, and conservation organizations, in acquiring necessary supplies and promoting volunteer efforts. Eligible applicants must possess a nonprofit tax number and submit detailed proposals, including project descriptions and relevant information about the stream and area involved.

The Lottery for Education: Afterschool Programs Grant Opportunity aims to enhance academic enrichment for Tennessee students. This initiative supports public and not-for-profit organizations that provide afterschool educational programs. Eligible applicants must offer services that complement regular academic curricula and address the needs of at-risk youth. With a focus on educational development, the program prioritizes those serving students aged 5-18 who qualify for free or reduced lunch or face educational disadvantages. Grant funds are intended to supplement, not replace, existing educational resources.

The Truist Foundation Grants aim to empower communities by providing resources for economic mobility and supporting small businesses, particularly those owned by racially and ethnically diverse individuals. The foundation focuses on enhancing job navigation for disadvantaged workers and building sustainable business ecosystems through collaboration and innovation. By addressing barriers to growth and promoting access to capital and education, the Truist Foundation strives to create equitable opportunities for all.

The CFMT Ernest and Selma Rosenblum Fund for the Performing Arts, established by Dr. Marvin J. Rosenblum in honor of his parents, supports the performing arts in Middle Tennessee. With a mission to foster a thriving and inclusive community, the fund encourages grant requests for program support, enabling nonprofits to access up to $15,000. This initiative aims to enhance exposure and education in the arts, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the region.

BlueCross Healthy Places aims to enhance community health by creating accessible spaces for physical activity. This initiative focuses on developing features like community gathering spots, fitness areas, and playgrounds tailored to local needs. The program encourages collaboration with both government and non-profit organizations to ensure projects are community-driven and inclusive. By prioritizing public access and community input, BlueCross Healthy Places seeks to foster healthier lifestyles and stronger community bonds.

Pregnant or parenting teens in Tennessee seeking post-secondary education or technical job training can receive scholarship support to build skills and improve employability. Grants from Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee help students in accredited colleges, universities, junior colleges, technical schools, or job-training programs, which may benefit museum-related career paths requiring higher education or vocational preparation.

Tennessee higher-education students serving as legislative interns can receive scholarship support to further their academic studies and internship experience. Grants from Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee help Tennessee students engaged in legislative internships cover higher education costs. Museum-affiliated students interning with the legislature may be eligible if they meet the internship criteria.

The Southern Documentary Fund (SDF) offers a Production Grant aimed at supporting Southern documentary filmmakers. With funding made possible by the MacArthur Foundation, SDF prioritizes nonfiction projects in production that showcase the rich tapestry of Southern stories. Up to seven grants of $15,000 each will be awarded to help elevate underrepresented voices and narratives. Applicants must have ties to Southern states and meet specific eligibility criteria to apply.

The Rosendin Foundation Emergency Grant provides financial support for unplanned expenses due to unforeseen circumstances such as natural disasters. Grants up to $5,000 are available for community-focused non-profit organizations in states where Rosendin and MPS operate. The foundation prioritizes emotional, occupational, and nutritional health initiatives, aiming to positively impact communities and empower individuals through financial support and volunteer efforts.

The Rosendin Foundation Annual Grant provides financial support to community-focused 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations across various states, aiding initiatives in emotional, occupational, and nutritional health. Grants can reach up to $50,000 and are geared towards organizations that positively impact their communities. However, the foundation does not fund discriminatory practices, political efforts, or religiously affiliated projects, ensuring that support is directed towards inclusive and impactful community services.

The Emerging Traditional Artists Program (ETAP), presented by South Arts Inc., supports early-career traditional artists from Appalachian Regional Commission-designated counties. With a $5,000 award, artists can access training, networking, and mentorship opportunities to enhance their skills and community impact. This initiative aims to preserve traditional arts and culture while fostering a new generation of artists dedicated to their craft and cultural heritage.

The CFMT Animal Welfare Grant Program, managed by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, aims to enhance animal welfare across the region. With a focus on spay/neuter services, retention programs for low-income pet owners, and educational initiatives on humane treatment, the program supports 501(c)(3) organizations dedicated to animal care. Grants up to $15,000 are available to foster community efforts that ensure the safety and health of animals, making a lasting impact on the lives of pets and their owners.

The Queer Mobilization Fund (QMF) supports community-led projects that advance Queer and Trans liberation, particularly for BIPOC individuals in the Southeastern US. Established in 2016, QMF prioritizes grassroots organizations with budgets under $300,000. The fund emphasizes rapid response funding and capacity building, aiming to empower marginalized communities often excluded from financial support. QMF does not fund groups outside the Southeast or for-profit activities, ensuring resources are directed towards those leading efforts for LGBTQ+ rights.

The AdvoCare Foundation, established in 1993, aims to promote health and wellness for children through its grant program. Focused on year-round initiatives, the foundation supports local communities where AdvoCare distributors operate. Grants typically last one year with an average funding of $25,000, although multi-year support may be available. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster positive health changes and encourages collaborative efforts with previous grantees.

The TN Used Oil Grants, offered by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, aim to enhance environmental quality by funding projects that establish or upgrade used oil collection infrastructure. Eligible applicants include nonprofit recycling organizations and municipalities. The grant prioritizes projects that create new collection sites, upgrade existing facilities, or establish DIY collection options. This non-matching grant emphasizes compliance with state standards, fostering sustainability and community engagement in waste management.

The MFA Oil Foundation Grant offers cash support to nonprofit organizations focused on enhancing communities where MFA Oil operates. With a mission to bolster rural areas, the foundation prioritizes initiatives that develop youth leadership, agricultural education, and community problem-solving. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt nonprofits and accredited educational institutions. However, grants are not available for operating expenses, political lobbying, or individual support. This initiative seeks to empower organizations that create sustainable change in their communities.

South Arts, Inc. offers Professional Development Grants for Arts Organizations to enhance the skills and knowledge of Southern arts entities. These grants aim to support operational stability and growth, focusing on organizations with budgets of $500,000 or less. Eligible applicants include a range of arts organizations within South Arts' nine-state service area. The program emphasizes first-time opportunities and requires a dollar-for-dollar cash match, ensuring a commitment to professional development in the arts.

Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) exists to enhance the quality of life for citizens of Tennessee and to be stewards of our natural environment by:

• Protecting and improving the quality of Tennessee’s air, land, and water through a responsible regulatory system
• Protecting and promoting human health and safety
• Conserving and promoting natural, cultural and historic resources
• Providing a variety of quality outdoor recreational experiences

Brownfield Redevelopment Area Grant (BRAG)

Program Purpose and Authority

In 2023, the Tennessee General Assembly authorized TDEC to establish the Brownfield Redevelopment Area Fund, enabling a state-administered brownfield grant program to support the identification, investigation, planning, and remediation of brownfield sites.

Program Objectives and Priorities

• Facilitate identification and cleanup of brownfield sites.
• Encourage economic and community redevelopment through reuse.
• Support environmentally sound remediation.
• Promote balanced access to funding statewide.

Project Categories

To support BRAG’s purpose of supporting identification, assessment, or remediation activities, TDEC will award grants for the identification, planning, assessment, remediation and closure of brownfield sites across the state.

Identification Grants

Inventory of brownfield sites across multiple locations. Contract Term: 12 months

Allowable Activities

The following is a list of allowable actions under an identification grant. Other expenses may be allowable but would require prior approval by TDEC.

• Developing or updating an inventory of previously unidentified brownfield sites within a grantee community (brownfield redevelopment area). In preparing a brownfield inventory, the inventory shall include, to the extent easily ascertainable: an assessment of the contaminants known or suspected to have been discharged or that are currently stored on the site; the extent of any remediation performed on the site; the site's proximity to transportation networks; and the availability of infrastructure to support the redevelopment of the site.

• The following information gathered for the inventory shall be submitted to TDEC: the location and size of the brownfield property; current and anticipated uses of the property; known data about the environmental conditions or past uses of the property; and ownership of the property.

Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) exists to enhance the quality of life for citizens of Tennessee and to be stewards of our natural environment by:

• Protecting and improving the quality of Tennessee’s air, land, and water through a responsible regulatory system
• Protecting and promoting human health and safety
• Conserving and promoting natural, cultural and historic resources
• Providing a variety of quality outdoor recreational experiences

Brownfield Redevelopment Area Grant (BRAG)

Program Purpose and Authority

In 2023, the Tennessee General Assembly authorized TDEC to establish the Brownfield Redevelopment Area Fund, enabling a state-administered brownfield grant program to support the identification, investigation, planning, and remediation of brownfield sites.

Program Objectives and Priorities

• Facilitate identification and cleanup of brownfield sites.
• Encourage economic and community redevelopment through reuse.
• Support environmentally sound remediation.
• Promote balanced access to funding statewide.

Project Categories

To support BRAG’s purpose of supporting identification, assessment, or remediation activities, TDEC will award grants for the identification, planning, assessment, remediation and closure of brownfield sites across the state.

Planning Grants

Activities preparing for redevelopment of sites. Developing an actionable plan for addressing a single or group of brownfields within a community. Contract Term: 12 months

Allowable Activities

The following is a list of allowable actions under a planning grant. Other expenses may be allowable but would require prior approval by TDEC.

• Conduct planning around one or more brownfield: initiate site revitalization and prepare for site redevelopment
• Conduct site-specific cleanup and redevelopment planning: identify a scope and process plan
• Conduct community involvement on brownfield redevelopment: inform and engage the community on site redevelopment goals

The Corporate Giving Program by the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation supports nonprofit organizations that enhance community welfare. Focus areas include agriculture, education, fighting hunger, and public safety. Eligible applicants must have IRS 501(c)(3) status and a Taxpayer Identification number. Requests are prioritized for programs directly benefiting communities near Perdue facilities across various states. The foundation emphasizes responsible stewardship and community engagement in all funding decisions.

The TN Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) offers Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) to protect croplands and grasslands on working farms. By limiting non-agricultural land use, ALE ensures the long-term viability of food supply and provides public benefits such as environmental quality and wildlife habitat. The program supports eligible partners, including tribal landowners and local governments, with financial assistance to preserve agricultural lands, ensuring sustainable agricultural practices for future generations.

The TN Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) offers Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE) to assist private and tribal landowners in protecting and restoring wetlands affected by agriculture. This program provides significant benefits, including improved water quality, enhanced wildlife habitat, and resilience to climate change. NRCS covers all costs associated with the easement process, ensuring landowners can effectively restore their wetlands through various enrollment options, including permanent and term easements.

The Tennessee Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) assists producers in enhancing their conservation practices and improving land management. By providing technical and financial support, CSP helps participants develop tailored conservation plans to address resource challenges and implement effective practices. Eligible applicants include individuals and entities managing agricultural land, with a focus on sustainability and resilience. The program aims to promote environmental stewardship while supporting agricultural productivity and fostering a healthier ecosystem.

The TN Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) provides vital support to farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners in Tennessee, helping them integrate conservation practices into their operations. Offering technical and financial assistance, EQIP addresses key natural resource concerns such as soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitats. Participants can develop custom conservation plans while having access to various initiatives and potential funding through Conservation Innovation Grants, making conservation beneficial for both the environment and agricultural productivity.

The TN Grants for Local Area Apiary Inspectors are designed to support County or Area Beekeeping Associations in the inspection of honeybee colonies. Since 1995, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture has allocated $22,050 for these grants, awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. This funding enables associations to hire qualified bee inspectors to ensure the health and safety of honeybee populations, ultimately benefiting local agriculture and ecosystems.

The TN Section 319 Nonpoint Source Grant Program, administered by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, addresses the critical issue of nonpoint source pollution, which affects water quality across the state. This program provides funding for Best Management Practices to combat pollution, supports watershed restoration projects, and promotes public education on managing water resources effectively. With a cost-share model, it incentivizes local initiatives to protect and restore vital water bodies in Tennessee.

The Tennessee Specialty Crop Block Grants (SCBG) aim to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops such as fruits, vegetables, and nuts. The Tennessee Department of Agriculture supports projects that positively impact local agriculture, focusing on innovative solutions that benefit multiple producers. Key outcomes include increasing consumer purchasing, expanding production access, and enhancing food safety. Eligible applicants include universities and community organizations, while start-ups are not funded.