Best Grants for Museums in Tennessee

Funding for the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP) was provided to the Tennessee Department of Agriculture by the 2008 State Legislature. The Community Tree Planting TAEP program is administered by the Division of Forestry’s Urban and Community Forestry Program.

The goal of TAEP community tree planting grant is to increase the tree resource base in communities throughout Tennessee. Trees provide a multitude of benefits to communities including energy savings, heat reduction, storm water mitigation, air quality improvement, provision of food and habitat for wildlife, and positive impacts to human health and well-being. Therefore, the primary purpose of this funding is not beautification. 

Arbor Rising Grant, established in 2010, is a NYC-based nonprofit providing unrestricted multi-year funding and capacity-building support to nonprofits focused on alleviating poverty. The grant process occurs every three years, with the next round in 2025 being invitation-only. Eligible organizations must demonstrate high potential and effective leadership, typically operating on a modest budget. Arbor Rising prioritizes applicants from the NYC metro area while expanding to cover the lower 48 US states.

The Arthur F. and Alice E. Adams Charitable Foundation, established in 1985, supports various charitable initiatives focusing on arts, culture, humanities, and education. It primarily benefits organizations in Memphis, Miami, and New York City. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) exempt organizations and seek project sponsorships. The foundation does not fund general operating costs or capital campaigns, and requests over $50,000 are generally discouraged. Proposals must be for projects commencing at least a year after submission.

The Encova Foundation of West Virginia is dedicated to improving communities by supporting local causes that align with the values of its associates and policyholders. They focus on health, education, and wellness, emphasizing the importance of children's success. Organizations applying for grants must be U.S.-based and verified as charitable. Preference is given to initiatives impacting health and education, especially those involving Encova associates as active participants.

Tennessee Emergency Management Agency

TEMA supports local jurisdictions during emergencies in managing the flow of assets, services, and teams to address the emergency; activating the State Emergency Operations Center to coordinate and communicate with critical emergency functions; and reaching out for mutual aid from from other departments or agencies of the state, from local jurisdictions, from other states, and from the federal government.

After the emergency has passed, TEMA then works with local jurisdictions to conduct damage assessments, to ensure local needs are met, and to coordinate any federal assistance programs provided as a result of the disaster to help people recover after disasters and emergencies.

Governor's Response and Recovery Fund

The Governor’s Response and Recovery Fund (GRRF) was established to provide flexible, grant-based financial support to help communities, organizations, businesses, and landowners recover from disasters. The fund is designed to address unmet disaster recovery needs when traditional aid may not fully cover recovery costs. GRRF is intended to support a broad range of recovery efforts, from immediate needs to longer-term projects, helping ensure that affected areas across Tennessee have access to resources needed to recover as quickly and efficiently as possible.

The fund may be available following a Governor's State of Emergency declared executive order or proclamation.

What the Fund Can Support

Grant awards can be used for a range of recovery and rebuilding purposes, such as:

• Repair or replacement of damaged public infrastructure or facilities
• Restoration of nonprofit facilities and community service providers
• Repair or recovery of business property, equipment, or operations
• Support for agricultural or forest-land recovery for affected farmers or landowners
• Any other recovery-related project that addresses documented disaster losses or damages and aligns with Fund guidelines

If approved, funds are provided as grants, not loans — no repayment is required so long as funds are used for the approved project. Grants may be awarded in full or in part, depending on available funding and competing needs. The fund seeks to maximize its impact by supporting as many eligible projects as possible, while prioritizing critical needs.

The TAC Arts Build Communities' Grant provides essential funding for arts projects that enhance community engagement and address local issues in Tennessee. This program supports innovative arts experiences, strengthens social networks, and promotes cultural initiatives that contribute to community identity and economic development. Eligible organizations include non-profits and government entities, and projects must be accessible to the public. This grant encourages creativity and collaboration among artists and communities across the state.

The FY26 Defense Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (DEPSCoR) aims to enhance research capabilities in eligible states by increasing the number of university researchers and institutions conducting relevant science and engineering research. Sponsored by the Department of Defense, this program will fund multiyear awards to promote research aligned with national security needs. Applications require a multi-stage submission process, emphasizing early registration and timely proposal submissions.

The FY26 Defense Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (DEPSCoR) Capacity Building opportunity aims to enhance the capabilities of university researchers in eligible states. Managed by the DoD, this initiative focuses on increasing the number of researchers capable of conducting relevant science and engineering research. The program also seeks to strengthen institutions of higher education and improve their competitiveness for federal research funding, ultimately fostering long-term growth in financial assistance for scientific research.

The Norfolk Southern Corporate Giving: Thriving Communities Grant Program supports initiatives that promote sustainability, workforce development, and community resilience across a 22-state network. With grants ranging from $1,000 to $50,000, the program aims to foster economic development and ensure equal access to basic necessities. Eligible organizations include tax-exempt nonprofits, government entities, and public schools, emphasizing diversity and inclusion in their community-focused efforts.

The TAC Creative Placemaking grant aims to enrich Tennessee's local character through arts and culture. It supports projects that enhance community identity and promote economic development. Applicants can request up to $30,000, with a required cash or in-kind match. The program encourages collaboration among various sectors to create vibrant community spaces. Notably, schools and ongoing arts programming are ineligible for funding, ensuring resources are directed toward innovative, transformative projects.

The TAC Major Cultural Institutions Grant provides crucial operational support to established arts organizations in Tennessee. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a strong history of programming, with at least three consecutive years of annual revenue exceeding $1 million. This competitive grant allows for funding requests up to $200,000, based on documented operating expenses. The grant aims to enhance the cultural landscape of Tennessee by supporting organizations that make a significant impact on their communities.

The TAC Partnership Support Grant provides crucial operating support for arts organizations chartered in Tennessee. Eligible applicants include independent arts groups and local arts agencies with a minimum budget of $75,000. Organizations can request up to $100,000, representing 20% of their total cash operating expenses. Applicants must adhere to specific eligibility criteria, including prior funding history and having a full-time administrator. This competitive grant fosters community engagement and promotes the arts across Tennessee.

The Norfolk Southern Corporate Giving: Safety First Grant Program aims to enhance community safety across its 22-state network. With grants ranging from $1,000 to $15,000, it supports organizations that provide safety services or promote safe behavior. This program reflects Norfolk Southern's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, empowering employees to engage locally. By investing in safety and workforce development, Norfolk Southern fosters thriving communities, demonstrating its dedication to social responsibility and community well-being.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits and other eligible tax-exempt organizations can seek up to US $30,000 to support community-strengthening programs in education, cultural enrichment, and spiritual development. The Mooneyhan Family Foundation funds projects such as youth literacy, arts and heritage initiatives, and Christian programs that benefit families and youth, which may include museum-based activities.

The Connecting Joy Grant, provided by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, aims to enhance the hospital experience for children battling illness through engaging gaming programs. This initiative supports children's hospitals and nonprofits by funding equipment, staffing, and connectivity, ensuring children can enjoy gaming at their bedside. With grants ranging from $25,000 to $150,000, the program focuses on offering joy and distraction, helping young patients cope with their hospital stays while facilitating connections with peers.

The Dunkin’ Prom Grant, provided by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, aims to bring joy to teenage patients unable to attend their own prom due to illness. By funding hospitals to host prom-like events, the program ensures these patients experience this significant milestone. Grants typically range from $20,000 to $50,000, supporting the creation of memorable events with themes, food, entertainment, and formal wear for the teens, making a positive impact in their lives.

The Dunkin' Joyful Spaces Grant supports children's hospitals and community health centers in creating joyful environments for pediatric patients. Launched in 2022, this initiative helps fund play areas, healing gardens, and other kid-friendly spaces, enhancing the hospital experience. Grants typically range from $25,000 to $65,000 annually, with a maximum of $150,000 over three years. This opportunity encourages creativity in designing spaces that provide comfort and joy to children and their families during hospital stays.

The Dogs for Joy Grant, funded by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, supports the integration of trained facility dogs in pediatric hospitals. These dogs provide emotional support, help children cope with medical procedures, and enhance overall well-being. The program aims to increase the presence of in-residence dogs, as research highlights their positive impact on reducing anxiety and improving patient outcomes. Grants typically cover multi-year funding, promoting innovative animal-assisted therapy approaches in healthcare settings.

The Sundt Foundation, established in 1999, supports local communities by offering grants and volunteer opportunities for 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Focused on youth development, hunger and nutrition, and veteran services, the Foundation prioritizes projects in regions such as the Southwest and Southeast United States. However, they do not fund requests exceeding $25,000 or support multi-year pledges, fundraising events, or political causes. Their mission continues to foster community connections and belonging.

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.

South Arts Inc

Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, South Arts is a nonprofit regional arts organization empowering artists, organizations, and communities, and increasing access to arts and culture.

In partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the State Arts Agencies of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee — with additional funding from other public and private donors such as the Doris Duke Foundation, the Ford Foundation, and Mellon Foundation — South Arts supports artists and organizations through a rich and responsive portfolio of grants, fellowships, and programs. Why? Because South Arts believes that the arts elevate the region, increasing connectedness and inspiring meaningful change in the process.

Our mission: Advancing Southern vitality through the arts.

Arts in Community Grants

Program Description

Arts in Community Grants are designed to support deeper engagements between Southern communities and artists. Through these grants supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, we aim to increase access to the arts, expand audiences for artists, and broaden our reach. Eligible projects require a Southern artist/company visiting another Southern state for public activities, offering access to arts programming by professional artists. Funding supports Southern film directors, traditional artists, visual artists, performing artists, or writers:

• film (documentary, fiction, experimental, and animation),
• traditional arts (music, dance, storytelling, and visual arts/crafts),
• visual arts (crafts, drawing, experimental, painting, photography, sculpture, and mixed media),
• performing arts (theater, music, opera, musical theater, and dance), and
• literary arts (fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry).

Projects require an artist or artist ensemble and a host or partner organization. Project must include at least two in-person or live, virtual public activities – both a public presentation (a film screening, performance, reading, or exhibition) and an educational/community engagement activity (a workshop, demonstration, lecture, facilitated discussion, or master class). The grant requires a dollar-for-dollar cash match.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation offers over 250 scholarships for undergraduate students pursuing dietetics. Applicants complete a single application to be considered for multiple scholarships ranging from $500 to $25,000. Eligibility includes enrollment in an ACEND-accredited program and various special criteria. This initiative supports students from diverse backgrounds, encouraging future professionals in nutrition and dietetics. Membership in the Academy is recommended but not mandatory for application.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation offers over 250 scholarships for graduate and doctoral students pursuing degrees in nutrition and dietetics. With scholarship amounts ranging from $500 to $25,000, applicants can utilize a single application to be considered for multiple opportunities. Eligibility includes enrollment in accredited programs and other criteria such as experience in education or dietetics. Membership in the Academy is encouraged, although not required, for most scholarships.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation offers over 250 scholarships for dietetic interns, allowing a single application to apply for multiple awards. Scholarships range from $500 to $25,000, with eligibility for interns enrolled through June 30, 2024, including those with off-cycle matches. Applicants should consider their career goals in areas like clinical dietetics, culinary arts, and nutrition education. Academy membership is encouraged but not required. Fundraising determines the number of scholarships available each year.

The UNICO Foundation offers the Dr. Benjamin Cottone Memorial Scholarship, providing $5,000 to support a U.S. citizen of Italian descent pursuing a medical degree. Eligible candidates must be seniors at accredited colleges or medical schools, with proof of enrollment required. This scholarship not only aids education but also honors the foundation's commitment to community service and heritage, reflecting the core values of the Italian American community.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation offers a variety of scholarships for students in the Dietetic Technician Program, with over 250 scholarships available. Ranging from $500 to $25,000, these scholarships help support aspiring dietetic professionals. Applicants need to complete a single application to be considered for multiple scholarships based on eligibility. Membership in the Academy is encouraged but not mandatory for applying.

Armstrong County Community Foundation

The Armstrong County Community Foundation, a public nonprofit corporation,

• Gives grants, scholarships, and organizational support to address the needs of our community.
• Builds a permanent endowment to help our donors create a legacy through this endowment.
• Promotes informed philanthropy to increase and sustain charitable resources for the region.
• Provides leadership and builds partnerships to identify and solve community issues.

Gerstbrein/McCanna Scholarship for the Arts

After a long and rewarding career in Landscape Design and Art Education, Lisa Gerstbrein/McCanna wanted to promote the Arts and Industrial Arts in the community where she made her home and her livelihood. Her career brought her tremendous joy in pursuits that she loved as well as the satisfying reward of helping students find inspiration in the worlds of Art and Industrial Art. She is a true believer in the concept of STEAM based education. Accordingly, she established a fund to provide scholarships for the advanced education of advancing Senior High School Students in these areas who are residents of Armstrong County, Pennsylvania and are pursuing higher education in an approved program within 300 miles of their respective school - Armstrong High School, West Shamokin High School or Lenape Technical School. 

Scholarship Details

• Available to High School Seniors
• Nonrenewable

All ACCF Scholarships are merit based.