Best Grants for Nonprofit Child Care Centers in Tennessee

Nonprofit organizations in Tennessee providing homelessness services, supportive housing, child care, or related supports can seek US $35,000 - US $125,000 to help people experiencing or at risk of homelessness regain stable permanent housing. Tennessee Housing Development Agency administers this Emergency Solutions Grant program for a range of housing, crisis intervention, and supportive service activities.

Existing TDHS-licensed child care agencies in Tennessee expanding to increase capacity can seek funding for equipment, program enhancements, supplies, and coaches or consultants. With a mission to support early childhood education, Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee provides Expansion Grants up to US $1,000 per licensed slot, with a maximum of US $100,000.

Nonprofit child care and community organizations in Tennessee planning highly visible events or projects may be eligible for sponsorship support that benefits local communities. Tyson Foods supports initiatives that align with its core values, clearly demonstrate community benefit and visibility, and show how sponsorship funds will advance the organization’s primary mission and tax-deductible activities.

501(c)(3) nonprofits improving educational outcomes for children and youth can apply for Comis Foundation grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $75,000 for programs, capacity building, and innovation. Child care and early learning organizations in Tennessee may be eligible if they serve children through education, youth services, or related support, including nationally focused initiatives.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing child care, housing, education, or related services to economically or educationally disadvantaged families can access funding and low-interest PRI support from the Erich & Hannah Sachs Foundation. Programs that strengthen the economic base of low-income communities and show strong potential to be self-sustaining may be eligible in the U.S. and abroad.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting children’s health, wellness, or child care services, including Tennessee child care centers, can apply for grants up to US $15,000 to improve the lives of children. Grants from 15 and the Mahomies Foundation help U.S. child-focused programs address health, wellness, and community resource needs through charitable initiatives.

Child care and youth-serving organizations in Tennessee that are not 501(c)(3) nonprofits can receive small Neighborhood Donations to support programs or events. Eastern Bank Foundation offers US $100 - US $1,000 awards across areas like child care services, basic human needs, housing, employment, and related community services, primarily within its regional market.

Grants from WK Kellogg Foundation help Tennessee child care and early childhood organizations expand nurturing care, education, and family support. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) entities or public institutions working on early learning, child care services, maternal and child health, nutrition, racial equity, and family economic security; the program is open year-round and also funds work across the U.S., Mexico, and Haiti.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Tennessee supporting child care, youth services, or children’s health can request monetary or in-kind dining certificate support to benefit kids, hunger, and education programs. Brinker International provides one donation per organization each calendar year, with applications submitted online at least six weeks before the related event.

Nonprofit child- and youth-serving organizations in Tennessee can seek funding for programs that support children’s health, mental health, disabilities, welfare, early childhood development, and child care services. CAPTRUST Community Foundation offers one large Charity of Choice award plus multiple national partnership grants each year to charities meeting its mission to serve children’s needs.

Nonprofit organizations in Tennessee providing child care, education, youth support, or other basic human needs may be eligible for this outreach funding, which supports programs in Davidson County. Tennessee child care centers and related service providers can access funding through Woodmont Christian Church to address physical and mental health, disability support, senior services, and reentry or prison ministries.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) child care and family-support organizations focused on child care services and related basic needs in Middle Tennessee may be eligible for general operating, program, or invited capital support. Focused on community health and wellbeing, HCA Foundation prioritizes established nonprofits headquartered in select Middle Tennessee counties with operating budgets between $500,000 and $20,000,000.

Nonprofit organizations providing child care or broader child welfare services in Tennessee can seek project-based support to improve and enhance children’s lives. Focused on frontline programs, Thing 123 Foundation invites U.S.-based charities, including those running nonprofit child care centers, to apply for time-limited grants aligned with its mission to support children.

Joseph G Markoly Foundation Inc

When Joseph Markoly originally established the foundation more than thirty years ago, its focus was on Alzheimer’s and heart disease support, funded through a number of the larger national disease-related organizations. Over time the focus has shifted to helping small to mid-size organizations in our local communities which support children and seniors in a variety of effective ways. 

Markoly Foundation was established in honor of Joseph G. Markoly, an entrepreneur and philanthropist who wanted to make a positive impact in people’s lives. Joseph’s family was affected directly by both Alzheimer’s and heart disease having lost a family member to each condition. For that reason, the foundation dedicates a majority of their resources to providing grants to organizations that focus on the treatment of each of these diseases. In addition, Markoly Foundation supports a variety of programs dedicated to helping children and seniors by providing services, supplies, programs and research in areas impacting these demographics.

Joseph G. Markoly Foundation Grant Support for Children’s Organizations

Children are the future of this world and the Markoly Foundation is proud to fund local programs dedicated to improving the lives of children and their families. From providing vision services for school kids to classes on parenting, we are proud to do our part to help fund critical community programs for families.

We are dedicated to providing funding for local nonprofit programs that improve the quality of life for all, but particularly for the children and elders in our community.

Theresa Alessandra Russo Foundation Inc

The Theresa Foundation honors the memory of Theresa Alessandra Russo by touching the lives of children with special needs and their families. The Foundation fosters each child’s unique abilities by supporting programs focusing on art, music, dance, drama, and recreation.

The Theresa Foundation has a vision of the world where artistic expression and physical recreation are just as important to adults as they are to children. We believe in a world where every child, regardless of ability or challenging conditions, is free to communicate through and participate in every art or recreational activity. A society without art is a society without soul. Art enables us to express our inner thoughts, fears, joys, and sadness.  

The Theresa Foundation Grant Program

The Theresa Foundation Grant Program is committed to providing financial support for programs in art, music, dance, drama, or recreation that are designed specifically for children with special needs in order to ensure that no one is excluded from these activities. 

We believe that every individual should have the opportunity to participate in art, music, dance, drama or recreation if they so choose. Our grant program works to provide direct funding for the success of these activities, while also promoting an environment of acceptance and inclusiveness where all can take part without judgment or fear. 

As of 2026, the Theresa Foundation has provided over $3,300,000 in grant funding for over 200 programs in 29 states throughout the country and 4 international grants. With your help we can continue to make a difference in the lives of those with special needs by providing them access to enriching experiences that would otherwise be out of reach. 

Nonprofit, Tribal, and governmental organizations in Tennessee that work directly with child abuse, domestic violence, or sexual assault survivors can receive up to US $5,000 for staff self-care training, small capital items, and team-building activities. Grants from Joyful Heart Foundation help child care and child-serving programs support frontline staff experiencing secondary trauma.

Nonprofit organizations providing social service programs in Tennessee can access funding through the William Randolph Hearst Foundation to support proven, direct-service solutions addressing chronic poverty and economic hardship. U.S.-based 501(c)(3)s with audited expenses over $2 million may receive more than US $100,000 for program, capital, or general operating support, which may benefit child- and family-serving agencies.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing health, education, or community services can access funding through Labcorp Charitable Foundation to support programs serving local communities. Grants may benefit child care centers that offer food assistance, healthcare access, STEM education, or wellness initiatives for children and families in need across the U.S.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) child care and early education nonprofits working in preservation, education, or wellness can access funding through Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation’s Storytelling Grant to share their impact. Awards of more than US $50,000 support high-quality storytelling about programs such as early childhood education, mental health, outdoor access, and mentorship that benefit children and families.

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.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

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.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.