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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving children and families in Tennessee and the broader Southern region can apply for Robinson Foundation support for programmatic needs, not capital projects. Focused on relieving hardship, it funds areas like child and family services, education, poverty relief, and related support that may benefit nonprofit child care centers with established operations of three or more years.

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. 

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.

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.

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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

The Hillman Innovations in Care Grant seeks innovative, nursing-driven proposals to address the impact of racism on health equity for marginalized communities. This includes addressing health disparities faced by BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and economically disadvantaged populations. The program encourages bold, evidence-based interventions that enhance healthcare delivery and outcomes. Grants of up to $600,000 will support projects that demonstrate potential for broad replicability and sustainability over a 36-month period.

Quest Diagnostics Foundation

Established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Quest Diagnostics Foundation is committed to addressing the systemic root causes of health disparities. By combining corporate resources with trusted community leadership, we fund and scale evidence-based initiatives that promote wellness, prevent chronic disease, and empower individuals.

We focus our resources on three critical, interconnected clinical and social interventions to build sustainable health improvement:

• Strengthening the community health workforce
• Addressing social drivers of health (SDoH)
• Promoting the prevention, early detection, monitoring, and treatment of disease through diagnostic testing

About Quest for Healthy Communities Champions

The Quest for Healthy Communities Champion award was created to honor, uplift, and support outstanding organizations across the United States that are actively living our core purpose:

Working together to create a healthier world, one life at a time.

Whether you are expanding access to life-saving screenings, supporting maternal and family wellness, or addressing critical social drivers of health, your dedication is moving us closer to an equitable healthcare future. We want to recognize and celebrate your impact.

What we celebrate: Our core impact pillars

The Champions we look to honor are community-first organizations and coalitions tackling critical disparities head-on. We are especially excited to spotlight work that advances health, addresses social drivers of health, fosters community-clinical linkages and develops the community workforce. Examples of this work could include: 

• Programs actively dismantling clinical barriers to ensure every individual—regardless of zip code, background, or income—has access to high-quality care
• Innovators providing creative solutions for food security, transportation, health education, and maternal-child support networks
• Organizations bringing critical care directly to those in need through mobile clinics, community health workers, and localized diagnostic screenings
• Organizations finding creative ways to engage the communities they serve directly into the solutions they are delivering

The award: Selected organization champions will receive a $10,000 grant.

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.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

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.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

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.

Tennessee nonprofit child care and early childhood programs that are 501(c)(3) organizations may be eligible for funding to improve services for underserved families and children. Tennessee child care services can access funding through O'Reilly Automotive Foundation for project, operating, or capital support related to economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, or disaster relief in communities where O’Reilly Auto Parts operates.

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.