Best Marine Grants in Tennessee

Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on economic and workforce advancement, affordable housing, or community arts and culture can access funding through U.S. Bank Foundation’s Community Possible program. Organizations serving designated U.S. Bank communities, especially those led by people of color and addressing multiple pillars, may be competitive, including groups whose work connects indirectly to marine or water-related community needs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Tennessee that support children, education, or health and human services can apply for monetary program support that may benefit marine or coastal communities. Grants from Costco Foundation help fund evidence-based programs with measurable outcomes, strong community collaboration, and a broad base of financial support in areas where Costco operates.

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

Early-stage, impact-first nonprofit and mission-driven for-profit organizations tackling major social or environmental challenges can access funding and support that may benefit marine and conservation work in Tennessee. Grants from Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation help scalable ventures in priority regions, including the U.S., with up to US $300,000 plus intensive capacity-building and community connections.

Nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations using technology for crisis response, education access, or economic empowerment, including climate resilience work, may be eligible for Global Impact Cash Grants up to US $100,000 in Tennessee and worldwide. Cisco Systems Foundation supports innovative, early-stage programs serving predominantly economically underserved communities, with applications accepted year-round via an initial LOI.

Tennessee cultural nonprofits with audited expenses over $2 million can access funding through the William Randolph Hearst Foundation for arts and science programs, capital projects, and limited general or endowment support. U.S.-based museums, performing arts organizations, arts schools, and STEAM education programs engaging youth or developing artistic talent may be competitive, especially those serving large populations with measurable impact.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

Nonprofit organizations working in health, education, or community services in Tennessee can access funding through the Labcorp Charitable Foundation to support equitable care, education, and local community needs. The foundation supports projects such as healthcare for underserved populations, food pantries, STEM programming, and health research, which may benefit marine-focused groups addressing community health or education near waterways.

Organizations supporting education, child health, or family economic stability for low-income urban youth, including those in Tennessee, can apply for Michael & Susan Dell Foundation grants of more than US $50,000 for project support or scaling. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, social enterprises, schools, governments, and other qualified entities working in the U.S., India, or South Africa.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving Tennessee communities with early childhood education or economic development programs can receive support for initiatives benefiting low- and moderate-income families. PNC Foundation provides funding for efforts like early learning, affordable housing, small business support, community services, arts, and neighborhood revitalization in counties where PNC has a significant presence.

Nonprofit organizations providing health, education, or humanitarian services can access support from Semnani Family Foundation, which funds work in Tennessee as part of its U.S. focus. Grants prioritize marginalized communities through health care access, disaster relief, child and women’s health, and related human and social services, and may benefit marine-focused groups serving vulnerable populations.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations conducting charitable, scientific, medical, or educational work in the U.S., including marine and ocean-focused programs in Tennessee, may be eligible for support. With a mission to strengthen broadly beneficial services, Sidney Stern Memorial Trust provides funding to tax-exempt organizations that significantly impact their target populations and general welfare.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community development, basic needs, workforce readiness, or environmental initiatives in Tennessee may be eligible for sponsorship support that advances economic mobility and social progress. Bank of America Foundation supports U.S. projects preserving neighborhoods, addressing hunger and shelter, and fostering arts, culture, and inclusion, which may include marine or water-related environmental efforts.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and aligned for-profits seeking to tell powerful stories about their work can apply for the Storytelling Grant from the Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation, with awards of more than US $50,000. Tennessee groups working in wildlife conservation, environmental preservation, education, or wellness may be eligible to fund media and storytelling projects that showcase their impact.

Tennessee nonprofits serving communities through education, health, poverty relief, conservation, or related programs can access funding through Robinson Foundation if they are 501(c)(3) charities active for over three years in the Southern region. Grants support single-year projects with tangible, meaningful impact; facilities and capital projects are not funded.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting community services in Tennessee can seek philanthropic grants or event sponsorships that strengthen local communities. With a mission to support community involvement, Insperity provides eligible charities with financial support or sponsorship once per year, particularly where employees are engaged, the nonprofit is a client, or it serves communities where employees live and work.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on environmental conservation and community services, including marine or ocean-focused efforts in Tennessee, may be eligible for support from the Dudley T Dougherty Foundation. Focused on respecting life, people, and the environment, this grant can help advance projects that address environmental challenges and promote a better future.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and eligible local government entities within 30 miles of a Georgia-Pacific manufacturing community in Tennessee can apply for Georgia-Pacific Foundation’s support; awards fund education, environment, entrepreneurship, and community enrichment initiatives. Marine or water-related conservation projects that fit these priorities and serve GP communities may be eligible.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office can seek TJX Foundation grants supporting basic needs, youth education, workforce readiness, and safety from domestic violence. Tennessee groups serving vulnerable children and families may be eligible if they align with TJX’s mission and nondiscrimination requirements.

Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation provides Tennessee nonprofits with grants of US $1,000 - US $20,000 for community-based programs, including environmental and wildlife protection activities. IRS-qualified organizations working on conservation or related education, cultural, health, or social services projects anywhere in the U.S. may be eligible to apply.

Focused on basic needs and community vitality, Ameriprise Financial invites U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits to apply for grants supporting hunger relief, shelter, adult self-sufficiency, and neighborhood development. Tennessee organizations working on these priorities, especially those engaging Ameriprise volunteers, may be eligible for funding that strengthens local resilience and opportunity.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working in areas like education, social services, health care, civic and cultural programs, or environmental initiatives in Tennessee and across the U.S. can seek project funding from the Dr Scholl Foundation, with typical awards of US $5,000 - US $25,000. Marine and conservation-focused nonprofits may be eligible if their work fits these priorities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations improving quality of life in Tennessee communities can seek funding for project, general operating, or capital support that advances economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, or disaster relief. Grants from O'Reilly Automotive Foundation help U.S. community-focused nonprofits, including those near O’Reilly Auto Parts locations, that serve underserved and underrepresented individuals and families.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) public charities with programs in safety, workforce development, community vitality, or environmental sustainability can apply for Union Pacific Foundation’s Community Ties Local Grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $30,000 for project-based work. Eligible nonprofits in Union Pacific–served communities, including those with environmental or conservation efforts, may benefit from this funding.

Tennessee nonprofits and 501(c)(3)-equivalent charities working on youth, family, housing, food security, or environmental stewardship can access funding through Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards, with grants from US $30,000 - US $350,000. Organizations serving underserved youth and families may be eligible nationwide, including those whose work complements marine or environmental education efforts.

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.