Best Social Justice Grants in Tennessee

Focused on social justice capacity-building, Appalachian Community Fund invites Tennessee grassroots 501(c)(3) organizations in eligible Appalachian counties to seek technical assistance support. Community-led groups working for systemic social, economic, racial, and environmental justice can fund training and consulting in leadership, fundraising, planning, financial management, legal issues, community organizing, and communications.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charities, government entities, and qualifying foundations in Tennessee and other AEP service areas can seek funding for social justice, basic needs, and STEM education programs. The American Electric Power Foundation supports efforts advancing equity, hunger and housing services, and related environmental, health, safety, arts, and cultural initiatives.

Nonprofit organizations in Tennessee that are 501(c)(3)s and run programs for children, education, or health and human services may be eligible for monetary support, which could benefit social justice and human rights efforts. Grants from Costco Foundation help community-based programs demonstrate measurable outcomes, collaborate locally, and leverage a broad base of financial support.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative human services or social problem-solving programs in Tennessee can seek funding to develop or expand new approaches. Focused on innovation, Creag Foundation invites smaller or evolving organizations to inquire about support, which may benefit groups advancing social justice or human rights in their communities.

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 social impact organizations addressing social justice and human rights in Tennessee and globally can access funding and support through Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation, with awards up to US $300,000. Grants provide multi-year capital plus intensive capacity-building and community for scalable, systems-focused solutions benefiting underserved populations.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

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.

Tennessee nonprofits and other eligible charitable organizations working in health, education, or community services can receive support for programs such as food pantries, healthcare for underserved populations, STEM education, and preventative health initiatives. Labcorp Charitable Foundation provides grants to U.S.-based 501(c)(3) and equivalent organizations that strengthen local communities and promote equitable care and education.

With a mission to support grassroots social change, Appalachian Community Fund provides Tennessee LGBTQ and social justice organizations with grants up to US $2,000 to build capacity and institutional resources. Eligible 501(c)(3) or fiscally sponsored, community-led groups in designated Appalachian counties, especially new or youth-focused efforts, can apply anytime.

Organizations serving urban children and youth in education, health, or family economic stability can apply for Michael & Susan Dell Foundation grants of more than US $50,000 for project support or scaling. Eligible entities in Tennessee and other U.S. locations, India, and South Africa include nonprofits, social enterprises, schools, governments, and community-based organizations.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

Rural grassroots community groups in Tennessee and the broader Southeast can use this grant for community organizing, capacity building, and voter engagement tied to social, economic, and environmental justice. Tennessee social justice and human rights organizers may be eligible for up to US $3,500 from Southern Partners Fund’s Discretionary Fund each year.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Tennessee working on housing, jobs, hunger, community development, or related basic needs may be eligible for sponsorship support. Bank of America Charitable Foundation also considers arts, culture, environmental, and diversity initiatives, which can include social justice and human rights programming in low- and moderate-income communities.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing community services in Tennessee can seek philanthropic grants or event sponsorships that support their service and fundraising goals. With a mission to strengthen communities, Insperity provides Tennessee nonprofits with financial support when they engage Insperity employees, are Insperity clients, or serve communities where its employees live and work.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding can seek funding that may benefit social justice and human rights efforts in Tennessee. Focused on broad, forward-looking change, the Dudley T Dougherty Foundation invites applicants whose work respects people, the environment, and all forms of life.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries working on environmental or human services programs in Tennessee and beyond can seek $5,000 - $10,000 in unrestricted operating or project support. With a mission to back environmental and human services causes, Lawrence Foundation provides flexible funding that may benefit social justice and human rights initiatives.

The Assisi Foundation provides Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits with funding for health, education, social justice, arts, and community enhancement initiatives in the Mid-South. Eligible organizations must operate in Shelby, Fayette, or Tipton Counties in Tennessee, or nearby counties in Arkansas and Mississippi, and maintain inclusive, non-discriminatory governance and services across faith traditions.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations improving quality of life through economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, or disaster relief in Tennessee communities where O’Reilly Auto Parts operates may be eligible for project, operating, or capital support. Grants from O'Reilly Automotive Foundation help Tennessee social justice and human rights organizations serving underserved and underrepresented individuals and families build stronger, more resilient communities.

501(c)(3) public charities in Tennessee can apply for Union Pacific Foundation’s Community Ties Local Grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $30,000 for safety, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability projects. Organizations serving Union Pacific rail communities, including those advancing equity, youth development, basic needs, or community safety and justice, may be eligible.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving youth and families through education, housing, food security, or environmental stewardship can access funding through Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards. U.S.-based organizations and certain international equivalents may receive US $30,000 - US $350,000 for programs that support underserved young people, which may include social justice or human rights-focused initiatives.

Rural, community-based 501(c)(3) organizations using grassroots organizing for social, economic, or environmental justice in Tennessee and other Southeastern states can seek general or project support through the Hubert E. Sapp Regular Grant Cycle. Southern Partners Fund prioritizes small-budget groups building local leadership and community power rather than providing direct services.

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.

Lawson Family Foundation

The Lawson Family Foundation was established by Phil Lawson in 2020 to serve as a catalyst for the development of a more healthy, prosperous, and inclusive Knoxville community. As a private grantmaking foundation, the Lawson Family Foundation focuses support on organizations involved in the areas of Justice & Economic Mobility, Education & Youth Development, Prevention of Exploitation & Violence, and Community Health & Food Security. 

Driven by the belief that every life has equal value, the Lawson Family Foundation exists to support efforts that promote justice and opportunity in all aspects of society, primarily in Knoxville, Tennessee. In doing so, it seeks to achieve a positive impact in marginalized communities that will last for generations.

Lawson Family Foundation Justice & Economic Mobility Grant

Persistent poverty in Knoxville, especially in East Knoxville, reflects the lasting impact of historic injustices such as redlining and Urban Renewal. These forces have contributed to declining homeownership, loss of generational wealth, and increased risk of displacement—disproportionately affecting historically underserved communities and communities of color. Individuals with prior incarceration often face additional barriers to stable employment and economic advancement.

The Foundation supports initiatives that expand access to financial literacy, capital, and quality employment.