Best Grants for 501(c)(3) in Tennessee

Tennessee 501(c)(3) organizations promoting safe sports, outdoor recreation, or first responder programs can seek in-kind support for community events and initiatives. Focused on safety, activity, and connection, Academy Sports + Outdoors invites collective groups like leagues, associations, and school districts in Tennessee store communities to request donations at least 90 days before their event.

American Electric Power Foundation provides Tennessee 501(c)(3) public charities and eligible public entities with funding for STEM education, basic needs like hunger and housing, and social justice initiatives. Organizations must be within AEP’s service territory or have national or regional reach benefiting the public, environment, or AEP customers, and meet strict non-discrimination standards.

The Auto Club Group Foundation provides Tennessee 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, local governments, and first responder agencies with funding for traffic safety, driver education, and K–12 financial literacy initiatives. Eligible applicants within the foundation’s 14-state footprint can request US $5,000 - US $15,000, including for passive speed enforcement equipment such as speed display signs.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) public charities seeking support for programs, projects, or operations can apply for grants that fund healthcare, education, veterans’ services, animal welfare, housing, arts, and community and economic development. Grants from Dwayne Hawkins Family Foundation help organizations in Hamilton, Marion, and Sequatchie Counties advance their ongoing mission and impact in local communities.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) organizations focused on STEM education, digital literacy, technology, or workforce skills can access funding through C Spire Wireless Foundation to support community projects and events. Preference is given to groups based in the C Spire service region across Mississippi, Tennessee, and Alabama that strengthen tech education and professional development.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government entities, and educational institutions serving military members, veterans, first responders, or community needs can receive in-kind transportation services and donated railroad equipment and materials. CSX Foundation supports eligible organizations within its rail network communities through intermodal freight moves and occasional donations of supplies and retired rail cars.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) organizations developing educational testing, support materials, or innovative education projects can apply for Dunn Family Foundation grants, typically ranging from US $5,000 - US $25,000. Eligible nonprofits must have offices in Tennessee, with initial awards for project costs and potential future support for operations or related capital needs.

501(c)(3) nonprofits and eligible governmental units addressing community betterment, basic human needs, health, or the arts in Tennessee and other operating states can seek project support from the Frankenmuth Insurance Foundation. Grants may benefit programs like food banks, shelters, youth services, and similar initiatives focused on local residents’ well-being.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving residents in the Nashville Memorial Hospital service area can seek funding for health care access, human and social services, education, youth and senior programs, and community services. Focused on community impact, Memorial Foundation considers capital projects, general operating support, and some start-up initiatives; applicants must first schedule a brief eligibility meeting.

Established 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving Davidson County residents with budgets over $250,000 can apply for Frist Foundation support to expand service capacity, strengthen sustainability, or improve technology. With a mission to improve quality of life, the foundation provides Tennessee organizations with project, technology, and selected operational funding in areas like arts, food insecurity, health disparities, immigrants, refugees, and unhoused neighbors.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) organizations addressing basic needs, health care, education, or civic and environmental initiatives can access funding through Valero Energy Foundation, by invitation only. Eligible nonprofits must serve communities near Valero’s Memphis operations, with all funding requests for the calendar year submitted at the same time.

Established 501(c)(3) nonprofits in west Tennessee, northern Mississippi, and eastern Arkansas can seek approximately US $15,000 for one-time capacity-building projects such as evaluation, training, planning, or technology upgrades. Focused on organizational development, Community Foundation of Greater Memphis funding requires a dollar-for-dollar cash match tied specifically to the approved capacity-building project.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in youth education, environmental land conservation, arts education, or community-wide human services can access funding through the Tucker Foundation to support programs and operations. Eligible organizations must serve the Chattanooga/Hamilton County or Cleveland/Bradley County MSAs and may also pursue scholarships, capital projects, or conservation easements.

The Nissan Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations that promote cultural diversity and heritage. Established in 1992, the foundation focuses on enhancing community quality of life where Nissan operates. Eligible organizations must have 501(c)(3) status, be active for over three years, and serve specific communities. Ineligible programs include those not aligned with the foundation's mission, such as disease advocacy and political activities. The foundation does not provide multi-year grants, but organizations can reapply for funding in subsequent cycles.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing health, education, social justice, arts, or community services in select Mid-South counties of Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi can seek project support. The Assisi Foundation of Memphis provides funding for initiatives in Shelby, Fayette, and Tipton Counties in Tennessee, plus nearby counties, emphasizing community well-being and capacity building.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations offering youth arts, mentorship, or workforce development programs within 25 miles of Nashville, Tennessee can seek support for program or general operating needs. The Graham and Carolyn Holloway Family Foundation funds U.S.-serving charities that promote creative expression, youth mentorship, and pathways to financial stability, with applications due each March.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) conservation and community organizations, municipalities, Tribal Nations, and agencies can access funding for land protection and easement acquisition through The Nature Conservancy’s Resilient and Connected Appalachians Grant Program. Grants up to US $100,000 support projects within the Appalachians Program boundary that secure resilient, connected lands and deliver meaningful community benefits such as access to nature, water protection, and recreation.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) organizations planning arts, culture, music, or education projects can seek up to US $50,000 for project-specific sponsorships, not general operations or capital needs. The Arthur F And Alice E Adams Supporting Foundation primarily supports innovative programs and performances, with a preference for organizations in Memphis and projects starting after February 15, 2027.

With a mission to support water and environmental projects, American Water Charitable Foundation provides Tennessee 501(c)(3) public charities and eligible educational institutions with funding for watershed protection, water conservation, and equitable water-based recreation. Projects must be completed within 12 months and occur within American Water service areas, including Tennessee and designated military service locations.

Rural, community-based 501(c)(3) organizations in Tennessee and other Southeastern states using grassroots organizing for social, economic, or environmental justice can seek general or project support through this grant cycle. Southern Partners Fund prioritizes small-budget groups building community leadership, strengthening rural communities, and advancing justice-focused campaigns over direct services or capital projects.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) organizations and other eligible housing innovators can access funding for scalable affordable housing solutions through Enterprise Community Partners. This national competition offers US $2,000,000 grants for proven innovations in design and construction, finance, or service delivery and programs that expand affordable rental, homeownership, or workforce housing options.

The Rosendin Foundation Annual Grant provides financial support to community-focused 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations across various states, aiding initiatives in emotional, occupational, and nutritional health. Grants can reach up to $50,000 and are geared towards organizations that positively impact their communities. However, the foundation does not fund discriminatory practices, political efforts, or religiously affiliated projects, ensuring that support is directed towards inclusive and impactful community services.

The Joe C. Davis Foundation Grant focuses on supporting charitable organizations that embody core values such as personal initiative, hard work, and education. With an emphasis on education, healthcare, and community services, the Foundation primarily supports initiatives in Nashville, Tennessee. It funds a variety of programs, from K-12 education to healthcare services, and prefers one-time grants that enhance existing programs or create new ones with sustainable financial models.

501(c)(3) nonprofits providing workforce development and career navigation services in Tennessee and other Truist footprint states can apply for Truist Foundation Inspire Awards, with grants ranging from US $10,000 - US $250,000. Funding supports adult worker upskilling, AI literacy, wraparound basic needs, and career pathways programming that help people access quality jobs and economic mobility.

501(c)(3) nonprofits providing education, health, human services, environmental, cultural, or community development programs in Montgomery County, Tennessee can receive US $2,500 - US $10,000 through the Best Life Community Awards. Altra Foundation members nominate organizations they personally support, with finalists selected by employee judges and a Community Choice Award decided by public vote.

The CoreCivic Foundation Grant aims to support nonprofit organizations that help former offenders, victims of crime, and underserved youth. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charities with a commitment to measurable outcomes. Preference is given to those with a history of collaboration with CoreCivic and those operating in Tennessee. This grant provides essential resources to enhance the quality of services delivered to these vulnerable populations, fostering rehabilitation and community support.