Best Grants for Human Trafficking Nonprofits in Tennessee

Grants from Levin Family Foundation help Tennessee human trafficking and related nonprofits fund projects addressing the opiate epidemic, human trafficking, anti-bullying, suicide prevention, and pollinator conservation. U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations may receive up to US $30,000, with priority for work in the Greater Dayton Area that aligns with the foundation’s mission.

501(c)(3) nonprofits facing unbudgeted, time-sensitive emergencies that threaten critical services can apply for Community Foundation of Tampa Bay’s Critical Needs List funding, with awards up to US $250,000. Organizations working on human trafficking and related basic needs may be eligible if they serve the foundation’s Florida counties, even if they are outside Tennessee.

501(c)(3) nonprofits addressing issues like human trafficking, homelessness, poverty, addiction, hunger, or recidivism in Middle Tennessee can seek up to US $100,000 for innovative, transformative programs. Impact100 Nashville provides this Transformation and Innovation Grant to established organizations serving at least one Nashville-area county, with priority for high-impact, sustainable projects for underserved populations.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Middle Tennessee seeking to break cycles of conditions like human trafficking, homelessness, or poverty can apply for Spark Grants to launch self-sustaining, innovative projects. Focused on social transformation, Impact100 Nashville prioritizes high-impact proposals serving underserved populations across its five areas, including family and health and wellness, within the greater Tennessee region.

Children’s 501(c)(3) nonprofits in middle Tennessee working on critical needs, medical care, or educational support may be eligible for project funding that addresses vulnerable youth, including those affected by human trafficking. Focused on child welfare, Speedway Children's Charities prioritizes homeless, orphan, foster, and trafficking-impacted children across its Nashville service counties.

Graduate-level nurses in Tennessee studying human trafficking or related issues such as sexual exploitation, domestic violence, or child maltreatment can receive scholarship support for master’s or doctoral programs. Nurses Educational Funds provides funding to U.S. RNs enrolled in accredited nursing programs with strong academic records and at least two semesters of study remaining.

Nonprofits and other eligible organizations combating child trafficking can apply for US $5,000,000 - US $10,000,000 to implement Child Protection Compact projects; awards support prosecution of traffickers, comprehensive care for child victims, and prevention efforts. Tennessee human trafficking organizations may be eligible if proposing a partnership country and multi-year national child protection strategy.

Nonprofits and other eligible organizations combating human trafficking can seek US $1,000,000 - US $10,000,000 to support prosecution of traffickers, protection of victims, and prevention efforts across the U.S. and territories. Tennessee human trafficking organizations may be eligible for this US Department of State Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons opportunity.

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 Prevention of Exploitation & Violence Grant

Human trafficking and domestic violence remain urgent and growing threats across Tennessee, with women and children disproportionately affected. These forms of exploitation and abuse undermine individual dignity and destabilize families and communities.

The Foundation is committed to preventing exploitation and supporting survivors through a comprehensive approach: strengthening education and prevention efforts, supporting victim protection and restoration, and advancing the prosecution of offenders. 

The OVC FY 2026 Enhanced Collaborative Model (ECM) Task Force to Combat Human Trafficking aims to strengthen responses to human trafficking through multidisciplinary collaboration. This initiative provides essential resources for victim identification, service delivery, and case investigations, all supported by the U.S. Department of Justice. By fostering cooperative efforts, the program seeks to enhance the effectiveness of local jurisdictions in combating this critical issue and ensuring the safety and rights of affected individuals.

The OVC FY 2026 Services for Victims of Human Trafficking aims to enhance victim service programs across the United States. This initiative supports victims by providing critical services to address their diverse needs, including mental health support and assistance with legal challenges. By funding comprehensive programs, the Office for Victims of Crime seeks to combat human trafficking effectively and promote recovery for affected individuals, ensuring their rights and well-being are prioritized.

The OVC FY 2026 Preventing Trafficking of Girls program aims to provide crucial prevention and early intervention services for girls at risk of human trafficking. This initiative, backed by the US DOJ's Office of Justice Programs, supports efforts to protect vulnerable populations, including young women up to age 25, from both sex and labor trafficking. Applicants are encouraged to outline their strategies to effectively serve survivors and address diverse needs in their proposals.

The OVC FY 2026 grant aims to improve outcomes for child and youth victims of human trafficking by integrating policies at state and Tribal levels. This funding opportunity focuses on developing strategic plans to address the challenges faced by minor victims, enhance coordination among systems like child welfare and juvenile justice, and ensure effective identification and prosecution of traffickers. By fostering multidisciplinary approaches, the program seeks to provide comprehensive support and services to these vulnerable populations.

The Human Trafficking Youth Prevention Education (HTYPE) Demonstration Program aims to empower local education agencies (LEAs) by funding initiatives that equip school staff to identify and respond to human trafficking signs. Collaborating with nonprofit partners, LEAs will provide students with essential knowledge on avoiding victimization and recognizing trafficking indicators. This program fosters a safer school environment by establishing reporting procedures and safety plans in consultation with local law enforcement, ultimately enhancing awareness and prevention of human trafficking in educational settings.

The OJJDP FY 2026 Strengthening Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) program aims to enhance the technological investigative capacity of ICAC task forces nationwide. Through this funding opportunity, the program will support the development and refinement of investigative tools and methods to combat child sexual abuse material, exploitation, and trafficking. The deadline for application submission is November 5, 2026, at 8:59 p.m. ET, emphasizing the urgency of addressing these critical issues.

The OJP FY 2026 Special Attorneys Program provides funding for state, local, Tribal, and territorial prosecuting agencies to hire qualified prosecutors and support staff. These professionals will work under the National Fraud Enforcement Division to investigate and prosecute crimes committed by criminal aliens, as well as drug and human trafficking cases. This initiative aims to enhance law enforcement capabilities, improve intergovernmental coordination, and strengthen the prosecution of fraud and other serious crimes.

Tennessee human trafficking and human rights nonprofits can access funding through Humanity United to address forced labor, human trafficking, peacebuilding, and related public engagement worldwide. Registered charities and equivalent organizations, as well as some for-profits and fiscally sponsored initiatives, may receive approximately US $150,000 for programs in regions including Asia-Pacific, Colombia, Nepal, South Sudan, and the U.S.

Nonprofits addressing human trafficking, child welfare, homelessness, or related humanitarian needs in Tennessee can seek funding for programs that build self-sufficiency and resilience. The Father's Table Foundation provides up to US $750,000 for efforts such as anti-human trafficking initiatives, education, employment assistance, and services for vulnerable women and children in the U.S.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) children’s organizations addressing issues like homelessness, foster care, and human trafficking in specified Tennessee and Virginia counties can seek program support; grants from Speedway Children's Charities help fund critical services for vulnerable children. Tennessee human trafficking nonprofits serving child victims in these counties may be especially competitive under this Bristol Chapter opportunity.

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 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 O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

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.

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.