Best Grants for Nonprofits Serving Disabled in Tennessee

The Community Possible Grant Program by U.S. Bank aims to foster economic and workforce advancement, as well as safe and affordable housing. By partnering with 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, the program seeks to drive lasting change within communities through collaborative grantmaking. Priority is given to organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and that address multiple pillars of work, home, and play. This initiative reflects U.S. Bank's commitment to creating a more equitable society.

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative human services or social problem–solving programs in Tennessee can seek support that may benefit disability care and services. Focused on new approaches to societal issues, Creag Foundation invites letters of inquiry from smaller or evolving organizations that have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

Tennessee nonprofits and other 501(c)(3) organizations can seek funding for health, education, or community programs that benefit local residents, including those with disabilities. Labcorp Charitable Foundation provides support for initiatives such as food pantries, healthcare and patient services for underserved populations, STEM programming, and efforts promoting healthy lifestyles through research and screenings.

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.

PNC Foundation provides Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits with funding for early childhood education and community economic development programs, especially serving low- and moderate-income families. Organizations supporting young children, workforce readiness, housing stability, community services, or arts and culture may be eligible, including programs that serve children with disabilities or disabled adults in PNC’s Tennessee service areas.

Nonprofit charities managing humanitarian, social, educational, environmental, or arts projects in Tennessee and worldwide can seek philanthropic support for innovative, sustainable initiatives. Focused on humanitarian and social development, science education, community and environment, and arts and culture, Roche invites accredited charities, including those serving people with disabilities, to propose high-quality projects that engage local partners and may involve Roche expertise.

Nonprofit organizations providing disability services, health care, or humanitarian aid in Tennessee may be eligible for support from Semnani Family Foundation, which funds work in the U.S. and globally. Grants prioritize health, education, and disaster relief for marginalized and vulnerable communities, including programs serving children with disabilities and improving access to medical care.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits and local government entities can receive project funding for arts activities that enhance community vitality and engagement in urban counties. Tennessee Arts Commission provides US $1,000 - US $18,000 for projects across disciplines, including performances, festivals, exhibitions, residencies, and accessibility improvements that may benefit people with disabilities.

Local government entities and 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organizations in rural Tennessee counties can seek up to US $200,000 to build, renovate, or expand arts and cultural facilities. Grants from Tennessee Arts Commission help communities improve stages, galleries, and accessibility, which may benefit organizations expanding inclusive arts access for people with disabilities.

Nonprofit organizations and local government entities in rural Tennessee counties can receive US $1,000 - US $25,000 for arts projects that enhance community vitality and engagement. Tennessee Arts Commission supports visual, performing, literary, folk, media, and public art activities, which may include improved accessibility and participation for people with disabilities in rural communities.

Tennessee nonprofits, government units, and fiscally sponsored groups serving women, children, and youth in Knox County can access funding through East Tennessee Foundation for projects in early childhood education, drivers of health, and preventing or mitigating Adverse Childhood Experiences; awards are up to US $20,000. Programs supporting disabled women or children in these areas may be eligible.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and aligned for-profits can seek more than US $50,000 to tell powerful stories about their preservation, education, or wellness work, including wildlife conservation, from the Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation. Tennessee disability service providers whose programs fit these pillars may be able to fund media or storytelling projects that highlight their impact.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations 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. Disability-serving nonprofits, including those supporting children with disabilities, may be eligible if their programs primarily benefit communities along Union Pacific’s service footprint.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, government units, educational institutions, and fiscally sponsored groups serving youth in East Tennessee can receive up to US $20,000 for two-year projects. East Tennessee Foundation funds early childhood education, health drivers, and ACEs prevention, which may benefit programs supporting disabled children and youth in Tennessee.

Nonprofits, government units, and educational institutions in East Tennessee fostering regional economic development can receive US $5,000 - US $6,500 for one-year projects. East Tennessee Foundation’s Economic Development Fund supports organizations in its 25-county service area; programs that advance economic opportunities for disabled residents in Tennessee may be eligible.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) charities, government units, and educational institutions serving communities in East Tennessee can seek up to US $25,000 for collaborative capacity-building projects. With a mission to strengthen communities, East Tennessee Foundation provides Tennessee disability and human services organizations with funding to improve operations, data systems, leadership, financial sustainability, and partnerships that enhance long-term impact.

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.

Nonprofits, government units, educational institutions, and fiscally sponsored groups in Monroe County, Tennessee can apply for East Tennessee Foundation’s John D. Grubb and Louise G. Sumner Fund, awarding US $5,000 - US $7,500 for two-year projects improving local quality of life. Organizations serving disabled residents in Monroe County may be especially interested.

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.

With a mission to strengthen communities, East Tennessee Foundation provides Tennessee nonprofits and public entities with up to US $50,000 for innovative life literacy projects in Washington County. 501(c)(3) organizations, governments, schools, and fiscally sponsored groups serving county residents— including those with disabilities—can fund programs in education, health, financial literacy, life skills, and civic engagement.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, government units, educational institutions, and fiscally sponsored groups in Tennessee’s 25-county East Tennessee region can apply for East Tennessee Foundation’s Arts Fund awards of US $5,000 - US $15,000 to sustain cultural traditions and encourage artistic expression. Programs that expand arts access for underserved or disabled communities may be especially competitive.