Best Health Care Grants in Tennessee

The CBE Community Outreach Program Grant empowers local charities in Iowa, Tennessee, and Texas by providing financial support through employee donations. With contributions ranging from $5 to $25 per paycheck, CBE Companies donates over $15,000 quarterly to foster community engagement. This initiative reflects CBE's commitment to making a meaningful impact through partnerships and volunteerism, enhancing the quality of life in the communities they serve.

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 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.

The Memorial Foundation, established in 1994, aims to enhance community quality of life by supporting nonprofit organizations in areas such as health care, social services, and education. With a focus on data-driven, trauma-informed initiatives, the Foundation funds projects that address critical needs and promote lasting impact. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt and demonstrate community support. Grants are not available for individuals or certain specific projects, ensuring resources are allocated effectively for community enhancement.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

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.

The Valero Energy Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations that align with their mission to improve the quality of life in communities where Valero operates. With a focus on basic needs, health care, education, and civic initiatives, the foundation prioritizes funding requests from 501(c)(3) organizations. In 2019, it provided approximately $40 million to support disadvantaged children and families, emphasizing a commitment to corporate citizenship and community well-being.

The Tennessee Arts & Rural Health Initiative Grant, funded by the Tennessee Arts Commission, aims to enhance health and wellness in rural hospitals through arts-based programs. With a budget of $75,000 from the NEA, the initiative supports 4-6 hospitals, offering grants between $5,000 to $25,000. Projects may include artist-led classes, meditation gardens, and healing spaces, leveraging the therapeutic power of the arts to improve patient outcomes and community engagement in healthcare settings.

The Assisi Foundation of Memphis Grant supports nonprofit organizations in improving community health, education, social justice, cultural enrichment, and capacity building. Grants are available for organizations in specific Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi counties, with eligibility focused on tax-exempt entities. Applications are accepted quarterly, with specific deadlines for different focus areas. The foundation seeks innovative ideas that align with its philanthropic mission and encourages organizations to apply for funding that promotes positive community transformation.

The CFMT Lillian Ashley Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, aims to support children, animals, and environmental conservation in Coffee County. Established by Lillian Ashley, this fund offers grants up to $20,000 for nonprofits that address specific community needs. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) public charities and government entities. With a focus on collective philanthropy, the fund seeks to foster a more inclusive and thriving community for generations.

The Mount Rest Fund Grant, established by the East Tennessee Foundation, continues a legacy of support for women and children in Knox County. Founded in 2004, it honors the historical commitment of the Mount Rest Home, which began in 1894. The grant focuses on projects related to early childhood education, health drivers, and addressing Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Eligible organizations must serve the local community and comply with non-discrimination policies to qualify for funding.

The Middle Tennessee Fund Grant, offered by the HCA Healthcare Foundation, supports nonprofits in addressing community needs related to basic necessities, healthcare, education, and the arts. Since its inception in 1997, it has prioritized organizations with established relationships with HCA Healthcare. Eligible applicants must be 501c3 organizations with a minimum budget of $250,000, serving the Middle Tennessee area, and demonstrating engagement with HCA Healthcare through board involvement or volunteerism.

The Cigna Group Foundation is launching the Improving Youth Mental Health Grant, committing $9 million over three years to enhance mental health support for youth aged five to 18. This initiative targets post-pandemic challenges, offering resources to parents, caregivers, and youth service professionals. Nonprofits are encouraged to apply for funding between $100,000 and $150,000 to develop programs that promote social-emotional skills, enhance caregiver support, and improve access to mental health interventions in underserved communities.

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 McGlothlin Foundation Grant supports philanthropic initiatives in higher education, healthcare, and the arts, focusing primarily on projects in Southwest Virginia, Eastern Kentucky, and Northeast Tennessee. The foundation prioritizes proposals from tax-exempt non-profits, especially for capital projects and programmatic needs. While there are no fixed grant sizes, organizations are encouraged to apply after prior awards have concluded. The foundation does not fund individuals or political activities, ensuring its resources enhance community infrastructure and cultural development.

Enterprise Community Partners

Enterprise Community Partners is a national nonprofit that exists to make a good home possible for the millions of families without one. Home is where life happens, where plans are made, and futures begin. It is the foundation for dignity, health, education, wealth, and community. Yet rents keep going up, paychecks don’t keep pace, and good homes in strong neighborhoods are increasingly out of reach.

The system doesn’t work. It must be changed, and it must be changed by us.

Enterprise has the breadth, scale, and expertise to do it. We support community development organizations on the ground. We aggregate and invest billions to improve housing and strengthen communities across the U.S. We advance housing policy at every level of government. We build and manage communities ourselves. Everything we do is informed by the residents we serve.

Together with our partners, we focus on the greatest need — the massive shortage of affordable rental homes — to achieve three goals:

• Increase the supply of affordable homes
• Advance racial equity after decades of systematic racism in housing
• Support residents and strengthen communities to be resilient to the unpredictable, and make upward mobility possible

Since 1982, we have invested $92.0 billion and created 1.1 million homes across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. We do all this to make home and community places of pride, power, and belonging.

National Housing Innovation Grant Competition

Home is foundational. It’s where we plant roots, raise and care for our families, and build community bonds. Yet in every corner of the country, millions of people of all ages and backgrounds need a home they can afford.

Wells Fargo is meeting this moment with a powerful grant opportunity. Together with Enterprise, Wells Fargo has launched the third iteration of the Housing Affordability Breakthrough Challenge. The 2026 cycle of the housing innovation competition will identify and propel proven, ready-to-scale solutions that transform current practices and increase housing choice and access.

Eligible applicants will compete for five individual grants of $2 million to advance their innovation and drive meaningful, systems-level change in the housing and adjacent industries. Winners will gain access to mentorship and coaching from industry leaders and experts and join a powerful network of Breakthrough Challenge innovators.

Focus Areas

This third cycle of the Housing Affordability Breakthrough Challenge aims to meet the nation’s affordable housing challenges across all types of communities: Native, rural, suburban, tribal, and urban.

Proposals must encompass one or more of three focus areas:

• Design and Construction
• Finance
• Service Delivery and Programs

Applicants will be asked to show how their proof of concept or pilot program has achieved clear outcomes and success, and provide a clear pathway to expanding the innovation’s reach and impact

Round 1: Criteria and Scoring

Your innovation must meet the criteria below to advance to the official scoring stage.

Type of Community

Innovations can serve all types of communities:

• Rural
• Urban
• Suburban
• Tribal

Location

Priority scoring will be given to applications from entities that are based in – or whose innovations are designed for – one or more of these 28 states, plus D.C.:

• Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Washington D.C.

Affordability

Innovations must serve residents at these income levels:

• Rental: 80% AMI or below
• Homeownership: 120% AMI or below
• Workforce housing: 120% AMI or below

Tennessee Department of Health

Mission: Protect, promote, and improve the health and well-being of all people in Tennessee.

The Tennessee Department of Health's highly talented and dedicated professionals reflect a standard of performance in its effective and engaging public health efforts and collaborative commitment to providing compassionate service to people in all 95 counties of the state. TDH provides health care and wellness services daily to Tennesseans through a statewide network of 89 rural and six metropolitan county health departments at 117 physical locations.

Healthcare Resiliency Program (HRP): Service Line Expansion & Co-Location

Expands integrated primary, specialty, behavioral, and diagnostic services in sustainable rural models.

The program aims to improve access and quality of health services for rural Tennesseans by facilitating service integration, care collaboration, and sustainability through digital models and value-based care, with emphasis on perinatal, behavioral health, emergency, pediatric, and chronic care coordination services.

Funding may be used for:

• Evidence-based prevention and chronic disease programs
• Behavioral health and substance use treatment
• Rural workforce recruitment and retention
• Training on emerging care technologies
• Telehealth and digital infrastructure improvements
• Innovative care delivery models

Benefits to Rural Tennessee

RHT funding will help Tennessee:

• Strengthen rural hospitals and prevent closures
• Expand access to maternal, behavioral, and chronic care services
• Improve workforce stability in underserved areas
• Modernize rural healthcare technology
• Support innovative care models that improve outcomes

Reimbursement Structure

This is a reimbursement-based grant program:

• Sub-recipients pay costs upfront
• Submit required documentation
• Receive reimbursement after approval

Administrative & Indirect Costs

• Subawardees must follow Tennessee’s approved indirect cost rates
• Administrative costs are capped at 10%

About

Tennessee’s rural communities are the heart of the state’s economy, culture, and identity. The federal Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) presents Tennessee with a historic opportunity to improve healthcare access, quality, and outcomes in our rural communities for generations to come.

Tennessee’s RHTP plan is foundational building a locally-led model for how rural America can become healthy, vibrant, and self-sustaining, and bring Better Care, Closer to Home.

The Tennessee RHTP Plan proposes investment that reverses rural hospital decline, extends care access, modernizes technology, and strengthens local economies, while improving outcomes for mothers, children, and older adults.

The Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) released the first funding opportunity today of the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). This begins a roll-out of competitive grant programs to deliver long-term, sustainable improvements in Tennessee’s rural health systems.

County Health Council CARE Grants

Funds Community Health Improvement Plan priorities through County Health Councils.

Funding may be used for:

• Evidence-based prevention and chronic disease programs
• Behavioral health and substance use treatment
• Rural workforce recruitment and retention
• Training on emerging care technologies
• Telehealth and digital infrastructure improvements
• Innovative care delivery models

RHT funding will help Tennessee:

• Strengthen rural hospitals and prevent closures
• Expand access to maternal, behavioral, and chronic care services
• Improve workforce stability in underserved areas
• Modernize rural healthcare technology
• Support innovative care models that improve outcomes

The Athens Federal Foundation Grant supports charitable initiatives in East Tennessee, particularly in Bradley, McMinn, Meigs, Monroe, and Polk counties. Established in 2009 with a $1 million stock contribution and $100,000 in cash, the Foundation prioritizes affordable housing, job training, and educational initiatives for the economically disadvantaged. Non-profit organizations that are tax-exempt under Section 501c(3) are eligible to apply, while political and fraternal organizations are excluded.

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 Community Health & Food Security Grant

Access to basic healthcare and nutritious food is essential for individual well-being and community resilience. However, many families in the Knoxville area lack access to healthy food, preventative care, and wellness resources—contributing to persistent physical and mental health disparities, particularly in historically underserved communities.

The Foundation supports programs that expand access to nutritious food, promote healthy lifestyles, and strengthen community-based health resources. 

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 Education & Youth Development Grant

Education is foundational to long-term success and thriving communities. Yet many children in the Knoxville area face disparities in access to quality education, supportive environments, and essential resources—including children with physical, mental, intellectual, and learning disabilities, as well as those from historically underserved communities.

The Foundation invests in efforts that strengthen early childhood development, improve literacy, and expand pathways to college and career. We support programs such as after-school enrichment, mentorship, and family-centered initiatives, with an emphasis on inclusive approaches that ensure all children—regardless of ability or background—have access to the tools, support, and opportunities needed to reach their full potential.

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. 

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. 

Tennessee Department of Health

Mission: Protect, promote, and improve the health and well-being of all people in Tennessee.

The Tennessee Department of Health's highly talented and dedicated professionals reflect a standard of performance in its effective and engaging public health efforts and collaborative commitment to providing compassionate service to people in all 95 counties of the state. TDH provides health care and wellness services daily to Tennesseans through a statewide network of 89 rural and six metropolitan county health departments at 117 physical locations.

Rural Healthcare Access Modernization Program (RAMP)

Description

The Rural Healthcare Access Modernization Program (RAMP) is intended to strengthen healthcare access in rural Tennessee by funding targeted capital improvements at rural hospitals and supporting the establishment or expansion of rural primary care practices. The opportunity seeks to increase service capacity, improve operational efficiency and quality of care, modernize healthcare facilities, and address critical provider shortages, particularly in pediatrics and obstetrics.

Funding is available for eligible capital investment projects that support rural Tennessee and for new or expanded primary care practices in rural areas facing critical provider shortages, with particular focus on pediatrics and obstetrics. 

Capital Investment Projects

A total of $100,000,000 is available for hospital capital investment projects.

The majority of RAMP funding is dedicated to rural capital investment projects that strengthen healthcare infrastructure and improve access to care in rural communities.

These investments may support renovations, facility expansions, and new construction projects that enhance healthcare delivery and address community healthcare needs. Capital investments are intended to help reduce financial barriers to critical healthcare infrastructure projects while supporting long-term sustainability and community impact.

Types of Projects

Organizations may apply for multiple grants, provided each proposed project is separate, clearly defined, and within the eligible project categories listed below. Allowable projects include: 

• Projects designed to expand access to healthcare and healthcare services to underserved rural populations.

• Projects designed to “right size” healthcare facilities to improve access.

• Projects to expand capacity and operational efficiency.

• Projects to renovate or upgrade existing healthcare facilities such as operating rooms, emergency departments, trauma rooms, or Intensive Care Units (ICU) to expand services.

• Projects to provide Information and Technology (IT) and equipment upgrades included in the scope of the approved capital investment “brick and mortar” project. These costs are limited to twenty percent (20%) of the total award.

• Projects funded via the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), Healthcare Reiliancy Program (HRP) in support of Rural Health Transformation Funding (RHTF) priorities which exhausted federal funds and/or projects not initiated due to unavailability ARPA HRP funds and deemed necessary to support current and future capital investment extending access to healthcare in for rural Tennessee.

• New or expanded primary care practices in rural areas facing critical provider shortages, with particular focus on pediatrics and obstetrics. Multi-site operators with proven models for rural primary care expansion may apply for multiple site grants, subject to a per-applicant cap of $500,000. 

Tennessee Department of Health

Mission: Protect, promote, and improve the health and well-being of all people in Tennessee.

The Tennessee Department of Health's highly talented and dedicated professionals reflect a standard of performance in its effective and engaging public health efforts and collaborative commitment to providing compassionate service to people in all 95 counties of the state. TDH provides health care and wellness services daily to Tennesseans through a statewide network of 89 rural and six metropolitan county health departments at 117 physical locations.

Rural Healthcare Access Modernization Program (RAMP)

Description

The Rural Healthcare Access Modernization Program (RAMP) is intended to strengthen healthcare access in rural Tennessee by funding targeted capital improvements at rural hospitals and supporting the establishment or expansion of rural primary care practices. The opportunity seeks to increase service capacity, improve operational efficiency and quality of care, modernize healthcare facilities, and address critical provider shortages, particularly in pediatrics and obstetrics.

Funding is available for eligible capital investment projects that support rural Tennessee and for new or expanded primary care practices in rural areas facing critical provider shortages, with particular focus on pediatrics and obstetrics. 

Rural Primary Care Seed Grants / Primary Care Practice Projects

RAMP includes targeted funding to support the development and expansion of primary care services in rural Tennessee. Seed grants of up to $500,000 per site are intended to help eligible organizations establish or expand healthcare services in communities experiencing provider shortages.

These investments are designed to improve access to essential healthcare services in underserved areas, with particular emphasis on primary care, pediatric services, and obstetric care, where healthcare resources may be limited.

By supporting sustainable healthcare delivery models and reducing barriers to entry, these investments aim to help communities establish and maintain access to essential healthcare services over the long term.

Types of Projects

Organizations may apply for multiple grants, provided each proposed project is separate, clearly defined, and within the eligible project categories listed below. Allowable projects include: 

• Projects designed to expand access to healthcare and healthcare services to underserved rural populations.

• Projects designed to “right size” healthcare facilities to improve access.

• Projects to expand capacity and operational efficiency.

• Projects to renovate or upgrade existing healthcare facilities such as operating rooms, emergency departments, trauma rooms, or Intensive Care Units (ICU) to expand services.

• Projects to provide Information and Technology (IT) and equipment upgrades included in the scope of the approved capital investment “brick and mortar” project. These costs are limited to twenty percent (20%) of the total award.

• Projects funded via the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), Healthcare Reiliancy Program (HRP) in support of Rural Health Transformation Funding (RHTF) priorities which exhausted federal funds and/or projects not initiated due to unavailability ARPA HRP funds and deemed necessary to support current and future capital investment extending access to healthcare in for rural Tennessee.

• New or expanded primary care practices in rural areas facing critical provider shortages, with particular focus on pediatrics and obstetrics. Multi-site operators with proven models for rural primary care expansion may apply for multiple site grants, subject to a per-applicant cap of $500,000. 

Tennessee Department of Health

Mission: Protect, promote, and improve the health and well-being of all people in Tennessee.

The Tennessee Department of Health's highly talented and dedicated professionals reflect a standard of performance in its effective and engaging public health efforts and collaborative commitment to providing compassionate service to people in all 95 counties of the state. TDH provides health care and wellness services daily to Tennesseans through a statewide network of 89 rural and six metropolitan county health departments at 117 physical locations.

Rural Healthcare Access Modernization Program (RAMP)

Description

The Rural Healthcare Access Modernization Program (RAMP) is intended to strengthen healthcare access in rural Tennessee by funding targeted capital improvements at rural hospitals and supporting the establishment or expansion of rural primary care practices. The opportunity seeks to increase service capacity, improve operational efficiency and quality of care, modernize healthcare facilities, and address critical provider shortages, particularly in pediatrics and obstetrics.

Funding is allocated to the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) to support three investment goals through RAMP.

Goal 1: Rural Capital Investment

Goal 2: Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) Competitive Grant Extension Subsidiary of Goal 1

Goal 3: Rural Primary Care Seed Grants

Rural Health Transformation Program Competitive Grant Extension

Support for eligible projects aligned with Rural Health Transformation priorities that require additional funding to continue or complete implementation.

This investment goal is intended to build upon and extend successful models emerging from Tennessee's Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP).

Through this approach, TennCare Shared Savings funding may provide additional support for high-quality projects that align with RHTP priorities and demonstrate the potential to improve healthcare access and outcomes in rural communities. This strategy helps maximize the impact of innovative projects and supports continued progress toward rural healthcare transformation goals..

The Community Facilities Grant Program in Tennessee provides essential funding for the development of community facilities in rural areas, serving populations of up to 20,000 residents. Eligible uses of funds include purchasing, constructing, or improving facilities such as healthcare, public safety, and educational services. Grants are awarded based on income levels and community size, with a maximum of 75% funding available for the most disadvantaged areas. This program supports vital services to enhance rural community life.