Best Homelessness Grants in Tennessee

Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on economic and workforce advancement, safe and affordable housing, or community arts and culture can access funding through U.S. Bank Foundation’s Community Possible program. Organizations serving designated U.S. Bank communities and addressing housing or supportive services for people experiencing homelessness may be prioritized, especially those led by people of color and advancing equity.

Nonprofit organizations in Tennessee that are 501(c)(3)s and run programs for children, education, or health and human services can apply for monetary support, which may include homelessness services, from the Costco Foundation. Grants help community-based programs demonstrate measurable outcomes, address documented local needs, and show strong collaboration and diversified financial support.

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.

501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting youth, including those addressing homelessness and basic human needs in Tennessee, can apply for the Dan Paul Foundation’s grants, with awards up to US $15,000. Funding supports programs that directly advance children’s health, education, development, welfare, and related services such as homelessness, poverty, and refugee enrichment.

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.

Nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations using technology to address homelessness, crisis response, education access, or economic empowerment in Tennessee and worldwide can apply for Global Impact Cash Grants of up to US $100,000. Cisco Systems Foundation supports innovative, early-stage, tech-enabled programs serving predominantly economically underserved communities, with applications accepted year-round via an LOI process.

Tennessee educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies can access funding through State Farm Companies Foundation for safety, education, and community development initiatives. Programs addressing community/public safety, affordable housing, neighborhood revitalization, financial literacy, job training, or food insecurity may be eligible, including efforts that support people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving communities in the Nashville Memorial Hospital service area of Tennessee can seek funding for health care access, human and social services, education, youth development, senior enrichment, and community services. Focused on data-driven, trauma-informed work, Memorial Foundation invites requests for capital projects, general operating support, and start-up initiatives, including homelessness services.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

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.

With a mission to support charitable, scientific, medical, and educational work, Sidney Stern Memorial Trust provides Tennessee 501(c)(3) organizations with funding for programs that advance general welfare. U.S.-based nonprofits addressing homelessness among other needs may be eligible if funds are used within the country and the organization meets federal and, when relevant, California tax requirements.

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.

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 Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing homelessness, shelter, supportive housing, or related basic-needs services in Tennessee may be eligible for Ameriprise Financial funding. Focused on meeting basic needs and community vitality, this national program prioritizes U.S.-based organizations with strong Ameriprise volunteer engagement and clear, measurable outcomes.

Food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters in Tennessee and select other states can apply for grants supporting direct food and shelter services to low-income and vulnerable people. Grants from UNICO Foundation fund established, nonprofit community programs that meet health regulations, operate outside private homes, and use 100% of funds for basic needs, not salaries or overhead.

Nonprofits and aligned for-profit organizations in Tennessee working in preservation, education, or wellness can receive more than US $50,000 to develop storytelling projects that highlight their community impact. Focused on amplifying transformational work, the Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation’s Storytelling Grant may benefit homelessness service providers whose programs fit these pillars.

The Community Ties Giving Program by Union Pacific Foundation offers local grants aimed at enhancing community well-being through diverse funding priorities. These include safety initiatives, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability. The program emphasizes supporting organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to create impactful projects that resonate with Union Pacific's heritage and mission. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations serving Union Pacific communities and demonstrate a clear need and capacity to deliver effective programming.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations whose primary focus is children and who serve Tennessee counties such as Carter, Greene, Sullivan, and others can seek grants to meet critical needs, including homelessness services. Speedway Children's Charities’ Bristol Chapter prioritizes programs for homeless, orphaned, and foster children, and victims of sex trafficking across its Tennessee and Virginia service area.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving children in middle Tennessee can receive grants for critical needs, including homelessness, foster care, and victims of sex trafficking. Speedway Children's Charities also supports medical, educational, literacy, tutoring, and after-school programs, so Tennessee homelessness service providers focused on children may be eligible if they operate within the listed middle Tennessee counties.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Middle Tennessee seeking to address homelessness and related social issues through innovative, self-sustaining projects may be eligible for this Spark Grant. Grants from Impact100 Nashville help Tennessee human and social services providers tackle homelessness, poverty, addiction, hunger, trafficking, and other debilitating conditions within a 24-month project period.

Homelessness and human services nonprofits in Middle Tennessee can apply for Impact100 Nashville’s Transformation and Innovation Grant to launch or expand creative programs that break cycles of homelessness, poverty, addiction, and related issues. Grants up to US $100,000 support innovative, high-impact projects serving residents of the ten-county Nashville Economic Market area.

Nonprofits and local agencies in Tennessee addressing homelessness and housing instability can apply for Tennessee Housing Development Agency’s Emergency Solutions Grant, with awards of US $35,000 - US $125,000 for housing-focused services. Funding can support emergency shelter, rapid rehousing, supportive housing, and related services that help people quickly regain stability in permanent housing.

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.

Non-sectarian human and social service nonprofits addressing disadvantage and homelessness in Tennessee and beyond can seek US $5,000 - US $250,000 to help people become self-reliant. With a mission to support disadvantaged people globally, Gupta Family Foundation provides grants to smaller 501(c)(3) organizations and qualifying foreign entities operating in select countries.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing homelessness and human services in Tennessee’s Montgomery County can receive US $2,500 - US $10,000 to strengthen local communities and support vulnerable residents. Altra Foundation’s Best Life Community Awards are based on member nominations and can also support related areas like housing, food security, health, and community development.