Best Nashville Grants for Nonprofits in Tennessee

About Us

For more than eight decades, this principle has remained at the heart of UNCF, enabling us to raise more than $6 billion and help more than 550,000 students and counting not just attend college, but thrive, graduate and become leaders.

We do this in three ways: By awarding more than 11,000 students scholarships, worth more than $62 million, each year. By providing financial support to 37 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). And by serving as the nation’s leading advocate for the importance of minority education and community engagement.

This three-pronged approach is powerful: Since our founding in 1944, we’ve helped to more than double the number of minorities attending college. The six-year graduation rate for UNCF African American scholarship recipients is 70%. This is 11% higher than the national average and 31% higher than the national average for all African Americans.

Thelma M. Shafran Endowed Scholarship

501(c)(3) nonprofits in Nashville, Tennessee that address basic needs, income creation, stable housing, or empowered communities can apply for Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s local funding. Eligible organizations must serve low- and moderate-income communities in designated markets, focusing on community development and equitable, affordable housing for vulnerable populations.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving Nashville, Tennessee residents can seek support for health care access, human and social services, education, youth and senior programs, and community services. Memorial Foundation funds capital projects, general operating needs, and some start-up initiatives within the former Nashville Memorial Hospital service area; a preliminary eligibility meeting is required before applying.

About OTA

Mission 

Empower the orthopaedic trauma community to provide the highest quality patient care through education, research, and advocacy.

Vision 

Global excellence in the care of orthopaedic trauma patients.

OTA Annual Meeting Military Scholarship

The 2026 OTA Annual Meeting Military Scholarship will provide funding for Active-Duty Military Orthopaedic Surgeons in the form of Annual Meeting registration coverage as well as travel and lodging assistance in the amount of $1,500 for up to 10 individuals. All others will be provided with OTA Annual Meeting registration coverage.

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.

Our Mission

UNCF envisions a nation where all Americans have equal access to a college education that prepares them for rich intellectual lives, competitive and fulfilling careers, engaged citizenship and service to our nation.

UNCF’s mission is to build a robust and nationally-recognized pipeline of under-represented students who, because of UNCF support, become highly-qualified college graduates and to ensure that our network of member institutions is a respected model of best practice in moving students to and through college.

Publix Cares Scholarship 

Publix Cares Scholarship for eligible students attending in one of the following institutions: Benedict College, Bethune-Cookman University, Clark Atlanta University, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Morehouse College, Savanah State University, Spelman College, Tennessee State University, University of Central Florida, & Virginia State University.

The Mary Ellen Merritt Dougherty Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, honors a dedicated educator who inspired countless students. This scholarship supports graduates from schools where Mrs. Dougherty taught in Nashville, including Hillsboro High School and Hunters Lane, as well as students from Homewood High School in Alabama. It aims to empower the next generation through access to education, continuing her legacy of curiosity, justice, and fun.

The Melissa Ann Haught Scholarship Fund, established by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, honors Melissa's legacy by supporting graduates from Davidson and Williamson counties. This fund targets students pursuing higher education at accredited institutions with a minimum GPA of 3.0. By fostering educational opportunities, it aims to alleviate the stigma surrounding mental health, a cause close to Melissa's heart, and help others achieve their academic goals.

The Best Buy Teen Tech Center is offering a Mini Tech Skills Workshop Grant to support local and national non-profits in providing STEAM skills workshops for youth aged 13-19. These workshops, which include topics such as coding, filmmaking, and robotics, aim to enhance technical skills and career exploration. Funding can reach up to $24,999, with a focus on hands-on, facilitator-led experiences, and additional programming opportunities may be considered.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting early childhood education or community economic development in Nashville, Tennessee can apply for PNC Foundation’s Foundation Grant. Funding supports programs for children birth to five, low- to moderate-income families, affordable housing, small business support, job training, arts and culture, and neighborhood revitalization in communities where PNC has a significant presence.

Public and charter schools launching new PLTW Engineering programs in Nashville, Tennessee can apply for Project Lead The Way’s Caterpillar Foundation-supported grants, awarding US $30,000 over two years. Funding covers PLTW participation fees, required technology, equipment, supplies, and core training with related travel, room, and board, with preference for schools serving high-need students.

The PLTW Engineering program, supported by the Caterpillar Foundation, aims to enhance access to STEM education in underserved communities. This initiative focuses on expanding existing PLTW Engineering programs by introducing new courses, additional class periods, and teacher training for the 2025-2026 academic year. Preference is given to schools with a high-need student population, ensuring that those eligible for free or reduced lunch programs are prioritized for funding. This partnership fosters workforce readiness and empowers future innovators.

The PLTW Computer Science - Program Expansion grant, funded by the Caterpillar Foundation, aims to enhance STEM education in underserved communities. This initiative focuses on expanding existing PLTW Computer Science programs by adding courses, class periods, and training teachers for the 2025-2026 academic year. The grant prioritizes schools with a significant high-need student population, promoting workforce readiness and equipping students with essential skills for a changing world.

The PLTW Computer Science program, supported by the Caterpillar Foundation, aims to enhance STEM education in underserved communities. Grants of $20,000 will be awarded to public and charter schools to implement PLTW Computer Science courses over two academic years. This initiative focuses on building workforce readiness and ensuring students gain essential skills in a rapidly evolving job market, thereby creating opportunities for future success.

The SCC Nashville Grant Program, managed by Speedway Children's Charities, supports nonprofit organizations dedicated to improving the lives of children in middle Tennessee. With over $80,000 distributed in 2024, the program prioritizes funding for organizations addressing homelessness, education, and critical health needs. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on children's welfare. The grant process includes a pre-proposal and an invitation-only full proposal, culminating in a celebration at the Annual Night of Joy.

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.

The Neighborhood Builders Program, supported by Bank of America, empowers 501(c)(3) nonprofits through a two-year leadership development initiative. Participants receive funding, training, and networking opportunities to enhance their impact in communities. Since its inception, the program has invested over $346 million, training more than 4,000 leaders. The initiative focuses on advancing social mobility and economic opportunities, ensuring affordable housing, and fostering resilient communities. This program is vital for nonprofits aiming to strengthen their leadership and community engagement.

Nonprofit organizations running arts, education, environmental, or health and wellness projects or events in Nashville, Tennessee can apply for Stantec’s Community Engagement Grant. Funding can support short-term or ongoing community initiatives or events, with preference for projects located near Stantec offices, including Davidson County, Tennessee, that align with the company’s stated values.

Publix Cares Scholarship

Publix Cares Scholarship was established by Publix Super Markets, Inc., a Florida corporation, in partnership with UNCF to provide scholarships to eligible students attending at one of the following selected institutions.

College/Universities

• Bethune Cookman University
• Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
• University of Central Florida
• Benedict College
• Clark Atlanta University
• Savannah State University
• Morehouse College
• Spelman College
• Virginia State University

Tennessee State UniversitySelected student will receive up to $2,000 need-based scholarship in the fall 2026.

Nonprofit organizations in Nashville, Tennessee working in education, arts and culture, health, human services, or civic affairs may be eligible for funding that supports community-focused programs and services. A O Smith Foundation supports these efforts in communities where it has facilities, with applications accepted year-round and reviewed in the order received.

Brinker International provides Nashville, Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits with monetary or in-kind dining certificate support for programs serving children, youth services, hunger relief, and education. Eligible organizations in Davidson County must apply online at least six weeks before their event, and may receive support once per calendar year.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charities in Nashville, Tennessee can seek funding for arts and culture, social services, education, environmental conservation, and responsible alcohol use initiatives. With a mission to enrich community life, Brown-Forman Foundation provides operating, program, and event sponsorship support, prioritizing organizations in Louisville while also considering projects in Davidson County, Tennessee.

Care professionals in Nashville, Tennessee pursuing education in a care-related field can receive US $500 - US $2,000 for tuition through scholarships paid directly to federally accredited institutions. Grants from Jean Griswold Foundation help caregivers further their training, enhance their skills, and advance their careers while improving support for those they serve.

The John and Belinda Havron Scholarship Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, supports students from the 40 counties of Middle Tennessee with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. This scholarship aims to alleviate financial barriers for students pursuing post-secondary education, reflecting John and Belinda's commitment to fostering educational opportunities. Their legacy emphasizes the importance of community support and encourages scholarship recipients to 'pay it forward' in their own journeys.

The J. Barrett Melton Family Memorial Scholarship Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, offers renewable scholarships for students in middle Tennessee. Applicants must have a minimum ACT score of 21 and a GPA of 3.0. Preference is given to students from Cannon County. This initiative aims to support local students in achieving their academic goals, fostering a thriving community through education.

The Ed and Charlie B. Temple Scholarship Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, honors the legacy of Coach Ed Temple, a renowned figure in women's track coaching. The scholarship supports students from Fisk University and American Baptist College, institutions attended by civil rights leader Rep. John Lewis. This initiative aims to empower the next generation through education, reflecting Temple's commitment to both athletic excellence and academic achievement.

The Donald and Frances McDonald Endowed Scholarship Fund, administered by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, supports students majoring in engineering technology or aerospace at Middle Tennessee State University. Eligible applicants must maintain a 3.0 GPA, demonstrate financial need, and be enrolled full-time. This renewable scholarship aims to foster academic success and career development in vital engineering fields, contributing to the growth and inclusivity of the local community.