Best Polk County Grants for Nonprofits in Tennessee

About Patrick "Packy" McGaughan A popular instructor in Area II, Packy operated Banbury Cross Farm in Clarksburg, Maryland. The farm was developed into a premier training, breeding and boarding facility, specializing in eventing, dressage, hunters, and equitation. Packy produced numerous horses and riders to the highest level of the sport. He was a top instructor in Area II for both juniors, amateurs, and professionals alike and could often be found at events up and down the East Coast coaching riders of all ages and levels.

About Patrick “Packy” McGaughan Prize

Following his passing, an award in Packy McGaughan’s honor was established through the USEA Foundation. That award includes a beautiful bronze trophy and award recipients will be recognized at the USEA Annual Meeting and Convention, and a $5,000 award given annually to a USEA member who demonstrates a love of the sport similar to Packy. 

About Henry Luce FoundationThe Henry Luce Foundation was formed in 1936 by Henry R. Luce, the founder of Fortune, Life, and Sports Illustrated magazines co-founder of Time magazine. Our mission then and now is to empower and transform people, communities, and institutions by boosting access to knowledge and forward-thinking ideas. We envision a world in which diverse people and communities thrive— determining their own best futures and working together in pursuit of knowledge and shared understanding.American Art Program : Loan Exhibition GrantsOnce a year, the American Art Program invites institutions to seek funding for special exhibitions. These are scholarly projects that involve significant loans from multiple institutional and private collections and make new contributions to the field through research, interpretation, and publication.We’re Looking For

• Innovation and Rigor: in ideas, approach, research, and content
• Engagement/Collaboration/Partnerships: among colleagues, communities, institutions, and audiences 
• Impact: for the field of American art, for audiences, for communities

About AOTF

For over 60 years, the American Occupational Therapy Foundation has been the premier catalyst for occupational therapy research, transforming how people with disabilities and health challenges participate in meaningful daily activities.

Established in 1965, AOTF is an independent 501(c)(3) charitable, scientific, and educational organization. We serve as the premier resource for occupational therapy research and scholarship, working alongside researchers, educators, practitioners, community partners, and students to build evidence-based practice that improves lives.

As the only foundation dedicated exclusively to advancing occupational therapy science, we bridge the critical gap between innovative research and real-world practice. Our work ensures that occupational therapy interventions are grounded in rigorous scientific evidence, ultimately improving outcomes for millions of people worldwide.

Mary J. Bridle First Research Award

The Mary J. Bridle First Research Award fosters scholarship and encourages first research efforts within the occupational therapy community. This Pi Theta Epsilon member-exclusive award supports students, young practitioners, and recent graduates conducting their initial formal research projects, helping to build the foundation for lifelong scholarly contributions to the field.

Award Purpose

The Mary J. Bridle Award provides an opportunity for Pi Theta Epsilon members to:

• Have their research manuscript reviewed by experts in the field
• Be considered for publication in OTJR: Occupational Therapy Journal of Research
• Receive recognition and financial support for their first research effort
• Build confidence and experience as emerging OT researchers
• This award supports Pi Theta Epsilon’s mission to promote research and scholarly activities within the field of occupational therapy.

About

Our programs and activities improve the quality of everyday life for people and families with autism along seven key dimensions that are critical to living each day fully.

We aim to provide a path for education and/or employment during the day; opportunities for physical and social activity outside of work/school; and the tools to be safe, supported, and informed at all times.

Kodi Lee Gives Back Grant

Kodi Lee Creates "Kodi Lee Gives Back Grant" in Partnership with Flutie Foundation

We are proud to join forces with our good friend and winner of America's Got Talent, Kodi Lee, for the "Kodi Lee Gives Back Grant!" Thanks to Kodi's leadership, the Flutie Foundation can provide grants to autism self-advocates 15 years of age and older in pursuit of music-related classes, scholarships, therapies, music equipment, and more. Together, through the Kodi Lee Gives Back Grant, Kodi and the Flutie Foundation will help more people with autism pursue their musical dreams and passions, like Kodi!

Apply for a Music Scholarship

Together with the legendary performer and autism self-advocate Kodi Lee, the Flutie Foundation is thrilled to provide the collaborative Kodi Lee Gives Back Grant. This is a unique opportunity for autistic teens and young adults to elevate their music dreams.

Are you an aspiring musician looking to take your talent to the next level? 

This grant supports autistic people of all musical backgrounds and ability levels. Whether you are just getting started, or looking to build a career in music, you can apply to receive a scholarship to invest in your music journey.

Kodi's leadership in the autism community is paving the way for more representation of people with autism to access music opportunities. This grant will cover a wide range of music-related opportunities, including:

• Workshops or music master classes
• Voice coaching or instrument lessons (introductory or advanced)
• Studio recording sessions
• Music therapy
• Music business development opportunities
• Marketing or social media support
• Connecting to performance and career business opportunities in the music industry

Tennessee Housing Development Agency

Since 1973, Tennessee Housing Development Agency (“THDA”)  has been at the forefront of creating housing opportunities in Tennessee. Our purpose: Promote the production of more affordable new housing units for very low-, low-, and moderate-income individuals and families in Tennessee; Promote the preservation and rehabilitation of existing housing units for very low-, low-, and moderate-income individuals and families; Bring greater stability to the residential construction industry and related industries so as to assure a steady flow of production of new housing units.

The THDA administers the federally funded HOME Investment Partnership Program (“HOME”) to promote the production, preservation, and rehabilitation of single-family housing for low-income households. The purpose of this Program Description is to explain the requirements and the application process of THDA’s HOME Homeowner Rehabilitation Program. 

HOME Homeowner Rehabilitation

HOME funds are awarded under this Program Description through a competitive application process open to cities, counties, and non-profit organizations that are located outside of local participating jurisdictions. Local participating jurisdictions (“Local PJs”) are those local governments that also receive HOME funds directly from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”). The Local PJs in Tennessee are Chattanooga, Clarksville, Jackson, Knoxville, Memphis, Murfreesboro, Nashville-Davidson County, Knox County, Shelby County, and the Northeast Tennessee/Virginia Consortium (the cities of Bristol, Kingsport, Johnson City, Bluff City, Sullivan County, and Washington County, excluding the Town of Jonesborough). Non-profit organizations located in a Local PJ may apply for projects located outside of a Local PJ. An applicant must apply for at least $250,000 and may apply for a maximum HOME grant of $750,000 for funding under this Program Description. 

Tennessee Housing Development Agency

Since 1973, Tennessee Housing Development Agency (“THDA”)  has been at the forefront of creating housing opportunities in Tennessee. Our purpose: Promote the production of more affordable new housing units for very low-, low-, and moderate-income individuals and families in Tennessee; Promote the preservation and rehabilitation of existing housing units for very low-, low-, and moderate-income individuals and families; Bring greater stability to the residential construction industry and related industries so as to assure a steady flow of production of new housing units.

The THDA administers the federally funded HOME Investment Partnership Program (“HOME”) to promote the production, preservation, and rehabilitation of single-family housing for low-income households. The purpose of this Program Description is to explain the requirements and the application process of THDA’s HOME Homeowner Rehabilitation Program. 

HOME Rental Housing Development

THDA will provide HOME funding under its HOME Rental Housing Development Program for the new construction and/or acquisition and rehabilitation of rental housing projects: being developed in urban areas, as defined in Section 6 of this document, may not consist of more than 11 units of housing total. The funding may be combined with other resources, except Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (“LIHTC”); being developed in rural areas, as defined in Section 7 of this document, must not have more than 11 HOME-Funded units, but the total number of units in the project is not limited. The funding may be combined with other resources, including LIHTC. 

Tennessee Housing Development Agency

Since 1973, Tennessee Housing Development Agency (“THDA”)  has been at the forefront of creating housing opportunities in Tennessee. Our purpose: Promote the production of more affordable new housing units for very low-, low-, and moderate-income individuals and families in Tennessee; Promote the preservation and rehabilitation of existing housing units for very low-, low-, and moderate-income individuals and families; Bring greater stability to the residential construction industry and related industries so as to assure a steady flow of production of new housing units.

The THDA administers the federally funded HOME Investment Partnership Program (“HOME”) to promote the production, preservation, and rehabilitation of single-family housing for low-income households. The purpose of this Program Description is to explain the requirements and the application process of THDA’s HOME Homeowner Rehabilitation Program. 

HOME Homeownership Development

THDA will make HOME funds available to non-profit organizations that meet the designation of a Community Housing Development Organization (“CHDO”) through a competitive application process. An applicant must apply for a HOME grant of at least $250,000 for program costs, but may apply for a maximum HOME grant of $1,000,000 for program costs and may also apply for operating assistance up to an amount equal to 7% of program costs.

Eligible housing activities under this program description include Homeownership Programs: THDA expects that the Grant Recipients will not only shepherd the homebuyer through the home buying process, but also work toward fostering an on-going relationship with the homebuyer. This responsibility includes facilitating additional homeowner counseling, verifying homeowner occupancy requirements on an annual basis, and monitoring mortgage loan default issues. 

Help End Alzheimer's

The CART Fund is dedicated to funding cutting-edge, high-impact research to find a cure for Alzheimer’s Disease. We are proud to collaborate with more than 600 Rotary Clubs in 50 Rotary Districts around the US who #StandWithCART.

100% of all donations go directly to research.

ADRC-Supported Programs: Request for Pilot Projects for Early Stage Investigators

CART Discovery Grant

Projects are intended for new/early-stage faculty only (i.e, instructor, assistant professor, or equivalent, with institutional privileges to serve as PI on federal grants).

Areas of research can range from basic, translational and clinical investigations. Studies of pre- clinical phases of disease and approaches useful in differentiating disease processes from normal aging, as well as multi-etiology dementia, early interventions, imaging and biomarkers, are encouraged. Applicants may consult with ADRC scientists for strategic and statistical advice.

Please write a cover letter and include affirmation that this is a NEW pilot project and not supported by federal or non-federal sponsored grants. The applicant may request a project period of up to one year with a budget for DIRECT COSTS of up to $50,000. CART will send payment for these Pilot Grants at the beginning of the project. INDIRECT COST RECOVERY IS NOT ALLOWED.

Institutional matching funds are encouraged.

Through the generosity of donors to the Foundation Council, MNRS is able to offer nurse researchers grant opportunities to further their work and contribute to the profession of nursing science. The Foundation and Grants Committee urges you to apply for one of the grant opportunities offered solely to MNRS members. You must remain a member of MNRS for the entire duration of the grant process.About MNRS Post-Dissertation GrantThe Midwest Nursing Research Society is pleased to offer TWO MNRS Post-Dissertation Grant of up to $2,500. The purpose of this grant is to support nurse researchers in the Midwest who have completed their doctoral degree and are in the post-doctoral phase and beyond. These grants are designed to provide funding that helps advance independent programs of research and contribute to the growth of nursing science and practice.

Funds are available to support quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods studies on any topic relevant to nursing science.

Through the generosity of donors to the Foundation Council, MNRS is able to offer nurse researchers grant opportunities to further their work and contribute to the profession of nursing science. The Foundation and Grants Committee urges you to apply for one of the grant opportunities offered solely to MNRS members. You must remain a member of MNRS for the entire duration of the grant process.About MNRS Kevin & Mary Anthony Family Grant for Transforming Long-Term CareThe MNRS/Kevin & Mary Anthony Family Grant for Transforming Long-Term Care supports the initiatives that drive meaningful and transformative improvements in the nursing-home work environment by addressing one of two priorities: 

1. Strengthening leadership, teamwork, and/or communication—both within and across disciplines—as core drivers of improved resident- and family-centered care and outcomes.

2. Advancing meaningful engagement and empowering nursing assistants to share their perspectives and actively shape care practices and workplace decisions.

Funding will support bold ideas using quantitative or mixed-methods research projects that address either of these priorities and contribute to sustainable, evidence-based improvements in long-term care.

Through the generosity of donors to the Foundation Council, MNRS is able to offer nurse researchers grant opportunities to further their work and contribute to the profession of nursing science. The Foundation and Grants Committee urges you to apply for one of the grant opportunities offered solely to MNRS members. You must remain a member of MNRS for the entire duration of the grant process.

About MNRS Joseph & Jean Buckwalter Dissertation Grant

This grant was made possible through a bequest from the estate of Dr. Joseph and Jean Buckwalter to their son and daughter-in-law, Jody and Kitty Buckwalter. The purpose of this grant is to support the research development of budding scholars in the Midwest Region, especially those with interests in chronic illness and mental health. All applicants MUST be current active members of MNRS to be eligible for this grant.

The Alzheimer's Disease Programs Initiative (ADPI) aims to develop dementia-capable home and community-based service systems in Indian Country over a 36-month period. This initiative is designed for federally recognized tribes and organizations, promoting person-centered services that support individuals with dementia and their caregivers. Applicants can choose between two options: enhancing existing programs or establishing new dementia services, ensuring tribal leadership support and community engagement throughout the process.

The Alzheimer's Disease Programs Initiative (ADPI) aims to enhance support for unpaid family caregivers by expanding access to high-quality, dementia-specific respite services. This initiative, funded by the US HHS Administration for Community Living, focuses on reducing caregiver burden and delaying institutionalization for individuals with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias. By partnering with aging service providers, the program ensures caregivers receive necessary training and support, fostering a sustainable and responsive respite care system.

The No Wrong Door System Modernization funding aims to enhance access to services for older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers. By modernizing NWD systems, states can improve service navigation through innovative strategies and technology, including AI. This initiative supports the Administration for Community Living's efforts to connect individuals to vital resources and build evidence on effective service access methods, ensuring a person-centered approach to community living.

This funding opportunity from the US HHS Administration for Community Living aims to support innovative community-based nutrition models that enhance health outcomes for older adults participating in Senior Nutrition Programs. Projects should focus on improving access to healthy foods, promoting healthy aging, and developing sustainable practices. By fostering community partnerships, the initiative seeks to replicate successful strategies across the Aging Network, ultimately improving the quality of life for seniors nationwide.

Master Artist Apprentice Program (MAAP)

Tennessee Craft, in partnership with the Tennessee Arts Commission, offers the Master Artist Apprentice Program (MAAP) to support the continuation, advancement and creation of craft in Tennessee.

MAAP pairs selected apprentices with accomplished master craft artists for an intensive six-month, one-on-one mentorship. Through concentrated study and hands-on learning, apprentices set challenging goals designed to strengthen their technical skills, expand their knowledge and advance their development as professional craft artists.

The program recognizes the important role of the master artist–apprentice relationship in preserving Tennessee’s cultural heritage while encouraging innovation and the continued growth of contemporary craft.

Program Goals

MAAP is designed to:

• Provide Tennessee craft artists with meaningful, alternative educational experiences
• Foster intentional one-on-one mentoring
• Support the professional development of emerging craft artists
• Encourage fine craft as a viable career path
• Preserve and advance specialized craft skills and traditions
• Expand and strengthen Tennessee’s community of craft artists

Awarded apprentices receive a $1,900 stipend to work with their chosen master from December 1, 2026, to June 15, 2027.

Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture encourages, protects and promotes agriculture and related industries throughout the commonwealth while providing consumer protection through inspection services that impact the health and financial security of Pennsylvania's citizens.

Wine Marketing & Research Program

Introduction

The Pennsylvania Wine Marketing and Research Program Board (Board) annually, or more frequently as the availability of the fund permits, solicits applications for grants to conduct promotion, marketing and research projects to increase the quality, profitability, production and sale of wines, enhance the wine industry and benefit wine producers of this Commonwealth.

Research includes, but is not limited to:

• Characterization of Accentuated Cut Edges (ACE)
• Impacts of Spotted Lanternfly
• Impact of Under-trellis Groundcover
• Marketing Education and Professional Development for the PA Wine Industry
• Pennsylvania Wine Land Statewide Marketing & Promotions
• Spotted Wing Drosophila in Pennsylvania
• Grapevine Leafroll Viruses
• Tannin Extraction

The Young Faculty Award (YFA) 2027, sponsored by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), seeks to support emerging researchers in academia and non-profit research institutions. This program focuses on those without previous DARPA funding, aiming to align innovative research with national security needs. By providing significant funding, the YFA encourages the development of transformative capabilities for the Department of War, fostering the next generation of researchers dedicated to addressing critical national security challenges.

The FY 2027 - 2029 Broad Agency Announcement by NOAA seeks proposals for innovative research and projects through the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) program. This initiative connects federal agencies with diverse partners to address ecological challenges. It encourages efforts that enhance understanding of weather and environmental systems while ensuring the conservation of marine resources. Funding is contingent on appropriations, and applications are subject to an administrative review process.

The PATC3H-IN initiative focuses on improving HIV care for adolescents in resource-constrained settings while generating evidence that can enhance care models in the United States. By developing scalable care delivery strategies and studying their impact, the project aims to address barriers faced by young people, such as stigma and access issues. This research is crucial for achieving effective interventions, ultimately helping to reduce new HIV infections and improve health outcomes for adolescents both domestically and globally.

The Discovery Gateway to Reproductive Health Innovation, established by the NICHD, aims to create a comprehensive knowledgebase to advance research on various reproductive health conditions like preeclampsia and infertility. This initiative will integrate clinical and multi-omic data to bridge critical knowledge gaps, enabling scientists to generate insights that could lead to new treatments and commercial products, thereby accelerating public-private partnerships and improving health outcomes.

The Learning Disabilities Research Centers program, supported by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, aims to enhance outcomes for children with learning disabilities such as dyslexia and dyscalculia. This initiative promotes collaborative research to improve SLD identification, understanding genetic factors, and testing innovative interventions. By fostering mentorship and collaboration, the program seeks to empower the next generation of researchers and enhance educational strategies for affected youth.

The CAPSTONE Centers for Multidisciplinary Research in Child Abuse and Neglect aims to address the critical public health issue of child sexual abuse (CSA). This initiative focuses on overcoming research challenges and enhancing data infrastructure to support innovative studies on CSA interventions and long-term health outcomes. By emphasizing prevention and translational research, the Centers seek to create measurable impacts on public health, thus contributing to the well-being of affected children and communities.

About Sawyer Foundation Charitable Trust Our mission is to support partner organizations that share the gift of clean drinking water to under-resourced communities. Our vision is to see all of our global community have access to clean, safe drinking water.Through our partnership with Sawyer, our nonprofit partners have access to affordable, point-of-use filters designed to provide reliable access to clean water for 10+ years.‍

Sawyer partners with over 140 non-profits in more than 100 countries, providing clean water to families lacking access to clean water – for long-term relief and in disaster situations.About Sawyer Foundation Grant We prioritize projects that demonstrate a strong commitment to:

• Long-term sustainability in water filtration and access.
• Training, follow-up, and local engagement that strengthen best practices.
• Data collection or research that improves project implementation and outcomes.
• Unique expertise, partnerships, or approaches that enhance global impact.

The UNLOCK program aims to enhance energy and critical resource extraction from subsurface resources, addressing geological and technical challenges. It focuses on increasing extraction efficiency from low permeability formations and optimizing water management while ensuring cost efficiency. Despite advancements in hydraulic fracturing, recovery rates remain below 20%, leaving significant resources untapped. This initiative seeks innovative solutions to improve recovery methods and manage produced water effectively, paving the way for more sustainable resource utilization.

The UNLOCK program by the U.S. Department of Energy aims to revolutionize subsurface resource extraction by enhancing recovery efficiency from low-permeability formations. This initiative seeks to overcome geological challenges that hinder oil, gas, geothermal, and mineral recovery. By developing innovative stimulation techniques and field-validation processes, UNLOCK targets a twofold increase in resource recovery efficiency while minimizing costs and wastewater production, ultimately contributing to national energy resilience and reduced foreign energy dependency.