Best Polk County Grants for Nonprofits in Tennessee

The ACTA Apprenticeship Program has been supporting California's cultural traditions for nearly 25 years by providing $5,000 contracts to mentor artists for intensive training of eligible apprentices. This program fosters the continuity of traditional arts through one-on-one mentorship, culminating in public presentations and documentation of the learning process. Eligible applicants must submit a collaborative application, demonstrating commitment and quality in their respective art forms. This initiative not only preserves cultural practices but also enhances community engagement.

The Igor Gorin Memorial Award, established in 1993 by the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona, honors the legacy of Igor Gorin by supporting aspiring vocalists. With $382,000 awarded to 49 young talents, this fund provides unrestricted financial assistance for coaching, travel, and auditions. The 2026 award offers up to $12,000, aimed at those overcoming financial barriers to pursue operatic careers, ensuring that exceptional vocalists can thrive in their artistic journeys.

Community Collaboration Challenge

Applications for the 2026 Community Collaboration Challenge are now open! With support from the Leon Lowenstein Foundation, the Challenge provides $5,000 – $10,000 awards to communities and is designed to support collaboration that expands and pilots evidence-based K-12 student supports in the form of high-impact tutoring, mentoring, student success coaching, postsecondary transition coaching, and/or wraparound/integrated student supports.

The Smart Family Fund is a private foundation dedicated to supporting early-stage non-profits that demonstrate the potential for scalable, positive impact. With grants ranging from $25,000 to $100,000, they aim to assist organizations in refining their models and preparing for larger investments. The foundation, guided by three brothers, focuses on mentoring and backing social entrepreneurs facing challenges in securing funding for innovative yet untested ideas, fostering a brighter future for communities.

The Rona Jaffe Foundation Fellowship supports emerging women writers with a fully funded 7-month residency at the Fine Arts Work Center. Established by the Rona Jaffe Foundation, it includes a $2,500 prize to assist with travel and living expenses. Eligible candidates must be U.S. residents, at least 18 years old, and not enrolled in a degree program during the fellowship year. This prestigious fellowship aims to nurture exceptional literary talent.

This funding opportunity invites renewal applications for existing NINDS-supported clinical trial cooperative agreements (U01) that require additional time and resources. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) expects applicants to request only what is necessary for trial completion, without introducing new aims. Discussions with NINDS prior to submission are encouraged. Eligible applications must be renewals of previously approved cooperative agreements under specified NIH funding announcements.

This funding opportunity invites applications for pilot projects focused on understudied proteins linked to rare diseases. The goal is to generate preliminary data and tools related to these proteins, which belong to druggable families with known rare disease associations. By supporting innovative research, this initiative aims to facilitate the characterization of these proteins, ultimately contributing to advancements in understanding and treating rare diseases.

This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) aims to advance the identification and evaluation of candidate biomarkers for neurological and neuromuscular disorders. By facilitating the clinical development of neurotherapeutics, the FOA encourages research that includes both animal studies and preliminary human evaluations. The ultimate goal is to produce biomarkers ready for rigorous analytical and clinical validation, enhancing the effectiveness of treatments in clinical practice.

The AMA Foundation Section Involvement Grant Program supports local campus section leaders at medical schools in enhancing student recruitment and engagement. Grants can provide up to $1,500 per year, with specific allocations for recruitment and community service activities. Examples of supported activities include organization fairs, public health lectures, and community workshops. This initiative aims to foster student involvement and empower local AMA sections to address important health topics within their communities.

The Jonathan Larson Grants provide essential support to emerging musical theatre artists, helping composers, lyricists, and librettists further their creative endeavors. Established in memory of Jonathan Larson, creator of the iconic musical "Rent," these grants empower artists to create impactful work that resonates with contemporary culture. The program, sustained by the American Theatre Wing and the Larson Family, encourages professional growth and artistic exploration without the limitations of specific projects.

The Andrew Lloyd Webber Initiative: University Scholarships, by the American Theatre Wing, supports high school seniors from underrepresented backgrounds with a $10,000 annual scholarship for four years. This initiative addresses financial barriers for students pursuing theatre disciplines, including performance, design, and administration. Scholars are matched with mentors and gain exclusive opportunities such as master classes. This program aims to cultivate a diverse future in theatre, ensuring that talent is nurtured and accessible to all.

The Community Health Aide Program (CHAP) aims to assist Tribes and Tribal Organizations in planning and implementing health services tailored to their unique needs. This initiative by the Indian Health Service promotes flexibility for Tribes across the contiguous 48 states to create effective health programs. By identifying key feasibility factors, the program seeks to enhance community health outcomes and support the establishment of sustainable healthcare solutions.

The Community Health Aide Program: Tribal Assessment and Planning aims to assist Tribes and Tribal Organizations in assessing the feasibility of implementing a Community Health Aide Program tailored to their unique community needs. This initiative, supported by the Indian Health Service, emphasizes regional flexibility and empowers Tribes to identify critical factors for successful program design, ensuring effective health solutions are delivered where they are most needed.

The WNDB Internship Grant Program aims to support diverse students pursuing careers in publishing by offering 16 grants of $3,000 each. Given the high living costs in major publishing hubs, this program helps alleviate financial barriers, enabling interns to gain vital industry experience. Grantees are required to attend various events during the summer, including training and networking opportunities. By fostering diversity, WNDB contributes to a more inclusive publishing landscape, having supported over 140 students since its inception.

The Walter Dean Myers Grant Program, established by We Need Diverse Books, offers $2,000 grants to promising unpublished diverse writers and illustrators. Aimed at enhancing their craft and supporting traditional publication pursuits, this initiative has awarded over 70 grants since 2015, resulting in nearly 60 published books and numerous literary accolades. Applicants must identify as diverse and be U.S. residents, working towards a career in children's literature.

The Watson-Brown Foundation Grant supports organizations dedicated to preserving the history and culture of the South. It offers various types of grants, including for educational programming and historic preservation, with a focus on southern studies. Eligible recipients include public charities in the southeastern United States. The Foundation's Junior Board of Trustees also awards grants to preservation projects in east central Georgia, emphasizing youth engagement in cultural heritage.

The Watson-Brown Foundation Scholarship offers need and merit-based financial assistance to students from Georgia and South Carolina attending accredited four-year colleges. Established in 1970, the foundation aims to enhance educational opportunities for underprivileged youth, awarding over $2.4 million annually. Eligible students can receive up to $3,000 per semester to cover educational expenses, supporting their academic journey while encouraging responsible scholarship and historic preservation.

The National Scleroderma Foundation's New Investigator Grant aims to support emerging researchers dedicated to scleroderma studies. This three-year grant, totaling $200,000, encourages applicants with doctoral degrees and postdoctoral experience. Eligible candidates are invited to submit proposals that may lead to further research funding. The grant emphasizes innovative research approaches while providing essential financial support for early-career investigators. Note that the grant does not cover certain costs, ensuring focused investment in research advancement.

The Scleroderma-Related Lung Disease— The Debra Lurvey Memorial Research Grant, provided by the National Scleroderma Foundation, aims to support research in scleroderma-related lung disease. With a funding amount of $200,000, the grant encourages established investigators to explore innovative solutions and enhance understanding of this condition, ultimately working towards improving the quality of life for affected individuals and advancing medical knowledge in the field.

The National Scleroderma Foundation supports pediatric scleroderma research with up to $500,000 in funding for new and established investigators. Their mission focuses on advancing medical research and promoting awareness of scleroderma, with the vision of improving the lives of those affected. This initiative aims to encourage innovative research that could lead to better treatments and a potential cure for pediatric scleroderma, enhancing support for affected families.

Blue Meridian Partners Grant aims to transform lives of young people and families in poverty by investing in scalable strategies that enhance economic and social mobility. The organization seeks stand-alone nonprofits with a proven track record, a compelling vision, and strong leadership. With a commitment to performance-based investing, Blue Meridian provides significant capital, often exceeding $100 million, to foster impactful solutions and address pressing social challenges effectively.

EmpowHer Grants, offered by the Boundless Futures Foundation, provide essential financial support and resources to female entrepreneurs in the U.S. who are committed to creating social impact through their businesses. Grants, which can go up to $25,000, are available to those with businesses that are less than three years old and demonstrate revenue generation. This initiative aims to empower women by reducing barriers and fostering a supportive entrepreneurial community.

CommonSpirit Health offers the Community Health Improvement Grant to enhance health equity and service systems for underserved populations. Through collaborative efforts with 501(c)(3) organizations, this initiative provides financial support for essential health projects. Grant amounts range from $19,500 for small grants to $150,000 for standard grants, varying by hospital. Participating hospitals include those under Catholic Health Initiatives and Dignity Health, aimed at addressing significant community health needs.

The Tennessee Bar Foundation's IOLTA Grant Program offers support to law-related organizations improving access to legal services for low-income communities. With over $3 million awarded in 2025, the program encourages both new and existing grantees to apply. Grants fund critical services such as legal representation, mediation, and support for domestic violence survivors. The Foundation is committed to fostering positive change and urges eligible organizations to submit their applications.

The Corporate Giving Program by Cytokinetics focuses on health equity in cardiovascular disease, targeting underserved communities. It seeks to fund initiatives that address disparities in healthcare access, including public health campaigns, community support programs, and innovative solutions. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits in the U.S. that align with these goals, ensuring that no direct healthcare practice involvement occurs. This initiative aims to foster equitable health outcomes and enhance community well-being.

The Emily Stover Memorial Scholarship offers $2,000 annually to support outstanding members of the Nantucket community. This scholarship is aimed at individuals who are dedicated to helping others and are pursuing careers that reflect this commitment. Eligible applicants must be Nantucket residents attending accredited colleges or universities, demonstrating a passion for community service and a desire to make a positive impact.

The NSF Mid-scale Research Infrastructure-1 Program supports projects that enhance research capabilities in science and engineering. This program provides funding for both design and implementation of mid-scale research infrastructure, emphasizing the development of a diverse workforce. By addressing specific community needs and promoting competitive research environments, the program encourages innovative approaches to infrastructure development. Proposals may involve upgrades, new acquisitions, or design efforts aimed at successful implementation of vital research tools.