Best Putnam County Grants for Nonprofits in Tennessee

Nonprofit organizations running arts, education, health, or human services programs in Putnam County, Tennessee and Middle Tennessee can apply for funding to improve quality of life. Focused on broad community impact, Ingram Charitable Fund supports initiatives that make Nashville and surrounding Middle Tennessee counties better places to live and work.

The Area Development Grant Program, managed by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), supports economic growth in Appalachia through investments in critical infrastructure and workforce development. Targeting 423 counties across 13 states, the program encourages local communities to collaborate with state governments to identify and implement impactful projects. Key focus areas include enhancing utilities, promoting entrepreneurship, and strengthening local leadership. This initiative aims to uplift the 26 million residents of Appalachia, fostering sustainable economic opportunities.

The ARISE Grants, offered by the Appalachian Regional Commission, aim to drive regional economic transformation across 13 Appalachian states. With funding of up to $63.5 million for implementation grants and $10 million maximum awards, the initiative supports collaborative projects that enhance community capacity and economic growth. The program encourages innovative partnerships to strengthen local economies and achieve socioeconomic parity, benefiting over 26 million residents in the Appalachian Region.

Nonprofit arts organizations with at least a $30,000 budget in Tennessee’s eligible urban counties, including Putnam County, Tennessee, can receive operating support for ongoing arts programming and expenses. With a mission to support the arts, Tennessee Arts Commission provides competitive grants up to US $45,000, requiring a 1:1 cash match and prior Commission funding history.

Nonprofit organizations serving children and youth in Putnam County, Tennessee and across Middle Tennessee can seek funding to support programs that improve kids’ lives. Phoenix Benefit invites 501(c)(3) partners making a meaningful difference for local children to apply through its multi-step grant request process, beginning with an online questionnaire.

Students from Middle Tennessee’s 40 CFMT counties, including Putnam County, pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies in education, theology, music, film, historic preservation/public history, or fine arts may be eligible for this renewable scholarship. Grants from Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee prioritize applicants with at least a 3.0 GPA who demonstrate significant financial need.

501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on housing or financial literacy can receive more than US $1,000 for one-year programs from Union Home Foundation. Putnam County, Tennessee organizations working on equitable and affordable or supportive housing, shelters, or financial education may be eligible to apply through this quarterly grant opportunity.

The Bishop Joseph and Stephaine Walker Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, supports African-American students from the region who have a GPA of 2.5 or higher and a demonstrated history of community service. Annually, two to five scholarships are awarded to eligible graduate students pursuing advanced degrees, helping to foster educational advancement and community engagement in Middle Tennessee.

College-bound female students in Putnam County, Tennessee pursuing postsecondary education can receive scholarship support through the Charlene (Charlie) Jane Toomey Memorial Scholarship Fund. Grants from Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee permanently endow one or more awards, with preference for applicants holding at least a 3.0 GPA and demonstrating extracurricular or community involvement.

The Nashville Predators Foundation, empowered by SmileDirectClub, provides annual Helper Grants to support local charities in Nashville and Middle Tennessee. With grants ranging from $500 to $10,000, the foundation focuses on projects benefiting youth and families. In 2022, it distributed over $800,000 to 172 organizations. The program prioritizes those with detailed expense lists and organizations with budgets under $2 million, fostering community engagement and support for impactful initiatives.

The B’nai B’rith Maimonides Lodge #46 Scholarship supports legally blind students pursuing post-secondary education. Established by the oldest Jewish service organization in Nashville, this scholarship honors 38 years of community service through a summer camp for visually-impaired children. The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee administers the fund, ensuring assistance reaches those in need while fostering an inclusive community. Eligible applicants must provide documentation of their legal blindness to apply.

Putnam County, Tennessee land and habitat conservation nonprofits can access funding through Open Space Institute to acquire permanent conservation easements or fee interests in large forest blocks. Eligible projects must lie within the Southern Cumberland Plateau grant region, permanently protect high-priority forests, and be led by organizations with strong long-term stewardship and transaction capacity.

The H. Franklin Brooks Scholarship Fund, established by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, offers renewable scholarships to graduating high school seniors from Middle Tennessee. This fund particularly supports self-identified LGBTQ+ students, especially those whose families have ceased financial support for their education. With over 30 years of community impact, CFMT aims to foster a thriving, inclusive environment through collective philanthropy.

The Brandon Key Scholarship Fund, established by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, honors a young man dedicated to community service and civil rights. This scholarship supports Middle Tennessee students with a minimum GPA of 2.5, who demonstrate a commitment to serving their community and plan to attend an accredited college. Preference is given to applicants from low socioeconomic backgrounds aiming for Historically Black Colleges or Universities, promoting inclusivity and opportunity for future generations.

Putnam County, Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits whose primary focus is children can access funding through Speedway Children's Charities to support critical, medical, or educational programs in middle Tennessee. Organizations serving homeless, orphaned, foster youth, or child victims of sex trafficking, as well as those providing health care, therapy, literacy, tutoring, or after-school programs, may be prioritized.

The Brown Center for Autism: Benjamin M. Liske Scholarship Fund, established by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, supports graduating seniors from Middle Tennessee diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. This scholarship honors Ben Liske, who excelled academically despite his challenges. Since its inception in 2008, the Brown Center has provided vital resources and training to families and professionals, aiming to enhance the lives of those affected by autism and promote a thriving, inclusive community.

The Tennessee Appalachian Regional Commission Funding supports economic development projects in middle and east Tennessee. Grants can reach up to $1,000,000 for construction and $500,000 for non-construction projects. Priorities include water and wastewater services to industries, basic services in rural areas, and unique community opportunities. This funding aims to enhance the quality of life and foster self-sustaining development in the Appalachian region.

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 Rural Arts Facilities Fund, established by the Tennessee Arts Commission, aims to support rural communities in enhancing their arts and cultural facilities. Grants of up to $200,000 are available for projects that benefit local arts programming, foster community identity, and promote economic growth. Eligible applicants include local governments and nonprofit organizations in rural Tennessee. By investing in these facilities, the program seeks to improve access to arts experiences, create jobs, and stimulate tourism in underserved areas.

The Brinker International Charitable Giving Program focuses on giving back to communities through support for kids, hunger, and education. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501c(3) non-profits and submit requests at least six weeks prior to events. The program does not support individuals, political or religious organizations, or explicit discrimination policies. Funding is provided through monetary donations or in-kind contributions like dining certificates.

Black Appalachian oral tradition culture bearers connected to Putnam County, Tennessee and other ARC-designated Appalachian counties can receive US $5,000 fellowships to sustain Black storytelling traditions. Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation’s CALT Black Appalachian Storytellers Fellowship honors artists preserving Black American culture and heritage, including recognition at the “In the Tradition…” National Black Storytelling Festival and Conference.

The Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative aims to revitalize communities impacted by coal industry transitions. This initiative provides funding for projects that diversify local economies, enhance job training, and create new employment opportunities. By fostering collaboration among various stakeholders, the POWER Initiative supports strategic investments that align with regional economic development plans, ensuring a more resilient future for coal-affected areas.

The A. O. Smith Foundation, established in 1955, provides grants to support charitable, educational, and human services organizations primarily in communities where A. O. Smith Corporation operates. With a mission focused on enhancing community well-being, the Foundation promotes education, arts, culture, and health initiatives. It encourages employees to engage in volunteerism, fostering a culture of community involvement. Notably, the Foundation does not fund politically active organizations or those primarily aiming to influence legislation.

High school students from Putnam County, Tennessee and other Middle Tennessee counties with at least a 21 ACT score and 3.0 GPA can seek renewable scholarship support through the J. Barrett Melton Family Memorial Scholarship Fund. Grants from Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee help eligible students pursue academic goals, with preference for applicants from Cannon County.

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.

Educational and health-focused 501(c)(3) public charities, academic institutions, and government entities in Putnam County, Tennessee can seek funding to expand access to abortion and contraception. The Educational Foundation of America supports litigation, direct support for providers, abortion funds, and communications strategies, with a particular emphasis on Appalachian communities including parts of Tennessee.

Putnam County, Tennessee high school seniors and recent graduates pursuing engineering technology or aerospace majors at Middle Tennessee State University can access funding through the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee’s Donald and Frances McDonald Endowed Scholarship Fund. Eligible students must have strong academics, demonstrate financial need, and enroll full-time in qualifying degree programs.