Best Putnam County Grants for Nonprofits in Tennessee

The LGBTQ Fund Grant Program, offered by the Appalachian Community Fund, supports grassroots social change in Central Appalachia. It prioritizes funding for organizations that promote inclusivity and tackle systemic issues affecting LGBTQ communities, particularly youth. Grants are available to community-led organizations with a focus on building capacity and addressing social, economic, and racial justice. This initiative embodies a commitment to collective action and resource-sharing, fostering positive transformation in Appalachian communities.

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.

The Ferguson Cares Grant is an essential aspect of Ferguson's Sustainability strategy, focusing on social challenges and community wellbeing. This grant supports nonprofit organizations in the U.S. dedicated to affordable housing, skilled trades workforce development, clean water access, and enhancing local economic quality of life. Ferguson aims to create lasting partnerships that drive positive impact within their operational regions, reflecting their commitment to social responsibility and community support.

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.

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.

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.

Female students in Putnam County, Tennessee pursuing technology-related degrees can receive scholarship support for four-year college study through the WiTT Endowment Scholarship Fund. Grants from Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee help women in a 40-county Middle Tennessee area, including Putnam County, access higher education in fields like computer science, information systems, cybersecurity, and software engineering.

Middle Tennessee students preparing for legal careers, including those in Putnam County, Tennessee, can apply for the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee’s William Thomas McHugh and Lou Gower McHugh Scholarship Fund to support law school tuition. Eligible applicants must attend an accredited or Tennessee Supreme Court–approved law school; working students at Cumberland School of Law receive preference.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Putnam County, Tennessee that preserve or support Central Appalachian folk and traditional arts can apply for South Arts’ In These Mountains Infrastructure Grants, with awards of US $30,000 for non-programming needs. Funding may cover professional development, minor equipment or software, travel, marketing, strategic planning, and similar operational improvements.

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.

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.

Putnam County, Tennessee students seeking academic scholarships for post–high school education can access funding through the Sponsors Scholarship Fund, administered by Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. This fund continues a long-standing effort to help financially disadvantaged, promising young people improve their economic prospects through college and other postsecondary opportunities.

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.

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.

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 Drue Smith/Society of Professional Journalists’ Scholarship Fund, established in memory of pioneering journalist Drue Smith, supports college juniors, seniors, and graduate students from Middle Tennessee pursuing careers in journalism or broadcast news. This fund honors Drue's legacy as the first woman president of the Society of Professional Journalists in Tennessee, promoting professional development for aspiring journalists and fostering the next generation of media professionals in a rapidly changing landscape.

Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development

The mission of the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development is to work as a team to promote workforce and economic development and improve workplace safety and health throughout Tennessee.

Rural Workforce Initiatives

Rural communities in Tennessee often struggle to access quality healthcare due to factors like limited facilities, long travel distances, workforce shortages, and high costs. The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD) is leading efforts to address workforce shortages across various industries, with healthcare as a priority.

Rural Healthcare Initiatives Grant 

The Program's Purpose

The Rural Healthcare Initiatives grant program aims to leverage existing healthcare training structures and expand apprenticeship and Workforce Development Initiatives to strengthen the pipeline of healthcare professionals in rural communities.

Financial support will be provided to sponsoring entities to offer training, certification, and apprenticeships, while also addressing ancillary costs like transportation, childcare, and examination fees that create barriers for participants.

Where will the grant provide services?

Potential recipients must identify a desired service area in their application. Service area must be in the 91 counties outside the major metropolitan counties of Davidson, Hamilton, Knox, and Shelby. Entities located within the counties of Davidson, Hamilton, Knox, and Shelby may apply for funding if funding is utilized for programing located in one of the other 91 counties in Tennessee. The service area must identify the need for the designated training or certification of the population based on county and regional employment opportunities and needs using local/state data and Labor Market Information. The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development will consult with applicants to ensure services are offered equitably across Tennessee.

What is the total grant award amount?

Applicants will propose their desired funding amount up to a maximum of $250,000 and will use the guidance found in this document.

How will subrecipients receive funds?

This is a reimbursable grant. Recipients will be required to submit requests at least once per month with supporting documentation to be reimbursed for allowable costs. Recipients must use The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development’s grant system, SmartSimple, for submissions. 

Learn more here.

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.

Academy Sports + Outdoors, a leading sporting goods retailer, supports community initiatives by providing donations to registered 501(c)(3) organizations. Their focus is on promoting safety and responsibility in sports and outdoor activities. Proposals must foster community engagement and must not be affiliated with religious or political groups. Events should take place in areas with Academy stores, ensuring a positive local impact while encouraging active lifestyles and connection among community members.

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 Cumberland Plateau Stewardship Fund Grant aims to restore native forests and improve wildlife habitats while supporting working forests in the Cumberland Plateau. The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) invites proposals that enhance forest, grassland, and freshwater ecosystems, promoting conservation practices on agricultural lands. This initiative is backed by funding from USDA agencies and corporate partners, focusing on improving soil health, water quality, and carbon sequestration in the region.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Putnam County, Tennessee that run existing digital literacy programs for families or seniors can apply for US $2,500 - US $50,000 to expand broadband education and access. Spectrum supports programs in its service markets that partner with low-income or multicultural communities and can report clear impact metrics on closing the digital divide.

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.

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 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.