Best Putnam County Grants for Nonprofits in Tennessee

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and qualified local government entities in Putnam County, Tennessee can apply for Georgia-Pacific Foundation’s community grants to support education, environment, entrepreneurship, and community enrichment initiatives. Eligible applicants must be within 30 miles of a Georgia-Pacific manufacturing community and serve communities connected to Georgia-Pacific facilities.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 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.

Nonprofit organizations and local government entities in Putnam County, Tennessee can seek funding for arts projects and activities that enhance community vitality and engagement in urban counties. With a mission to support multidisciplinary arts, Tennessee Arts Commission provides US $1,000 - US $18,000 for projects involving recognized art forms, including festivals, performances, exhibitions, residencies, and accessibility initiatives.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

The Appalachian Community Fund's Technical Assistance Grants are designed to strengthen grassroots organizations in Central Appalachia. These small grants support specific technical assistance needs, enhancing skills in areas such as leadership, fundraising, and community organizing. ACF prioritizes projects that address systemic issues and promote social, economic, and environmental justice. Organizations eligible for funding must be community-led and demonstrate a commitment to creating equitable change in their communities.

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.