Best Sevier County Grants for Nonprofits in Tennessee

Nonprofit agencies serving low-income women and girls in Sevier County, Tennessee can seek one-time Self-Sustainability Grants to strengthen programs that build independent, resilient futures. Focused on women and girl services, Womens Fund of East Tenenssee supports urgent needs or emerging opportunities that help organizations enhance services and expand their reach across East Tennessee counties.

Nonprofits, government units, public educational institutions, and houses of worship in Sevier County, Tennessee can apply for East Tennessee Foundation’s Neighbor to Neighbor Disaster Relief Fund to support disaster response, relief, and long-term recovery from Hurricane Helene. Organizations serving other eligible East Tennessee counties most affected by flooding may also qualify.

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.

Individual Black Appalachian storytellers rooted in Sevier County, Tennessee traditions can receive US $5,000 fellowships to sustain and share oral storytelling heritage. Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation’s CALT Black Appalachian Storytellers Fellowship supports culture bearers with strong ties to ARC-designated Appalachian counties in Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, or West Virginia.

501(c)(3) nonprofits offering arts, education, youth services, or historic preservation programs in Sevier County, Tennessee can seek funding to support community-focused initiatives. Ryman Hospitality Properties Foundation supports arts and cultural education, schools at all levels, and enrichment opportunities for disadvantaged youth in communities near its holdings, including Sevier County.

Nonprofit organizations addressing childhood hunger in Sevier County, Tennessee can seek funding to provide food, education, and related resources to undernourished children. Y12 Fcu Gives Foundation supports local programs in select East Tennessee counties and may also offer volunteers, educational sessions, and publicity during the 12‑month grant period.

The CNS Y-12 Community Investment Fund, established by Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC, supports local communities in Oak Ridge, TN and Amarillo, TX. Since its inception in 2015, it has awarded over 205 grants to more than 120 nonprofits. With grants ranging from $2,000 to $15,000 for one-year terms, organizations are encouraged to address funding priorities such as mental health support and early learning. The fund reflects a commitment to enhancing community welfare through strategic resource allocation.

The Radio Systems Corporation Grant aims to enhance animal welfare and support youth development by allocating a portion of corporate profits to charitable organizations. Eligible applicants must be located in Knox County and the surrounding eight counties in Tennessee. The grant prioritizes shelters, rescues, and training centers, focusing on initiatives that benefit both animals and young people in the community. This commitment reflects Radio Systems Corporation's dedication to giving back and fostering a positive impact.

Spectrum Digital Education Grants support nonprofit organizations in educating communities about broadband benefits and usage. These grants aim to bridge the digital divide, particularly for seniors and those with disabilities or ethnically diverse backgrounds. Applicants must demonstrate community partnership, address specific needs, and provide measurable impact metrics. With a focus on financial feasibility and meaningful outcomes, this initiative ensures that underrepresented urban and rural communities gain access to essential digital resources, fostering long-term improvement in their lives.

Nonprofits, government units, and educational institutions serving Sevier County, Tennessee can seek up to US $25,000 for collaborative capacity-building projects that strengthen operations, finances, data, and programs. Focused on organizational effectiveness, East Tennessee Foundation supports efforts like shared systems, leadership development, revenue diversification, and prevention-focused work around early childhood, health drivers, and adverse childhood experiences.

State and local agencies, local governing boards, nonprofits, tribes, and higher education institutions in Sevier County, Tennessee can seek funding for critical infrastructure and workforce or business development projects. With a mission to strengthen Appalachian communities, Appalachian Regional Commission provides Appalachian-region organizations with support for water and wastewater systems, transportation, broadband, entrepreneurship, worker training, and related economic development initiatives.

Nonprofits and public entities in eligible Appalachian counties, including Sevier County, Tennessee, can apply for Appalachian Regional Commission’s ARISE grants, which offer up to US $10,000,000 for multi-state planning and implementation projects. Funding supports large-scale regional economic development, workforce readiness, community revitalization, and tourism initiatives that cross state or county borders.

Students from East Tennessee seeking an internship in the Tennessee State Legislature can receive scholarship support for higher education through the Senator Carl O. Koella, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund. Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee provides this funding, and eligible applicants from Sevier County, Tennessee may benefit when planning legislative-focused academic paths.

Nonprofits and public entities in Sevier County, Tennessee can seek funding for economic and community development projects, especially water, wastewater, rail, and other public infrastructure, with awards up to US $1,000,000. Grants from Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development also support rural development, workforce readiness, tourism, and community leadership in eligible Appalachian counties.

The Economic Development Fund for East Tennessee Grant Program, established in 1991, aims to support charitable and economic initiatives that foster regional economic growth. Organizations eligible for funding must operate within East Tennessee's 25-county service area and provide necessary documentation, including nonprofit status. Grants, ranging from $5,000 to $6,500, will be awarded for one-year terms starting August 1, 2024, with applications opening in August 2024.

The Youth Endowment Fund Grant, managed by the East Tennessee Foundation, supports innovative solutions to challenges faced by youth within a 25-county service area. Grants of up to $20,000 are available for projects focusing on early childhood education, health drivers, and the prevention of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Eligible organizations must demonstrate a commitment to serving youth and adhere to non-discrimination policies. This initiative aims to foster stronger, healthier communities through impactful youth programming.

The Harry W. and Carolyn W. Galbraith Memorial Fund Grant supports animal care organizations focusing on spaying and neutering programs for cats and dogs. Established in 2014, it awards grants ranging from $3,000 to $5,000 for one-year terms beginning August 2024. Eligible organizations must be located within the Foundation's service area and provide services primarily to low-income pet owners. Funds may also cover rabies vaccinations, enhancing overall animal welfare in the 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.

Sevier County, Tennessee nonprofits working in arts and culture, education and leadership, environmental sustainability, financial literacy, or health and human services can access funding through First Horizon Foundation for community-strengthening programs. Eligible organizations must be located in Knoxville, Maryville, Sevierville, or Cookeville and meet the foundation’s charitable guidelines.

501(c)(3) nonprofits working on affordable housing, skilled trades, clean water, sanitation, or community development in Sevier County, Tennessee can apply for Ferguson’s Ferguson Cares Grant. Eligible organizations must be within Ferguson’s U.S. geographic footprint and focus on projects that improve economic wellbeing and quality of life in their communities.

Eligible Tennessee 501(c)(3) arts nonprofits in designated urban counties, including Sevier County, can receive operating support up to US $45,000 for ongoing arts programming and organizational expenses. With a mission to strengthen the arts sector, Tennessee Arts Commission provides competitive, matching funds to organizations with at least a $30,000 budget and prior Commission funding.

Nonprofit, community-led organizations supporting LGBTQ communities and social justice in Sevier County, Tennessee can apply for Appalachian Community Fund’s LGBTQ Fund Grant Program, with awards up to US $2,000. With a mission to fund grassroots social change, Appalachian Community Fund prioritizes new and emerging efforts, especially those involving LGBTQ youth and systemic organizing or education.

Nonprofit, community-based 501(c)(3) organizations in Sevier County, Tennessee needing technical assistance for social justice work can apply for capacity-building support, including leadership development, fundraising, planning, and organizing. Focused on grassroots social, economic, racial, and environmental justice in Central Appalachia, Appalachian Community Fund invites groups with systemic change strategies and strong local leadership to seek these small technical assistance grants.

Nonprofit organizations and local government entities in Sevier County, Tennessee can seek funding for arts projects and activities that enhance community vitality and engagement in urban counties. With a mission to support diverse art forms, Tennessee Arts Commission provides US $1,000 - US $18,000 for projects involving professional artists, performances, festivals, exhibitions, workshops, and related program costs.

Local governments and 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organizations in Sevier County, Tennessee can seek funding to build, renovate, restore, or expand rural arts and cultural facilities. Grants from Tennessee Arts Commission support projects like stage upgrades, accessibility improvements, and technology or infrastructure enhancements, with awards up to US $200,000 for eligible capital projects.

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.

Nonprofit arts organizations, government units, educational institutions, and fiscally sponsored groups in Sevier County, Tennessee can seek two-year funding to sustain cultural traditions and support diverse artistic expression. Focused on arts and culture, East Tennessee Foundation prefers projects serving underserved audiences, public art and performances, grassroots arts groups, and initiatives celebrating historically underrepresented communities, with awards ranging from US $5,000 - US $15,000.