Best Shelby County Grants for Nonprofits in Tennessee

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving Shelby County, Tennessee can seek funding for community-wide programs in health and wellness, education and youth development, community development, and arts access. Focused on these areas, Autozone Foundation invites Memphis-area nonprofits to request one-time project, program, or capital campaign support that aligns with its strategic giving pillars.

The Kemmons Wilson Family Foundation offers Innovation Grants ranging from $10K to $25K to support creative projects that address generational poverty. Eligible organizations must have 501c3 status and operate in the Greater Memphis area. The foundation emphasizes innovative solutions that target under-resourced communities and encourages partnerships with nonprofits. The grants aim to empower organizations making a significant impact through original initiatives, aligning with the Foundation's Building Strong Families strategy.

The NFL Foundation Grassroots Program, in partnership with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), aims to enhance the quality, safety, and accessibility of community football fields. With grants up to $250,000, this initiative addresses the critical lack of safe recreation spaces in low-income neighborhoods, ensuring children and adults have access to well-maintained facilities for gathering and exercise, ultimately fostering community health and well-being.

Shelby County, Tennessee waste management entities and municipalities can access funding through Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation to establish or operate household hazardous waste collection facilities. Projects may include temporary storage buildings, permanent collection sites, safety equipment, signage, and operating or disposal reimbursement, with selection based on need, project soundness, geographic distribution, and state solid waste plan goals.

Shelby County, Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits addressing basic needs, health care, education, or civic and environmental initiatives can seek community investment that supports local quality-of-life programs. Focused on these four pillars, Valero Energy Foundation invites eligible organizations in areas where it operates, including Shelby County, to align annual funding requests with its priorities.

Nonprofit and conservation-focused organizations in Shelby County, Tennessee can seek funding to restore bottomland hardwood forests and wetlands, improve soil health on working lands, enhance aquatic connectivity, and boost community resilience. National Fish and Wildlife Foundation awards US $150,000 - US $750,000 for large-scale habitat and ecosystem restoration projects across the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley region.

The TAC Arts Project Support grant provides funding for diverse arts projects that enhance community vitality in urban areas. Eligible applicants, including Tennessee-based nonprofit organizations and local government entities, must match the requested grant amount dollar-for-dollar. Projects may encompass various art forms such as visual arts, music, and theater, promoting engagement and accessibility. Applicants should carefully review ineligibility criteria to ensure their proposals align with the funding philosophy.

The Best Buy Teen Tech Center is offering a Mini Tech Skills Workshop Grant to support local and national non-profits in providing STEAM skills workshops for youth aged 13-19. These workshops, which include topics such as coding, filmmaking, and robotics, aim to enhance technical skills and career exploration. Funding can reach up to $24,999, with a focus on hands-on, facilitator-led experiences, and additional programming opportunities may be considered.

Nonprofits, government entities, and educational institutions expanding educational opportunities can seek US $1,000 - US $25,000 for learning-focused programs in the Mid-South, including Shelby County, Tennessee. PGA Tour’s Positively Memphis Community Fund prioritizes projects that improve access to learning resources, with quarterly grant cycles emphasizing specific focus areas such as education.

The Positively Memphis Community Grant supports nonprofits in the Mid-South, offering grants between $1,000 and $25,000 for initiatives that drive positive change. The program, linked to the FedEx St. Jude Championship, focuses on empowering organizations that align with community needs. Quarterly applications prioritize specific focus areas, ensuring targeted support to maximize impact. This grant aims to strengthen the Memphis community through collaborative efforts and meaningful engagement.

The Positively Memphis Community Grant supports nonprofit organizations in the Memphis area, providing funding between $1,000 and $25,000 for initiatives that promote health, wellness, and sports. This grant aims to empower organizations that align with the mission of creating positive change and strengthening the Mid-South community. Applications are accepted quarterly, focusing on various priority areas to address community needs effectively.

The FedEx St. Jude Championship offers an equipment grant to Memphis nonprofit organizations with 501(c)3 status, aimed at supporting local athletes in their golf pursuits. This initiative promotes equity and access to the sport, ensuring that all equipment provided is used solely for the intended programs. By focusing on under-resourced communities, the grant encourages participation in golf, fostering a love for the game and helping to develop young athletes in the region.

The Dr. K. B. (Krish) Deshpande and Vidya K. Deshpande Family Scholarship Fund, established by the Deshpande family, honors a legacy of educational commitment. This fund supports juniors, seniors, and graduate students at Fisk University or other Tennessee HBCUs pursuing science degrees. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence, write an essay on the role of science education, maintain a 3.0 GPA, and engage in community service, ensuring opportunities for marginalized communities.

The TAC Small Urban Partnership Support Grant provides competitive operating support to arts organizations in Tennessee's urban counties. Eligible organizations must have a minimum budget of $30,000 and can request up to 20% of their cash operating expenses. A one-to-one dollar match is required. Applicants must demonstrate a history of funding from the Tennessee Arts Commission and meet specific eligibility criteria related to IRS status and recognized art forms.

Arts Build Communities

We are proud to partner with the Tennessee Arts Commission (TAC) to fund projects that broaden access to arts experiences, address community quality of life issues through the arts, or enhance the sustainability of asset-based cultural enterprises in West Tennessee counties: Fayette, Lauderdale, Shelby, and Tipton.

Overall, 12 designated agencies administer the Arts Build Communities (ABC) program on behalf of TAC in all 95 counties of the state. If your organization is new to ARTSmemphis grant applications, this grant is a great way to get started.

Underrepresented-in-medicine medical students interested in clinical research and community engagement can receive a US $7,500 stipend for a 6-week, in-person externship in community-based clinical research settings, including Shelby County, Tennessee. Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation’s Winn CIPP program builds skills in clinical research, community outreach, and leadership to improve diversity in clinical trials.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving Memphis or influencing Tennessee state policy can seek funding for education, community development, arts and culture, and civic leadership initiatives. Hyde Family Foundations supports high-quality education, vibrant spaces, thriving arts, and engaged leadership, making Shelby County, Tennessee organizations working in these areas strong candidates.

501(c)(3) arts organizations in Shelby County, Tennessee and the Greater Memphis area can seek $5,000 - $30,000 to support general operations or specific arts programs and projects. ArtsMemphis administers the FedEx Arts Program, prioritizing community engagement, youth development, workforce development, and arts experiences for children and families in low- to moderate-income neighborhoods.

Shelby County, Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on basic needs, income creation, stable housing, or empowered communities can access funding through Bank of America Charitable Foundation. Eligible organizations must serve low- and moderate-income communities within designated markets and are typically funded once per calendar year for community development and affordable housing initiatives.

K-12 schools, technical schools, colleges, and universities in Shelby County, Tennessee can receive funding for classroom projects, teacher appreciation, and educator professional development. Leaders Education Foundation supports educators’ initiatives that help students Learn, Experience, Advocate, Dream and Serve, including STEM/STEAM projects, virtual learning, school-wide efforts, and other innovative educational opportunities.

Cox Enterprises Scholarship Program

A need-based scholarship for students attending UNCF member institutions with preference given to students majoring in STEM.

Individual Award

• Up to $5,000

The Hope For Memphis Fund Grant aims to empower Christian ministries and leaders in the Memphis area to foster community transformation. By supporting holistic, Gospel-centered initiatives, this fund seeks to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of local nonprofits. Eligible organizations must be IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) entities that serve underserved populations within the Memphis Metro Area. This grant reflects the commitment of the Christian Community Foundation to uplift and support impactful community work.

The Katie Rose Martin Scholarship Fund, established by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, honors the spirit of Katie Rose, a dedicated student with aspirations in cosmetology. This fund supports high school graduates and second-career adults attending accredited Tennessee cosmetology schools. By fostering educational opportunities, the scholarship aims to empower individuals to achieve their dreams in the beauty industry, ensuring Katie's legacy of hard work and determination lives on in future generations.

The Nike Community Impact Fund focuses on enhancing active, inclusive communities in the Mid-South, specifically in Shelby County (TN) and DeSoto and Marshall Counties (MS). By awarding $100,000 in grants annually, the fund supports local nonprofits and schools that create opportunities for children to engage in play, sport, and physical activity. This community-driven approach ensures that the voices of local Nike employees are integrated into the decision-making process, driving lasting change.

The ARTSassist grant from ARTSmemphis supports artists in Shelby County, providing unrestricted funding to enhance their artistic work. This grant is open to visual, dance, and film artists, with a focus on innovation and quality. A total of 13 grants of $5,000 each will be awarded, ensuring a fair distribution based on applicant demographics. The program highlights the importance of artists in the community and encourages participation in the vibrant cultural landscape of Memphis.

Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Tennessee (TMMTN) Grants aims to foster community improvement by partnering with nonprofit organizations. Committed to enhancing the quality of life, Toyota supports initiatives in community sustainability, inclusive mobility, and workforce readiness. The program prioritizes long-term impact and inclusivity, ensuring diverse populations benefit from funding. Toyota encourages collaborative efforts to tackle pressing societal challenges while engaging employees as volunteers. Note that applications from certain organizations, including those outside the U.S., will not be considered.

The Community Foundation of Greater Memphis offers Nonprofit Capacity Building Grants to enhance the organizational health of nonprofits in the Mid-South. These one-time financial grants, averaging $15,000 with a total of $210,000 available, are for projects that improve governance and management, rather than direct programming. Organizations must raise matching funds dollar-for-dollar to leverage additional resources. Eligibility requires a reviewed profile on LIVEGIVEmidsouth.org and meeting specific operational criteria.