Best Shelby County Grants for Nonprofits in Tennessee

The ArtsFirst Grants, sponsored by the First Horizon Foundation and ARTSmemphis, support local 501c3 arts organizations in Shelby County that promote artistic excellence. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $30,000 and can be used for general operating support, project support, sponsorship, and capital campaigns. Organizations must have a minimum three-year history of quality arts programming and an active board. This funding aims to strengthen community arts initiatives and enrich cultural engagement.

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.

Detroit HBCU Scholarship Endowment

This generous Detroit HBCU Scholarship provides need-based awards to support students who are in one of the eligible zip codes of Detroit.

The purpose of the Detroit HBCU Scholarship Endowment Fund is to provide 1 (one) annual, renewable, and need-based scholarships up to $5,000 (five-thousand dollars) to students graduating from a high school with a Detroit address or students transferring from a metro-Detroit community college to attend a partner HBCU.

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation focuses on improving economic mobility and social progress through partnerships with nonprofits. It prioritizes basic needs, income creation, stable housing, and community empowerment. By supporting vulnerable populations, the foundation aims to enable individuals to achieve their goals and contribute positively to their communities. The foundation emphasizes sustainable progress, ensuring that all community members have access to essential resources and opportunities for growth.

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.

Delta Workforce Grant Program

The Delta Workforce Grant Program (DWP) is an initiative designed to build long-term community capacity and increase economic competitiveness by providing grants to support workforce training and education programs throughout the lower Mississippi River Delta and Alabama Black Belt regions.

DWP supports projects and initiatives that create a more vibrant economic future for the Delta region by expanding opportunities to recruit, train, and retain a diverse and local workforce; aligning workforce and economic development strategies; creating sustainable talent pipelines; establishing or enhancing locally/regionally significant sector-based partnerships; and supporting enhanced workforce productivity through investments in innovative programming or services.

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.

The Steel Dynamics Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community quality of life and local economies by supporting 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Priorities include higher education, economic development, and human services, particularly in communities where Steel Dynamics operates. Grants are awarded based on community impact, employee involvement, and organizational integrity. Applicants must demonstrate a strong ethical track record and effective community engagement to qualify for funding opportunities.

Foot Locker Foundation, Inc-UNCF Scholarship

Foot Locker Foundation, Inc. has partnered with UNCF to fund this scholarship program for students attending a UNCF member college or university during the 2026-2027 school year.

Foot Locker Foundation works to improve upward mobility to build a more equitable and inclusive future through education, economic development and community empowerment. For nearly twenty years, it has partnered with leading organizations helping to mobilize and uplift local communities. 

When applying, a UNCF member school will appear in the drop down options in the application. 

Completed application packages include: transcript, essay, and one letter of recommendation from a faculty member, employer or other community member familiar with your academic performance. All information will be submitted in the appropriate section of the online application.

Individual Award

• Up to $5,000.00

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.

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.

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.

Undergraduate students from Shelby County, Tennessee attending accredited HBCUs can receive up to US $5,000 for higher education costs through the NBA Foundation San Francisco Bay Area Scholarship, administered by United Negro College Fund. Eligible applicants must be GED or high school graduates with at least a 2.5 GPA and freshman–senior standing.

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.

College students majoring in visual and performing arts at accredited UNCF member institutions who live in Shelby County, Tennessee can apply for the Joe Williams Music Scholarship, offering up to US $6,000 for the 2025–2026 school year. Eligible applicants must be full-time freshmen through seniors with at least a 2.50 GPA.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Neighborhood Builders Program, supported by Bank of America, empowers 501(c)(3) nonprofits through a two-year leadership development initiative. Participants receive funding, training, and networking opportunities to enhance their impact in communities. Since its inception, the program has invested over $346 million, training more than 4,000 leaders. The initiative focuses on advancing social mobility and economic opportunities, ensuring affordable housing, and fostering resilient communities. This program is vital for nonprofits aiming to strengthen their leadership and community engagement.

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.

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.

Students from West Tennessee counties, including Shelby County, Tennessee, pursuing aviation-related careers can receive scholarship support through the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee’s Walter Reece (Walt) Montgomery Scholarship Fund. Preference is given to applicants from Carroll County and nearby counties, helping local youth attend college and prepare for aviation professions.

The PNC Foundation's Grow Up Great Grant is a significant initiative aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for children from birth to age 5. With a commitment of $500 million, this program focuses on improving school readiness through support in vocabulary development, social-emotional learning, and the arts. By partnering with community-based nonprofits, PNC aims to foster stronger, smarter, and healthier communities, ensuring a brighter future for the next generation.

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.

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.