Best Shelby County Grants for Nonprofits in Tennessee

501(c)(3) nonprofits in Shelby County, Tennessee can apply for PNC Foundation’s Foundation Grant to support early childhood education, youth programs, and community economic development initiatives. Eligible projects must take place in communities where PNC has a significant presence and may include education, affordable housing, community services, arts and culture, or neighborhood revitalization for low- and moderate-income residents.

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 BNSF Railway Foundation provides grants to enhance community quality of life across 28 states, focusing on educational, cultural, and social service initiatives. With over $150 million contributed since 2000, the foundation emphasizes projects with strong local engagement and BNSF employee involvement. Eligible organizations include public charities, local governments, and tribal governments, while ineligible entities encompass religious organizations and those with discriminatory practices. Priority is given to environmental, health, and cultural projects.

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 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 Idlewild Presbyterian Community Support Grant aims to embody God’s love by providing funding to community non-profits that offer compassionate services. This initiative enhances Idlewild's outreach efforts, fostering a just, inclusive, and welcoming community. Eligible applicants are community non-profits dedicated to these values, ensuring broad access to support for impactful local initiatives.

Focused on youth and hunger programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Shelby County, Tennessee can request monetary or in-kind dining certificate support to benefit children’s health, welfare, and development. Brinker International considers applications year-round, with requests due at least six weeks before events and limited to one donation per organization each calendar year.

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 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.

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.

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

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.

The Wabtec Direct Grant Program focuses on creating sustainable impacts in local communities by funding 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations. Emphasizing education and environmental stewardship, the program supports initiatives that improve literacy, academic outcomes, and workforce readiness. Grants range from $1,000 to $10,000, prioritizing organizations that engage local Wabtec employees in volunteerism. The program promotes equitable access and non-discrimination while ensuring measurable results in funded projects.

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 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.

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 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.

Shelby County, Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking support for healthcare-related conferences, charitable events, or education programs may be eligible for Medtronic grants and donations. Grants from Medtronic help organizations address areas like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, women’s health, pain management, and medical education in select communities, including Shelby County.

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 First Horizon Foundation Grant supports organizations in West Tennessee, particularly in Memphis/Shelby County and Jackson, TN. It funds initiatives in Arts and Culture, Education & Leadership, Environmental Sustainability, Financial Literacy, and Health & Human Services. However, it does not provide grants to individuals, K-12 schools, or political organizations. This grant aims to strengthen community impact through targeted support in various essential areas.

LeBlanc/Baker Scholarship for Change

LeBlanc/Baker Scholarship for Change provides a renewable need-based scholarship to male students attending an accredited, four-year Historically Black College or University (“HBCU”).

LeBlanc/Baker Scholarship for Change award recipients will receive a 2026-2027 academic year award of up to $4,000 based on need. UNCF will send electronic notification to the eligible recipients in April 2026; and scholarship funds will be disbursed to the eligible recipients’ enrolled institutions in the fall 2026.

Scholarship Renewal

If funds are available, recipients may be eligible for awards for up to four (4) additional years within a five (5) year period.

Previously awarded students shall be notified and must meet the following criteria:

• Maintain academic standing consistent with the student’s institution standards for continued enrollment.
• Annually complete FAFSA and continue to have a demonstrated unmet financial need, as verified by their college or university.

A student who transfers from an HBCU to any accredited four-year college or university after successfully completing at least one (1) academic term remains eligible for recurring awards for attendance at their new institution if they otherwise meet the renewal eligibility criteria.

A student who withdraws or takes a leave of absence, after completing at least one (1) academic year, has the equivalent of a full academic year to reenroll at any accredited four-year college or university.

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.