Best Shelby County Grants for Nonprofits in Tennessee

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Mobile Beacon's Connect for Success program addresses the digital divide by providing schools with essential technology resources. This initiative offers up to 25 laptops and 4G devices with 12 months of complimentary high-speed internet service. By targeting students and communities facing digital inequities, the program ensures that all students can complete homework and access educational content from home. With ongoing support options available post-grant, Mobile Beacon is committed to fostering equitable learning environments and empowering educators to enhance digital inclusion.

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.

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 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 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.

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 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.

The Assisi Foundation of Memphis Grant supports nonprofit organizations in improving community health, education, social justice, cultural enrichment, and capacity building. Grants are available for organizations in specific Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi counties, with eligibility focused on tax-exempt entities. Applications are accepted quarterly, with specific deadlines for different focus areas. The foundation seeks innovative ideas that align with its philanthropic mission and encourages organizations to apply for funding that promotes positive community transformation.

Les Passees Grants Program, established by Les Passees, Inc., a dedicated women's volunteer organization, aims to enhance the lives of children and families in Memphis. With over a century of service, this program facilitates funding up to $75,000 for eligible 501c3 tax-exempt organizations. The grants support community initiatives aligned with their mission, ensuring a positive impact on families in need. Organizations must comply with specific eligibility criteria, including submitting follow-up reports for previous grants.

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.

Arts-focused 501(c)(3) organizations providing year-round arts programs in Shelby County, Tennessee can receive unrestricted operating support to strengthen their ongoing work. ArtsMemphis supports organizations that have applied to at least one of its grant programs since July 2019 and have a three-year expense average of $20,000 or more, with multi-step deadlines based on fiscal year-end.

The Arts Build Communities (ABC) Grant, in collaboration with the Tennessee Arts Commission, supports projects that enhance access to arts experiences and improve community quality of life in West Tennessee counties. Eligible organizations include nonprofits and government entities. This grant offers a valuable opportunity for new applicants to engage with community-focused arts initiatives, fostering cultural sustainability and artistic outreach within the designated counties.

Nonprofits, public schools, and state or municipal organizations in Shelby County, Tennessee can apply for Toyota’s invite-only Production Engineering and Manufacturing Center grants to support STEM education and workforce readiness programs. Focus is on long-term, sustainable impact for under-resourced communities, with additional support possible across education, youth services, community safety, and inclusion.

The ArtsZone Grants, administered by ARTSmemphis in partnership with AutoZone, support local arts organizations in Memphis. These grants focus on health and wellness, education, community development, diversity, and arts access. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) entities with a minimum three-year history of quality arts projects. Funding amounts typically range from $5,000 to $30,000, aimed at enhancing community engagement through creative initiatives.

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 nonprofit organizations that make a significant impact in the Memphis area, offering funding between $1,000 and $25,000. This initiative, associated with the FedEx St. Jude Championship, promotes positive change and community growth. With quarterly application cycles focused on various areas, the fund aims to address evolving community needs effectively while ensuring equitable access to resources for eligible nonprofits.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.