Best Sullivan County Grants for Nonprofits in Tennessee

About Patrick "Packy" McGaughan A popular instructor in Area II, Packy operated Banbury Cross Farm in Clarksburg, Maryland. The farm was developed into a premier training, breeding and boarding facility, specializing in eventing, dressage, hunters, and equitation. Packy produced numerous horses and riders to the highest level of the sport. He was a top instructor in Area II for both juniors, amateurs, and professionals alike and could often be found at events up and down the East Coast coaching riders of all ages and levels.

About Patrick “Packy” McGaughan Prize

Following his passing, an award in Packy McGaughan’s honor was established through the USEA Foundation. That award includes a beautiful bronze trophy and award recipients will be recognized at the USEA Annual Meeting and Convention, and a $5,000 award given annually to a USEA member who demonstrates a love of the sport similar to Packy. 

About Henry Luce FoundationThe Henry Luce Foundation was formed in 1936 by Henry R. Luce, the founder of Fortune, Life, and Sports Illustrated magazines co-founder of Time magazine. Our mission then and now is to empower and transform people, communities, and institutions by boosting access to knowledge and forward-thinking ideas. We envision a world in which diverse people and communities thrive— determining their own best futures and working together in pursuit of knowledge and shared understanding.American Art Program : Loan Exhibition GrantsOnce a year, the American Art Program invites institutions to seek funding for special exhibitions. These are scholarly projects that involve significant loans from multiple institutional and private collections and make new contributions to the field through research, interpretation, and publication.We’re Looking For

• Innovation and Rigor: in ideas, approach, research, and content
• Engagement/Collaboration/Partnerships: among colleagues, communities, institutions, and audiences 
• Impact: for the field of American art, for audiences, for communities

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) aims to enhance its mission through the Implementation and Evaluation of Databases to Examine AIDS Consortium. This initiative merges clinical, genomic, and epidemiologic data to foster evidence-based research and implementation science. By leveraging advanced data science and AI technologies, the consortium addresses HIV morbidity and mortality, improving prevention and treatment strategies. This work aligns with the U.S. Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative, ensuring impactful contributions to public health.

Mayo Family Foundation

The Mayo Family Foundation, founded by Simer and Vicki Mayo in 2019, is dedicated to creating a lasting impact across the globe. With a focus on eradicating food insecurity, empowering at-risk youth, and advancing women’s equality, the Foundation strives to transform lives and foster a brighter future for all.

Domestic Focus

We envision a world where concerns about the next meal, a safe place to sleep, or access to healthcare become a thing of the past. Our goal is to provide long-term solutions that will build stronger, more resilient individuals and communities.

A child at risk is less likely to transition to adulthood successfully. Our mission is to equip our youth with the tools needed for academic achievement and job readiness. These tools are key to securing a future marked by financial stability and high hopes of becoming a positive member of society.

Grant Application

The Mayo Family Foundation (MFF) is dedicated to creating a lasting impact. Its focus is on eradicating food insecurities, women’s equality issues, and empowering at-risk youth. The foundation strives to transform lives and foster a brighter future for all.

This grant has been created to provide the funding needed to make a significant impact in two key areas: combating food insecurity and empowering at-risk youth.

We believe that by supporting dedicated nonprofit organizations like yours, we can create a lasting positive impact in our community. Together, we can ensure that no one goes hungry and that every young person has the opportunity to thrive.

The OJP FY 2026 Integrity in American Elections Grant Program aims to enhance election integrity across the United States. This initiative, supported by the US Department of Justice, focuses on empowering state and local prosecutors to effectively prevent and prosecute voter fraud and maintain the integrity of voter rolls. By safeguarding elections against illegal voting and registration practices, this program is vital for upholding public confidence in democratic processes and ensuring that every American's vote counts.

The Fiscal Year 2027 Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) Grant Program allocates $250 million to enhance public safety through advanced UAS Detection, Identifying, Monitoring, Tracking, and Mitigation technologies. This funding focuses on supporting law enforcement agencies in safeguarding critical infrastructure and public events, particularly the 2028 Summer Olympics and Paralympics in Los Angeles, designated as a National Special Security Event. The program aims to build national detection capacity and ensure effective interagency coordination.

The Institute of Education Sciences (IES) invites transformative research proposals aimed at addressing critical challenges in special education. The FY 2027 focus is on developing innovative preservice teacher education solutions that enhance the recruitment, training, and retention of both general and special education teachers. This initiative aims to significantly improve educational outcomes for students with disabilities, fostering high-quality instruction and scalable solutions to benefit future educators.

The Institute of Education Sciences (IES) is launching the From Seedlings to Scale (S2S) Grants program to foster innovative educational solutions. Focused on integrating evidence into policy and practice, the program invites Phase One applications under the Coordinating Systems to Translate Evidence into Policy and Practice (C-STEP) area. Projects must utilize AI and technology to enhance education systems, ensuring alignment with evidence-based practices for improved outcomes for students from prekindergarten to grade 12.

The FY 2027 – 2029 Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) by the National Marine Fisheries Service invites innovative research and educational projects that enhance NOAA's mission. This funding opportunity focuses on applied environmental and cultural resource research, technical assistance, and education to promote effective stewardship of public lands. Please note that the availability of funds is contingent on appropriations, and this announcement does not guarantee project funding or review beyond initial administrative checks.

The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) is inviting applications for the Public Humanities Projects program, aimed at enhancing public understanding of the humanities through exhibitions, historic site interpretations, and public lectures. For 2027, topics of interest include Western civilization, literature, the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, civic education, and cultural literacy. This initiative seeks to foster civil discourse and engage communities in meaningful discussions.

Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development

The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) is the state agency that helps businesses large and small succeed in Tennessee. We recruit new businesses to the state, support the growth of existing businesses and market the state as a premier business destination. In pursuit of sustainable job-creation and investment in Tennessee, TNECD works closely with public- and private-sector partners at the state, regional and local levels. 

Tennessee Downtowns

Tennessee Downtowns is an affiliated program of Tennessee Main Street designed to help communities embark on a comprehensive revitalization effort for their downtown. Using the proven National Main Street Center’s Four-Point Approach® to downtown revitalization, this 24-month program coaches selected downtowns and their steering committees through the steps of launching an effective revitalization effort. Space in this program is limited and highly competitive. Program activities include training, site visits, regional workshops, webinars, technical assistance and an innovation project grant. The purpose of the Certified Tennessee Downtowns program is three-fold:

• First, the process will strengthen the program by providing continued training to alumni communities to better help in economic development, heritage tourism, and preservation efforts.
• Second, the program will allow us to collect reinvestment statistics previously not reported in the collective impact of our community and rural development work to help illustrate the overall impact of rural communities in the state of Tennessee.
• Finally, the program will provide a structured pathway for alumni communities to become a designated TN Main Street program.

The USEA Foundation has established the TEAPRO Grant (Training and Education in the Art of Pace and Riding in the Open), which is available to organizers, trainers, education groups and others to support opportunities for riders and horses to practice galloping, trot sets, and other forms of riding in the open as well as learn about fitness and conditioning for both horse and rider. The aim is to further education in these skills and to support many of the sport's stakeholders in doing so— riders, horses, trainers, organizers, coaches, clinicians, etc. Examples include funding for: a clinician to conduct a session on how to gallop horses in the open; a clinic where riders work to develop a feel for pace at walk, trot and canter over terrain; a seminar to educate riders on how to safely and effectively build the fitness level of their horse and themselves; portable steeplechase jumps that will be used to create a steeplechase course at one or more facilities; offsetting costs for the equipment required to accurately measure and set up a galloping or trot set track.Grant Funding: Grant funds will be awarded to address specific funding needs up to a maximum of $3,000 per applicant. Total awards per year shall not exceed $8,000.

The Bee Foundation For Brain Aneurysm Prevention (TBF) invites proposals that further the mission of reducing the number of deaths caused by brain aneurysms. Proposals directed at understanding the early detection, pathophysiology, genetic predisposition, or treatment will take priority. Proposals from a variety of disciplines (including but not limited to translational Neurosciences, Neurosurgery, Neurology, Radiology, Genetics) are encouraged and multidisciplinary proposals that illustrate a multi-faceted approach will be weighted highly.The purpose of this program is to promote novel approaches to the early detection and prevention of ruptured cerebral aneurysms, or early emergency and critical care treatment (excluding device therapies). We invite proposals that test an innovative hypothesis or develop new outcomes via interdisciplinary or translational research. Applications with more than one investigator must indicate how the different expertise of the co-investigators will contribute to the overall goals of the project.  Grant Funding:

• $20-25,000 total amount to be distributed, but not limited to only 1 awarded applicant
• Applicants may request up to $25,000

The Elizabeth M. Keithley, Ph.D. Early Stage Investigator Awards (EMKESIA) offers funding of up to $50,000 per year for early-stage researchers focused on hearing and balance research. Managed by the Hearing Health Foundation, the program encourages innovative projects and supports the next generation of scientists. Eligible applicants must hold relevant degrees and demonstrate a pathway to independence in their research careers, contributing to advancements in hearing health solutions.

Elizabeth Ratta, a brain aneurysm survivor and a Bee Foundation ‘share your story’ contributor is passionate about spreading brain aneurysm awareness and particularly in the populations they disproportionately affect- those who are Black, Hispanic and women. This research grant is named for Elizabeth’s grandma, Rita who had an unruptured brain aneurysm, but at a time when there was limited treatment and support.About Rita Skertich GrantThe Rita Skertich Grant is specifically intended to fund research topics that focus on prevention and treatment of brain aneurysms in the Black and Hispanic population and women; the populations most affected by brain aneurysms. African Americans and Hispanics are twice as likely to have a rupture compared to white Americans. Women are more likely than men (3:2 ratio) to have a brain aneurysm and 1.5 times more at risk of rupture than men. The research funded by this grant will support efforts to improve outcomes, accessibility and a greater understanding of discrepancies in the statistics for these populations with a focus on prevention. The preference is that this grant will be given to a Black, Hispanic and/or female researcher with other underrepresented research groups also considered.Grant Funding: 

• $15,000 total amount to be distributed, but not limited to only 1 awarded applicant
• Applicants may request up to $15,000

The Focused Discovery Awards (HHF-FDA) by the Hearing Health Foundation provide up to $50,000 annually for innovative research in hearing and balance. Targeted at early career investigators, these grants aim to foster groundbreaking projects that enhance understanding and treatment of hearing loss, benefiting millions. Applicants must demonstrate a strong research background and institutional support, ensuring that funds are directed towards high-impact projects that can lead to future funding from major research institutions.

The Focused Discovery Awards - Type 2 (HHF-FDA-2) provide funding of up to $50,000 for innovative research addressing hearing and balance issues. Open to investigators at any career stage, these grants aim to support new lines of inquiry in underfunded areas of otology. The Hearing Health Foundation encourages applications that demonstrate strong research training and institutional support, fostering advancements in hearing health for millions affected by related conditions.

The Expanded Discovery Awards (HHF-EDA) by the Hearing Health Foundation provide crucial funding up to $100,000 per year for innovative research in hearing and balance. These awards support both emerging and established investigators addressing specific topics in the field. With a focus on early career researchers, HHF-EDA aims to foster groundbreaking work that can lead to significant advancements in treatment and understanding of hearing loss, benefiting millions affected by these conditions.

Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program

Initiative created to sustain the state’s diverse folklife traditions and support its traditional artists.

The program cycle is one year; project proposals must be designed and described by the artists in an application.

A master artist is someone recognized by other artists, community members, and cultural leaders as exceptionally skilled and devoted to perpetuating a traditional art form. Master artists who apply should demonstrate expertise and excellence, teaching ability, and extensive cultural knowledge of the art form. An apprentice, who is selected by and applies with the master artist, should be a talented student who desires to deepen her or his skills in a traditional art form. A strong apprentice should not be a complete beginner. He or she should demonstrate enough experience and/or skill to benefit from this opportunity.

In Tennessee, folklife traditions encompass older cultural practices that have been here for decades and centuries, as well as arts and customs brought or developed here more recently. Folklife includes traditional music, visual art, crafts, dance, foodways, calendar and life-cycle customs, and occupational skills. Traditional art forms are those learned and passed informally by imitation, word of mouth, performance, or observation in communities that share cultural identity. The strongest applications involve a master artist and apprentice who are members of the same ethnic, racial, tribal, regional, occupational, or religious group. Master artists and apprentices can be family members.

This is a competitive, panel-reviewed grant category. Only some applications will be funded. Ineligible art forms and activities include historical recreations, the work of professional teachers or contemporary studio craft artists, and revivals of traditions from outside of the originating cultural community. Applicants must be citizens or legal residents of the United States. The master artist is preferred to be from Tennessee. The apprentice must be a Tennessee resident.

The BJA FY 2026 Missing and Unidentified Human Remains (MUHR) Program aims to enhance public safety by improving the processes for reporting, transporting, and identifying missing persons and unidentified human remains. This funding opportunity supports efforts to locate missing individuals and address cases involving migrants, as authorized by Public Law 116-277. The program is part of the Office of Justice Programs' commitment to uphold justice and protect the rights of American citizens.

The Prioritization Process Pilot Program (PPPP) Competitive Grant Program, funded by the DOT Federal Highway Administration, offers up to $26 million for innovative transportation planning in FYs 2024-2026. Grants of up to $2 million will support the development of transparent, data-driven prioritization processes for project selection in transportation plans, ensuring that funded projects deliver public benefits and meet community needs.

The USDA SBIR/STTR programs aim to enhance scientific excellence and technological innovation through federal funding, fostering a robust national economy. By supporting small businesses in addressing federal research needs, these programs encourage the commercialization of federally funded research. Specifically, the STTR program promotes partnerships between small businesses and research institutions, such as universities and federal laboratories, to advance cooperative research and development efforts.

This project aims to combat the rapid spread of invasive climbing plants in the southeastern U.S. and Caribbean by creating a comprehensive database on species traits and disturbance locations. The database will enhance understanding of vine expansion and provide predictive maps for future spread, assisting managers in identifying vulnerable areas. This initiative aligns with federal priorities for natural resource stewardship and aims to strengthen community resilience against biological threats.

The Technical Assistance and Training Grant Program by the USDA's Rural Utilities Service provides funding for essential technical assistance and training aimed at resolving water and waste management issues. This program supports applicants in preparing loan and grant applications, enhancing the operational efficiency of water systems, and ensuring compliance with best practices in facility management. However, grant funds cannot be used for duplicating existing services or for capital expenditures.

The Solid Waste Management Grant Program, administered by the USDA's Rural Utilities Service, invites applications for FY 2027 funding. This initiative aims to enhance solid waste management in rural communities through technical assistance and training. Eligible organizations can receive grants to develop sustainable waste management practices, addressing critical issues like water pollution and emerging contaminants, while promoting hazardous waste collection. This program supports operational improvements and capital financing applications to ensure long-term environmental health.

The HIV Prevention and Alcohol R61/R33 funding opportunity aims to advance innovative HIV prevention strategies through a phased research approach. The R61 phase focuses on developing and pilot testing interventions, addressing key implementation questions for diverse populations. Following successful milestones, the R33 phase expands testing of these interventions and explores their effectiveness and sustainability, particularly in relation to alcohol use and related health issues.