Best Tennessee Grants for Nonprofits

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.

Tennessee nonprofits can access funding through American Electric Power Foundation for education, STEM initiatives, and basic human needs. Organizations working in areas such as hunger, affordable housing, and social justice may be eligible. Funding supports projects that improve lives and promote equity across Tennessee communities.

Tennessee nonprofits can access funding through Appalachian Regional Commission to support economic development, workforce preparation, and critical infrastructure projects in eligible Appalachian counties. Grants focus on entrepreneurship, water systems, transportation, and job readiness. Organizations working on local development initiatives may be eligible to strengthen their communities through this program.

The Auto Club Group Foundation provides Tennessee nonprofits with funding for traffic safety, driver education, and financial literacy initiatives. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, fire departments, and other municipal entities. Tennessee nonprofits with programs in these areas may benefit from grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $15,000.

Tennessee nonprofits can access funding through Csx Foundation Inc for community services, military and veterans support, and first responder initiatives. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations and public entities may receive in-kind donations such as intermodal transportation services or railroad equipment. Groups working to strengthen local communities may benefit from these resources.

Grants from Dunn Family Foundation help Tennessee nonprofits advance educational initiatives, including the development of testing and support materials for children and adults. Organizations with a 501(c)(3) status focused on innovative education projects may be eligible for project funding ranging from $5,000 to $25,000.

Focused on community betterment and basic human needs, Frankenmuth Insurance Foundation invites Tennessee nonprofits to apply for support. Eligible organizations may work in areas such as affordable housing, food security, health and wellness, or the performing arts. 501(c)(3) groups serving Tennessee communities may benefit from this opportunity.

Herbert Family Foundation supports health and hunger relief in Tennessee by funding organizations focused on medical research, health education, or hunger-related services. Nonprofits addressing food insecurity, medical care, or sustainable agriculture in Tennessee may be eligible for grants to advance local well-being and basic human needs.

Focused on community development, Republic Bank Foundation Inc invites Tennessee nonprofits to apply for support in areas such as education, youth programs, family services, healthcare, arts, and recreation. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations serving local needs may benefit from both cash grants and in-kind donations of equipment.

SA Recycling supports community services in Tennessee by providing grants to organizations that promote environmental sustainability, public safety, and neighborhood well-being. Nonprofits focused on fire prevention, law enforcement, or local community initiatives may be eligible for support. Funding helps strengthen Tennessee communities through both monetary donations and community engagement.

Southern Partners Fund provides Tennessee nonprofits with support for grassroots community organizing focused on social, economic, and environmental justice. Organizations working on education reform, immigrant rights, and voter engagement in rural communities may be eligible. Funding is intended to build capacity, develop leadership, and strengthen rural efforts for transformative change.

The Civic Experiment Grant by the Trust for Civic Life supports innovative, community-driven projects aimed at enhancing civic engagement. It focuses on rural areas, empowering local leaders to tackle challenges collaboratively. Grants up to $25,000 are available for organizations that are non-partisan and primarily serve rural communities, emphasizing inclusivity and sustainable impact. The next nomination period begins in early 2026, following a closed cycle for 2025. This initiative fosters long-term civic infrastructure and community resilience.

Tennessee nonprofits can access funding through Valero Energy Foundation for programs supporting basic needs, health care, education, and civic initiatives. Organizations serving disadvantaged children and families in Shelby County may be eligible for support. Funding focuses on strengthening local communities where Valero has major operations, with an emphasis on 501(c)(3) agencies.

Grants from Dow Company Foundation help Tennessee nonprofits address educational, economic, and social challenges facing Black youth and adults. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations and municipal agencies can apply for up to $10,000 to support community-driven initiatives. Nonprofits serving Black communities in Tennessee may benefit from this annual competitive grant program.

HCA Foundation provides Tennessee nonprofits with funding to strengthen community health and wellbeing. Organizations addressing primary care, basic needs, education, and wellness in Davidson, Williamson, Wilson, Rutherford, Cheatham, Dickson, Robertson, or Sumner Counties may be eligible. Nonprofits focused on public health or capacity building are encouraged to apply.

The Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation, established in 2001, has awarded over $17.5 million to combat hunger in its operating areas. This foundation focuses on supporting children at risk of hunger and enhancing the capacity of feeding agencies to provide nutritious meals. They also emphasize nutrition education to mitigate health risks associated with hunger. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits located within 20 miles of a Food Lion store, with applications accepted annually.

Tennessee nonprofits can access funding through J. Bulow Campbell Foundation for capital projects in education, youth services, human needs, public spaces, and cultural institutions. Organizations with a focus on Christian principles or those seeking support for facility improvements and infrastructure may be especially competitive for these grants.

Grants from Appalachian Regional Commission help Tennessee nonprofits and community organizations pursue economic development, workforce preparation, and revitalization projects. Funding supports collaborative, multi-county initiatives designed to strengthen business, industry, and tourism across Appalachian communities in Tennessee. Nonprofits focused on regional growth and job creation may be eligible for substantial planning or implementation grants.

The Nissan Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations that promote cultural diversity and heritage. Established in 1992, the foundation focuses on enhancing community quality of life where Nissan operates. Eligible organizations must have 501(c)(3) status, be active for over three years, and serve specific communities. Ineligible programs include those not aligned with the foundation's mission, such as disease advocacy and political activities. The foundation does not provide multi-year grants, but organizations can reapply for funding in subsequent cycles.

Tennessee nonprofit organizations can access funding through The Assisi Foundation of Memphis, Inc. for initiatives in health, education, social justice, arts, and community development. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations in Shelby, Fayette, and Tipton counties may benefit from support for projects that strengthen well-being, promote cultural enrichment, and enhance the quality of life in their communities.

Truist Foundation

The Truist Foundation is committed to Truist Financial Corporation's (NYSE: TFC) purpose to inspire and build better lives and communities. Established in 2020, the foundation makes strategic investments in nonprofit organizations to help ensure the communities it serves have more opportunities for a better quality of life. The Truist Foundation's grants and activities focus on building career pathways to economic mobility and strengthening small businesses.

Inspire Awards

This year’s Inspire Awards seeks nonprofits supporting the career navigation and workforce development needs of workers across the United States. The challenge seeks applications that help individuals gain the skills, guidance, and support needed to access quality jobs, advance in their careers, and build long-term stability in an evolving world of work.

2026 Truist Foundation Inspire Awards Challenge Question

How are nonprofits providing innovative direct services, training programs, and career navigation supports for adult workers in the age of AI?

Challenge Dimensions

Nonprofit organizations have long been critical advocates and service providers for workers in the United States. Nonprofits provide workers necessary upskilling opportunities, AI literacy training, career navigation support, and wraparound services in conjunction with career pathways programming. All necessary for the modern workforce. Meeting the moment, Truist Foundation and MIT Solve want to hear the ways in which nonprofits headquartered in the Truist operating footprint are providing innovative career pathway programming in the age of AI. Although solutions don’t need to focus on generative AI specifically, teams should demonstrate how their career pathways programming align with the following dimensions:

• Training and Upskilling Programs – Providing holistic, accessible programming that equips workers with essential skills, industry-validated credentials, and technical literacy for the modern workplace.
• AI Readiness and Literacy – Offering high-quality training that helps workers understand generative AI and agentic technologies as augmented intelligence tools, helping to build practical skills like effective prompting, domain expertise application, and ethical use.
• Additional Wraparound Services and Basic Needs Support – Supporting unemployed and underemployed workers on their journey to economic mobility through comprehensive, integrated resources including childcare, transportation support, mentorship, mental health services, benefits navigation, and more.
• Career Navigation in the AI Economy – Enabling workers to navigate career choices with clarity and confidence by providing accessible information about how AI is reshaping job roles and industries, facilitating informed decisions about high-quality career trajectories that align with individual circumstances, and connecting workers to industry-validated credentials or trainings.

Here are the grants for this challenge

• First place: $250,000
• Second place: $150,000
• Runners-up: $25,000
• Audience favorite: $75,000

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.

Tennessee nonprofits focused on food access and shelter can access funding through UNICO Foundation Inc. This grant supports food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters serving vulnerable communities, with 100% of funds directed to food and shelter services. Eligible organizations must be registered nonprofits domiciled in Tennessee with a proven track record.

Grants from CIGNA Foundation help Tennessee nonprofits address youth mental health and social-emotional development. Eligible organizations can secure $100,000–$150,000 for evidence-informed programs supporting children, parents, caregivers, and youth service professionals. Nonprofits serving local youth in underserved communities may benefit from this one-year funding opportunity.

Focused on grassroots community organizing, Southern Partners Fund invites Tennessee nonprofits to apply for support promoting social, economic, and environmental justice. Eligible organizations must be rural, community-based 501(c)(3)s using grassroots strategies. Groups working in youth leadership, education reform, health advocacy, and equitable housing may be especially suited for this opportunity.

Grants from The Rosendin Foundation help Tennessee nonprofits advance emotional, occupational, and nutritional health initiatives. 501(c)(3) organizations serving Tennessee communities may apply for annual grants up to $50,000 to support programs that improve mental well-being, promote healthy eating, or enhance workplace safety. Eligible applicants must be in good standing with the IRS.

The Joe C. Davis Foundation Grant focuses on supporting charitable organizations that embody core values such as personal initiative, hard work, and education. With an emphasis on education, healthcare, and community services, the Foundation primarily supports initiatives in Nashville, Tennessee. It funds a variety of programs, from K-12 education to healthcare services, and prefers one-time grants that enhance existing programs or create new ones with sustainable financial models.