Best Agriculture Grants in Tennessee

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

Early-stage agriculture and social impact organizations in Tennessee can seek funding to scale solutions that benefit underserved communities. Grants from Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation help agriculture innovators and related nonprofits or mission-driven for-profits access up to US $300,000 plus intensive capacity-building and community support to grow proven, scalable models across priority regions including the U.S.

Nonprofit and NGO programs using technology for crisis response, education access, economic empowerment, or climate resilience, including those serving agricultural communities in Tennessee, can seek Global Impact Cash Grants; awards up to US $100,000 support innovative, early-stage solutions for underserved populations worldwide. Cisco Systems Foundation accepts year-round LOIs to identify high-potential projects.

Tennessee educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies can access funding through State Farm Companies Foundation for safety, education, and community development initiatives. Programs may include disaster preparedness, community revitalization, financial literacy, job training, STEM education, and efforts that strengthen local economies, which can benefit agriculture-related communities and rural areas.

Local governments, nonprofits, businesses, farmers, and forest landowners in Tennessee can apply for the Governor's Response and Recovery Fund for disaster recovery and rebuilding projects. Administered by Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, this grant supports repairing damaged infrastructure, restoring nonprofit and business facilities, and agricultural or forest-land recovery when a state-declared emergency activates the fund.

Tennessee cultural nonprofits offering arts, science, or arts education programs can access funding through William Randolph Hearst Foundation for program, capital, and limited general or endowment support, often above US $100,000. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations with audited expenses over $2 million and strong, sustainable impact—especially in arts education, artist development, or STEAM—may be competitive.

Nonprofit organizations in the U.S. working on health, medical research, or hunger relief can seek grants to support programs, education, prevention, treatment, or nutritional assistance. Grants from Herbert Foundation help Tennessee agriculture and food-focused groups that address hunger, sustainability, or agricultural education within their broader health and food access missions.

Tennessee nonprofits and other eligible charitable organizations can receive support for health, education, and community initiatives, including food access and STEM programs. Labcorp Charitable Foundation provides U.S.-based 501(c)(3) and equivalent organizations with funding that may benefit agriculture-related community services, such as food pantries, health care access for rural residents, and preventative healthcare outreach.

Focused on community development and social impact, Roche invites accredited charities in Tennessee to propose humanitarian, educational, environmental, or arts and culture projects. Local organizations working within Roche’s affiliate framework may be eligible for support, especially initiatives that promote sustainable development and can engage Roche expertise, logistics, and employees.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

With a mission to support charitable, scientific, medical, educational, and related work, Sidney Stern Memorial Trust provides Tennessee 501(c)(3) organizations with flexible funding. Eligible nonprofits must use awarded funds within the U.S., and agriculture-focused organizations may be competitive if their programs advance broad community welfare and impact.

County or area beekeeping associations in Tennessee can receive funding to hire qualified local inspectors for honeybee colony inspections. Grants from Tennessee Department of Agriculture help Tennessee agriculture groups strengthen apiary health and disease monitoring. Funding is limited to 15 grants and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis through the Forestry Division.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and aligned for-profits in Tennessee can use this grant to create storytelling projects that highlight their impact in preservation, education, or wellness. Focused on these pillars, Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation invites applicants working in areas like environmental conservation, early education, or community wellness to strengthen communications about their work; awards more than US $50,000.

Local governments, schools, and community-focused entities in Tennessee can seek funding to plant trees and expand community tree resources. With a mission to support agriculture and community resilience, Tennessee Department of Agriculture provides grants of US $500 - US $20,000 for projects that enhance environmental benefits rather than simple beautification.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) organizations serving communities in the Southern region can access funding through Robinson Foundation for programs in areas like education, poverty relief, disaster relief, and family or youth services. Eligible nonprofits must be over three years old, seek single-year support, and demonstrate tangible, meaningful impact; capital projects are not funded.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding can apply for flexible project support that may benefit agriculture-related efforts in Tennessee. Focused on broad social and environmental impact, the Dudley T Dougherty Foundation invites eligible charities to propose initiatives that advance people, the environment, and community well-being.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

Tennessee agriculture and conservation organizations working on water resource management and freshwater conservation in Tennessee can access funding through the Tennessee Department of Agriculture to reduce nonpoint source pollution. This EPA Section 319 cost-share program supports watershed restoration projects, best management practices, education, training, demonstrations, and water quality monitoring to protect and restore local waterbodies.

Focused on community development and basic needs, Ameriprise Financial invites U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits to apply for funding that strengthens food access, shelter, workforce readiness, and cultural enrichment. Tennessee organizations, especially those near Ameriprise employee centers or with strong Ameriprise volunteer engagement, may be competitive for programs serving local residents.

Graduating high school seniors pursuing career and technical education in agriculture or technical fields in Robertson County, Tennessee can receive scholarship support for further study. Focused on agricultural and vocational education, Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee offers one award for any Robertson County high school senior and one for an East Robertson High School FFA participant.

Students from Dickson County in Tennessee planning to study agriculture can receive scholarship support through the Ray Bishop Scholarship Fund. With a mission to build a thriving, inclusive community, Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee provides agriculture-focused students help pursuing higher education costs and continuing their academic journeys.

The Community Ties Giving Program by Union Pacific Foundation offers local grants aimed at enhancing community well-being through diverse funding priorities. These include safety initiatives, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability. The program emphasizes supporting organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to create impactful projects that resonate with Union Pacific's heritage and mission. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations serving Union Pacific communities and demonstrate a clear need and capacity to deliver effective programming.

Tennessee agriculture-focused nonprofits supporting youth, families, food access, or environmental stewardship can access funding through Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards. U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations may receive US $30,000 - US $350,000 for programs such as youth development, food security, community gardens, outdoor classrooms, or environmental education that strengthen local communities.

Tennessee universities, institutions, cooperatives, producers, and community-based organizations can access funding to enhance specialty crop competitiveness and benefit multiple Tennessee producers. Tennessee Department of Agriculture provides Tennessee agriculture groups with support for innovative projects that expand markets, improve food safety, pest control, and environmental sustainability, and increase access to and consumption of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and other specialty crops.

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UNCF envisions a nation where all Americans have equal access to a college education that prepares them for rich intellectual lives, competitive and fulfilling careers, engaged citizenship and service to our nation.

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Publix Cares Scholarship 

Publix Cares Scholarship for eligible students attending in one of the following institutions: Benedict College, Bethune-Cookman University, Clark Atlanta University, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Morehouse College, Savanah State University, Spelman College, Tennessee State University, University of Central Florida, & Virginia State University.

Undergraduate students with financial need attending selected HBCUs and partner universities can receive up to US $2,000 for higher education costs, including those in Tennessee. Focused on higher education, United Negro College Fund invites eligible students to apply for the Publix Cares Scholarship for the 2026 fall term.

Agricultural, food, and forestry businesses, farmers, local governments, and nonprofits in Tennessee can apply for Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Enterprise Fund, awarding up to Up to US $499,999 for value-added and processing projects. Funding supports equipment, infrastructure, and programs that increase farm income, expand market access, boost capacity, or advance agricultural innovation in Tennessee.