Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits in Tennessee

With a mission to support conservation on working lands, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service provides Tennessee agricultural producers and forest landowners with technical and financial assistance to address environmental resource concerns. Funding can help improve soil health, water and air quality, wildlife habitat, and climate resilience, which may strengthen long-term capacity for sustainable farm, ranch, and forestry operations.

501(c)(3) and similar tax-exempt organizations offering education, human services, conservation, health, or cultural programs can apply for McGraw Foundation grants of US $2,000 - US $10,000. Although grants generally support groups in the greater Chicago area, Tennessee nonprofits focused on strengthening organizational capacity through these program areas may be eligible if they meet the foundation’s priorities.

Graduate students conducting research on drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can receive scholarship support through the American Water Works Association. Focused on advancing solutions to current water industry challenges, this US $3,000 award may benefit Tennessee nonprofits indirectly through stronger future expertise and research capacity.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Tennessee can seek funding for economic and workforce advancement, safe and affordable housing, and community arts and culture projects. Grants from US Bancorp Foundation help build capacity for programs that address multiple pillars of work, home, and play, advance diversity, equity, and inclusion, and serve designated U.S. Bank communities.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits and independent emergency response organizations can access funding through Union Pacific Foundation to support safety, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability projects, including capacity-building efforts. Grants of US $5,000 - US $30,000 support programs primarily benefiting communities within Union Pacific’s service areas in Tennessee, with an emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Nonprofit and local partner organizations providing homelessness and housing stability services in Tennessee can access funding to help people experiencing or at risk of homelessness regain permanent housing. Tennessee Housing Development Agency’s Emergency Solutions Grant supports activities such as shelters, supportive housing, crisis intervention, health and mental health services, transportation, and related capacity to serve vulnerable residents, with awards ranging from US $35,000 - US $125,000.

Nonprofit organizations serving women, children, and families with programs like adult education, homelessness services, food security, health care, or anti-trafficking support in Tennessee can access funding through The Father's Table Foundation. This highly selective grant supports capacity-building efforts that expand self-sufficiency, grow proven programs, and, in some cases, address urgent humanitarian or disaster relief needs, with awards up to US $750,000.

Undergraduate-focused higher education institutions in Tennessee can access small-scale biomedical research funding to engage students and strengthen their research environment. The National Institutes of Health provides up to US $375,000 for projects in areas such as public health, neuroscience, genetics, cancer, and related fields at institutions that meet NIH funding history requirements.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Tennessee can seek funding to expand programs in education, environmental conservation, and healthy, vibrant communities. Grants from Cleveland Cliffs Foundation help strengthen capacity for initiatives like STEM education, workforce readiness, land and water restoration, community health, arts, culture, and neighborhood revitalization in areas where the company operates.

Early-career medical and health researchers at academic or research institutions in Tennessee and other eligible low- and middle-income countries can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award to secure protected research time and support. Grants from the National Institutes of Health help build long-term research capacity in areas like cancer, cardiovascular disease, mental health, environmental health, and related fields.

Focused on community-serving programs, Altra Foundation invites Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits to compete for US $2,500 - US $10,000 in Best Life Community Awards funding. Organizations in Montgomery County working in education, health, human services, environment, arts, or community development may be nominated by Altra Federal Credit Union members who have personally supported them.

Early-career health researchers at academic or research institutions in eligible low- or middle-income countries, including Tennessee-based institutions partnering with LMIC scientists, can apply for the NIH Fogarty Emerging Global Leader Award; awards Approximately US $140,000 for mentored research career development. Funding supports three to five years of protected research time on country-relevant health priorities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations seeking support for education-focused programs, community initiatives, youth services, or related arts and culture projects in Tennessee may be eligible for this funding. Focused on education, John Ben Snow Memorial Trust invites U.S. nonprofits to request US $5,000 - US $20,000, with preference for new or enhanced programs and short-term capacity needs.

Health-focused organizations in Tennessee planning congresses, events, or similar initiatives can seek corporate sponsorship that offers Biogen Foundation tangible benefits like exhibits, banners, or recognition. These sponsorships may help nonprofits strengthen programs and visibility in areas such as neurology, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, and related diseases, subject to Biogen’s review criteria.

Tennessee 501(c) and 170(c) organizations working in economic and community development, education and workforce readiness, financial wellness, arts and culture, veterans’ services, or disability support can receive matched donations through this program. Regions Bank provides up to US $1,000 per recent retiree annually to match eligible monetary gifts made within five years of retirement.

Nonprofit 501(c) or 170(c) organizations in Tennessee working in economic and community development, education and workforce readiness, financial wellness, arts and culture, veterans, or disability services can benefit from Regions Bank’s employee Matching Gifts Program. Eligible organizations within the Regions footprint may receive matched donations when full-time associates or recent retirees give personally and request a match.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, including those in Tennessee, can receive US $5,000 - US $50,000 in general operating support for grassroots work in regenerative agriculture, climate justice, healthy food access, and pollution-free environments. Focused on community-based change, Clif Family Foundation prioritizes U.S. groups with strong local ties and budgets under $8 million.

Nonprofit organizations in Tennessee running community-focused projects in areas like STEM education, economic opportunity, digital access, sustainability, health, or arts can apply for Meta (Facebook)’s Data Center Community Grants, with awards of more than US $5,000. Eligible programs must directly benefit communities surrounding Meta data centers and demonstrate measurable, long-term local impact.

The William and Helen Thomas Charitable Trust provides funding to nonprofit organizations focused on education, environmental protection, medical research, and support for the underprivileged. This trust, based in Florida, primarily serves communities in Palm Beach, Martin, and St. Lucie Counties, along with select areas in Appalachia. It seeks to assist public charities classified under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, ensuring support for impactful charitable initiatives.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking capacity-building support for education, healthcare, or community and social services in the Nashville area can access funding through Joe C Davis Foundation. One-time transformational grants help strengthen organizational capacity, expand impact, or support capital projects for established, financially stable organizations aligned with the foundation’s priorities.

The Soil and Water Stewardship Scholarship, sponsored by the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, provides financial support to students pursuing careers in natural resources. Applicants must reside in specific Illinois counties and plan to enroll in a full-time program related to fields such as ecology, hydrology, and conservation. Academic performance is a key consideration in the selection process. For more details, contact the Winnebago County Soil & Water Conservation District.

NAFC Open Grant/Product Donation Applications

The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) is the only nonprofit 501c(3) organization whose mission is solely focused on the issues and needs of the medically underserved throughout the nation and the more than 1,400 Free and Charitable Clinics that serve them. The NAFC has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar and a 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator. Founded in 2001 and headquartered near Washington, D.C., the NAFC is working to ensure that the medically underserved have access to affordable quality healthcare and strives to be a national voice promoting quality healthcare for all. For more information about the NAFC, including how to become a member, please visit https://www.nafcclinics.org.

NAFC Healthcare Services Expansion Fund

The NAFC Healthcare Services Expansion Fund supports the launch or expansion of clinical programs and new service areas that increase access to care for underserved patients. This funding is designed to help NAFC members introduce new services or grow existing programs that address unmet community health needs and improve access to comprehensive, patient-centered care.

The OECD Conference Sponsorship aims to enhance scientific knowledge and provide essential information to influence policy decisions on sustainable resource use in food, agriculture, forestry, and fisheries. It supports international events that showcase innovative research and developments, inviting applications from scientists in these fields. The event sponsorship encourages collaboration among policymakers, industry, and academia, ensuring that research insights are effectively communicated and utilized in decision-making processes.

The RNRF Implementation/Collaboration Grants support innovative projects that enhance collaboration among stakeholders to address critical challenges in environmental, social, and economic systems. Offering up to $200,000 for initiatives lasting 12 months or more, these grants aim to implement evidence-based practices and facilitate multidisciplinary teamwork. Eligible applicants must be from 501c3 organizations in the U.S., ensuring alignment with RNRF's mission and focus areas, fostering sustainable and impactful outcomes.

The RNRF Planning and Small Grants program provides funding up to $50,000 to support projects that enhance collaboration among community partners in addressing critical environmental issues. Eligible applicants must be 501c3 organizations in the U.S. and demonstrate multidisciplinary cooperation. Projects should align with RNRF's mission and focus areas, including air quality, biodiversity, and renewable energy. The initiative aims to create sustainable and impactful outcomes by bridging research and practical implementation.

The RNRF Rapid Response Grants provide essential funding up to $50,000 for projects adversely affected by the loss of federal support. The program aims to foster collaboration among organizations working towards sustainable environmental, social, and economic practices. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations in the U.S. and demonstrate multidisciplinary collaboration with RNRF member organizations, ensuring impactful outcomes in critical focus areas such as air quality, biodiversity conservation, and renewable energy.

RBC Foundation – USA aims to enhance community quality of life by supporting non-profit organizations that promote diversity and positive change. In 2023, it awarded over $2.8 million in grants, prioritizing youth programs for ages 15-29, arts access for diverse populations, and mental well-being initiatives. The foundation encourages sustainable projects that foster economic independence, providing critical support for education, mental health, and cultural enrichment, thereby making a significant impact across various communities.