Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits in Tennessee

The Kyndryl Foundation Grant aims to empower communities through investments in education, technology, and workforce development. With a focus on cybersecurity and AI skills for underrepresented learners, the foundation fosters balanced partnerships and innovation. It prioritizes transparency and integrity, ensuring grants support long-term impact. This initiative aligns with Kyndryl's mission to create a sustainable future by enhancing access to opportunities and resources for all, thereby promoting diversity and inclusivity in economic growth.

The Luce/ACLS Dissertation Fellowships in American Art support graduate students conducting research on the history of art and visual culture in the U.S., including Native American art. These fellowships aim to enhance diversity in academia by welcoming applications from PhD candidates at all degree-granting institutions in the U.S. The program offers a stipend of $38,000 plus a travel and research allowance, with a total award of $42,000 for a nine to twelve-month period between July 2025 and May 2027.

The Journey For Good Grant aims to combat poverty by supporting charitable organizations in North America focused on food security, housing, education, and workforce development. The grant prioritizes initiatives that provide nutritional wellness, combat homelessness, and support veterans and their families. By fostering partnerships among nonprofits, government, and business, the foundation addresses the interconnected challenges faced by economically vulnerable individuals, creating sustainable solutions for community empowerment.

The Valero Energy Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations that align with their mission to improve the quality of life in communities where Valero operates. With a focus on basic needs, health care, education, and civic initiatives, the foundation prioritizes funding requests from 501(c)(3) organizations. In 2019, it provided approximately $40 million to support disadvantaged children and families, emphasizing a commitment to corporate citizenship and community well-being.

The Rural Communities Opioid Response Program focuses on enhancing behavioral health care services for children and adolescents in rural areas. By providing essential funding, this initiative aims to tackle mental health and substance use disorders, ensuring that young individuals receive the support they need. The program, administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration, is crucial in addressing the unique challenges faced by rural communities, promoting healthier outcomes for future generations.

The Graduate Education Fund: AUKUS Scholarships, established by the American Australian Association, supports American and Australian citizens pursuing full-time graduate studies in security, technology, and diplomacy. With up to $40,000 in funding for tuition and living expenses, this scholarship encourages innovative research in critical fields, particularly in relation to the AUKUS initiative. Applications are open biannually, fostering educational exchange and collaboration between the two nations.

The Mitsubishi Corporation Foundation for the Americas (MCFA) supports environmental initiatives across the Americas, focusing on biodiversity conservation, environmental education, justice, and sustainable development. They prioritize programs that align with these aims, particularly those involving 501(c)(3) organizations. MCFA seeks to empower marginalized communities, promote ecological stewardship, and encourage sustainable economic practices, ensuring that environmental burdens are shared equitably across all communities.

The Joe C Davis Operational Grant provides unrestricted operational support to nonprofits in the Nashville area that demonstrate strong leadership and positive outcomes. The grant prioritizes organizations focused on education, healthcare, and social services, particularly those serving low-income and vulnerable populations. It aims to empower motivated individuals and families by offering resources that help them achieve long-term success, aligning with the foundational values of personal initiative, perseverance, and hard work.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) is launching a specialized entrepreneurship program aimed at life science researchers in the field of substance use disorders (SUD). This initiative will equip researchers with essential skills to transform their innovative ideas into viable products, focusing on aspects such as market evaluation, customer discovery, and intellectual property. The course will be delivered in a hybrid format to engage US-based SUD researchers effectively, fostering collaboration and advancing the field.

The Building Hope: Future Forward Schools Prize & Fellowship Program aims to enhance career exploration for middle and high school students. This initiative, launched by Building Hope in partnership with American Student Assistance, recognizes schools that excel in career-connected learning. Awardees receive funding, mentorship, and resources to empower students from diverse backgrounds, ensuring they develop essential skills for future success. With $50,000 available for five schools, this program fosters innovation and prepares students for a changing economy.

The Dr. Carol J. Chrisman Nursing Scholarship, offered by the Ashland County Community Foundation, supports registered nurses and nursing students from Ashland County pursuing advanced degrees at Ashland University. This scholarship honors Dr. Chrisman's legacy in nursing and community health, encouraging local nurses to further their education. Eligible applicants include full-time nursing students and those employed in public health within the area, with prior recipients allowed to reapply once.

The Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Fund, managed by the HealthWell Foundation, aims to alleviate financial burdens for underinsured patients battling chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). This fund provides essential support for prescription copays and premiums, ensuring that patients can access necessary treatments without the stress of financial constraints. Since its inception, the foundation has awarded over $1.2 billion in grants, helping more than 1.1 million patients. The initiative emphasizes the importance of accessible healthcare and aims to improve the quality of life for those affected by this condition.

The Congenital Sucrase-Isomaltase Deficiency Fund, managed by the HealthWell Foundation, aims to alleviate financial burdens for underinsured patients suffering from this genetic disorder. By providing assistance with prescription drugs and treatment costs, the fund ensures that vital medications are accessible, allowing patients to manage their condition effectively. In 2024, the Foundation is expected to award over $1.2 billion in grants, showcasing its commitment to enhancing healthcare access for those in need.

The Tick-borne Pathogen Award, sponsored by Bay Area Lyme Foundation, offers $150,000 to support innovative research on non-Borrelia tick-borne pathogens. This grant aims to attract scientific talent to explore co-infections with Lyme disease and other related infections. Eligible candidates include researchers from academia or the private sector at the post-doctoral level or higher, with a focus on improving diagnostics and therapies for tick-borne diseases. Applications must present a viable proof-of-concept project.

The Indigenous Scholarships: Arts Fund facilitates artistic development for Aboriginal Australian, Torres Strait Islander, Native American, Alaskan Native, and Native Hawaiian artists. Offering up to $5,000, it supports projects in each other's countries, with applications due in March and September. Since 2002, over $1 million has been awarded to more than 500 artists, fostering cultural exchange and growth in the arts between Australia and the USA.

The NIHCM Foundation Investigative and General Reporting Award honors outstanding reporting that enhances understanding of U.S. health care affordability and quality. A $20,000 prize is awarded to the winner, with entries evaluated for quality, originality, and impact. Eligible submissions include stories published in 2025 from national outlets, focusing on insightful reporting that informs health care policymakers and consumers about rising costs and access solutions.

About Us

Who We Are

The National Federation of the Blind is the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind Americans. Founded in 1940 and currently headquartered in Baltimore, the NFB consists of affiliates, chapters, and divisions in all fifty states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico.

What We Do

Through our network of blind members, we coordinate many programs, services, and resources to defend the rights of blind Americans, provide information and support to blind children and adults, and build a community that creates a future full of opportunities.

What We Believe

We are the only organization that believes in the full capacity of blind people and has the power to transform our dreams into reality. We believe in blind people because we are blind people—from our democratically elected leaders to our diverse nationwide membership.

Scholarship Program

Thanks to our generous partners, there are thirty $10,000 merit-based scholarships currently available. All scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence, community service, and leadership. The finalists are announced every spring. They then attend our national convention in July when the winners of each individual scholarship are selected. 

The American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults Scholarship

For more than 100 years the American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults has strived to improve the lives of blind and Deafblind children and adults. Best known for annually producing and gifting Braille Calendars, sponsoring the free Braille books for blind children program, and administering the Braille Readers are Leaders contest, the American Action Fund leads in promoting Braille literacy. The American Action Fund is proud to award this scholarship to a deserving and talented blind person. 

The NIHCM Foundation's Television and Audio Journalism Award honors outstanding television and audio reporting that contributes to enhancing the affordability, accessibility, and quality of healthcare in the U.S. With a prize of $20,000, the award seeks entries that showcase creativity and originality while providing new insights relevant to health plans, policymakers, and consumers. Eligible entries include stories broadcasted in 2025, focusing on critical healthcare issues.

The Southern NM Down Syndrome Families Scholarship Fund Endowment aims to provide financial support for individuals with Down syndrome pursuing post-secondary education or life skills training at accredited institutions. Managed by the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico, this scholarship embodies the mission of improving quality of life and fostering educational opportunities for diverse communities. It encourages applicants from various backgrounds, including those with disabilities, to achieve their academic and personal goals.

The NIDA Core "Center of Transformative Science" Grant Program aims to enhance research on substance use, addiction, and HIV by fostering collaboration among NIH-funded researchers. Centers are expected to innovate and extend existing research through shared resources and support for new investigators. This initiative encourages interdisciplinary work and aims to transform the scientific landscape by promoting data sharing and collaborative opportunities. Applications should focus on integrating research within a specific thematic framework to maximize impact.

About Patient Advocate Foundation

Patient Advocate Foundation is the nation’s most comprehensive nonprofit dedicated to helping patients navigate, access, and afford the care they need—while improving the healthcare system for all.

Who we are and our impact

Patient Advocate Foundation provides financial assistance to help patients afford treatment and cost of living needs, personalized case management to navigate complex healthcare and social needs challenges, and a wide array of resources to empower people to take charge of their health. Since our founding in 1996—and joining forces with the PAN Foundation in 2026—we have helped 3.8 million patients navigate and access care, granted over $7 billion in financial assistance, served 350,000 people through personalized case management and elevated the patient’s voice to drive improvements in the healthcare system.

Eosinophilic esophagitis

Help with healthcare costs for eosinophilic esophagitis

This TotalAssist fund helps you pay for out-of-pocket healthcare costs, including medication copays, coinsurance, and deductibles, health insurance premiums, and other expenses.

About the disease

Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) is a disorder of the esophagus and is increasingly recognized as a major cause of swallowing difficulties in children and adults. It is a chronic disease of the immune system and can be triggered by a food allergy, acid reflux, or an airborne allergy. An allergic trigger causes the immune system to overact which causes many white blood cells, or eosinophils, to collect in the esophagus. This causes the esophagus to become inflamed and not contract properly. The esophagus can also narrow and develop rings or abscesses. This condition can become worse over time.

The Diversity Mentorship Grant Program aims to enhance ethnic diversity in dermatology by providing mentorship to underrepresented medical students. Participants receive 160 hours of hands-on experience with a dermatologist, fostering a deeper understanding of the field. A stipend of $1,500 is available for travel and living expenses. Applications are open until November 1 for the upcoming year, encouraging students from diverse backgrounds, including Black, Hispanic, and Native American groups, to apply.

The Principal Student Support Services Grant, offered by the School-Based Healthcare Solutions Network, aims to enhance mental health support for students in grades 6-12 at under-resourced public schools. With funding available for hiring mental health professionals and performance-based awards, this initiative addresses critical challenges like chronic absenteeism and behavioral issues. By providing targeted interventions, the grant seeks to improve academic performance and overall well-being among students facing mental health crises.

Who We Are - CAP Foundation

Mission

Our mission is to improve people’s health by:

• Developing tomorrow’s pathology leaders through awards for advanced training, research, and education.
• Mobilizing pathologists to expand health equity in medically underserved communities within the US and globally.

Vision

Our vision is that pathologists are equipped to bridge health disparities and enhance outcomes globally.

CAP Foundation History

For over 50 years, the CAP Foundation has granted millions of dollars to support pathology education, research, training, and travel grants, with the purpose to:

• Enhance the role of the pathologist in the provision of medical care.
• Advance pathology through the education of the medical community.
• Encourage the clinical application of research developments.

Our Core Values

• Advancement: We are committed to pushing the boundaries of pathology and patient care through scholarships, grants, and educational programs.
• Collaboration: Through effective partnerships, we significantly enhance our capacity to fulfill our mission.
• Excellence: We are dedicated to achieving the highest standards in pathology education, research, and community service.
• Service: Service reflects our core mission of improving health equity by providing access to healthcare and pathology expertise, particularly in underserved communities.

Presidential Pathology Scholarship

This scholarship allows the sitting CAP President to personally support educational creativity, expand awareness of pathology, and connect communities through the CAP Foundation’s mission to develop tomorrow’s pathology leaders. This scholarship is established in honor of each sitting CAP President, as a commitment to the CAP Foundation’s efforts to advance the specialty by supporting creative projects that encourage interest in or expand the reach of pathology. Up to two scholarships will be supported each year. Ranging from $500-$1,500 per awardee, to be used toward the selected project(s).

Each year the sitting CAP President will select a focus area to support based on at least one of the CAP Foundation’s Five (5) Pillars. CAP Foundation Five Pillars:

• Global: Expands global pathology access, capacity, training, and equity.
• Future Leaders: Builds pipeline through learning, leadership, mentorship, and awards.
• Ethics, Research, Innovation: Advances ethical practice, discovery, innovation, and diagnostic excellence.
• Advanced Training: Delivers specialized skills through grants, workshops, and roundtables.
• Community Engagement: Increases visibility and connection with patients, partners, and the public.

The Measurement and Evaluation Graduate Student Award, offered by SHAPE America, aims to support graduate students specializing in psychomotor measurement and evaluation. This scholarship assists with professional expenses, ensuring candidates can focus on their studies. Eligible applicants must be current SHAPE America members and pursuing relevant master's or doctoral degrees. The award prioritizes those who have completed their first year of study, promoting excellence in health and physical education across the U.S.

The HEAL initiative aims to translate addiction research into practice to combat the opioid crisis and overdose events. It focuses on identifying barriers to reducing substance use and developing scalable, evidence-based interventions. Emphasizing recovery, prevention, and the integration of mental health, the initiative encourages collaboration among experts in various fields. Although applications are not currently solicited, potential applicants are urged to prepare for future opportunities to apply innovative solutions to enhance addiction treatment and prevention efforts.

Brave Beginnings Grants, under the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation, focus on enhancing neonatal care by providing vital equipment to hospitals. Since 2006, the program has awarded approximately $1 million annually to Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) across the U.S. Following a suspension due to COVID-19, the 2026 grant cycle is now open, with applications due by February 13, 2026. This initiative aims to ensure the availability of lifesaving equipment for newborns in critical need.