Best Climate Change 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.

501(c)(3) nonprofits worldwide, including those in Tennessee, can apply for DanPaul Foundation grants up to US $15,000 to support youth health, education, development, and welfare. Funding may benefit programs on child advocacy, poverty, homelessness, refugee enrichment, and educating young people about clean air, water, and environmental responsibility.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

Nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations using technology for crisis response, education access, economic empowerment, or climate resilience projects in Tennessee and worldwide can apply for Global Impact Cash Grants, with awards up to US $100,000. Cisco Systems Foundation supports innovative, early-stage, tech-enabled solutions serving predominantly economically underserved communities, with applications accepted year-round via an initial LOI.

Tennessee educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies can apply for State Farm Companies Foundation’s Good Neighbor Citizenship grants to support safety, education, and community development initiatives. Projects such as disaster preparedness, resilient housing, transportation, and neighborhood revitalization may benefit communities working on climate resilience and equity.

Tennessee arts and cultural nonprofits with U.S.-based 501(c)(3) status and audited expenses over $2 million can access funding through the William Randolph Hearst Foundation for culture programs. Support includes program and capital funding for museums, performing arts, arts education, artist training, and STEAM-related science initiatives that reach large audiences and demonstrate lasting impact.

Tennessee nonprofits and other eligible charitable organizations can seek funding for health, education, or community programs that expand equitable care and education. Labcorp Charitable Foundation provides support for initiatives such as food pantries, healthcare for underserved populations, STEM programming, and healthy lifestyle research, which may benefit climate resilience and equity efforts in local communities.

Organizations supporting education, health, or family economic stability for urban low-income children and youth in Tennessee may be eligible for Michael & Susan Dell Foundation grants; awards are More than US $50,000 for project support or scaling. Eligible entities include nonprofits, social enterprises, schools, governments, and other mission-aligned organizations working in the U.S., India, or South Africa.

Nonprofit land trusts and, in special cases, public agencies in Tennessee can secure capital funding to permanently protect large, high-priority forest blocks that support biodiversity and climate change adaptation. With a mission to conserve resilient habitats, Open Space Institute provides grants and low-interest loans for conservation easements, fee acquisitions, and related transaction costs on the Southern Cumberland Plateau.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

Focused on community and environmental initiatives, accredited charities in Tennessee can seek support for humanitarian, social development, science education, and arts projects that promote sustainable development. Roche invites local organizations to propose innovative, high-quality programs, with country-level affiliates funding projects that operate in the same country and engaging employees and local partners where possible.

With a mission to strengthen charitable, scientific, medical, and educational work, Sidney Stern Memorial Trust provides Tennessee 501(c)(3) organizations with funding for programs that broadly benefit the public. U.S.-based nonprofits working on climate resilience or equity within these fields may be eligible if all grant funds are used domestically and the organization meets federal and, if applicable, California tax-exempt requirements.

Environmental and community-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Tennessee can seek support for projects that respect life, people, and the environment. Focused on environmental conservation and peacebuilding, the Dudley T Dougherty Foundation invites organizations whose work may address climate resilience, equity, or related community services to apply.

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.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

Environmental and human services 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and libraries in Tennessee can seek unrestricted operating or program support for work within the Lawrence Foundation’s priorities. With a mission to back environmental and community initiatives, Lawrence Foundation provides grants of US $5,000 - US $10,000 that may benefit climate resilience and related efforts.

Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation provides Tennessee nonprofits with US $1,000 - US $20,000 for museums, arts, education, health facilities, environmental and wildlife protection, and other community-based programs. IRS-qualified organizations with climate resilience or equity initiatives that fit these priorities may be strong candidates for this national funding opportunity.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

Tennessee colleges and universities seeking to enhance campus greening and tree management can receive annual Tree Campus Higher Education recognition for their efforts. National Arbor Day Foundation provides a framework that supports campus tree advisory committees, care plans, dedicated tree budgets, Arbor Day observances, and service-learning projects, which may benefit institutions addressing climate resilience and equity on campus.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Tennessee can seek project funding in education, social services, health care, civic and cultural, or environmental programs, with awards of US $5,000 - US $25,000. Grants from Dr Scholl Foundation help organizations, including those advancing climate resilience and equity, support practical, compassionate solutions through one-year projects.

Nonprofit conservation and community organizations, municipalities, Tribal Nations, and agencies in Tennessee can receive up to US $100,000 to acquire fee or easement lands that enhance climate resilience and connectivity in the Appalachians. The Nature Conservancy funds land protection, stewardship, legal and operational project costs, and community engagement with strong community benefits, especially for vulnerable or marginalized communities.

Nonprofit and community development organizations in Tennessee working on housing, small business, or workforce development can host a graduate-level fellow to advance an equitable development project. With a mission to build a just economy, National Community Reinvestment Coalition provides member hosts with part-time fellows, prioritizing locations including Nashville and other Tennessee communities facing climate and equity challenges.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and aligned for-profits in Tennessee seeking to tell impactful stories about their work can apply for the Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation’s Storytelling Grant, with awards of more than US $50,000. Focus areas include environmental conservation, waste management, wellness, and education, which may support climate resilience initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Tennessee can apply for Union Pacific Foundation’s Community Ties Local Grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $30,000 for safety, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability projects. Programs advancing environmental stewardship, climate resilience, or basic needs in Union Pacific–served communities may be especially competitive.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits and equivalent charities working on youth, family, food security, housing, or environmental initiatives can access funding through Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards. Grants of US $30,000 - US $350,000 support programs such as environmental stewardship, community gardens, outdoor classrooms, and other projects that may strengthen local climate resilience and equity for underserved communities.

Tennessee community development and housing organizations hosting graduate-level fellows can access funding through the National Community Reinvestment Coalition to support projects in housing, small business, and workforce development. Graduate students in fields like urban planning or public administration receive an eight‑month, part‑time fellowship with a US $20,000 stipend to advance equitable local initiatives.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) organizations serving communities through education, poverty relief, health, disaster response, or conservation projects can access funding via Robinson Foundation. Eligible nonprofits must operate in the Southern region for over three years and seek single-year support, which may benefit climate resilience and equity efforts connected to humanitarian or environmental work.