Best Climate Change Grants in Tennessee

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Tennessee that support children, education, or health and human services can apply for monetary program funding that may complement climate resilience and equity efforts. Grants from Costco Foundation help child- and family-serving programs demonstrate measurable outcomes, address documented community needs, and show strong collaboration and diversified financial support.

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.

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.

Nonprofits providing health, education, or humanitarian services can seek support for marginalized communities in Tennessee and worldwide through Semnani Family Foundation. The funder backs projects in areas like healthcare access, disaster relief, food and housing insecurity, child and women’s health, and related social services, which may include climate resilience work that protects vulnerable populations.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community development, basic needs, workforce readiness, arts, environment, or diversity initiatives in Tennessee can seek sponsorship support that advances economic mobility and social progress. Bank of America Foundation’s regional U.S. sponsorships may benefit climate resilience and equity projects that preserve neighborhoods or address environmental and community needs.

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 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.

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.

Focused on community development and basic needs, Ameriprise Financial invites Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits to apply for funding that strengthens food access, shelter, financial literacy, and adult self-sufficiency. Organizations advancing resilient, equitable communities may be eligible, especially those engaging Ameriprise volunteers and serving U.S. residents, including in priority employee-center regions.

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.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

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.

Nonprofit organizations helping disadvantaged people become self-reliant, including those in Tennessee, can apply for Gupta Family Foundation grants of US $5,000 - US $250,000 to support social and humanitarian services. With a mission to foster self-reliance, Gupta Family Foundation provides global support that may benefit climate resilience and equity efforts serving vulnerable communities.