Best Disaster Preparedness and Relief Grants in Tennessee

Grants to support disaster-impacted health centers maintaining access to comprehensive primary care services in Tennessee and other Hurricane Helene FEMA-declared areas may be available as advances on FY 2025 Health Center Program awards. Grants from HRSA help health care providers cover unforeseen, in-scope costs for disaster relief, health care access, and clinic operations.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits and independent emergency response organizations can access funding for safety, disaster preparedness, and community resilience projects through the Union Pacific Foundation’s Community Ties Local Grants, with awards of US $5,000 - US $30,000. Programs must primarily serve a Union Pacific rail-served community and align with its safety or disaster preparedness priorities.

Volunteer and service-focused nonprofits and government agencies in Tennessee can access funding through Volunteer Tennessee to operate AmeriCorps programs addressing disaster services, economic opportunity, education, environmental stewardship, healthy futures, and veterans and military families. Programs that include disaster preparedness or disaster relief activities may be especially relevant for organizations seeking disaster-focused support.

Community-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits addressing emergency needs and disaster-related impacts in Tennessee can seek one-time emergency funding for unplanned costs such as fires, floods, or other crises. The Rosendin Foundation supports requests up to US $5,000 that advance emotional, occupational, or nutritional health in areas where it conducts business.

Individuals, families, and local organizations in Tennessee facing disaster-related emergencies or serious financial hardship can apply for Giving Branch Foundation’s Giving Branch Donations program, with awards up to US $5,000. Funding can help with natural disaster recovery, sudden death, emergency needs, or ongoing hardships such as job loss, illness, or temporary displacement.

Southern U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations active for over three years and providing disaster relief or humanitarian aid, including in Tennessee, can seek single-year program support from the Robinson Foundation. The family-operated funder prioritizes tangible, meaningful impact across areas like disaster relief, poverty relief, children and families, and related community services, but does not support capital projects.

Catholic dioceses with pastoral or social outreach ministries, including disaster-related efforts in Tennessee, can apply for Catholic Extension’s Enhancing Pastoral and Social Ministry Grants to establish, expand, or enhance programs. Funding may support catechetical resources, family ministries, Catholic media, liturgical life, social outreach for vulnerable groups, and minor support restoring ecclesial services after disasters.

Tennessee K-12 public schools with existing libraries that suffered significant library damage from recent disasters can access funding through Dollar General Literacy Foundation to rebuild books, media, and equipment. Eligible schools must be within 15 miles of a Dollar General store or distribution center and apply within 36 months of the qualifying event.

Nonprofit organizations in Tennessee seeking to improve disaster preparedness and security can apply for funding to enhance physical and cybersecurity, facility hardening, and related protective measures. Focused on homeland security, the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security Foundation’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP-S) offers up to US $200,000 for at-risk facilities outside designated high-risk urban areas.

Tennessee nonprofit organizations needing physical or cybersecurity upgrades and facility hardening for disaster and terrorism preparedness can access funding through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security Foundation. This Nonprofit Security Grant Program – Urban Area award offers up to US $200,000 for high-risk nonprofits in designated Tennessee urban areas to strengthen security and integrate with broader state and local preparedness efforts.

Local governments, nonprofits, businesses, farmers, and forest landowners in Tennessee can apply for the Governor's Response and Recovery Fund when activated after a state-declared emergency; awards support disaster recovery and rebuilding projects. Administered by Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, this flexible funding can help restore facilities, infrastructure, operations, and community services after disasters.

Nonprofit organizations advancing health equity, disaster preparedness, or disaster relief in Tennessee can apply for McKesson Foundation grants up to US $25,000. Funding supports crisis response, including preparedness, disaster relief and recovery, and medicine and food access, with priority for programs serving vulnerable and underserved communities across the U.S. and Canada.

Tennessee public entities and regional economic partners recovering from 2023–2024 natural disasters can seek funding to plan, implement, or scale economic recovery projects. The US Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration provides up to US $50,000,000 for readiness, implementation, or industry transformation efforts that rebuild local economies and strengthen long-term disaster resilience.

Tennessee nonprofits and U.S.-based 501(c)(3) institutions working on disaster preparedness, relief, and related resilience projects can access funding through the Japan Foundation’s Japan–U.S. Global Partnership Grant Program. Support is for Japan–U.S. collaborative, policy-oriented research and dialogue addressing global issues like climate change, disaster prevention, post-disaster recovery, public health, and community resilience.

Eligible educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies in Tennessee can apply for State Farm Companies Foundation’s Good Neighbor Citizenship company grants to support safety, community development, and education initiatives. Funding may benefit disaster preparedness, mitigation, and recovery efforts, as well as related community resilience and public safety projects.

Nonprofit organizations in the U.S. or Canada working on health equity, cancer, workforce development, or crisis response can apply for McKesson Foundation grants over More than US $25,000. Grants from McKesson Foundation help Tennessee disaster preparedness and relief programs, cancer prevention and treatment, food and medicine access, and STEM and medical education initiatives serving vulnerable communities.

With a mission to strengthen communities, the International Paper Company Foundation provides Tennessee nonprofits, schools, and eligible public entities with US $2,500 - US $10,000 to address education, hunger, health, disaster relief, and preparedness. Organizations in Tennessee counties where International Paper operates may be eligible, especially those tackling disaster relief, humanitarian aid, or critical community needs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and local government agencies seeking backup power solutions to maintain essential services during emergencies can apply for US $300,000 in support, including those in Tennessee. Focused on disaster preparedness and relief, Hillman Family Foundations funds projects that keep facilities powered so communities retain access to food, shelter, safety, and heating or cooling.

The EA Funds: Long-Term Future Fund Grant focuses on improving civilization's long-term trajectory by funding projects that mitigate global catastrophic risks. With grant sizes ranging from $1,000 to over $500,000, it welcomes applications from individuals and organizations globally. The fund particularly supports innovative small teams and individuals, emphasizing projects that reduce existential risks from AI and enhance global governance of transformative technologies. Applicants are encouraged to apply even if unsure of eligibility.

The Crawford Taylor Foundation focuses on enhancing programs that create lasting legacies in St. Louis. With priorities in community development, women's health, animal welfare, and environmental preservation, the foundation seeks to support 501(c)(3) organizations that meet specific eligibility criteria. They avoid funding multi-year grants or for-profit initiatives, emphasizing support for local causes and relief efforts deemed important by the Taylor family.

The Joan M. Wismer Foundation, established in 2001, honors the legacy of Joan Marilynn Wismer, who was dedicated to charitable work and community service. The foundation focuses on improving lives through education, youth development, safety, humanitarian services, and medical research. It primarily supports IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and churches, while emphasizing the importance of sustainable funding and effective financial management in its grant-making process.

The Fiscal Year 2026 Flood Mitigation Assistance program aims to enhance flood mitigation funding delivery, focusing on the needs of disaster survivors. This federal initiative, managed by FEMA, provides essential funds to states, territories, and local governments to mitigate flood risks and reduce repetitive damage to properties insured under the National Flood Insurance Program. The program supports various activities designed to lower the financial exposure of the NFIP while promoting community resilience against flooding.

Rapid Response Grants 

Emergency funding after mass tragedies.

In the wake of tragic mass events, such as shooting, speed matters. Our Rapid Response Grants provide expedited funding to victims and their families when time is of the essence. These grants ensure that families aren’t left waiting for critical support when they need it most.

• Awarded swiftly after mass casualty events
• Designed to provide urgent, compassionate support in crisis situations

BioMarin offers funding through its donation program focused on improving healthcare and patient advocacy, particularly for rare diseases. Organizations eligible for support include hospitals, accredited providers, and patient advocacy groups. BioMarin prioritizes innovative therapeutic solutions for rare genetic conditions. The company is dedicated to enhancing patient care and education, and it reviews funding requests year-round, although specific deadlines apply for year-end funding. This initiative reflects BioMarin's commitment to addressing unmet medical needs.

The Bertin Family Foundation Grants support 501(c)(3) public charities that align with the foundation's mission of community strengthening and compassion. Grant requests are accepted annually from July 1 to August 31, focusing on program or project support rather than general endowment. The foundation values measurable outcomes and responsible stewardship, and gives preference to organizations with Gold or Platinum status on Candid.