Share

Share this page Make an impact for others

Copy link

Link copied

LinkedIn Facebook Email

Search Through Diversity Grants for Nonprofits in Tennessee

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.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

The Memorial Foundation, established in 1994, aims to enhance community quality of life by supporting nonprofit organizations in areas such as health care, social services, and education. With a focus on data-driven, trauma-informed initiatives, the Foundation funds projects that address critical needs and promote lasting impact. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt and demonstrate community support. Grants are not available for individuals or certain specific projects, ensuring resources are allocated effectively for community enhancement.

The OSI Southern Cumberland Land Protection Fund aims to protect vital forest habitats in Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama, focusing on areas crucial for biodiversity and climate change adaptation. Launched in 2012, this fund has already safeguarded over 30,000 acres through grants, enhancing wildlife habitats and expanding recreational access. By supporting high-priority projects, it plays a significant role in conserving the rich ecological landscapes of the Southern Cumberland Plateau, ensuring the long-term viability of unique species.

The Professional Development and Artistic Planning Grants, offered by South Arts, support the professional growth of presenters, programmers, and curators in the Southern U.S. These grants facilitate travel to conferences, workshops, and other opportunities to enhance organizational capacity and program design. Emphasizing diversity and inclusion, South Arts encourages applications from organizations led by BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and disabled individuals. Funding covers travel, training, and related expenses, promoting equitable access to professional development.

Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Tennessee (TMMTN) Grants aims to foster community improvement by partnering with nonprofit organizations. Committed to enhancing the quality of life, Toyota supports initiatives in community sustainability, inclusive mobility, and workforce readiness. The program prioritizes long-term impact and inclusivity, ensuring diverse populations benefit from funding. Toyota encourages collaborative efforts to tackle pressing societal challenges while engaging employees as volunteers. Note that applications from certain organizations, including those outside the U.S., will not be considered.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

The Greater Memphis Area Grants by AutoZone aim to support nonprofit organizations in Shelby County, Tennessee. These grants focus on improving community health, education, and development with an emphasis on diversity and inclusion. Eligible organizations can apply for project or capital campaign grants that align with AutoZone's strategic pillars. However, funds are not available for individuals, religious organizations with specific missions, or other ineligible purposes, ensuring contributions benefit the wider community.

The CNS Y-12 Community Investment Fund, established by Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC, supports local communities in Oak Ridge, TN and Amarillo, TX. Since its inception in 2015, it has awarded over 205 grants to more than 120 nonprofits. With grants ranging from $2,000 to $15,000 for one-year terms, organizations are encouraged to address funding priorities such as mental health support and early learning. The fund reflects a commitment to enhancing community welfare through strategic resource allocation.

The West End Home Foundation Grant supports organizations that enhance the quality of life for senior adults in Middle Tennessee. With a focus on advocacy, enrichment, nutrition, healthcare, housing, transportation, and wellness, the foundation prioritizes projects for those aged 60 and older. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing relevant services in specified counties. The foundation emphasizes measurable outcomes and community impact in its competitive grant process.

The CFMT Community Impact Grants aim to foster a thriving and inclusive community in Middle Tennessee through unrestricted operating support for nonprofits. Focusing on arts and creative culture, child/youth development, and positive mental health, these grants empower organizations to address critical needs and enhance belonging within the community. Applications are accepted from 501(c)(3) public charities operating in designated counties, ensuring that funds directly benefit local populations and address their specific challenges.

The Affordable Housing Trust Fund Grant supports low-income housing initiatives in Knoxville, providing funding for new construction, major rehabs, and various assistance programs. Eligible applicants include nonprofits and governmental entities committed to non-discriminatory practices. Assistance may be awarded as secured loans, forgivable loans, or grants, with a focus on enhancing housing opportunities for both owner-occupied and rental housing. The grant aims to promote stability and education in housing for very low-income households.

The Southern Circuit Screening Partner Grant invites nonprofit, educational, or governmental organizations in the South Arts region to host screenings of independent documentaries. This initiative promotes diverse filmmakers, including those from historically marginalized communities. Partners engage audiences through strategic marketing and provide logistical support for filmmakers. The program emphasizes collaboration during film selection and aims to foster meaningful conversations about the art of filmmaking while making the events accessible to all community members.

South Arts, Inc. is offering Accessibility Grants of up to $2,500 to nonprofit organizations in the Southeast to enhance accessibility in arts programs for individuals with disabilities. The grants aim to foster inclusivity by supporting projects that engage disabled artists and audiences. Organizations must be located within the South Arts Service region and focus on the arts. Priority will be given to new applicants and those serving BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities, with a commitment to rural areas.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

Insperity's Corporate Contributions program emphasizes community involvement and corporate citizenship, providing philanthropic grants and event sponsorships to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Eligible organizations must engage Insperity employees or contribute to the communities where they operate. The program aims to support nonprofits in achieving their service goals and enhancing community welfare. Applications must be submitted 90 days prior to events, and funding requests can be made once a year.

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.

The Nissan Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations that promote cultural diversity and heritage. Established in 1992, the foundation focuses on enhancing community quality of life where Nissan operates. Eligible organizations must have 501(c)(3) status, be active for over three years, and serve specific communities. Ineligible programs include those not aligned with the foundation's mission, such as disease advocacy and political activities. The foundation does not provide multi-year grants, but organizations can reapply for funding in subsequent cycles.

The TAC Creative Placemaking grant aims to enrich Tennessee's local character through arts and culture. It supports projects that enhance community identity and promote economic development. Applicants can request up to $30,000, with a required cash or in-kind match. The program encourages collaboration among various sectors to create vibrant community spaces. Notably, schools and ongoing arts programming are ineligible for funding, ensuring resources are directed toward innovative, transformative projects.

The Resilient and Connected Appalachians Grant Program, offered by The Nature Conservancy, provides up to $100,000 for projects that acquire land and easements throughout the Appalachian region. This program emphasizes equitable conservation, aiming to support historically marginalized communities and enhance access to nature while addressing climate change impacts. Projects must demonstrate community engagement and align with the program's goals to protect vital habitats and foster resilience in the face of environmental challenges.

The Arts Fund for East Tennessee Grant Program, established in 1986, supports artistic excellence and cultural diversity in East Tennessee. In 2024, it aims to sustain cultural traditions and encourage diverse artistic expressions. Grants ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 will be awarded for two-year terms starting July 1, 2024. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and those with fiscal sponsors, focusing on outreach to underserved populations and grassroots art initiatives.

About NCRC

The National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) is a nationwide network of nearly 800 organizations and champions working for a Just Economy, where all Americans can build wealth and provide for their families with stability and dignity.

Our vision: To solve America’s historic racial and socio-economic wealth, income and opportunity divides. This vision is the foundation of the Just Economy Pledge.

Fellowship for Equitable Development

The National Community Reinvestment Coalition matches top-level graduate degree students with premiere community development organizations.

NCRC is looking for fellowship projects that move the needle on housing, small business development, and workforce development. Projects may directly result in community outcomes in these focus areas, or involve work with community members to create plans or project pipelines that will solve local issues in these areas.

The NCRC Fellowship cultivates the next generation of community development leaders and empowers them to tackle the issues of tomorrow. The community development sector will face significant challenges in the coming decades from climate change, widening wealth gaps, food insecurities, extreme housing shortages and other needs. These challenges will disproportionately impact low-wealth communities and communities of color. Therefore, it is NCRC’s intention and pledge to uphold the values of community empowerment in the fellowship program.

Interested students and host organizations must apply for this fellowship opportunity.

Program Benefits for Student Fellows Include:

• High-quality training and support from regional leaders in the nonprofit, government, planning and community development fields
• A $20,000 stipend for the eight-month, part-time (20-hours per week) fellowship
• The opportunity to meet with leaders in the nonprofit, government, planning and community development fields
• Academic credit, in accordance with the policies of the Fellows’ respective universities
• Complimentary admission to the NCRC annual Just Economy Conference

Program Benefits for Host Organizations Include:

• Fresh, innovative talent to help advance organizational mission
• The opportunity to help shape the next generation of community development leaders
• Participation in a fellowship program at little to no cost

The Process

1. NCRC Members Apply; 2. NCRC Selects Member Projects; 3. Students Apply To Selected Projects; 4. Top Student Candidates Interviewed; 5. NCRC & Member Select Student Fellow; 6. NCRC Onboards Member & Student 7. Fellowship Commences

Host Partnerships

Fellowship host partners must be NCRC members. If your organization would like to participate in the Fellowship but is not a member, you can join here and then apply.

Host Requirements

• A compelling project to provide a challenging assignment for fellows with real world application.
• Must commit to a schedule with at least one day per week in office for both fellow and host supervisor.

The LP Community Grant, funded by the Louisiana Pacific Foundation, supports local nonprofits and public schools in North America. Ranging from $10,000 to $20,000, grants are determined by community needs and team member requests. Established in 1973, the LP Foundation has contributed over $22 million to enhance education, environmental efforts, and community development. The Board of Trustees oversees the grant process, emphasizing diversity and inclusion in the supported initiatives. For more details on applications, visit their official page.