Best Financial Assistance Grants in Tennessee

The Appalachian Community Fund's Technical Assistance Grants are designed to strengthen grassroots organizations in Central Appalachia. These small grants support specific technical assistance needs, enhancing skills in areas such as leadership, fundraising, and community organizing. ACF prioritizes projects that address systemic issues and promote social, economic, and environmental justice. Organizations eligible for funding must be community-led and demonstrate a commitment to creating equitable change in their communities.

The Area Development Grant Program, managed by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), supports economic growth in Appalachia through investments in critical infrastructure and workforce development. Targeting 423 counties across 13 states, the program encourages local communities to collaborate with state governments to identify and implement impactful projects. Key focus areas include enhancing utilities, promoting entrepreneurship, and strengthening local leadership. This initiative aims to uplift the 26 million residents of Appalachia, fostering sustainable economic opportunities.

The CBE Community Outreach Program Grant empowers local charities in Iowa, Tennessee, and Texas by providing financial support through employee donations. With contributions ranging from $5 to $25 per paycheck, CBE Companies donates over $15,000 quarterly to foster community engagement. This initiative reflects CBE's commitment to making a meaningful impact through partnerships and volunteerism, enhancing the quality of life in the communities they serve.

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

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.

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.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

Tennessee Emergency Management Agency

TEMA supports local jurisdictions during emergencies in managing the flow of assets, services, and teams to address the emergency; activating the State Emergency Operations Center to coordinate and communicate with critical emergency functions; and reaching out for mutual aid from from other departments or agencies of the state, from local jurisdictions, from other states, and from the federal government.

After the emergency has passed, TEMA then works with local jurisdictions to conduct damage assessments, to ensure local needs are met, and to coordinate any federal assistance programs provided as a result of the disaster to help people recover after disasters and emergencies.

Governor's Response and Recovery Fund

The Governor’s Response and Recovery Fund (GRRF) was established to provide flexible, grant-based financial support to help communities, organizations, businesses, and landowners recover from disasters. The fund is designed to address unmet disaster recovery needs when traditional aid may not fully cover recovery costs. GRRF is intended to support a broad range of recovery efforts, from immediate needs to longer-term projects, helping ensure that affected areas across Tennessee have access to resources needed to recover as quickly and efficiently as possible.

The fund may be available following a Governor's State of Emergency declared executive order or proclamation.

What the Fund Can Support

Grant awards can be used for a range of recovery and rebuilding purposes, such as:

• Repair or replacement of damaged public infrastructure or facilities
• Restoration of nonprofit facilities and community service providers
• Repair or recovery of business property, equipment, or operations
• Support for agricultural or forest-land recovery for affected farmers or landowners
• Any other recovery-related project that addresses documented disaster losses or damages and aligns with Fund guidelines

If approved, funds are provided as grants, not loans — no repayment is required so long as funds are used for the approved project. Grants may be awarded in full or in part, depending on available funding and competing needs. The fund seeks to maximize its impact by supporting as many eligible projects as possible, while prioritizing critical needs.

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.

About Us

Who We Are

The Tennessee Department of Veterans Services (TDVS) operates 14 field offices, four Tennessee State Veterans Cemeteries, serves as liaison for three Tennessee State Veterans Homes, assists with active duty casualties and hosts outreach events across the state to raise awareness and assist Veterans as well as their families.

Veterans Resource Coordinators at the 14 TDVS field offices help Veterans and their families to file claims for federal benefits and connect customers with federal, state and local resources. TDVS also trains County Service Officers to effectively and efficiently file claims for Veterans across the state.

TDVS also monitors and assists with state legislation focused on Veterans and their families. Legislation resulting in state benefits can be found on the State Benefits page.

Who We Are Not

TDVS is not the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The VA manages VA Hospitals, Medical Centers, National Veterans Cemeteries, approves or denies claims for federal benefits and makes decisions regarding service-connected disabilities.

Honor Guard Grant Program (HGGP)

The Honor Guard Grant Program (HGGP), administered by the Tennessee Department of Veterans Services (TDVS), is dedicated to ensuring that every qualifying Tennessee veteran receives a dignified and honorable burial service. Through state-funded grants, the HGGP supports Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) in providing these essential ceremonial services.

Program Objectives:

• Honor the service of Tennessee's veterans
• Provide financial assistance to VSOs for conducting honor guard burials
• Foster a sense of community and support among veterans and their families

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

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.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

Support for arts organizations and local governments to strengthen operations and expand community engagement in the arts.

Non-matching Special Opportunities: Arts Forward grants (up to $5,000) are available to Tennessee arts organizations and local governments. Designed for flexibility, this program supports a wide range of activities—including technical assistance, small equipment or supply purchases, and arts events in Tennessee communities.

Applicants are asked to identify appropriate, realistic strategies for strengthening their organizations or addressing challenges and opportunities, and to demonstrate readiness to carry out the proposed activity. Proposed projects should enhance the overall artistic, educational, and/or cultural value of the organization to its community and help maintain a strong infrastructure for the arts statewide.

The Southern Partners Fund's Discretionary Fund Grant aims to support grassroots community organizing for social, economic, and environmental justice in the Southeastern United States. It provides financial resources and technical assistance to rural organizations and leaders focused on transformative change. Eligible applicants include self-governed rural groups engaging in advocacy and community development. The fund prioritizes education reform, immigration rights, and voter engagement, allowing up to two requests per year, with a maximum award of $3,500.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.

The In These Mountains: Infrastructure Grants, offered by South Arts, aim to preserve and promote the folk arts and traditional culture of Central Appalachia. This initiative supports non-profit organizations in Kentucky, North Carolina, and Tennessee, focusing on enhancing the resources necessary for sustaining and advancing traditional arts. Grants of up to $30,000 are available to address non-programming expenses, ensuring the continuity of cultural practices while prioritizing inclusivity and accessibility.

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 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.

The Tennessee Appalachian Regional Commission Funding supports economic development projects in middle and east Tennessee. Grants can reach up to $1,000,000 for construction and $500,000 for non-construction projects. Priorities include water and wastewater services to industries, basic services in rural areas, and unique community opportunities. This funding aims to enhance the quality of life and foster self-sustaining development in the Appalachian region.

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 McGlothlin Foundation Grant supports philanthropic initiatives in higher education, healthcare, and the arts, focusing primarily on projects in Southwest Virginia, Eastern Kentucky, and Northeast Tennessee. The foundation prioritizes proposals from tax-exempt non-profits, especially for capital projects and programmatic needs. While there are no fixed grant sizes, organizations are encouraged to apply after prior awards have concluded. The foundation does not fund individuals or political activities, ensuring its resources enhance community infrastructure and cultural development.

The Hubert E. Sapp Regular Grant Cycle, by Southern Partners Fund, aims to empower rural communities in the Southeastern U.S. through grassroots leadership and organizing. The fund provides support to nonprofit organizations focused on social, economic, and environmental justice. Eligible applicants are community-based organizations with budgets under $350,000. The initiative honors Hubert E. Sapp's legacy, promoting equitable relationships that drive real transformation and community decision-making.

The Battlefield Preservation Fund Grant aims to support initiatives that preserve battlefields and related historic sites. This funding encourages planning and educational efforts, particularly those that engage new audiences in preservation activities. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofits in specified states. Grants can be used for staff support, consultant fees, and educational materials. Applicants must provide a one-to-one match for funding, ensuring strong community involvement in preservation efforts.