Best Financial Assistance Grants in Tennessee

Grassroots, community-led 501(c)(3) organizations in Tennessee’s Appalachian counties can use this funding to build organizational capacity for social, economic, racial, and environmental justice work. Focused on technical assistance, Appalachian Community Fund invites groups to strengthen leadership, fundraising, planning, financial management, community organizing, and related skills to advance systemic social change in Central Appalachia.

State and local agencies, tribal governments, higher education institutions, and nonprofits in eligible Tennessee Appalachian counties can apply for Appalachian Regional Commission’s Area Development funding to support critical infrastructure and business and workforce development projects. Grants may benefit financial assistance needs tied to water and wastewater systems, transportation, broadband, entrepreneurship, and worker training initiatives.

Tennessee nonprofits and local charities seeking support for operations, programs, capital, or equipment may be eligible for CBE Companies’ Community Outreach Program. Focused on community enrichment, CBE Companies invites organizations near its Tennessee offices in arts and culture, education, health, or human services to request financial assistance for their work.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting children, education, or health and human services can seek monetary support to strengthen community programs. Grants from Costco Foundation help organizations address identified local needs with evidence-based, measurable outcomes and strong community collaboration. Funding decisions consider program type, community need, project budget, and a broad base of financial support.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits with innovative approaches to human services and other social issues can seek funding to develop or expand their programs. Focused on innovation, Creag Foundation invites organizations that are starting out or pursuing a new direction to inquire about support for addressing existing or previously unaddressed social problems.

Nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations using technology to tackle major social challenges and serve mostly economically underserved communities in Tennessee and worldwide can apply for Global Impact Cash Grants, with awards up to US $100,000. Cisco Systems Foundation supports innovative programs in crisis response, education access, economic empowerment, and climate resilience, with applications accepted year-round via LOI.

Local governments, nonprofits, businesses, farmers, and forest landowners in Tennessee can apply for the Governor’s Response and Recovery Fund for flexible, grant-based disaster recovery projects. Administered by Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, this fund supports repairing infrastructure, restoring nonprofit and business facilities, and agricultural or forest-land recovery after a Governor-declared State of Emergency.

Tennessee veteran service organizations providing honor guard burial ceremonies can access funding through the Tennessee Department of Veterans Services, with awards up to US $7,500. These state-funded grants help cover costs for dignified funeral honors and support community connection for veterans and their families across Tennessee.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Middle Tennessee can seek funding for health care access, human and social services, education, youth development, senior enrichment, and community services. Focused on community impact, Memorial Foundation invites data-driven, trauma-informed agencies to apply for capital projects, general operating support, or start-up initiatives serving counties in the former Nashville Memorial Hospital service area.

Rural grassroots community groups in Tennessee working on social, economic, or environmental justice can access funding through Southern Partners Fund for organizing, capacity building, technical assistance, and travel support, with awards up to US $3,500. Eligible projects may include education reform, immigration rights, and voter engagement efforts in rural Southern communities.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and eligible local government entities in Tennessee can apply for Georgia-Pacific Foundation’s support to advance education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental programs. Organizations must be within 30 miles of a Georgia-Pacific manufacturing community and serve those communities, so Tennessee groups near GP facilities may be eligible.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing basic needs, youth enrichment, workforce readiness, or domestic violence safety within 15 miles of a TJX location in Tennessee can seek program support through The Tjx Foundation. Grants may benefit financial assistance providers helping vulnerable families and children access resources and opportunities for better futures.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

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.

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.

Public entities and community organizations in Tennessee counties served by the Appalachian Regional Commission can apply for Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development funding, with awards up to US $1,000,000 for construction and $500,000 for non-construction projects. Grants support economic and community development, especially water, wastewater, and other public infrastructure for industry and rural communities.

Focused on community development and basic needs, Ameriprise Financial invites Tennessee 501(c)(3) organizations to seek funding for hunger relief, housing, workforce readiness, and financial literacy programs. U.S.-based nonprofits that show strong Ameriprise volunteer engagement and measurable outcomes may be eligible for these community vitality and cultural enrichment grants.

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.

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.

The Community Ties Giving Program by Union Pacific Foundation offers local grants aimed at enhancing community well-being through diverse funding priorities. These include safety initiatives, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability. The program emphasizes supporting organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to create impactful projects that resonate with Union Pacific's heritage and mission. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations serving Union Pacific communities and demonstrate a clear need and capacity to deliver effective programming.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations planning capital projects in higher education, healthcare, or the arts in Northeast Tennessee can seek support, including limited programmatic funding. With a mission to enhance education, health, and cultural life, the McGlothlin Foundation provides grants for projects in its designated counties, with proposals accepted January through April and awards made in December.

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.

Rural, community-based 501(c)(3) organizations in Tennessee and other Southeastern states using grassroots organizing for social, economic, or environmental justice can seek general or project support through the Hubert E. Sapp Regular Grant Cycle. Southern Partners Fund backs small-budget groups building community leadership, strengthening rural communities, and advancing justice-focused campaigns rather than direct services.

Public agencies and 501(c)(3) or other nonprofit organizations in Tennessee can seek funding to plan and promote preservation of battlefields, viewsheds, and related historic structures, with awards of US $2,500 - US $10,000. The National Trust for Historic Preservation supports planning, capacity building, and public education efforts that advance battlefield preservation goals.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

Nonprofit organizations in eligible Appalachian counties of Tennessee, Kentucky, and North Carolina can receive US $30,000 for infrastructure needs that strengthen folk and traditional arts programs. Grants from South Arts help with professional development, minor equipment or software, travel, marketing, and planning, with priority for rural and historically underserved communities.