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.

The Community Possible Grant Program by U.S. Bank aims to foster economic and workforce advancement, as well as safe and affordable housing. By partnering with 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, the program seeks to drive lasting change within communities through collaborative grantmaking. Priority is given to organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and that address multiple pillars of work, home, and play. This initiative reflects U.S. Bank's commitment to creating a more equitable society.

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.

Tennessee educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies can access funding for safety, education, and community development projects through State Farm Companies Foundation. Grants may support auto and home safety, disaster preparedness and recovery, affordable housing, neighborhood revitalization, financial literacy, food insecurity, job training, and K–12 or higher education initiatives.

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.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

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 organizations working on health, education, or community programs in Tennessee can access funding through Labcorp Charitable Foundation to support services and initiatives. The foundation backs projects such as food pantries, healthcare and patient services for underserved populations, STEM programming, and healthy lifestyle efforts, with eligibility limited to U.S.-based 501(c)(3) or equivalent charities.

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.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

Nonprofit and humanitarian organizations working on health, education, and disaster relief can apply for support from Semnani Family Foundation, which serves communities worldwide including Tennessee. The foundation funds programs such as healthcare access, women’s and children’s health, hunger relief, homelessness services, and humanitarian aid for marginalized and vulnerable populations.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

Focused on arts and cultural programming, Tennessee Arts Commission invites Tennessee 501(c)(3) organizations and local governments to apply for flexible funding up to US $5,000. Grants can support technical assistance, community arts participation projects, touring artists, or small equipment and supply purchases that strengthen operations and expand community engagement in the arts.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.