Best Grants for Elementary Education in Tennessee

Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits running youth development, education, housing, or arts programs can access funding through U.S. Bank Foundation’s Community Possible Grant Program. Organizations serving elementary-age students through workforce readiness, financial literacy, arts education, or safe and affordable housing initiatives may be eligible, with priority for groups led by people of color in designated U.S. Bank communities.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting children, education, or health and human services can seek monetary program funding that demonstrates clear community need and measurable outcomes. Grants from Costco Foundation help organizations, including those with elementary education programs, that show community collaboration, a broad base of financial support, and well-documented project and operating budgets.

Elementary education nonprofits in Tennessee with 501(c)(3) status and innovative human services approaches can seek support for new or reimagined programs. Focused on innovation, Creag Foundation invites organizations addressing social problems in areas like literacy, community development, or health-related services for children to submit a letter of inquiry for potential funding.

Early-stage, impact-focused nonprofit and mission-driven for-profit organizations working on scalable social or environmental solutions in Tennessee can access funding through Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation, with awards up to US $300,000. Grants from Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation help Tennessee elementary education initiatives that serve underserved communities if they fit the foundation’s early-stage, high-growth criteria.

Nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations using technology for education, crisis response, or economic empowerment programs in Tennessee and worldwide can seek Global Impact Cash Grants, with awards up to US $100,000. Cisco Systems Foundation supports innovative, early-stage, tech-enabled solutions serving mostly economically underserved communities, which may include elementary education access and equity initiatives.

Tennessee elementary education programs run by schools, government entities, or eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits can apply for State Farm Companies Foundation’s Good Neighbor Citizenship company grants to support safety, education, and community development initiatives. Funding may support K–12 academic performance, STEM, and pathways for college and career success, alongside related community safety and development efforts.

Tennessee elementary education nonprofits offering substantial arts or science programming can access funding through the William Randolph Hearst Foundation to support culture-focused programs, capital projects, or limited general support; awards are typically more than US $100,000. Eligible U.S.-based 501(c)(3) cultural institutions with audited expenses over $2 million and strong, measurable impact on youth may benefit.

Tennessee elementary education nonprofits and other 501(c)(3) organizations can seek funding for health, education, and community initiatives that benefit local students and families. Labcorp Charitable Foundation provides support for programs such as STEM education, food pantries, meal programs, and healthcare or preventative services for underserved populations in U.S. communities.

Nonprofits, schools, governments, and other eligible organizations in Tennessee working on education for urban low-income children can apply for Michael & Susan Dell Foundation grants; awards are more than US $50,000 for project support or scaling. Programs in elementary education may be eligible if they serve children in poverty and meet the foundation’s focus and location criteria.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing early childhood or youth education programs in Tennessee can apply for PNC Foundation’s Foundation Grant to support learning and community development. PNC Foundation provides Tennessee education-focused nonprofits with funding for early childhood education, teacher development, family engagement, and related community services, especially for low- and moderate-income children and neighborhoods.

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.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits running community, education, or basic needs programs can seek sponsorship support for initiatives that benefit local residents. Bank of America Foundation supports efforts like workforce education, hunger relief, housing and shelters, arts and culture, environmental projects, and diversity and inclusion, which may include elementary education–related community programming.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) organizations serving elementary-age children through education, family services, or youth programs can access funding via Robinson Foundation for single-year projects. Eligible nonprofits must operate in the Southern region for more than three years and may also work in areas like poverty relief, disaster relief, health, animal welfare, or spiritual endeavors.

Elementary education nonprofits in Tennessee seeking support for community services, environmental education, or peacebuilding-related programs may be eligible for funding from the Dudley T Dougherty Foundation. Focused on community, environment, and respect for all people, this grant supports 501(c)(3) charitable organizations with forward-looking, change-driven initiatives.

Elementary schools, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and local government entities in Tennessee within 30 miles of a Georgia-Pacific manufacturing community can apply for Georgia-Pacific Foundation support for education, entrepreneurship, environment, and community enrichment projects. Programs that strengthen GP communities and serve students or families in these areas may be eligible.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting basic needs, at-risk youth education, workforce readiness, or domestic violence safety in Tennessee and other U.S. communities can seek funding that supports vulnerable children and families. The TJX Foundation requires applicants to be within 15 miles of a TJX site, aligned with its mission, and to complete an eligibility questionnaire and LOI process.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries in Tennessee can seek US $5,000 - US $10,000 in unrestricted support for environmental, human services, or related programs. With a mission to back these priority areas, Lawrence Foundation provides operating or project grants that may benefit elementary education initiatives fitting its funding interests.

Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation provides Tennessee education-focused nonprofits with US $1,000 - US $20,000 to support elementary and other youth programs, museums, cultural activities, and community services. IRS-qualified organizations serving children, including elementary-age students, may apply for program support, skills training, life skills education, and related community-based initiatives in the U.S.

Focused on basic needs and community vitality, Ameriprise Financial invites U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits to apply for funding that addresses hunger, shelter, adult self-sufficiency, and neighborhood development. Tennessee organizations with elementary education–adjacent programs, such as youth meal services or arts and cultural access for children, may be eligible if they align with these priorities.

Education-focused 501(c)(3) organizations in Tennessee can seek project funding for elementary and broader educational programs, as well as social services, health care, civic, cultural, and environmental initiatives. Grants from Dr Scholl Foundation help U.S. nonprofits with one-year projects, with awards ranging from US $5,000 - US $25,000.

Elementary education and other eligible 501(c)(3) or aligned for‑profit organizations can seek the Storytelling Grant to share their community impact through high-quality storytelling. Focused on preservation, education, and wellness, the Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation offers awards of more than US $50,000 to support narrative projects, including those benefiting Tennessee elementary students.

Nonprofit organizations in Tennessee improving economic stability, health, literacy, or disaster relief can access funding through the O'Reilly Automotive Foundation for project, general operating, or capital support. U.S.-based 501(c)(3)s serving local communities, including those offering elementary education and children’s literacy programs, may be eligible if they operate where O’Reilly Auto Parts has a business presence.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Tennessee can apply for Union Pacific Foundation’s Community Ties Local Grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $30,000 for safety, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability projects in Union Pacific–served communities. Elementary education programs run by eligible nonprofits, including those operating in school settings, may be supported when they fit these priority areas.

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 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.

Non-sectarian human and social service organizations working to help disadvantaged people become self-reliant, including those serving elementary-age children in Tennessee, can seek support from Gupta Family Foundation; awards range from US $5,000 - US $250,000. Eligible applicants are typically 501(c)(3) nonprofits with revenues between $300,000 and $3,000,000 operating in listed countries, including the U.S.