Best Grants for Environmental Projects in Tennessee

Grassroots, community-led 501(c)(3) organizations needing technical assistance to strengthen social justice work in Tennessee and Central Appalachia can apply for capacity-building support, including training and consulting. Focused on systemic social, economic, racial, and environmental justice, Appalachian Community Fund invites groups to enhance skills in leadership, fundraising, planning, financial management, and community organizing, which may benefit environmental initiatives.

Tennessee nonprofits working on economic advancement, affordable housing, or community arts and culture can access funding through US Bancorp Foundation to support programs that address racial and economic inequities. 501(c)(3) organizations based in designated U.S. Bank communities, especially those led by people of color and addressing multiple pillars of work, home, and play, may be prioritized.

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.

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, including disaster preparedness, housing, and financial literacy. Grants from State Farm Companies Foundation may benefit environmental initiatives that intersect with community safety, neighborhood revitalization, or sustainable housing and transportation.

Tennessee nonprofits and other eligible charitable organizations can receive support for health, education, and community initiatives, including food pantries, STEM programs, and preventative healthcare. Labcorp Charitable Foundation provides U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations with grants that may benefit environmental or sustainability projects connected to community health, access to care, or related services.

Grassroots, community-led groups advancing LGBTQ justice in Appalachian Tennessee counties can apply for up to $2,000 from the Appalachian Community Fund. Grants prioritize emerging efforts, capacity building, and leadership development, especially among LGBTQ youth, to strengthen long-term organizing, institutional resilience, and regional social change infrastructure.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting early childhood education or community economic development can receive funding for programs serving low- and moderate-income children, families, and neighborhoods in Tennessee communities where PNC operates. PNC Foundation provides grants for early learning, affordable housing, small business support, arts and culture, and revitalization efforts that may include environmental components.

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.

Nonprofit organizations providing health, education, or humanitarian services can seek support for programs serving marginalized communities worldwide, including Tennessee. Semnani Family Foundation provides Tennessee environment-focused groups with funding when their work intersects with health, disaster relief, or social services for vulnerable populations, especially in areas such as healthcare access, child welfare, and humanitarian aid.

With a mission to support charitable, scientific, medical, and educational work, Sidney Stern Memorial Trust provides Tennessee 501(c)(3) organizations with funding for programs that materially benefit the general welfare. U.S.-based nonprofits, including those with environmental initiatives fitting these priorities, may be eligible if all funded activities occur within the country.

Tennessee rural grassroots community groups using organizing strategies for social, economic, or environmental justice can access funding through Southern Partners Fund for projects in its 12-state Southern region. Grants up to US $3,500 support community organizing, capacity-building technical assistance, and travel for conferences or civic engagement, including work on education reform, immigration rights, and voter engagement.

Environmental and conservation-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits and aligned for-profit organizations in Tennessee can seek the Storytelling Grant to share the impact of their work. Focused on preservation, education, and wellness, Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation supports projects like wildlife conservation, historic preservation, waste reduction, outdoor access, and mental health through compelling storytelling initiatives.

Tennessee and Wyoming 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in youth education, land conservation, arts education, or community-wide human services can apply for support from the Tucker Foundation. Tennessee environmental organizations may be eligible for land acquisition, conservation easements, or related operating support within the foundation’s designated counties.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on environmental or community service projects, including those in Tennessee, may be eligible for support from the Dudley T Dougherty Foundation. Focused on respecting life, people, and the environment, this grant could help advance conservation, environmental education, or peacebuilding-related initiatives.

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities in Tennessee can apply for Georgia-Pacific Foundation’s grants to support education, environment, entrepreneurship, and community enrichment projects. Organizations must be within 30 miles of a Georgia-Pacific manufacturing community and serve those communities, so Tennessee environmental initiatives near GP facilities may be competitive.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office can seek TJX Foundation grants for basic needs, youth enrichment, workforce readiness, and domestic violence safety programs. Tennessee groups working on environmental projects that also support vulnerable families or at-risk youth may be eligible if they meet these criteria.

Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation provides Tennessee environmental nonprofits with US $1,000 - US $20,000 to support conservation, wildlife protection, and other community-based programs. IRS-qualified U.S. organizations, including those running environmental projects alongside education, arts, health, or social services, may be eligible to apply during the foundation’s spring or fall award rounds.

Focused on basic needs and community vitality, this program invites U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits to seek funding for hunger relief, housing, workforce readiness, financial literacy, and cultural enrichment initiatives. Tennessee environmental groups with qualifying community development or neighborhood revitalization projects, especially those engaging Ameriprise volunteers, may be eligible to apply.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

Nonprofit conservation and community organizations, municipalities, Tribal Nations, and agencies in Tennessee can access funding through The Nature Conservancy’s Resilient and Connected Appalachians Grant Program, awarding up to US $100,000 for fee and easement land acquisition. Eligible projects protect resilient, connected Appalachian habitats while delivering meaningful community benefits and climate resilience outcomes.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations improving quality of life in Tennessee communities can seek project, operating, or capital support for economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, or disaster relief. Grants from O'Reilly Automotive Foundation help U.S. community-focused charities, including those whose work may intersect with environmental or community resilience projects.

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.

Rural, community-based 501(c)(3) organizations using grassroots organizing strategies for social, economic, or environmental justice in Tennessee and other Southeastern states can seek general or project support through this program. Southern Partners Fund’s Hubert E. Sapp Regular Grant Cycle may benefit groups advancing environmental justice and related advocacy in rural communities.

Universities, institutions, cooperatives, producers, and community-based organizations in Tennessee can access funding to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and nursery crops. Tennessee Department of Agriculture provides Tennessee environmental and agricultural groups with support for projects that expand markets, improve sustainability, and advance research benefiting multiple specialty crop producers.

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.

Government entities and not-for-profit organizations in Tennessee holding permanent, historically valuable archival collections can receive up to US $5,000 to improve preservation and access to records, including environmental materials. Tennessee State Library and Archives supports technology, training, contracted services, archivist staffing, and archival supplies that may benefit environmental history and records projects.