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 501(c)(3) nonprofits with innovative approaches to human services and social issues can seek support to develop or expand their programs. Focused on new solutions to existing or overlooked problems, the Creag Foundation invites organizations, including those addressing environmental challenges, to submit a letter of inquiry for potential invitation-only funding.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

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.

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 cultural nonprofits offering arts, science, or STEAM programs can access funding through the William Randolph Hearst Foundation for program, capital, and limited general or endowment support, with typical grants more than US $100,000. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations with audited expenses over $2 million, strong impact, and sustainability may be competitive, including those with environmental STEAM education components.

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 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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Tennessee working on environmental initiatives, basic needs, housing, workforce development, or community development may be eligible for sponsorship support. Bank of America Charitable Foundation supports projects that strengthen low- and moderate-income communities, so Tennessee environmental projects that also address community health and vitality can submit sponsorship proposals.

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.

Nonprofit and charitable organizations in Tennessee counties such as Knox and Montgomery can apply for Dow Promise grants to support social, economic, or environmental initiatives benefiting Black youth and adults. Grants from Dow Company Foundation provide up to US $10,000 for community-identified projects, which may include local environmental programs advancing equitable opportunities.

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 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 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.