Best Grants for Farmers in Tennessee

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.

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.

Nonprofit and NGO programs using technology for crisis response, education access, or economic empowerment in Tennessee may be eligible for Global Impact Cash Grants, with awards up to US $100,000. Cisco Systems Foundation supports innovative, early-stage, tech-enabled solutions serving predominantly economically underserved communities, including those advancing climate resilience or green jobs within these focus areas.

Tennessee educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies can access funding through State Farm Companies Foundation for safety, education, and community development initiatives. Projects may include disaster preparedness, auto and home safety, affordable housing, job training, financial literacy, or food insecurity efforts that support stronger local communities and agricultural regions.

Farmers, forest landowners, nonprofits, businesses, and local governments in Tennessee can apply for Tennessee Emergency Management Agency’s Governor’s Response and Recovery Fund to support disaster recovery and rebuilding projects. Funding can cover damaged infrastructure, nonprofit and business facilities, and agricultural or forest-land recovery when a Governor-declared State of Emergency activates the program.

Tennessee cultural nonprofits with audited expenses over $2 million can access funding for arts and science programs that engage broad audiences through the William Randolph Hearst Foundation’s Culture Grant, with awards more than US $100,000. Arts organizations serving rural communities or farm families may be eligible for program, capital, or limited general support.

Organizations working on education, child health, or family economic stability for low-income urban youth in Tennessee can apply for Michael & Susan Dell Foundation grants; awards are more than US $50,000 for project support or scaling. Eligible entities include nonprofits, social enterprises, schools, governments, and other qualified organizations serving children and families in poverty.

Charitable organizations running humanitarian, educational, environmental, or arts initiatives, including those serving Tennessee communities, can seek funding from Roche for innovative, sustainable development projects. Focused on humanitarian and social development, science and education, community and environment, and arts and culture, Roche invites accredited charities to propose high-quality projects that actively engage local partners and Roche employees.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Tennessee seeking support for charitable, educational, scientific, or medical work can apply for funding used within the U.S. With a mission to strengthen broad public welfare, Sidney Stern Memorial Trust provides tax-exempt organizations with grants that may benefit farming or rural-serving programs among other eligible initiatives.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking support for community programs such as housing, workforce development, hunger relief, arts, environment, or inclusion initiatives may be eligible for this sponsorship funding. Bank of America Charitable Foundation offers regional U.S. sponsorships that can benefit organizations serving farmers and rural communities through economic mobility and community development efforts.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding can apply for funding that may benefit farming and rural initiatives in Tennessee. Focused on broad social and environmental impact, the Dudley T Dougherty Foundation invites eligible charities to propose projects that respect people, the environment, and our changing world.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and local government entities in Tennessee communities within 30 miles of a Georgia-Pacific manufacturing facility can apply for Georgia-Pacific Foundation’s grants to support education, environment, entrepreneurship, and community enrichment projects. Farmers and agricultural groups may be eligible if their programs benefit these local communities and meet the foundation’s investment priorities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting basic needs, at-risk youth, or domestic violence services in Tennessee and within 15 miles of a TJX location can seek grants for program support. The TJX Foundation prioritizes food, clothing, shelter, out-of-school enrichment, workforce readiness for ages 16–24, and safety services, which may benefit farmworker or rural families.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries can request US $5,000 - US $10,000 in unrestricted operating or program support for environmental and human services work, including in Tennessee. With a mission to support environmental and human services causes, Lawrence Foundation provides flexible funding that Tennessee farming and rural community organizations may be able to leverage.

Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation provides Tennessee nonprofits with grants supporting museums, cultural and performing arts, education and skills training, health facilities, environmental and wildlife protection, and other community-based programs. IRS-qualified U.S. organizations, including those serving farmers and rural communities, can request US $1,000 - US $20,000 where modest funding can make a significant impact.

The Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives Program (DBI) for Fiscal Year 2026, administered by the USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service, invites applications from existing initiatives to support the dairy industry. With approximately $12.65 million available, the program aims to diversify dairy markets, enhance farmer income, and promote regional milk production. Funding will prioritize equipment and infrastructure projects, which are vital for strengthening the capacity of dairy businesses and fostering innovation in processing and marketing.

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.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

Local governments and Tennessee-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits planning arts-driven community revitalization projects in Tennessee can apply for Creative Placemaking grants, with awards from US $3,000 - US $30,000. Grants from Tennessee Arts Commission help communities enhance downtowns, public spaces, and local character, which may benefit farmers’ markets and agricultural community hubs through increased arts engagement.

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 501(c)(3) organizations and aligned for-profits seeking to tell impactful stories about preservation, education, or wellness work can apply for the Storytelling Grant from the Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation, with awards of more than US $50,000. Tennessee groups, including those improving environmental conservation, food and waste management, or community wellbeing for farmers, may be eligible.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations improving community quality of life in Tennessee can seek funding for project, general operating, or capital support that benefits local residents. Grants from O'Reilly Automotive Foundation help groups addressing hunger, homelessness, poverty, workforce readiness, health and social services, literacy, and disaster relief in areas where O’Reilly Auto Parts has a business presence.

Eligible 501(c)(3) public charities 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. Nonprofit programs serving Union Pacific rail communities, including those supporting rural economies and farm-dependent areas, may be competitive if they meet these priorities and DEI goals.

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.

Farmers, agricultural, food and forestry businesses, nonprofits, and local governments in Tennessee can apply for Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Enterprise Fund; awards Up to US $499,999 for value-added, processing, and innovation projects. Funding reimburses equipment, infrastructure, and programs that increase farm income, expand markets, boost capacity, or advance agricultural innovation.

Nonprofit organizations working to help disadvantaged people become self-reliant, including those serving farming communities in Tennessee, can apply for Gupta Family Foundation support. With a mission to empower people facing poverty, disability, social alienation, or disasters, it provides US $5,000 - US $250,000 to smaller, non-sectarian organizations meeting its revenue and impact criteria.