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 501(c)(3) organizations supporting youth health, education, development, and welfare can apply for the DanPaul Foundation’s grants, with awards up to US $15,000. Tennessee groups serving children through early childhood development, child advocacy, homelessness, poverty relief, environmental education, or refugee enrichment programs may be eligible if their projects align with the foundation’s mission.

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.

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.

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.

Nonprofit organizations working on health, education, or community programs in Tennessee can access funding through Labcorp Charitable Foundation to support local initiatives. Grants may benefit farmers and rural communities through food pantries, meal programs, healthcare and patient services for underserved populations, STEM education, and efforts promoting healthy lifestyles and preventative care.

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 organizations providing health, education, or humanitarian relief services can seek support for marginalized communities worldwide, including Tennessee. Semnani Family Foundation provides funding for programs such as healthcare access, disaster relief, child welfare, food and hunger services, and women’s and children’s health, which may benefit farmworker and rural populations connected to agriculture.

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 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 supporting community services in Tennessee can seek philanthropic grants or event sponsorships to advance their service and fundraising goals. With a mission to strengthen communities, Insperity provides Tennessee nonprofits with financial, volunteer, or in-kind support when they engage employees, are Insperity clients, or serve communities where employees live and work.

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.

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.

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.