Best Grants for Museums in Tennessee

The Southeastern Branch John Henry Comstock Award recognizes outstanding Ph.D. students in entomology, promoting interest in the field and supporting attendance at the ESA annual meeting. Awardees receive an all-expenses-paid trip, a $100 cash prize, and a certificate, with additional cash prizes presented by the Southeastern Branch. Eligibility includes being a current member and demonstrating excellence in graduate studies. This award fosters professional development and engagement within the entomology community.

Casey’s Donation Requests support vital community needs in Education, Hunger, and Community Servants. Eligible 501(c)3 organizations within Casey’s communities can apply through the online Donation Request Form. Requests are reviewed continuously, with feedback provided via email within one month. Priority is given to organizations that haven't received donations in the current giving calendar year, which runs from May 1 to April 30.

The Scarlett Family Foundation Grant aims to provide college scholarships and support educational initiatives in Middle Tennessee. Established in 2006 by Joe and Dorothy Scarlett, the foundation focuses on key areas such as career readiness, teacher leadership, and literacy. With over $23 million awarded in scholarships, it has helped more than 870 students achieve their educational goals. The foundation partners with local non-profits to enhance educational access and promote academic success for students in the community.

Southeastern Costume Society of America members in Tennessee can receive professional development funding for costume-related research, education, preservation, or design projects. Grants from Costume Society of America support courses, workshops, technical or administrative skill-building, and travel that advance understanding of dress and appearance across the globe, including work in museums and similar institutions.

Students in Tennessee and other Southeastern states presenting well-researched, costume-related papers at the CSA Southeastern Region symposium can apply for the Jim Liles Student Award, offering up to US $1,000 for travel and related expenses. Museum-affiliated students or emerging professionals studying dress, textiles, or fashion may particularly benefit.

The Arts Education Project Support grant from the Tennessee Arts Commission aims to enhance arts education by funding hands-on projects that foster creativity and learning among Tennesseans. This competitive grant supports initiatives led by professional artists or instructors, focusing on measurable outcomes in community-based arts learning, educator training, and youth programs. Projects must start after July 1, 2026, and conclude by June 15, 2027, with specific application guidelines to ensure clarity and focus.

State Board Programming Regrants (SBPG)

The Tennessee Historical Records Advisory Board (THRAB) is pleased to provide a grant opportunity for improving the preservation of and access to Tennessee’s historical records, educate and train records custodians, and support archival program development and enhancement.

The grants will be available up to $5,000 per institution and are available to any government entity or not-for-profit organization that holds permanent, historically valuable archival collections. There is no match requirement,

Grant funds are available for the following:

Technology

• This category provides funding for hardware, software, peripherals, and other technology items used to create online digital collections.
• Items requested may not exceed $5,000.

Training

• This category provides funding for registration costs for webinars or workshops related to conservation, digitization, and digital project planning for archivists and museum personnel.

Contracted Services

• This category provides funding to hire a vendor or independent contractor for the purpose of digitization or conservation services.
• You must include a quote for these services from a specific vendor as part of your application.

Contract/Part-Time Archivist

• This category provides funding to hire a contract or part-time archivist for the duration of the grant period to scan documents and create corresponding metadata.
• This person cannot already be employed by or paid by your organization. This cannot be supplemental to an existing salary or hourly employee.

Supplies

• This category provides funding for archival shelving units, acid-free, lignin-free folders and boxes, and other necessary archival supplies or environmental monitoring devices.

Senior Center Capital Grants

The Department of Disability and Aging (DDA) is accepting applications for competitive grant funding for senior centers. The Tennessee General Assembly has provided $5 million to be distributed to senior centers throughout the state. The one-time funding is intended to support senior centers in providing older adults with access to resources, activities and social connection.

Senior centers are invited to apply for grant funding ranging from $5,000 to $50,000. The grant funding is encouraged to fund the following goals:

• Capital Projects, including building improvements and equipment

The Training Opportunities for the Public (TOP) Grant is available for public libraries to be able to provide services for their communities. Grant funds are available for training, hotspots, solar charging tables and Internal Connections. 

The Frankenmuth Insurance Foundation Charitable Grant supports qualified charities focused on community betterment and basic human needs. Founded in 2016, it aims to enhance lives through initiatives such as affordable housing, health programs, and the arts. Organizations eligible for funding must be tax-exempt and serve areas where Frankenmuth Insurance operates. Notably, the foundation excludes support for individuals, political groups, and projects typically financed by governments, ensuring its resources benefit the wider community.

The BlueCross Healthy Place Program aims to enhance community well-being by developing accessible public spaces. This initiative focuses on creating environments that encourage physical activity and social interaction through features like playgrounds, fitness areas, and walking paths. Eligible applicants include government entities and non-profits ready to engage the community in project planning. Projects must cater to public use and demonstrate community benefits, ensuring inclusivity and active participation.

Tennessee Office of Homeland Security

The Tennessee Office of Homeland Security (TOHS) has primary responsibility and authority for directing statewide activities pertaining to the prevention of and protection from terrorist related events. This responsibility includes the development and implementation of a comprehensive and coordinated strategy to secure the state from terrorist threats and attacks. Further, TOHS serves as a liaison between federal, state and local agencies, as well as the private sector, on matters relating to the security of our state and citizens.

Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP)

The NSGP provides funding support to nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of terrorist attack and integrate nonprofit preparedness activities with broader state and local preparedness efforts. Additionally, the program is designed to promote coordination and collaboration in emergency preparedness activities among public and private community representatives, state and local government agencies, and Citizen Corps Councils.

Executive Summary

The NSGP improves and increases the physical/cybersecurity and facility/target hardening of nonprofit organizations’ facilities at risk of a terrorist of other extremist attack, ultimately safeguarding the lives and property of the American people.

There are two funding sources appropriated for nonprofit organizations: NSGP - Urban Area (NSGP-UA); and NSGP - State (NSGP-S)

NSGP - Urban Area (NSGP-UA)

NSGP-UA funds nonprofit organizations located within designated high-risk urban areas. Under NSGP-UA, each urban area will receive an allocation for nonprofit organizations within the designated high-risk urban areas.

Arbor Rising Grant, established in 2010, is a NYC-based nonprofit providing unrestricted multi-year funding and capacity-building support to nonprofits focused on alleviating poverty. The grant process occurs every three years, with the next round in 2025 being invitation-only. Eligible organizations must demonstrate high potential and effective leadership, typically operating on a modest budget. Arbor Rising prioritizes applicants from the NYC metro area while expanding to cover the lower 48 US states.

CSX Charitable Investments provide essential in-kind donations to nonprofit organizations focused on supporting military members and community first responders. Through intermodal transportation services, CSX offers equipment and rail services to help reduce transportation costs for eligible organizations. The program also includes occasional donations of railroad materials and equipment based on availability. CSX prioritizes support for organizations operating within its service areas, promoting community betterment and development.

The Southern Documentary Fund (SDF) offers a Production Grant aimed at supporting Southern documentary filmmakers. With funding made possible by the MacArthur Foundation, SDF prioritizes nonfiction projects in production that showcase the rich tapestry of Southern stories. Up to seven grants of $15,000 each will be awarded to help elevate underrepresented voices and narratives. Applicants must have ties to Southern states and meet specific eligibility criteria to apply.

The Lottery for Education: Afterschool Programs Grant Opportunity aims to enhance academic enrichment for Tennessee students. This initiative supports public and not-for-profit organizations that provide afterschool educational programs. Eligible applicants must offer services that complement regular academic curricula and address the needs of at-risk youth. With a focus on educational development, the program prioritizes those serving students aged 5-18 who qualify for free or reduced lunch or face educational disadvantages. Grant funds are intended to supplement, not replace, existing educational resources.

The Mutual Self-Help Housing Technical Assistance Grants in Tennessee provide essential funding to organizations aiding low-income families in constructing their own homes. This program enables participants to contribute labor while receiving guidance and technical support from qualified organizations. By fostering community involvement and self-sufficiency, the initiative helps improve housing conditions in rural areas. Eligible applicants include government non-profits and tribes, while funds cannot be used for purchasing materials or paying construction workers.

Tennessee Housing Development Agency

Since 1973, THDA has been at the forefront of creating housing opportunities in Tennessee.

Our purpose

• Promote the production of more affordable new housing units for very low-, low-, and moderate-income individuals and families in Tennessee.
• Promote the preservation and rehabilitation of existing housing units for very low-, low-, and moderate-income individuals and families.
• Bring greater stability to the residential construction industry and related industries so as to assure a steady flow of production of new housing units.

Emergency Repair Program (ERP)

Program Purpose

The ERP exists to correct, repair, or replace an essential system and/or critical structural problem that poses an immediate danger to life, safety, or health of low-income homeowners who are elderly (60+) or disabled. This is not a comprehensive home renovation program; the aim is to stabilize the homeowner’s residence by making emergency repairs to ensure that homeowners can continue to reside safely in their homes. 

The following repairs are eligible under the Emergency Repair Program:

• Roofs: Where there is structural failure, risk of structural failure, or there are active roof leaks present.
• Electrical Systems: Where the electrical system has failed or there are demonstrated deficiencies in the electrical system that pose an immediate danger to life, safety, or health.
• Plumbing and/or Sanitation/Septic Systems: Where the plumbing and/or sanitation/septic system has failed or there are demonstrated deficiencies in such system(s) that pose an immediate danger to life, safety or health.
• Heating and/or Air Conditioning System(s): Where a heating and/or air conditioning system has failed at a critical time when exterior temperatures could pose a threat to life, safety, or health.
• Structural Repairs to Floors and/or Walls: Where floors and/or walls demonstrate structural damage or deterioration, which pose an immediate threat to life, safety, or health.
• Window/Door Replacement: Where repair is necessary to remedy a threat to life, safety, or health.
• Accessibility Improvements: Where necessary for a homeowner with age-related limitations or a physical disability to access and use the home for one or more major life activities.

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant opportunity for schools across the US to implement the PLTW Gateway program for the first time. With total funding of $9,100, the grant covers participation fees and training registration costs. Schools, including public, private, and charter, are encouraged to apply, particularly those serving low-income and minority majority populations. This initiative aims to enhance educational pathways in STEM for diverse student groups.

The UNICO Foundation offers the Dr. Benjamin Cottone Memorial Scholarship, providing $5,000 to support a U.S. citizen of Italian descent pursuing a medical degree. Eligible candidates must be seniors at accredited colleges or medical schools, with proof of enrollment required. This scholarship not only aids education but also honors the foundation's commitment to community service and heritage, reflecting the core values of the Italian American community.

The Rural Business Development Grants in Tennessee aim to support small rural businesses by providing essential technical assistance and training. With no maximum grant amount, priority is given to smaller requests, which can be used for various projects like training, land development, and community economic development. Eligible applicants include rural public entities and nonprofits, focusing on enhancing economic opportunities in rural areas. This program helps foster growth and sustainability for small businesses, benefiting the local economy.

Students pursuing high-demand skilled trades or advanced manufacturing programs in Tennessee and other eligible regions can receive US $2,000 - US $5,000 scholarships for technical training and credentials. SkillPointe Foundation’s Ford Philanthropy Advanced Manufacturing & Trades Scholarship supports hands-on learning in fields like automotive technology, construction trades, industrial maintenance, robotics, and energy-related technologies.

The Corporate Giving Program by the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation focuses on supporting nonprofit organizations within specific states. They prioritize initiatives that enhance community welfare, especially in agriculture, education, health, and environmental sustainability. Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status to apply, and preference is given to those involving Perdue associates. Ineligible requests include those from religious, political, or individual-focused groups. This program emphasizes broad community benefits over organizational affiliations.

The TOS Conservation and Research Grant, offered by the Tennessee Ornithological Society, aims to support projects that protect Tennessee's birds and enhance scientific knowledge. With a total funding of $15,000, the grants are open to anyone with bird-related initiatives, including students and professionals. Applicants can also allocate up to $50 for attending scientific meetings to present their project results. A recommendation letter is encouraged to strengthen applications.

The Reverend Lonnie and Patricia Gable, Jr. Scholarship Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, supports children of full-time Christian ministry workers who struggle with college expenses. This initiative honors Rev. Lonnie Gable Jr. and his wife Patricia, who made significant sacrifices for their faith and community. The fund aims to provide educational opportunities for those whose families serve in ministry, particularly benefiting students interested in engineering and related fields.

The Gridiron Veterans Scholarship, provided by the Bob Woodruff Foundation, offers essential financial support for military veterans and first responders. This initiative focuses on wellness, rehabilitation, and recovery programs, ensuring participants can access mental health services, physical therapy, and holistic resources. The foundation prioritizes those facing emotional and physical challenges, empowering them to overcome barriers and improve their quality of life through customized, evidence-based support.

The Shoot For The Future Scholarship Fund, established by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, honors individuals with spinal cord injuries who have shown resilience and determination. This fund aims to support Tennessee residents or students attending colleges in the state, helping them overcome challenges and achieve educational goals. With a focus on enhancing quality of life and promoting career development, this scholarship is renewable, providing ongoing support to eligible candidates.