Best Grants for Museums in Tennessee

The Southern Partners Fund's Discretionary Fund Grant aims to support grassroots community organizing for social, economic, and environmental justice in the Southeastern United States. It provides financial resources and technical assistance to rural organizations and leaders focused on transformative change. Eligible applicants include self-governed rural groups engaging in advocacy and community development. The fund prioritizes education reform, immigration rights, and voter engagement, allowing up to two requests per year, with a maximum award of $3,500.

The Republic Bank Grants program supports non-profit organizations in Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee, and Florida that enhance community welfare through various initiatives such as education, healthcare, and civic projects. By providing financial and in-kind donations, Republic Bank aims to strengthen community ties and foster impactful change. Eligible organizations must have IRS 501(c) status and submit grant requests in writing at least two months in advance, ensuring timely support for their initiatives.

The Truist Foundation Grants aim to empower communities by providing resources for economic mobility and supporting small businesses, particularly those owned by racially and ethnically diverse individuals. The foundation focuses on enhancing job navigation for disadvantaged workers and building sustainable business ecosystems through collaboration and innovation. By addressing barriers to growth and promoting access to capital and education, the Truist Foundation strives to create equitable opportunities for all.

The Southeast Equitable Energy through Community-Driven Solutions (SEEDS) program, initiated by the Georgia Municipal Association, aims to assist low-income households by providing targeted marketing and case management for energy efficiency and home repair programs. This collaborative effort seeks to improve access to vital resources, empowering communities and enhancing their ability to undertake home rehabilitation projects. Multiple partners can join in these initiatives, fostering a community-driven approach to energy solutions.

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant opportunity for schools to implement the PLTW Engineering program for the 2025-2026 academic year and beyond. Eligible institutions include public, private, and charter schools located in the US. Grant recipients will receive funding to cover participation fees and training costs. Total funding amounts to $16,000, distributed over three years. Schools are encouraged to create pathways for students in engineering through this initiative.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW) offers grants for schools to implement the PLTW Computer Science program from 2025 to 2028. Schools must provide at least one PLTW course in the first year and two courses in the second year. The total grant is $14,000, covering participation fees and training costs. Eligible institutions include public, private, and charter schools located in the U.S., with special encouragement for those serving low-income or minority-majority populations.

The Practice Site Recruitment and Retention Grant Program, offered by the Tennessee Center for Health Workforce Development, provides a $50,000 financial incentive to practice sites in rural or underserved areas of Tennessee. This grant supports recruitment and retention of primary care physicians, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and dentists. Eligible applicants can use the funds for sign-on bonuses, relocation expenses, and tuition repayment, helping to enhance healthcare access in these communities.

The AdvoCare Foundation, established in 1993, aims to promote health and wellness for children through its grant program. Focused on year-round initiatives, the foundation supports local communities where AdvoCare distributors operate. Grants typically last one year with an average funding of $25,000, although multi-year support may be available. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster positive health changes and encourages collaborative efforts with previous grantees.

The Illinois American Water Environmental Grant Program, established in 2005, supports innovative community-based environmental projects aimed at improving local watersheds and water supplies. Open to organizations within American Water service areas, it funds activities like watershed cleanup and biodiversity projects. Selection criteria emphasize project clarity, design innovation, community collaboration, sustainability, and engagement. This program reflects Illinois American Water's commitment to environmental stewardship and community support, ensuring clean and reliable water resources for all.

Museums and other 501(c)(3) public charities in Tennessee offering dental or oral health programs can seek funding for capital projects, personnel, or program support. Grants from Patterson Dental Foundation help expand access to oral hygiene education and restorative or emergency dental care in Patterson Companies service areas across the U.S. and Canada.

Museums and other 501(c)(3) public charities in Tennessee that enhance education or environmental stewardship can seek project support, especially where Vulcan Materials Company operates. Vulcan Materials Company Foundation prioritizes programs with strong school partnerships, STEM learning, or environmental education, and gives added weight to initiatives involving Vulcan employee volunteers.

The Drexel Fund Founders Program is a one-year paid fellowship that helps outstanding leaders already on the path to launching a school continue to plan and open an innovative and effective private school in one of The Drexel Fund’s target states: Arizona, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee and Wisconsin. The tenth cohort of the Founders Program is designed for entrepreneurs who will begin the fellowship in Summer 2027 and be ready to launch a new private school in Fall 2028.Through the fellowship, school founders will develop their school’s education model and finalize the nuts and bolts of their school launch, including board and budget development, market analysis, facility location, student recruitment and staff hiring. Founders will create a plan that will make it possible for their school to achieve top-tier results for children while maintaining a sustainable financial model.

Tennessee museums and related 501(c)(3) cultural organizations can access funding for local safety, community vitality, workforce development, and environmental sustainability projects through the Union Pacific Foundation’s Community Ties Giving Program, with awards of US $5,000 - US $30,000. Eligible programs must primarily serve a Union Pacific community and align with one of the stated cause areas.

The Appalachian Region Healthcare Support Program aims to enhance healthcare delivery in rural areas by providing technical assistance to organizations such as critical access hospitals and rural health clinics. By focusing on planning and implementing healthcare service improvements, the program seeks to strengthen the operational performance and quality of care within these communities, ultimately benefiting the residents served by the Appalachian Regional Commission.

The Battlefield Preservation Fund Grant aims to support initiatives that preserve battlefields and related historic sites. This funding encourages planning and educational efforts, particularly those that engage new audiences in preservation activities. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofits in specified states. Grants can be used for staff support, consultant fees, and educational materials. Applicants must provide a one-to-one match for funding, ensuring strong community involvement in preservation efforts.

Technology Grants

These grants are open to any public library in Tennessee for the purchase of technology for use in the library. This is a 50/50 matching grant, which means that for every grant dollar received, a matching local dollar is required. This is a reimbursement grant, so as the grantee receives applicable invoices for purchases made, the State will reimburse half of each until the grant award has been met.

Applications will be rated based on need and the applicant’s ability to meet or exceed the following terms and conditions:

• Are a recognized public library by TSLA;
• Are currently in compliance with Children’s Internet Protection Act;
• Follow the grant application procedures and meet grant application deadlines;
• Demonstrate a clear ability and designated personnel to administer the grant responsibly;
• Present realistic cost/funding estimates under $20,000.00 for the grant objective;
• Offer well-focused, specific project proposals that identify specific objects or supplies to be procured, that concentrate on promoting technology in the public library for the staff and the public.

2027 Technology Grant

The Tennessee State Library and Archives is pleased to provide a grant opportunity to public libraries across Tennessee for their technology needs. This grant is supported in part by the U. S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act.

The 2027 Technology Grant is available for public libraries to replace or purchase technology for use by staff or the public. Grant funds are available for the following:

• Computers
• Software
• Networking hardware
• Peripherals

About Us

50 years of affordable housing innovation

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 Solutions Grant (ESG) Program

About the Emergency Solutions Grant Program (ESG)

THDA administers the federally funded Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) Program on behalf of the State of Tennessee to fund the provision of services necessary to help persons who are experiencing homelessness or at-risk of homelessness to quickly regain stability in permanent housing.

TC Energy’s Build Strong program supports vital organizations in communities near its operations. By providing grants, scholarships, and in-kind support, the program aims to enhance safety, education, environmental protection, and community well-being. Eligible applicants include non-profits and community groups addressing local needs. Ineligible activities include operational expenses and for-profit endeavors. The program prioritizes projects demonstrating measurable community impact, fostering a collaborative relationship between TC Energy and local stakeholders.

The Artist Creative Practice Grant by South Arts supports individual artists in various disciplines by funding professional development opportunities. This grant ensures that artists can access vital experiences that enhance their careers, covering up to 2/3 of the total costs with awards ranging from $500 to $3,000. By promoting artistic growth, South Arts aims to elevate the cultural landscape of the Southern United States and foster meaningful connections within communities.

The Bernard and Carolyn Torraco Memorial Nursing Scholarships, funded by the UNICO Foundation, offer $2,500 scholarships to students pursuing accredited nursing programs in the United States. These scholarships support nursing students of all ethnicities who demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens and enrolled in a campus-based program, with a focus on continuing their studies within the academic year 2025-2026.

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 Sergeant John Basilone Memorial Graduate Scholarship, offered by the UNICO Foundation, provides two awards of $3,000 each for graduate students of Italian descent. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens, enrolled full-time in accredited programs, and reside in specified states. The scholarship supports students pursuing graduate studies in the academic year 2026-2027. UNICO promotes Italian American heritage and community service, making this scholarship a valuable opportunity for deserving students.

The James M. Cox Foundation Grant offers support to nonprofit organizations focused on conservation, early childhood education, family empowerment, and health. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and located in areas where Cox Enterprises operates. Grant applications are accepted year-round, with deadlines before Trustee meetings. Preference is given to organizations with a history of local engagement. This foundation embodies the philanthropic spirit of its founder, James M. Cox, by giving back to the community.

The Abelard Foundation, established in 1958, supports progressive social change projects located east of the Mississippi River. With an average grant size of $12,000, they prioritize new initiatives with budgets under $350,000. The foundation emphasizes community organizing, civil rights, and empowering marginalized groups. Eligible applicants must be associated with a nonprofit organization and demonstrate a commitment to local leadership and broader policy connections. The board meets biannually to decide on approximately 15 grants per year, focusing mainly on general support.

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.

There have been a lot of improvements in our Tennessee communities since the former Federal Transportation Enhancement (TE) Program, now known as the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP), began providing funds to local governments in 1991. Nearly $409 million in grants have been distributed by the Department. The money has gone to hundreds of communities across the Volunteer State to build sidewalks and bike lanes, update ADA accessibility and to renovate historic transportation facilities and other transportation-related structures. The impact of some of the projects is primarily local, whereas projects such as the wildflower planting along roadways across the state can be enjoyed annually by thousands of Tennesseans and tourists. Whether large or small, the projects serve the same purposes - improving access and providing a better quality of life for people in the state of Tennessee.

In order to be considered for project funding, the application must fall into one or more of the following specific categories as defined by federal legislation and relate to surface transportation 

• Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities & Safe Routes for Non-Drivers
  • All facilities must be hard-surfaced, ADA compliant and provide adequate connectivity and separation from vehicular traffic. Sidewalk facilities must be a minimum of 5-feet wide and shared-use facilities must be a minimum of 10-feet wide. TAP funds can be used for sidewalks, walkways or curb ramps, bike lane striping, wide paved shoulders, bike parking and bus racks, traffic calming for the safety of bike/ped traffic, off-road trails, bike and pedestrian bridges/underpasses and ADA compliance.
• Conversion of Abandoned Railway Corridors to Trails
  • Construction of hard-surfaced pedestrian or shared-use ADA accessible trails and rails-with-trails projects.
• Scenic Turnouts and Overlooks
  • Construction of scenic turnouts, overlooks and viewing areas.
• Historic Preservation & Rehab of Historic Transportation Facilities
  • Preservation of transportation buildings and facades in historical districts, restoration of historic buildings for transportation-related purposes, access improvements to historic sites, restoration of railroad depots, bus stations and rehabilitation of rail trestles, tunnels and bridges.
• Archaeological Activities
  • Projects related to archaeological assessments from the implementation of current highway construction projects

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.