Best Grants for New Nonprofits in Tennessee

The Area Development Grant Program, managed by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), supports economic growth in Appalachia through investments in critical infrastructure and workforce development. Targeting 423 counties across 13 states, the program encourages local communities to collaborate with state governments to identify and implement impactful projects. Key focus areas include enhancing utilities, promoting entrepreneurship, and strengthening local leadership. This initiative aims to uplift the 26 million residents of Appalachia, fostering sustainable economic opportunities.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, municipalities, and first responder agencies can seek US $5,000 - US $15,000 to support traffic safety, driver education, and K–12 financial literacy programs. The Auto Club Group Foundation provides funding for initiatives such as roadway safety projects, driver education access in underserved communities, and youth financial literacy efforts.

Nonprofits, schools, and local government agencies in Tennessee can request in-kind intermodal transportation services and donated railroad equipment to support community, military, or first responder initiatives. CSX Foundation supports organizations serving communities along its rail network, helping reduce transportation costs and providing materials when available through its charitable investments program.

With a mission to advance Southern vitality through the arts, South Arts provides Tennessee arts nonprofits and public agencies with up to US $1,000 for professional development. Funding supports first-time conferences, workshops, and staff or board training that build organizational capacity, sustainability, and growth for arts organizations with operating budgets of $500,000 or less.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with three years of operation and budgets between $500,000 and $20,000, headquartered in select Middle Tennessee counties, can seek funding for health, basic needs, education, and capacity building. HCA Foundation supports these efforts through the Middle Tennessee Fund with multiple annual cycles for general operating, program, and select capital requests.

New or established 501(c)(3) charities, government units, educational institutions, and fiscally sponsored groups serving communities in Tennessee can seek up to US $25,000 for collaborative capacity-building projects. With a mission to strengthen communities, East Tennessee Foundation provides funding to improve operations, sustainability, data systems, leadership, and partnerships across its 25-county East Tennessee service area.

New and existing 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on education, health, human services, environment, arts, or community development in Tennessee’s Montgomery County can receive US $2,500 - US $10,000 to advance their work. Grants from Altra Foundation are awarded through member nominations and a competitive review and community voting process.

With a mission to strengthen education, healthcare, and social services, this grant provides Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits with unrestricted operating support. Eligible organizations are community-anchored, serve Davidson County residents, and focus on children and youth, health, or community and social services, which may include newer nonprofits that meet these criteria.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits with over three years of history that celebrate cultural diversity and heritage can seek project support through the Nissan Foundation. Focused on community culture and inclusion, the foundation funds programs serving Middle Tennessee counties where Nissan operates and values strong engagement with the populations served.

Established Tennessee 501(c)(3) arts organizations with budgets of at least $30,000 can apply for Tennessee Arts Commission’s Small Urban Partnership Support grants, offering up to US $45,000 in operating support. Eligible groups must be chartered and headquartered in Tennessee, located in designated urban counties, and have a recent history of Commission funding.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations offering youth arts, mentorship, or workforce development programs within 25 miles of Nashville, Tennessee can seek support for program or general operating needs. The Graham and Carolyn Holloway Family Foundation funds U.S.-serving charities, with new applicants submitting an LOI by February 15 and full applications by March 15.

The Mount Rest Fund Grant, established by the East Tennessee Foundation, continues a legacy of support for women and children in Knox County. Founded in 2004, it honors the historical commitment of the Mount Rest Home, which began in 1894. The grant focuses on projects related to early childhood education, health drivers, and addressing Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Eligible organizations must serve the local community and comply with non-discrimination policies to qualify for funding.

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 for fee and easement land acquisition projects. Grants up to US $100,000 support capital, due diligence, stewardship, and community engagement costs for conserving resilient, connected lands with clear community benefits.

New and established 501(c)(3) public charities supporting youth mental health and social-emotional development in Tennessee and select other states can apply for Cigna Foundation’s Improving Youth Mental Health Grant, awarding US $100,000 - US $150,000 for one-year projects. Funding supports evidence-informed programs in schools and related settings, including staff salaries for program delivery.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving older adults in Tennessee can receive support for program or capital projects that promote successful aging. West End Home Foundation provides Tennessee senior services and aging-focused nonprofits with funding for new or ongoing programs, as well as infrastructure needs like equipment, technology, and facility improvements in seven Middle Tennessee counties.

Nonprofit or governmental arts presenting organizations in Tennessee can receive up to US $1,000 to support staff or guest artists’ professional development travel and training. With a mission to strengthen arts presenters, South Arts provides funding for conferences, festivals, workshops, virtual trainings, and planning meetings across film, visual, performing, traditional, literary, and multidisciplinary arts.

Rural, community-based 501(c)(3) organizations in Tennessee and other Southeastern states using grassroots organizing for social, economic, or environmental justice can seek general or project support through this grant cycle. Southern Partners Fund prioritizes small-budget groups and coalitions building community leadership, strengthening rural communities, and advancing justice-focused campaigns over direct services.

The Youth Endowment Fund Grant, managed by the East Tennessee Foundation, supports innovative solutions to challenges faced by youth within a 25-county service area. Grants of up to $20,000 are available for projects focusing on early childhood education, health drivers, and the prevention of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Eligible organizations must demonstrate a commitment to serving youth and adhere to non-discrimination policies. This initiative aims to foster stronger, healthier communities through impactful youth programming.

Tennessee housing and community development organizations with ready-to-scale affordable housing innovations can access funding through Enterprise Community Partners for design and construction, finance, or service delivery solutions. Eligible nonprofits, mission-oriented for-profits, quasi-governmental housing entities, and tribal housing authorities nationwide compete for US $2,000,000 grants to expand proven models serving low- and moderate-income residents.

New or established 501(c)(3) public charities, government units, educational institutions, and fiscally sponsored emerging groups in Tennessee’s 25-county East Tennessee region can seek funding for charitable economic development programs. East Tennessee Foundation’s Economic Development Fund offers US $5,000 - US $6,500 one-year grants to strengthen regional economic development efforts.

The CNS Y-12 Community Investment Fund, established by Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC, supports local communities in Oak Ridge, TN and Amarillo, TX. Since its inception in 2015, it has awarded over 205 grants to more than 120 nonprofits. With grants ranging from $2,000 to $15,000 for one-year terms, organizations are encouraged to address funding priorities such as mental health support and early learning. The fund reflects a commitment to enhancing community welfare through strategic resource allocation.

Established 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Middle Tennessee seeking up to US $100,000 for innovative, transformative programs can apply for Impact100 Nashville’s Transformation and Innovation Grant. Grants from Impact100 Nashville help Tennessee organizations address issues like homelessness, poverty, addiction, hunger, illiteracy, human trafficking, and recidivism for underserved communities.

Focused on community arts projects, ArtsMemphis invites Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government entities to apply for Arts Build Communities grants supporting arts experiences and cultural enterprises in Fayette, Lauderdale, Shelby, and Tipton counties. New nonprofits can use this program as an entry point to fund arts activities that improve local quality of life.

501(c)(3) nonprofits providing adult workforce development, career navigation, or AI-focused upskilling can access funding in Tennessee and other Truist footprint states. Truist Foundation provides US $10,000 - US $250,000 for innovative training, AI literacy, and wraparound services that help workers secure quality jobs and long-term economic stability.

The Washington County Community Foundation, a part of the East Tennessee Foundation, focuses on enhancing the quality of life for residents through innovative programs. They prioritize projects that promote life literacy among all age groups, from nutrition education to financial decision-making. Grants can reach up to $50,000, supporting initiatives that demonstrate significant community impact and sustainability beyond the funding period. Collaborative proposals involving multiple organizations are especially encouraged.

New or established 501(c)(3) public charities, government units, educational institutions, and fiscally sponsored emerging groups in East Tennessee can apply for East Tennessee Foundation’s Arts Fund for East Tennessee, awarding US $5,000 - US $15,000 for two-year arts and culture projects. Funding supports artistic expression, cultural traditions, and diverse, community-focused arts programming.