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.

New and established 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing community, health, education, or social services in the Nashville Memorial Hospital service area of Tennessee can seek project, capital, or operating support. Focused on community well-being, Memorial Foundation invites data-driven, trauma-informed organizations to apply after an initial eligibility meeting and with a full GivingMatters.com profile.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

New and established Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government entities can receive up to US $5,000 for community-focused arts projects that broaden access, address social issues, or strengthen cultural enterprises. Focused on community arts, the Tennessee Arts Commission invites Tennessee organizations to propose public arts activities, including Juneteenth-related projects, that engage broad audiences and enhance 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.

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.

South Arts Inc

Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, South Arts is a nonprofit regional arts organization empowering artists, organizations, and communities, and increasing access to arts and culture.

In partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the State Arts Agencies of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee — with additional funding from other public and private donors such as the Doris Duke Foundation, the Ford Foundation, and Mellon Foundation — South Arts supports artists and organizations through a rich and responsive portfolio of grants, fellowships, and programs. Why? Because South Arts believes that the arts elevate the region, increasing connectedness and inspiring meaningful change in the process.

Our mission: Advancing Southern vitality through the arts.

Arts in Community Grants

Program Description

Arts in Community Grants are designed to support deeper engagements between Southern communities and artists. Through these grants supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, we aim to increase access to the arts, expand audiences for artists, and broaden our reach. Eligible projects require a Southern artist/company visiting another Southern state for public activities, offering access to arts programming by professional artists. Funding supports Southern film directors, traditional artists, visual artists, performing artists, or writers:

• film (documentary, fiction, experimental, and animation),
• traditional arts (music, dance, storytelling, and visual arts/crafts),
• visual arts (crafts, drawing, experimental, painting, photography, sculpture, and mixed media),
• performing arts (theater, music, opera, musical theater, and dance), and
• literary arts (fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry).

Projects require an artist or artist ensemble and a host or partner organization. Project must include at least two in-person or live, virtual public activities – both a public presentation (a film screening, performance, reading, or exhibition) and an educational/community engagement activity (a workshop, demonstration, lecture, facilitated discussion, or master class). The grant requires a dollar-for-dollar cash match.

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.

Established 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Tennessee seeking to strengthen management, governance, or administration can apply for approximately US $15,000 in capacity-building support requiring a dollar-for-dollar match. Focused on organizational development, Community Foundation of Greater Memphis funding may benefit newer nonprofits once they meet eligibility criteria such as three years of operation and a strategic plan.

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.