Best Head Start Grants in Tennessee

Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on early learning, family stability, or community development can access funding via US Bancorp Foundation’s Community Possible program. Grants support economic and workforce advancement, safe and affordable housing, and community arts and culture in designated U.S. Bank communities, with priority for organizations led by people of color and those advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Tennessee focused on children, education, or health and human services can seek program funding that demonstrates measurable community impact. Grants from Costco Foundation help early learning and child-focused education programs that show clear community need, collaboration, and a broad base of financial support. Applications are reviewed within 4–6 weeks.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits with innovative approaches to social problems can seek support for new or reimagined human services programs through the Creag Foundation. Focused on innovation, the foundation invites organizations, including those with early learning or Head Start-related initiatives, to inquire if they have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year.

501(c)(3) nonprofits in Tennessee serving children and youth can apply for DanPaul Foundation grants of up to US $15,000 to support health, education, development, and welfare programs. Funding may benefit early learning, child advocacy, homelessness and poverty services, refugee enrichment, environmental education, and related youth-focused initiatives, including Head Start-aligned efforts.

Early-stage, impact-first nonprofit and mission-driven for-profit organizations in Tennessee and beyond can seek up to US $300,000 over three years to scale innovative social and environmental solutions. Grants from Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation help education and early learning initiatives, among other sectors, that serve underserved communities and can reach at least 10,000 people within five years.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

Tennessee cultural and arts-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits with audited expenses over $2 million can access funding through the William Randolph Hearst Foundation for substantial culture programs in the U.S., with awards typically more than US $100,000. Support may cover program, capital, or limited general and endowment needs, including arts education and artist development that benefit young people.

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.

Tennessee early education and community service nonprofits can seek support for health, welfare, education, or community initiatives through the Labcorp Charitable Foundation. Labcorp Charitable Foundation provides Tennessee education and community organizations with funding for food pantries, healthcare for underserved populations, STEM programming, and healthy lifestyle initiatives that may complement Head Start and early learning programs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing early childhood education or community development services in Tennessee communities where PNC operates can apply for PNC Foundation’s Foundation Grant. Funding supports birth-to-five learning, educator development, family engagement, and economic development initiatives serving primarily low- and moderate-income families, which may complement or extend local Head Start programming.

Preschool and early learning nonprofits in Tennessee seeking support for humanitarian, educational, community, environmental, or contemporary arts initiatives can apply for Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy. Focused on sustainable, high-quality projects managed by accredited charities, Roche invites organizations to propose innovative programs that may engage its expertise, logistics, and employees as partners.

Nonprofit organizations providing health, education, or humanitarian services in Tennessee and other eligible countries can seek support for programs serving marginalized and vulnerable communities. Semnani Family Foundation provides global funding that may benefit early learning, child welfare, and family support initiatives connected to Head Start and similar efforts.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations running educational, scientific, medical, or other charitable programs in Tennessee can seek support for work carried out in the U.S. With a mission to advance charitable, scientific, medical, and educational efforts, Sidney Stern Memorial Trust provides funding to tax-exempt organizations, which may include early learning and preschool initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on housing, jobs, hunger, or community development in Tennessee can seek sponsorship funding to advance economic mobility and social progress. Bank of America Foundation supports initiatives such as basic needs, workforce development, arts and culture, and inclusive community programs, which may benefit early learning and family-focused services.

Preschool and early learning nonprofits in Tennessee can use this storytelling grant to highlight the impact of their Head Start or early childhood programs. Focused on preservation, education, and wellness, the Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation invites 501(c)(3) and aligned for-profit organizations to apply for awards of more than US $50,000 to share their community impact.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) organizations providing education, early learning, or family services can access funding through Robinson Foundation for single-year projects serving communities south of the Mason-Dixon line. Programs supporting children and families, poverty relief, or related Head Start-style services may be eligible if they demonstrate fiscal responsibility and clear, tangible impact in the Southern region.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking support for community services or fundraising events can apply for grants or event sponsorships that aid important service goals. With a mission to help the communities where they live and work, Insperity provides eligible charities with philanthropic funding and sponsorship once per year, including organizations connected to Insperity employees or clients.

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities in Tennessee communities near Georgia-Pacific facilities can apply for Georgia-Pacific Foundation support to advance education, environment, entrepreneurship, and community enrichment initiatives. Early learning and preschool programs that meet these priorities and serve GP communities may be especially competitive.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations near TJX locations in Tennessee can seek funding for basic needs, out-of-school supports, and workforce readiness programs for at-risk youth, as well as domestic violence safety services. The TJX Foundation invites eligible groups to begin with an online questionnaire and Letter of Inquiry for consideration.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries in Tennessee can seek unrestricted program or operating support for environmental, human services, and related work. With a mission to back these causes, Lawrence Foundation provides US $5,000 - US $10,000 grants, which may benefit early learning or family-focused services connected to Head Start populations.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Tennessee working on basic needs, community development, or cultural enrichment can seek funding that supports hunger relief, housing, financial literacy, workforce readiness, and arts access. Focused on strengthening communities, Ameriprise Financial invites U.S. nonprofits with strong volunteer engagement to apply if they align with its three core grantmaking areas.

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.

Grants from O'Reilly Automotive Foundation help Tennessee nonprofits provide community-focused programs, including early childhood and family support services. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations near O’Reilly Auto Parts locations may request project, general operating, or capital support for efforts such as economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, and disaster relief that benefit underserved families.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Tennessee can apply for Union Pacific Foundation’s Community Ties Local Grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $30,000 for safety, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability projects. Early learning and youth-serving programs, including those complementing Head Start services in Union Pacific–served communities, may be eligible if they meet the foundation’s cause areas and DEI priorities.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving youth and families through education, housing, food security, or environmental programs can access funding through Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards. Grants of US $30,000 - US $350,000 support initiatives such as early learning enrichment, character and leadership development, hunger relief, and community-based projects that benefit children and their communities.

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.