Best Housing Grants in Tennessee

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and eligible public entities in Tennessee can seek American Electric Power Foundation support for basic human services, including hunger relief and housing-related needs. Funding may also assist programs that advance social justice, STEM education, environmental stewardship, and community well-being within AEP’s broader service territory or for regional and national initiatives.

State and local agencies, local governing boards, nonprofits, tribes, and higher education institutions in eligible Appalachian Tennessee counties can apply for Appalachian Regional Commission’s Area Development grants to support critical infrastructure and workforce projects. Funding may benefit housing-related efforts through water, wastewater, transportation, broadband, and community systems that strengthen regional economic and workforce development.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) public charities, or those with a fiscal sponsor, can seek grants for housing-related programs, operations, and community development work. Grants from Dwayne Hawkins Family Foundation help organizations in Hamilton, Marion, and Sequatchie Counties advance equitable and affordable housing alongside broader community revitalization efforts in their service areas.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) public charities seeking support for housing and community initiatives can apply for sponsorships that fund fundraising events with public visibility, recognition, or promotional opportunities. Grants from Dwayne Hawkins Family Foundation help nonprofits working in areas like equitable and affordable housing within Hamilton, Marion, and Sequatchie counties and other listed communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and eligible governmental units providing affordable housing or basic human needs in Tennessee can seek funding for community betterment projects. Frankenmuth Insurance Foundation also supports health, wellness, and arts initiatives across its operating states, so Tennessee housing and shelter programs may be strong candidates.

Tennessee nonprofits, government units, public educational institutions, and houses of worship providing disaster response, relief, or long-term recovery can access funding through East Tennessee Foundation’s Neighbor to Neighbor Disaster Relief Fund. Organizations serving hard-hit counties like Carter, Greene, Sevier, Sullivan, Washington, and others may support housing, shelter, and related recovery needs after Hurricane Helene.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing housing, homelessness, or related human services in Tennessee’s Montgomery County can be nominated for US $2,500 - US $10,000 to advance their community work. Altra Foundation’s Best Life Community Awards are driven by Altra members’ nominations and community voting, supporting efforts that help people live their best lives.

Nonprofit and charitable organizations in Tennessee counties like Knox and Montgomery can apply for Dow Promise grants up to US $10,000 to support social, economic, or environmental initiatives benefiting Black youth and adults. Grants from Dow Company Foundation help groups whose community programs may include housing stability, neighborhood improvement, or related community development efforts.

Rural public bodies, community-based nonprofits, and Federally Recognized Tribes in Tennessee can use this program to purchase, construct, or improve essential community facilities, including housing-related community support and transitional housing. Focused on rural development, USDA: Rural Development invites eligible applicants from towns under 20,000 residents to seek affordable financing for facilities and equipment.

Nonprofit organizations, government nonprofits, and federally recognized Tribes in Tennessee rural areas can receive funding to provide technical assistance for mutual self-help housing construction. USDA Rural Development grants support supervision of very-low- and low-income families building their own homes, plus recruiting participants and helping them complete loan applications for these housing projects.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) organizations and other charitable or educational providers offering civil legal aid, mediation, housing advocacy, or related services for low-income or vulnerable residents can apply for Tennessee Bar Foundation’s IOLTA Grant Program. Funding may support law-related programs that expand access to justice, including efforts connected to housing stability and protections for tenants and survivors.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

Local governments and development organizations in Tennessee’s Appalachian counties can apply for Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development funding, with awards up to US $1,000,000 for construction and $500,000 for non-construction projects. Eligible projects include water, wastewater, and other public infrastructure that support economic and community development, which may benefit housing-related initiatives in these communities.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) public charities and eligible government entities can receive up to US $15,000 for performing, musical, and related arts programs or projects. Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee’s Ernest and Selma Rosenblum Fund for the Performing Arts may benefit arts organizations whose work complements local community development and housing-related initiatives.

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.

Tennessee nonprofits, government units, and fiscally sponsored groups serving women, children, and youth in Knox County can access funding through East Tennessee Foundation for projects up to US $20,000. Eligible projects must focus on early childhood education, drivers of health, or preventing and mitigating Adverse Childhood Experiences, and may complement local housing and stability efforts.

Nonprofit community development organizations working on housing, small business, or workforce development in Tennessee can host a graduate fellow to advance an equitable development project. With a mission to build a just economy, National Community Reinvestment Coalition provides NCRC member hosts with trained fellows, prioritizing locations including Tennessee and other listed communities.

Nonprofit and public agencies in Tennessee can seek competitive grants to develop or preserve affordable rental housing for low- and very-low income households, seniors, and people with special needs. Focused on equitable and affordable housing, Tennessee Housing Development Agency supports activities like new construction, acquisition, rehabilitation, and conversions, with awards from US $200,000 - US $600,000.

Tennessee housing and community development organizations with proven, ready-to-scale affordable housing innovations can access funding through Enterprise Community Partners for design and construction, finance, or service delivery and programs. This national competition, supported by Wells Fargo, offers five individual grants of US $2,000,000 to expand impactful, affordable housing solutions.

Nonprofits and local agencies in Tennessee working on homelessness, supportive housing, or related services can apply for Tennessee Housing Development Agency’s Emergency Solutions Grant, with awards of US $35,000 - US $125,000 for housing stability services. Funding can support shelter operations, rapid rehousing, prevention, and supportive services that help people quickly regain permanent housing.

Eligible 501(c)(3) religious institutions in Tennessee can seek funding to hire contracted security personnel and strengthen on-site safety. With a mission to enhance statewide security, Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security Foundation provides a competitive, 12‑month cost-reimbursement grant where applicants must document threats, vulnerabilities, and how funds will address gaps in current security programs.

Tennessee affordable housing developers and sponsors can access funding for new construction or acquisition and rehabilitation of rental housing through the Tennessee Housing Development Agency’s HOME Rental Development Program. Eligible Tennessee housing projects may receive US $300,000 - US $1,500,000 to expand equitable, affordable rental options across the state.

Tennessee housing nonprofits and governmental entities can access funding for affordable housing projects in Knoxville through East Tennessee Foundation’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund. Eligible activities include new construction, major rehabilitation, minor home repair, and homeownership counseling or education, using loans or grants to expand housing opportunities for low-income and very low-income households in the city.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) organizations working on education, healthcare, or community and social services, including affordable housing and supportive housing initiatives, can access funding through the Joe C Davis Foundation for major capacity-building, capital projects, or impact expansion. Programs must primarily serve the Nashville area and demonstrate strong performance, financial stability, and alignment with the foundation’s priorities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Bradley, Monroe, McMinn, Meigs, Loudon, and Polk counties in Tennessee can access funding through Athens Federal Foundation for affordable and equitable housing and related community development. Grants may also support job training, education, health care, human services, and cultural programs that benefit economically disadvantaged residents.