Best Human and Social Service Grants in Tennessee

Nonprofit organizations providing human and social services in Tennessee can apply for Republic Bank Foundation grants to support programs such as family and community welfare, healthcare and human services, and youth initiatives. Grants from Republic Bank Foundation help eligible 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(19) organizations that serve broad community needs within the bank’s service area.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) organizations offering human and social services through arts, culture, humanities, or education projects may be eligible for project sponsorships up to US $50,000. Focused on these program areas, the Arthur F. and Alice E. Adams Supporting Foundation invites proposals for innovative performances, publications, and similar initiatives, with activities starting after February 15, 2027.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing human and social services, youth development, hunger and nutrition, basic needs, or military and veterans support can apply for Sundt Foundation grants of US $2,500 - US $25,000. Grants from Sundt Foundation help eligible organizations with a local presence fund specific programs that address community needs.

Tennessee human and social service nonprofits seeking capital improvements or education programs to boost graduation rates can access funding through the David, Helen, and Marian Woodward Fund. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations in Tennessee and neighboring states may also work in areas like health, human services, education, environment, religion, arts, or public benefit.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing human and social services, education, health, or community programs can apply for the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation’s corporate giving awards of more than US $1,000. Funding supports community betterment efforts, with preference for areas near Perdue facilities and organizations where Perdue associates are involved.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving Tennessee communities with human and social services, education, or environmental programs can seek project support from the Cleveland Cliffs Foundation. Focused on education, environment, and healthy, vibrant communities, this funder invites proposals for initiatives that enhance opportunities, improve community health, and strengthen quality of life where Cleveland-Cliffs operates.

Human and social service nonprofits in Tennessee working in conservation, early childhood education, family empowerment, or health can apply for project or capital support from the James M Cox Foundation. Eligible 501(c)(3) or equivalent government entities must be in Cox service areas, with outside-Atlanta applicants needing a local Cox management endorsement letter.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations offering human and social services or related community programs in Tennessee can apply for the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation’s corporate giving support, with awards up to US $1,000. Funding may benefit initiatives in education, hunger relief, health, poverty alleviation, public safety, agriculture, and the environment, with Perdue associate endorsement required.

Nonprofit agencies providing direct human and social services in Tennessee, typically within Knox County and the 865 area code, can seek program support through the Akima Grant Program. Akima Club funds specific line-item requests for community agencies serving all ages, including those working in arts, culture, science, medical, and social services.

• Access to Quality Health Care Services (e.g., physical & mental health; substance abuse; wellness programs)
• Human & Social Services (e.g., families & children; immigrants & refugees; domestic violence & sexual abuse survivors; veterans; people experiencing homelessness; people in crisis)
• Education
• Youth and Childhood Development
• Senior Citizen Enrichment Services
• Community Services

The Inspired to Serve Scholarship Fund honors Seigo and Hisaye Kagawa, providing support for Kauai residents pursuing graduate studies in social justice, public service, education, or health. Established in 2016, it aims to assist students who demonstrate financial need, maintain a GPA of 3.0, and commit to full-time studies at colleges in Hawaii or the mainland. This initiative encourages future leaders to engage with their communities and contribute to meaningful change.

The AFI Grant, administered by the Adient Foundation, Inc., supports charitable organizations across the U.S. with a focus on philanthropic efforts. These one-time grants do not guarantee future funding, emphasizing a need for organizations to demonstrate sound management and community impact. Each year, past recipients must reapply under the standard application process, ensuring that support aligns with equal opportunity objectives and the Foundation's mission to complement public funding.

The AFI Grant, administered by the Adient Foundation, Inc., aims to support philanthropic organizations in the U.S. that are tax-exempt. While primarily offering one-time grants, the Foundation evaluates proposals based on organizational structure, community impact, and management capacity. The Foundation complements public institutions and does not guarantee future funding based on past contributions. Grantees must operate with equal opportunity objectives, and past recipients must submit new applications each year.

The Warren Alpert Foundation aims to enhance public health by funding medical research, education, and basic human services. With grants under $25,000, it supports initiatives that advance medical treatments and health education. The foundation is committed to fostering innovative research and solutions in healthcare, making a significant impact on community health and well-being.

The Warren Alpert Foundation supports initiatives aimed at enhancing public health through grants exceeding $25,000 for medical research, education, and basic human services. Applications are reviewed quarterly, with deadlines preceding board meetings. The foundation's mission encompasses advancing medical treatments and cures through rigorous research and health education. This commitment empowers various projects that align with their vision of improving community health and fostering innovation in medical practices.

Generally the Community Foundation's scholarships are awarded to applicants who have high financial need. Applicants with household income exceeding $100,000 are less likely to be awarded, but applying will allow you to be considered for targeted scholarships.

Virginia Valk Fehsenfeld Scholarship

Open to full time undergraduate students who are Kent County residents studying education, dietetics, nutrition, or human services and have a minimum 3.4 GPA.

The Ken W. Davis Foundation Grant provides essential funding to nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that align with the Foundation's mission of promoting basic human needs and education in line with Constitutional freedoms. With a minimum grant size of $2,500, the Foundation focuses on supporting human service organizations in Tarrant County, Texas, and the Permian Basin of West Texas and Southeast New Mexico, while also offering national support for grants related to Constitutional freedoms.

Middle Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking to transform human and social services through innovative programs or projects can apply for Impact100 Nashville’s Transformation and Innovation Grant, offering up to US $100,000. Eligible organizations must serve at least one Nashville Economic Market county and address issues like homelessness, poverty, addiction, hunger, illiteracy, trafficking, or recidivism.

Human and social service 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Middle Tennessee can receive funding for innovative, self-sustaining projects that break cycles of homelessness, poverty, addiction, hunger, illiteracy, human trafficking, and related issues. Grants from Impact100 Nashville help Tennessee organizations serving at least one of ten Nashville-area counties launch or elevate high-impact programs, with priority for under-served populations and unmet community needs.

Graduate and medical students, residents, and postdoctoral fellows conducting human sexuality or sexual wellness research in the U.S. or Canada can receive US $5,000 to support project expenses. With a mission to advance sexual medicine, Sexual Medicine Society of North America provides early-career investigators, including those serving underserved populations, with funding and complimentary membership that may benefit Tennessee human and social service programs.

Graduate and medical students, residents, and post-doctoral fellows conducting human sexuality or sexual wellness research in the U.S. or Canada may be eligible for research support that can include salary and project expenses. Tennessee human and social service researchers may benefit from the Sexual Medicine Society of North America’s Scholars in Sexuality Research Grants Program, which prioritizes underserved populations.

Tennessee human and social service nonprofits supporting children and families affected by crises or natural disasters can access funding via the CAPTRUST Community Foundation. Focused on disaster relief, crisis intervention, and family services, these crisis grants may benefit organizations helping families cope, recover, and rebuild after severe hardship, including those served by CAPTRUST employees.

The Towsley Foundation Grants support initiatives that enhance community welfare and sustainability, focusing on diverse fields such as education, health, and the arts within Michigan. With a commitment to effective philanthropy, the foundation prioritizes projects that demonstrate creativity and strategic impact. Eligible organizations must operate in Michigan and adhere to specific funding guidelines, fostering financial sustainability. Grants are allocated based on project merit and organizational capacity, reinforcing the foundation's mission to improve lives through thoughtful partnerships.

The Ambler Trust Grants, provided by the Elizabeth Raymond Ambler Trust, support various sectors including education, health, arts, culture, and environmental initiatives. Eligible applicants include municipal, religious, charitable, benevolent, or educational organizations as determined by the Trustees. These grants aim to enhance community welfare and promote beneficial projects, ensuring a positive impact across diverse fields.

The First Horizon Foundation Grant supports organizations in East Tennessee, focusing on areas such as arts, education, environment, financial literacy, and health services. Grants are available to eligible entities in cities like Knoxville, Maryville, and Chattanooga, while individuals and certain organizations, including K-12 schools and political groups, are ineligible. This initiative aims to strengthen communities through strategic investments.

The Jay L. Smith Family Foundation provides grants to tax-exempt non-profit organizations in the United States, primarily focusing on healthcare, family values, and supporting the disadvantaged. With a strong commitment to Alzheimer's research, the foundation has funded various initiatives including elderly care, domestic violence prevention, and cancer research. Their mission is to enhance the quality of life for individuals and communities through meaningful contributions, aiming to address critical social issues and promote well-being.

Cumberland Community Foundation ("CCF") manages more than 60 scholarship endowment funds created by local individuals, families, civic organizations, and corporations who want to provide a path to higher education for future generations. 

Each year, Cumberland Community Foundation announces more than $1,000,000 in college scholarships to students from southeastern North Carolina.

Brian Edkins Memorial Scholarship

Graduating senior from Cape Fear High School; South View High School (Cumberland County) or Scotland High School (Scotland County, NC).