Best Large Grants for Nonprofit Organizations in Tennessee

The TN Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) offers Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) to protect croplands and grasslands on working farms. By limiting non-agricultural land use, ALE ensures the long-term viability of food supply and provides public benefits such as environmental quality and wildlife habitat. The program supports eligible partners, including tribal landowners and local governments, with financial assistance to preserve agricultural lands, ensuring sustainable agricultural practices for future generations.

The ReFED Catalytic Grant Fund, managed by Refed Inc., supports innovative solutions to minimize food waste and reduce methane emissions, a cost-effective strategy for climate action. This fund prioritizes initiatives that enhance food recycling and improve supply chain efficiency in the beef and dairy sectors. By focusing on proven methods, the grant aims to accelerate impactful changes in the food system, ultimately fostering sustainable practices and collaborative efforts to combat food waste.

The Albert G. and Olive H. Schlink Foundation, established in 1966, has significantly impacted Ohio's nonprofit sector by increasing its annual grant distribution from an initial $500 to over $1.4 million in 2023. The Foundation prioritizes organizations with ties to Erie and Huron Counties and emphasizes thoughtful evaluation of all grant applications. With a focus on community needs, it continues to honor the founders' legacy while adapting to the evolving demands of local nonprofits.

The Stimulating Hematology Investigation: New Endeavors (SHINE) program aims to enhance nonmalignant hematology research aligned with the goals of the NIDDK, NIA, and NHLBI. It invites R01 grant applications focused on innovative and early translational hematology topics, fostering growth in this critical research area. Key deadlines for applications span from February 2025 to October 2027, allowing for both standard and renewal submissions.

The Kroger Foundation is dedicated to uplifting communities through significant charitable contributions, having donated over $1.9 billion in the past six years. Their focus on combating hunger through the Zero Hunger | Zero Waste initiative exemplifies their commitment to social impact. Annually, they provide over $300 million to nonprofit organizations aligned with their mission, promoting health, education, and disaster relief while fostering diversity and inclusion. This initiative reflects Kroger's belief that strong communities are a shared responsibility.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency offers Clean Stream Grants of up to $1,000 each to support stream clean-up projects across its four Aquatic Habitat Protection regions. These grants aim to assist various groups, including cities, schools, and conservation organizations, in acquiring necessary supplies and promoting volunteer efforts. Eligible applicants must possess a nonprofit tax number and submit detailed proposals, including project descriptions and relevant information about the stream and area involved.

Tennessee Department of Transportation

The Department of Transportation provides citizens of Tennessee and travelers with one of the best transportation systems in the country. TDOT consistently wins awards for its projects, highway design and innovative approach to transportation.

TDOT is a multimodal agency with responsibilities in aviation, public transit, waterways, railroads and cycling and walking. Our involvement ranges from airport improvements to funding transit buses to planning for river ports.

Transportation Planning Grants

The Transportation Planning Grant (TPG) is intended to assist jurisdictions (both municipalities and counties) with transportation planning efforts that determine strategies to support improvements in traffic flow, safety, mobility, and overall efficiency of the transportation system. Since 2015, TDOT has awarded 145 planning grants across the state, many of which have resulted in implementation funding.

The TPG funds transportation plans only.

Goals of the Transportation Planning Grant

• Assist Tennessee communities with multimodal transportation planning
• Bridge the gap between land use planning and transportation planning
• Aid with the creation of planning documents that support improvements in traffic flow, safety, and overall efficiency of the transportation system
• Provide planning resources to achieve community visions that promote future economic growth

Matching

• The TPG is 80% federal, 10% state, and 10% local match
• Distressed and At-Risk Counties as determined by TNECD (and municipalities within) as of FY26 qualify for 0% local match

Planning Opportunities

Planning opportunities include, but are not limited to: Complete Streets Plans; Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plans; Transportation System Management and Operations (TSMO) Plans; Corridor Studies; Resurfacing Plans; Community Mobility Plans

We also welcome any creative and innovative transportation planning ideas.

Community Mobility Plans

A Community Mobility Plan is a multimodal plan that identifies the existing and future transportation system, including roadways, public transportation, rail, bicycle, and pedestrian facilities. A Community Mobility Plan strengthens the connections between an area’s transportation plan, local land use plans, and community vision. See more here.

Administrative Process

Through the Transportation Planning Grant program, your community will be paired with a consultant currently under contract with TDOT that will guide you through the planning process and bring your plan to life. The community is responsible for actively participating in the plan by establishing a Steering Committee, providing the match, and ensuring local support for the proposed study recommendations.

Tennessee Department of Transportation

The Department of Transportation provides citizens of Tennessee and travelers with one of the best transportation systems in the country. TDOT consistently wins awards for its projects, highway design and innovative approach to transportation.

TDOT is a multimodal agency with responsibilities in aviation, public transit, waterways, railroads and cycling and walking. Our involvement ranges from airport improvements to funding transit buses to planning for river ports.

Transportation Planning Grants

The Transportation Planning Grant (TPG) is intended to assist jurisdictions (both municipalities and counties) with transportation planning efforts that determine strategies to support improvements in traffic flow, safety, mobility, and overall efficiency of the transportation system. Since 2015, TDOT has awarded 145 planning grants across the state, many of which have resulted in implementation funding.

The TPG funds transportation plans only.

Goals of the Transportation Planning Grant

• Assist Tennessee communities with multimodal transportation planning
• Bridge the gap between land use planning and transportation planning
• Aid with the creation of planning documents that support improvements in traffic flow, safety, and overall efficiency of the transportation system
• Provide planning resources to achieve community visions that promote future economic growth

Matching

• The TPG is 80% federal, 10% state, and 10% local match
• Distressed and At-Risk Counties as determined by TNECD (and municipalities within) as of FY26 qualify for 0% local match

Planning Opportunities

Planning opportunities include, but are not limited to: Complete Streets Plans; Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plans; Transportation System Management and Operations (TSMO) Plans; Corridor Studies; Resurfacing Plans; Community Mobility Plans

We also welcome any creative and innovative transportation planning ideas.

Resurfacing Plans

A Resurfacing Plan can provide communities with a data-driven approach to managing pavement-related activities. The goal of these plans is to support local road departments in maintaining the highest quality of pavement with their available funds. These plans will help support the selection of paving projects in a way that ensures the highest return on investment. See more here.

Administrative Process

Through the Transportation Planning Grant program, your community will be paired with a consultant currently under contract with TDOT that will guide you through the planning process and bring your plan to life. The community is responsible for actively participating in the plan by establishing a Steering Committee, providing the match, and ensuring local support for the proposed study recommendations.

The Health Center Program assists health centers in FEMA-declared disaster areas, specifically Hurricane Helene, by allowing them to request an advance of up to 25% of their FY 2025 award. This funding aims to cover unforeseen costs related to maintaining access to essential primary care services. However, it's important to note that the final award will be reduced by the requested advance amount.

The Southeastern Branch John Henry Comstock Award recognizes outstanding Ph.D. students in entomology, promoting interest in the field and supporting attendance at the ESA annual meeting. Awardees receive an all-expenses-paid trip, a $100 cash prize, and a certificate, with additional cash prizes presented by the Southeastern Branch. Eligibility includes being a current member and demonstrating excellence in graduate studies. This award fosters professional development and engagement within the entomology community.

The LadyAID Scholarship Fund, established by the GRAMMY Award-winning trio Lady A, supports students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). It aims to alleviate financial barriers for students from Tennessee and Georgia, promoting access to higher education. The scholarship is designed for those with a household income of $60,000 or less and is renewable, requiring annual reapplication. This initiative reflects a commitment to empowering Black communities and fostering educational opportunities.

The Tennessee Trucking Foundation Scholarship Fund, established by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, supports education for Tennessee residents who are dependent children, spouses, or employees of the Tennessee Trucking Association. This scholarship aims to empower applicants from Freshman to Senior status at Tennessee Higher Education Institutions or adjacent states offering in-state tuition, especially those interested in the trucking industry. The fund embodies the belief in education's transformative power.

The Cumberland Plateau Stewardship Fund Grant aims to restore native forests and improve wildlife habitats while supporting working forests in the Cumberland Plateau. The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) invites proposals that enhance forest, grassland, and freshwater ecosystems, promoting conservation practices on agricultural lands. This initiative is backed by funding from USDA agencies and corporate partners, focusing on improving soil health, water quality, and carbon sequestration in the region.

The TAC Creative Placemaking grant aims to enrich Tennessee's local character through arts and culture. It supports projects that enhance community identity and promote economic development. Applicants can request up to $30,000, with a required cash or in-kind match. The program encourages collaboration among various sectors to create vibrant community spaces. Notably, schools and ongoing arts programming are ineligible for funding, ensuring resources are directed toward innovative, transformative projects.

The Anderson-Rogers Foundation Grant supports U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations focused on environmental protection, animal welfare, climate change mitigation, and social support. Established in 2001, this family foundation prioritizes innovative projects and general operating support for small organizations facing financial constraints. Note that applicants must first submit a letter of inquiry, as the foundation does not fund scholarships or grants to individuals or religious organizations, nor does it support organizations outside the U.S.

Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) will provide HOME funding under its HOME Rental Housing Development Program for the new construction and/or acquisition and rehabilitation of rental housing projects. 

The Giving Branch Foundation, fully funded by Flat Branch Mortgage, Inc. employees, aims to support local communities through donations. By distributing funds to individuals facing hardships such as unexpected medical bills or disaster recovery, the foundation strives to uplift those in need. Grants are available for various eligible hardships, ensuring financial assistance reaches those who require immediate support. The mission is to give back to communities that have long supported the foundation's efforts.

The Mazamas is committed to exploring and preserving mountain environments in the Pacific Northwest through research grants. These grants support nonprofit research that aligns with the Mazamas’ mission, encouraging proposals from graduate and undergraduate students. Successful applicants often conduct field studies that enhance understanding of the region's natural features. Notably, the Mazamas also welcome innovative research ideas that may fall outside traditional grant guidelines, promoting a diverse range of scientific inquiry.

The Southern Documentary Fund (SDF) offers a Production Grant aimed at supporting Southern documentary filmmakers. With funding made possible by the MacArthur Foundation, SDF prioritizes nonfiction projects in production that showcase the rich tapestry of Southern stories. Up to seven grants of $15,000 each will be awarded to help elevate underrepresented voices and narratives. Applicants must have ties to Southern states and meet specific eligibility criteria to apply.

The Waste Management Charitable Contributions Program supports initiatives that enhance environmental stewardship, sustainability education, and community vitality. With a commitment to civic pride and economic development, the program prioritizes organizations that address local needs and promote sustainable practices. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations that focus on public purposes, while ineligible requests include funding for operating costs and individual fundraising events. This initiative fosters a collaborative approach to community betterment.

The Asian Cultural Council's Individual Fellowship provides artists, scholars, and arts professionals from Asia and the United States with opportunities for self-directed cultural exchange and research in unfamiliar regions. This program supports activities such as interviews, workshops, and archival research, fostering cultural immersion and collaboration. With a funding limit of $35,000, the fellowship encourages innovative proposals that enhance creative perspectives and relationships among peers, while also ensuring strong eligibility criteria for applicants.

The Asian Cultural Council's New York Fellowship offers a transformative six-month program for artists, scholars, and arts professionals from Asia. Participants engage deeply with New York City's vibrant cultural landscape, attending performances, exhibitions, and workshops while building networks with local communities. This unique opportunity fosters peer-learning and individual artistic development, encouraging fellows to incorporate their experiences into their practices and contribute to their home cultures. The fellowship emphasizes exploration, exchange, and support, culminating in a rich cultural immersion.

The Boyd Foundation, established in 2017 by Jenny and Randy Boyd, aims to improve the greater Knoxville area through strategic investments in education, arts, animal welfare, and mental health. With a focus on community strength and sustainability, the foundation supports various local organizations and initiatives. Their commitment to philanthropy reflects the family's dedication to enhancing the quality of life in Tennessee, ensuring meaningful change for those in need.

Jack’s Family Fund

At Jack’s Family Restaurants, we’ve always thought of ourselves as one big family — employees and guests alike. Giving back to the communities in which we do business is part of our DNA. That’s why we’ve established the Jack’s Family Fund.

We think of our guests as part of the Jack’s family, and we’ll be there in times of need. With your help, we can make a difference in people’s lives and support those we call family, friends, and neighbors.

Jack's Family Fund Grant

The Jack's Family Fund is a non-profit charitable organization established to provide emergency financial assistance to members of the communities that Jack’s Family Restaurants (JFR) serve. Fund grants are made to assist those who have temporarily found themselves in need, but under normal circumstances are self-sustaining.

Our grants assist with:

• Immediate, short- term needs of individuals who may be victims of disasters or other emergency hardship situations including floods, fires, riots, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes and similar large-scale events, or
• Emergency hardship caused by illness, death, accident, violent crime or other types of personal injury.
• Community 501(c)(3) organizations working to respond to these types of needs on a broad scale.

Types of expenses grants may be awarded for include (but are not limited to):

• funeral expenses
• past due utilities (electric, water, natural gas)
• past due rent/mortgage
• emergency housing

Grants from the Fund are not intended to replace personal or homeowners insurance, federal disaster relief or other types of aid, but rather to assist on an immediate and short-term basis when other sources of assistance are not available.

The Kent Flanagan Memorial Scholarship, established by family and friends of the late journalist Kent Flanagan, supports Tennessee students pursuing degrees in journalism. Eligible applicants include juniors, seniors, and graduate students with a B average or higher. This scholarship honors Flanagan's commitment to fair and unbiased reporting, reflecting the mission of the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee to foster positive change through education and community support.

The Call for Kindness Grant, offered by Riley's Way Foundation, empowers young leaders aged 13-23 to launch impactful social projects focused on kindness and community connection. With grants up to $5,000, recipients receive essential mentorship, coaching, and community support. This initiative has already benefited over 3,500 youth nationwide, promoting values of empathy and social change. Applicants can pursue projects in diverse areas, including environmental justice, ensuring a broad impact in their communities.

Department of Finance & Administration

The Department of Finance & Administration (F&A) is the state’s chief corporate office, playing a crucial role in the governance and operational efficiency of the State of Tennessee.

Our Mission is leading through great business and exceptional customer service.

Regional Digital Forensic Collaboration (RDFC) Grant

Program Purpose

This funding is intended to expand access to training, software, and equipment that will enable small and medium-sized law enforcement agencies to conduct forensic examinations of digital forensic evidence efficiently and effectively. The project will enhance local capacity for investigating and prosecuting violent crimes by supporting the technical resources and expertise needed to process digital evidence in a timely and reliable manner.

As technology expands and increases, the collection, processing, and analysis of digital forensic evidence has become increasingly critical in reducing violent crime. Through the Regional Digital Forensic Collaboration (RDFC) grant program, the Office of Criminal Justice Programs (OCJP) has allocated funding to expand access to digital forensic investigative software, hardware, training, and technical expertise for local law enforcement agencies. This allocated funding will support the collection, processing, and analysis of digital forensic evidence through two project types:

• Project Type A – Regional Digital Forensic Collaboration
• Project Type B – Regional Digital Forensic Collaboration - Technical Assistance Provider

Successful applicants will be able to demonstrate in their proposal a clear forward-looking vision for establishing a regional collaboration focused on training, planning, and the deployment of centralized, accessible digital forensic investigative software and equipment. 

Geographic Priority

The State's goal is to establish a network of Regional Digital Forensic Collaborations that provides geographic coverage across Tennessee, with at least one State-funded regional collaboration serving each of Tennessee's three Grand Divisions: East, Middle, and West Tennessee.

• In making funding decisions, the State may give priority to qualified applications that advance this goal, particularly applications proposing to serve areas of the state that do not currently have reasonable access to an existing State-funded Regional Digital Forensic Collaboration.

Project Type A – Regional Digital Forensic Collaboration

Formal planning, training, and ongoing collaboration among multiple regional law enforcement partners within a secure, accessible shared physical space dedicated to storing and processing digital forensic evidence. Additional space for ongoing training and mentoring is an additional priority.