Best Large Grants for Nonprofit Organizations in Tennessee

The Institutional Research Grants (IRG) program by the American Cancer Society provides essential seed funding for newly independent investigators to launch cancer research projects. Aimed at junior faculty, these grants offer $120,000 annually for three years, supporting the development of preliminary results necessary for competing for larger national grants. Eligible applicants must be at US academic institutions and hold the rank of Associate or Full Professor, with a proven track record in research and mentorship.

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

John T. & Lois Schmidt Scholarship

The John T. & Lois Schmidt Scholarship Fund was created in 2017 to support seniors and graduates of Marion County high schools who are also members of the U.S. Armed Forces, veterans, or children or grandchildren of those on active duty or veterans. The Schmidt Fund favors applicants from Elgin High School and those with GPAs of 2.5 or better.

The Schmidt Scholarship honors John and his military service. John served in the U.S. Army during World War II, from January 1943 to January 1946 and was stationed in several overseas and exotic locales, including New Guinea, Netherland East Indies, Morotai, and Mindanao in the Philippine Islands. At the end of his service, he received an honorable discharge as a staff sergeant and had earned the Bronze Star for valor and the Bronze Arrowhead—awarded to those present on D-Day on the beaches of Normandy, France.

Prior to his military career, John graduated from Agosta High School (1941) and shortly after his service, married Lois (Kraner) in 1948. He was employed by Marion Power Shovel, Marion Industries, and retired after 29 years with Whirlpool. He was a member of the Marion County Farm Bureau, Disabled American Veterans, and VFW Post 7201. John passed in 2009 at the age of 86.

Evidence Based Safety Contextualization of JAK inhibitors in the Treatment of Moderate to Severe Atopic Dermatitis

Primary Area of Interest:

Dermatology – Atopic Dermatitis

General Area of Interest for this RFP:

Potential applicants should describe their initiative to synthesize the existing medical literature on the safety data available for JAKis indicated for the treatment of M2S AD and distill it into a concise, practical communication for the community of providers who treat AD. The educational initiative should be based on the body of scientific evidence available in the literature including the following, but not limited to:

• Retrospective, cohort analyses evaluating the background risk of adverse events of special interest (infections, cardiovascular events, malignancies etc.) in patients diagnosed with M2S AD.
• Clinical trial safety data for use of JAKis for the treatment of M2S AD, including assessments of subpopulations (i.e. adolescents, elderly; cardiovascular risk factors etc.).
• Observational analyses, network meta-analyses, or other safety analyses, including comparative safety analyses and/or real-world assessments to examine the rate of adverse events of special interest in patients receiving JAKis for treatment of AD.

Funding Range and Project Length

Individual projects requesting up to $75,000 USD will be considered. Maximum project length is 1 year.

The Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation (MEAF) National Grant funds innovative projects that empower youth with disabilities, enhancing their leadership and employment skills. Grants typically range from $10K to $100K per year for one to two years. MEAF seeks proposals that break down employment barriers, support U.S. youth with disabilities, and promote inclusive practices. Projects should demonstrate a plan for national dissemination and measurable outcomes, particularly benefiting young veterans transitioning to civilian life.

The Dermatology Foundation offers a Research Grant of $25,000 annually to support innovative projects in dermatology and cutaneous biology. This funding is aimed at junior investigators in the early stages of their academic careers who demonstrate a strong commitment to skin research. Eligible applicants must conduct research within ACGME-approved departments in the U.S. and must not have received funding from other sources for the same project.

The Mike and Sharon Bell Scholarship, offered by the Central Kentucky Community Foundation, supports students from Hardin County Water District No. 2 or active members of Glendale Christian Church. Applicants should have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and plan to attend a two- or four-year academic or technical school. This scholarship aims to empower local students to pursue their educational goals and enhance their community involvement.

The Nicholas R. Rizzi Foundation Grant aims to assist individuals in financial need who seek to further their education through accredited programs. Established in 2005 to honor Nicholas R. Rizzi, the foundation has awarded over $38,000 in scholarships and grants. Each year, eligible applicants can receive up to $1,000 for tuition and related expenses based on financial need, academic performance, and recommendations. The foundation prioritizes direct payments to educational institutions.

The Northern California DX Foundation Grant supports amateur radio projects that promote education and international goodwill. It provides financial assistance for well-designed DXpeditions to rare locations, especially those generating global interest. Grants are typically awarded to expeditions that align with the foundation's mission, ensuring participants have a financial stake in their initiatives. The foundation emphasizes thorough review of operator qualifications, equipment appropriateness, and operational plans before granting support.

This Community Foundation was created by and for the people of Washington County MD, and exists to improve the quality of life for all of our citizens, now and for generations to come, by building community endowments, addressing needs through grant making and providing leadership on key community issues.

Washington County Arts Council, Inc. Foundation Scholarship Fund

The Washington County Arts Council, Inc. welcomes all applicants interested in pursuing a 2- or 4-year degree, or a certificate program, from an accredited educational institution with an emphasis on the arts. All students, including those individuals who have pursued a non-traditional education path, will be considered for this scholarship.

The Russell Sage Foundation's Immigration and Immigrant Integration Grants aim to fund innovative research that explores the dynamics of race, citizenship, and legal status in relation to immigrant outcomes in the U.S. This initiative seeks to understand the complex interplay of policies and social factors affecting immigrants and native-born populations across various racial and ethnic groups. Researchers are encouraged to utilize diverse data sources to deepen insights into immigration integration and the societal implications of legal status.

The Fordney Foundation Grant supports talented individuals in dance, aiming to foster professional careers and enhance community engagement in dance sports. Established in 2002, the foundation offers financial assistance to young dancers (ages 6-25) and promotes ballroom dancing across diverse ethnic backgrounds. Its DanceStart Program aids families in supporting their children's dance education at competitive levels, emphasizing the importance of physical conditioning and personal expression through this art form.

The Cognitive Neuroscience (CogNeuro) Program by the National Science Foundation aims to fund proposals that deepen our understanding of the neural mechanisms of cognition and behavior. Successful applications will connect physiology, cognition, and behavior while also promoting outreach and mentoring within the field. Research topics include action, perception, memory, and decision-making. The program encourages broader impacts such as STEM outreach and public engagement in research, with a focus on diverse communities.

31Heroes

On August 6, 2011, a tragedy shook the military community and Americans everywhere. In a single instance, America lost 30 military service members, many of whom were members of the Navy SEAL community—and one military K9– when a CH-47 Chinook helicopter, call sign Extortion 17, was downed in Afghanistan.

Established to honor the 31 Americans killed in action on August 6, 2011, 31Heroes serves to impact the lives of our nation’s heroes and their families, while remembering the fallen, through athletic endeavors and competitive fundraising events.

Our Mission: The mission of 31Heroes is to raise money and awareness through social and athletic events to support the families of Extortion 17 and honor their legacy by funding treatment for Veterans suffering from mental health issues.

Our Focus

Our goal is to create opportunities for the families of Extortion 17 to create healthier lifestyles and to provide financial relief in times of need. We consider it our responsibility to make a positive impact in the lives of each family. Whether through grants we provide, or through partnering with other non-profit organizations that offer programs or services that we do not, we are devoted to the families and creating a legacy the men of Extortion 17 would be proud of.

Guidelines

• Individual limits will not exceed $3750 annually
• Family Grants range from $750 to the maximum range of $1500
• Family members must submit an online application for consideration
• Applications may be submitted at any time during this funding cycle
• Priority and funding will be based on the Primary Next of Kin list

Emergency Grants 

Emergency Grants are aimed at assisting with unforeseen events which cause financial hardship on the family. Limit for this grant is $750.

Saginaw Country Club Golf Scholarship

The Saginaw Country Club has been one of the premier private clubs in Michigan for over 116 years. In honor of its centennial year in 1998, the Club’s Board of Governors established the Saginaw Country Club Golf Scholarship.

The scholarship is offered to promote and reward golf playing among Saginaw County’s youth.

The Skatepark Project Grants aim to support underserved communities in building public, free, concrete skateparks for youth. Eligible applicants include public charities and local agencies committed to designing inclusive spaces. The projects must engage local skaters in planning and fundraising, promote safety, and be open year-round without entry fees. The initiative fosters community involvement and addresses social inequalities, ensuring that all types of skatepark users can benefit from these vital recreational resources.

Tiderington Family Scholarship

The Tiderington Family Scholarship was established in 1996 by Dr. Robert H. and Charlotte Hughes Tiderington and their three sons, Robert III, James and Thomas, to provide funding for students pursuing a vocational career. Neither Dr. Tiderington nor his wife Charlotte graduated from college. Dr. Tiderington remarked: “It was important to us that our boys went to college. We always stressed education. When you give a gift of education, you give a gift for life.”

The Retirement Research Foundation (RRF) offers Responsive Grants for advocacy projects that significantly impact older Americans. These grants support initiatives focused on critical policy issues like economic security and health care. RRF aims to fund projects that use strategic efforts to address systemic challenges and encourage partnerships for resource optimization. Organizations must ensure that RRF funds are not used for lobbying activities. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations targeting individuals aged 60 and older.

Community Foundation of Randolph County

Our mission is to bring people and resources together to strengthen the quality of life, both now and in the future, for the residents of Randolph County.

The Community Foundation’s work falls into three major categories: grant-making, donor service, and community convening. Our most visible activities are the grants and scholarships we award each year. Most of these awards come from income earned from permanently endowed funds. Scholarships and other grants come from funds that donors have established for specific purposes.

Inspiring Randolph County-Jammie Michael Scholarship Fund

“The idea of this scholarship came when I started researching possible scholarship opportunities for my son Reece. He was a Junior at the time and the thought of planning and paying for college felt overwhelming. I reflected on the time Reece spent in school and was reminded of all the hours spent studying, the tears, fights, and late nights. Reece worked so hard and, over time, achieved great things. It became my goal to make sure every student knows we, as a community, believe in them and their dreams and they too, can achieve big things. Every student needs to know that rewards come to those that have qualities like perseverance, grit, determination and the power to rise above challenges. I’m inspired every day by the kids that put in the work.

My family and the community supported this goal of mine and made this scholarship possible for our kids. The Inspiring Randolph County Jammie Michael Scholarship Fund honors one Randolph County graduate with $1,000 to be paid to a post-high school education of their choice.” – Jammie Michael

The TFish Fund Grant aims to alleviate poverty in East Asia by empowering small but impactful NGOs to achieve sustainability and transparency. Founded in 2011, the Transparent Fish Fund partners with select organizations that focus on poverty alleviation. By providing financial aid, capacity building, and promoting accountability, the fund bridges the gap between Western donors and local NGOs, fostering a philanthropic spirit while addressing the complex social issues faced in the region.

Biochemical and Molecular Characterization of Marstacimab and TFPI Pathways

This competitive grant encompasses research aimed at elucidating molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying marstacimab-TFPI interactions, including but not limited to differential expression of tissue factor and TFPI in various tissues, binding kinetics, and other biochemical properties. Projects should seek to advance foundational understanding of these interactions through innovative approaches in biochemistry, molecular biology, and related disciplines.

Funding Range and Project Length

Individual projects requesting up to $50,000 USD will be considered.

Request for study drug or compound is allowed (max $50,000 USD), additionally to the study project costs.

Maximum project length is 1 year.

Who We Are

Thousands of your friends and neighbors make up Samaritan Health Services. We’re a nonprofit network of hospitals, clinics and health services caring for more than 290,000 residents in the mid-Willamette Valley and central Oregon Coast and portions of Marion and Polk counties. We work together to provide highly reliable and innovative medicine with world-class quality in a way that supports the values of the communities we serve. That includes caring for all people, regardless of your ability to pay.

Linn County- Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital Auxiliary Scholarship

East Linn County students currently attending college and majoring in a medical field are invited to apply for the Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital $1,000 Auxiliary Scholarship.

The Radiation Oncology-Biology Integration Network (ROBIN) Centers, funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), aims to enhance national radiation oncology infrastructure through collaborative research. This initiative supports studies on biological responses to radiation treatment in cancer patients, focusing on understanding tumor and tissue changes. By integrating various scientific disciplines and collecting comprehensive data, ROBIN intends to improve cancer care, optimize treatment strategies, and accelerate translational discoveries to enhance patient outcomes.

The NHGRI's Analysis, Visualization, and Informatics Lab-space (AnVIL) program is set for a limited competition renewal to enhance a cloud-based platform that supports genomic research. With over 5 petabytes of data accessible to researchers, AnVIL fosters collaboration and innovation while adhering to FAIR principles. The renewed focus will include improved scalability, interoperability, and robust security measures. Additionally, training initiatives will ensure researchers maximize the potential of AnVIL's multimodal datasets. The funding opportunity is expected in 2027.

The Elsa U. Pardee Foundation has been a pioneer in cancer research funding since 1944, providing over $110 million to more than 300 institutions across the U.S. It supports innovative approaches by both new and established researchers, ensuring diverse ideas receive necessary funding. Additionally, the Foundation addresses immediate financial needs for cancer patients, allocating about one-third of its grants to assist those in need. This dual focus on research and patient support distinguishes the Foundation in the fight against cancer.

Mary O' Neill Mini Grant

Dr. Barbara O’Neill, an AFCPE member and Past President of AFCPE, has made a restricted donation to AFCPE in honor of her late mother, Mary O’Neill, a financially capable woman. The donation will support an annual $5,000 mini-grant for development and implementation of an innovative, high-impact financial educational nonprofit project. 

Winner is notified by October 1 and announced at AFCPE Symposium.

Community Foundation of Randolph County

Our mission is to bring people and resources together to strengthen the quality of life, both now and in the future, for the residents of Randolph County.

The Community Foundation’s work falls into three major categories: grant-making, donor service, and community convening. Our most visible activities are the grants and scholarships we award each year. Most of these awards come from income earned from permanently endowed funds. Scholarships and other grants come from funds that donors have established for specific purposes.

East Central Ag Crop Insurance Agency Scholarship Fund

Wanting to give back to the community of Randolph County, the owners of East Central Ag Crop Insurance Agency felt there was a need to create a scholarship solely for those students who are pursuing higher education in agriculture, whose ultimate goal is an agricultural-based career. It is awarded to a Randolph County senior pursuing education in the field of agriculture with a G.P.A. of 2.7 or higher.

The Middle School Music Grant, offered by the Peter R Marsh Foundation, aims to enrich the musical education of public middle school music teachers across the U.S. By facilitating performances at senior facilities, the grant fosters emotional connections between students and seniors, while providing essential classroom equipment. Funds cover music supplies, instruments, and transportation, ensuring students have the resources to thrive musically and socially. This initiative not only enhances music education but also promotes community engagement and empathy.