Best Large Grants for Nonprofit Organizations in Tennessee

The Aaaron Ardoin Foundation offers Research and Education Grants aimed at supporting organizations that address the needs of individuals and families affected by sickle cell disease. With a focus on funding programs that advance awareness, treatment, and care, the foundation reviews grant requests biannually. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations dedicated to initiatives directly benefiting the sickle cell community, ensuring that funds are utilized efficiently and effectively.

About the Foundation

Kern Community Foundation is a vibrant nonprofit enterprise with a powerfully simple mission of growing community and growing philanthropy.

Scholarships

Kern Community Foundation manages more than two dozen scholarship funds. Community stakeholders have created these scholarships to honor their loved ones, to support higher education, and to foster the improvement of students as they pursue their diverse ambitions. Students have access to all our scholarship resources through one simple application.

The Caratan Family Scholarship Fund

The Caratan Family Scholarship Fund was established in 2018. The permanently endowed scholarship fund provides academic support to graduates of Kern County high schools who wish to study STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics).

The Youth Programming Grant, offered by the Native American Agriculture Fund (NAAF), aims to support Native American farmers and ranchers through various projects. This grant focuses on providing essential business assistance, agricultural education, and advocacy services. By funding diverse initiatives, the NAAF seeks to promote the ongoing involvement of Native communities in agriculture, ensuring their sustainable growth and development within the sector.

About the Foundation

Kern Community Foundation is a vibrant nonprofit enterprise with a powerfully simple mission of growing community and growing philanthropy.

Scholarships

Kern Community Foundation manages more than two dozen scholarship funds. Community stakeholders have created these scholarships to honor their loved ones, to support higher education, and to foster the improvement of students as they pursue their diverse ambitions. Students have access to all our scholarship resources through one simple application.

David Moore Agricultural Scholarship Fund

Established in 2005, the David Moore Agricultural Scholarship Fund (“Fund”), in memory of David Moore, is a permanently endowed scholarship fund. The Fund provides academic support to graduates of Kern County high schools who wish to pursue a career in agriculture. 

The Fund provides financial assistance to students who are U.S. citizens, and graduates of a Kern County high school who demonstrate motivation, perseverance, and a sincere desire to pursue a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, and who wish to pursue a career in agriculture. Students are required to have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 at the time of application

Dissertation Grants

With support from the National Science Foundation, the American Educational Research Association (AERA) Grants Program seeks proposals for Dissertation Grants. The AERA Grants Program provides advanced graduate students with research funding and professional development and training. The program supports highly competitive dissertation research using rigorous quantitative methods to examine large-scale, education-related data. The aim of the program is to advance fundamental knowledge of relevance to STEM education policy, foster significant science using education data, promote equity in STEM, and build research capacity in education and learning. Since 1991, this AERA Program has been vital to both research and training at early career stages.

The Grants Program encourages the use of major data sets from multiple and diverse sources. It emphasizes the advanced statistical analysis of data sets from the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the National Science Foundation (NSF), and other federal agencies. The program also supports studies using large-scale international data systems (e.g., PISA, PIRLS, or TIMMS) that benefit from U.S. federal government support. In addition, statewide longitudinal administrative data systems (SLDS) enhanced through federal grants are also eligible for consideration. The inclusion of federal or state administrative information that further expands the analytic capacity of the research is permissible. The thrust of the analysis needs to be generalizable to a national, state, or population or a subgroup within the sample that the dataset represents.

The Grants Program is open to field-initiated research and welcomes proposals that:

• develop or benefit from advanced statistical or innovative quantitative methods or measures;
• analyze more than one large-scale national or international federally funded data set, or more than one statewide longitudinal data system (SLDS) or incorporate other data enhancements;
• integrate, link, or blend multiple large-scale data sources; or
• undertake replication research of major findings or major studies using large-scale, federally supported or enhanced data.

The Grants Program encourages proposals across the life span and contexts of education and learning of relevance to STEM policy and practice. The research may focus on a wide range of topics, including but not limited to such issues as student achievement in STEM, analysis of STEM education policies, contextual factors in education, educational participation and persistence (pre-kindergarten through graduate school), early childhood education and development, postsecondary education, and the STEM workforce and transitions. Studies that examine issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion across STEM topics and/or for specific racial and ethnic groups, social classes, genders, or persons with disabilities are encouraged.

Award

• Award Component 1 - $27,500 Stipend
• Award Component 2 - AERA Research and Training Conference
• Award Component 3- AERA Annual Meeting Capstone Research Institute

The budget must include funds to attend the AERA Annual Meeting. The funds can be used for research-related expenses such as tuition, living expenses, travel to secure data enclaves or scholarly conferences, books, computer equipment, and other expenses directly related to conducting this research. AERA encourages cost sharing from universities in the form of tuition assistance, office space, university fees, and other expenses.

Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation

Founded in 1984, we are a 501(c)(3) public charity. Today, we manage more than 1,000 charitable funds, serving as the trusted stewards for more than $390 million in assets.

Our Community Investment team works with local nonprofits, schools and community leaders to identify gaps, assess critical needs and explore opportunities and possibilities. Our Philanthropy team works with individuals, families, advisors, businesses, and nonprofits, offering deep and broad experience and expertise in philanthropic strategy, charitable and organizational endowments, and legacy planning.

Scholarship Opportunities

The Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation manages one of the state's largest scholarship programs, awarding more than $500,000 in scholarships to local students each year. If you’re interested in pursuing higher education, it's likely we have a scholarship that can help you achieve your dream.

Verne and Ardith Forbes Scholarship

Awarded to a graduating senior of any high school program in Dell Rapids, SD, or a graduating senior from a public high school program in Huron, SD. This award is renewable for one additional year if requirements are met and if funds are available.

The Gerald Kahan Scholar's Prize, awarded by the American Society for Theatre Research, honors the best essay published in English in a refereed scholarly journal or edited collection within the field of theater research. Eligible authors must be untenured and within seven years of their doctorate or enrolled in a doctoral program. The prize includes a $500 honorarium and complimentary registration for the ASTR annual meeting, acknowledging the editor's contribution to scholarship.

The Women’s Shelters Grant, provided by the AKC Humane Fund, offers financial assistance to domestic abuse shelters that accommodate pets. This grant aims to empower shelters to break the cycle of domestic violence by allowing women to keep their beloved pets during difficult times. By supporting organizations that facilitate this, the AKC Humane Fund fosters a community where both women and animals can find safety and solace together.

The ASTR Teacher-Researchers Grant supports faculty with heavy teaching loads and limited research resources in theatre studies. This grant fosters scholarly exchange by providing an honorarium of up to $1000, complimentary conference registration, and a one-year ASTR membership. Applications are evaluated based on project feasibility and significance, with additional consideration for those facing institutional research support challenges. This initiative aims to enhance diversity and facilitate meaningful contributions to the field.

Kiwanis Club of North Modesto

We are a service club of men and women whose primary goal is to help children and young people around the world, starting in Modesto, CA.

Scholarships

The members of the Kiwanis Club of North Modesto (founded in 1966) and the Kiwanis Club of Modesto (founded in 1923) are joining forces to award $2,000 scholarships to as many as 32 students for the 2026-27 academic year. Each year, members of these two clubs perform countless hours of community service through fundraisers, then donate these funds back to nonprofits and young people in our community. It is the hope of the two clubs that scholarship recipients in their adult life will give back to their communities as members of a community service club.

Goals

• To encourage public or private high school graduates (within the boundaries of the Modesto High School District) to pursue education goals, preferably at a California community college, four-year college or university or at a technical/vocational school.

• To recognize academic achievement and to invest in the future of young scholars. 
• To recognize young scholars who have demonstrated a commitment to volunteerism and community service

The Fred Jones Family Foundation Grant supports 501(c)(3) organizations in central Oklahoma, focusing on education, arts, and beautification projects. The foundation meets every 90 days to evaluate new donation requests. Eligible applicants must adhere to specific guidelines, including submitting a Board of Directors list with at least six members. The foundation prioritizes projects that enhance the quality of life and foster cultural growth in the region.

The Robert Lehman Foundation Grant supports visual arts initiatives, including exhibitions, art education programs, scholarly publications, and lectureships. It aims to enhance the role of visual arts in culture, particularly for underserved communities lacking access to art education. The Foundation also funds capital projects that advance cultural programming and broaden audience engagement. By promoting these endeavors, the Foundation seeks to improve lives through artistic access and education.

The Centers of Excellence Program, funded by the US HHS: HRSA, aims to improve health professions education for under-represented minority individuals. It provides grants to health schools and organizations to enhance academic performance, expand clinical education, and strengthen faculty recruitment. This initiative promotes strategic partnerships to develop a competitive applicant pool and supports research on health issues affecting minority groups, ensuring better health outcomes and career opportunities in the health professions.

The Republic Services Community Grant Program supports local nonprofit organizations focused on neighborhood revitalization, safety, disaster relief, and social services. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations can apply once annually through an online application process. The program emphasizes a non-discrimination policy, ensuring services are provided without bias. However, funding is not available for individuals, government entities, schools, or religious organizations. This initiative reflects Republic Services' commitment to community engagement and support.

The National Mesothelioma Virtual Bank (NMVB) aims to enhance biomedical research on malignant mesothelioma by expanding its collection of biospecimens, including tumor tissues and blood samples, alongside demographic and clinical data. Established in 2006, the NMVB serves as a crucial resource for researchers, providing access to a diverse library of samples and data, which can help identify disease markers and develop improved treatment options. This initiative is essential for advancing the understanding and treatment of mesothelioma.

Dave Dupont Memorial Scholarship

The family remembers Dave as a very kind hearted, loving husband, father, and friend. He and his wife Sandi were married 35 years, and had 2 children Kyle and Danielle DuPont.

Dave loved to give back to his community, and attend as many fundraisers as he could. Dave would be proud to be able to give back to the kids in his community.

The ASTR Theater and Performance Art Studies Research Fellowships provide funding for scholars conducting significant research in theatre and performance studies. With awards up to $3000, these fellowships support academic projects, allowing recipients to cover various research expenses. Eligible applicants include anyone holding a terminal degree and a member of ASTR, with the selection based on project merit. However, applicants cannot seek a Targeted Research Area Grant for the same project in the same year.

The Jim Henson Foundation offers annual grants for innovative contemporary puppet theater works, with three categories: Workshop Grants ($3,000), Production Grants ($7,000), and Family Grants ($4,000). These grants support puppet creation and performance, encouraging artistic excellence. Eligibility is primarily for IRS tax-exempt organizations, with individual artists needing a fiscal sponsor. International collaborations are welcome if the primary artist is a U.S. citizen. Grants are not available for projects based outside the U.S. or for non-puppet related activities.

Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation

The Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation began in 1992 when a group of community champions came together around a vision to give back to our region then, now, and forever.

This vision lives on within our organization today as we support the people and places of Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians.

Together with our partners, we spark positive change for a variety of local causes, including youth, arts and culture, education, environment, and health and human services, across our region.

Community Partner Scholarships

In addition to Community Foundation scholarships, college-going and college-bound students may be eligible for scholarship opportunities available across the region from our community partners.

Kurt Gamelin STEM Scholarship

Community Partner: Cone Drive, Traverse City, Michigan

The Kurt Gamelin STEM Scholarship celebrates the vision and dedication of our recently retired President, Kurt Gamelin. Throughout his career, Kurt championed STEM education and believed strongly in investing in the next generation of problem solvers and innovators. At Cone Drive, STEM is at the core of what we do every day, driving the engineering, innovation, and precision manufacturing that have defined our company for over 100 years.

Each year, one student will receive a $5,000 scholarship to pursue a college degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics, continuing Kurt’s commitment to opportunity, growth, and excellence.

Maryetta’s Mission Scholarship

Established by Maryetta's Mission at the First Church of God of Eldred, PA, this scholarship is awarded to students who are entering or currently in a post-secondary program for Christian-based ministerial studies including majors or fields of study such as theology, music liturgy, youth development, Christian administration, etc.

The Petco Foundation offers disaster relief support for animal welfare organizations affected by disasters. Eligible applicants include authorized members of IRS-designated 501c3 nonprofits, government agency representatives with operational insight, and invited for-profit entities focused on animal welfare. However, the foundation does not fund individuals, organizations outside the U.S., or those whose primary mission does not relate to animal welfare. This initiative aims to provide critical assistance during times of crisis.

KBF Ski Racing Safety

The KBF helps alpine ski clubs around the country purchase safety equipment like netting and padding, and also contributes to venue improvement initiatives. Funding requests are reviewed through an annual grant cycle with an application process. Over the past decade, the Kelly Brush Foundation has purchased thousands of rolls of b-netting, supported trail widening projects, and helped with the purchase of other safety equipment. 

KBF Ski Racing Safety Equipment Grants are all matching grants–meaning that any grant awarded by the Kelly Brush Foundation will need to be matched by the ski club. We expect that clubs will join us in making safety a priority by fundraising or finding room in their budget for safety.

The Rauschenberg Medical Emergency Grants, administered by the New York Foundation for the Arts, provide one-time funding up to $5,000 for artists facing unexpected medical emergencies. This program aims to alleviate financial burdens caused by medical costs, ensuring that artists can receive necessary care without delay. Eligible applicants must be practicing artists in visual arts, film, or choreography, and demonstrate financial need. This initiative supports artists of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those outside major coastal cities.

The Shubert Foundation is the largest funder in the U.S. providing unrestricted grants to not-for-profit theatres and dance companies. It focuses on supporting professional dance organizations that demonstrate artistic activity, community service, and fiscal responsibility. The foundation emphasizes equity, diversity, and inclusion in its grant-making process, with a commitment to evaluating organizations based on their impact and contributions to the field. Funding is limited to U.S. organizations with established track records.

Big 30 Athletic Fund

This scholarship is for four graduating high school seniors from Big 30 participant schools. One award overall from any Big 30 school, one for a student from Cattaraugus County, one for a student from Allegany County, and one for a student from Pennsylvania. Students must have participated in at least two sports for all four years of high school. Emphasis will be placed on involvement in sports, but academic achievement will also be considered. Financial need may be considered.

The Family Medicine Cares USA Free Health Clinics Grants support new and existing clinics in the U.S. that provide care to the uninsured. With applications accepted annually from March 15 to July 15, these grants assist clinics in purchasing essential medical equipment. The initiative aims to address the needs of over 50 million uninsured individuals, ensuring access to primary care and promoting volunteerism among AAFP members and medical students. Grants of up to $10,000 are available to eligible clinics.

Carroll Swanson Memorial Scholarship for the Performing Arts

This fund was established to provide a scholarship for a student at the following schools: Allegany-Limestone, Olean and Portville who has participated in a school music program (band or choral).