Best Preservation Grants in Tennessee

The Area Development Grant Program, managed by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), supports economic growth in Appalachia through investments in critical infrastructure and workforce development. Targeting 423 counties across 13 states, the program encourages local communities to collaborate with state governments to identify and implement impactful projects. Key focus areas include enhancing utilities, promoting entrepreneurship, and strengthening local leadership. This initiative aims to uplift the 26 million residents of Appalachia, fostering sustainable economic opportunities.

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.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

The OSI Southern Cumberland Land Protection Fund aims to protect vital forest habitats in Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama, focusing on areas crucial for biodiversity and climate change adaptation. Launched in 2012, this fund has already safeguarded over 30,000 acres through grants, enhancing wildlife habitats and expanding recreational access. By supporting high-priority projects, it plays a significant role in conserving the rich ecological landscapes of the Southern Cumberland Plateau, ensuring the long-term viability of unique species.

The Republic Bank Grants program supports non-profit organizations in Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee, and Florida that enhance community welfare through various initiatives such as education, healthcare, and civic projects. By providing financial and in-kind donations, Republic Bank aims to strengthen community ties and foster impactful change. Eligible organizations must have IRS 501(c) status and submit grant requests in writing at least two months in advance, ensuring timely support for their initiatives.

The Southern Partners Fund's Discretionary Fund Grant aims to support grassroots community organizing for social, economic, and environmental justice in the Southeastern United States. It provides financial resources and technical assistance to rural organizations and leaders focused on transformative change. Eligible applicants include self-governed rural groups engaging in advocacy and community development. The fund prioritizes education reform, immigration rights, and voter engagement, allowing up to two requests per year, with a maximum award of $3,500.

The John Deere FIRST Robotics Competition grant aims to enhance diversity and inclusion in STEM by supporting teams in underserved communities. Teams must apply for funding before registration and meet specific eligibility criteria. This grant promotes equity in engineering and technology through mentorship and community support, aligning with John Deere's commitment to reach one million underserved youth by 2030. Priority is given to teams with confirmed John Deere mentors and those meeting diverse participation requirements.

The John Deere FIRST LEGO League Discover program aims to support equity, diversity, and inclusion in STEM fields by providing grants to teams that meet specific eligibility criteria. Teams must be associated with an educational institution or nonprofit and demonstrate a commitment to recruiting underserved and underrepresented students. The initiative is part of John Deere’s goal to empower one million youth by 2030, fostering innovation and better decision-making in local communities.

The JDF: FIRST LEGO League Explore Grant Program, supported by the John Deere Foundation, aims to enhance participation in STEM for underserved youth. Teams must apply for the grant before registration and ensure compliance with eligibility criteria, including training requirements. This initiative is part of John Deere's commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in technology and engineering fields, ultimately seeking to impact one million youth by 2030.

The Rural Arts Facilities Fund, established by the Tennessee Arts Commission, aims to support rural communities in enhancing their arts and cultural facilities. Grants of up to $200,000 are available for projects that benefit local arts programming, foster community identity, and promote economic growth. Eligible applicants include local governments and nonprofit organizations in rural Tennessee. By investing in these facilities, the program seeks to improve access to arts experiences, create jobs, and stimulate tourism in underserved areas.

The Tucker Foundation Grant Program aims to support nonprofit organizations that foster character development in youth and conserve the environment. The foundation focuses on education, environmental conservation, arts, and social improvement, primarily in Tennessee and Wyoming. Eligible organizations must have IRS 501(c)(3) status, while ineligible activities include political lobbying, purely religious efforts, and requests benefiting individuals. The foundation seeks to empower communities through meaningful projects.

The Tennessee Housing Trust Fund Competitive Grants support the development and preservation of rental housing for low- and very-low income households, including the elderly and special needs populations. Eligible projects can receive funding between $100,000 and $600,000, focusing on those with incomes at or below 80% of the area median income. Priority is given to projects in rural areas and those serving the most vulnerable populations, ensuring access to safe and affordable housing.

The Battlefield Preservation Fund Grant aims to support initiatives that preserve battlefields and related historic sites. This funding encourages planning and educational efforts, particularly those that engage new audiences in preservation activities. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofits in specified states. Grants can be used for staff support, consultant fees, and educational materials. Applicants must provide a one-to-one match for funding, ensuring strong community involvement in preservation efforts.

Tennessee Housing Development Agency

Since 1973, Tennessee Housing Development Agency (“THDA”)  has been at the forefront of creating housing opportunities in Tennessee. Our purpose: Promote the production of more affordable new housing units for very low-, low-, and moderate-income individuals and families in Tennessee; Promote the preservation and rehabilitation of existing housing units for very low-, low-, and moderate-income individuals and families; Bring greater stability to the residential construction industry and related industries so as to assure a steady flow of production of new housing units.

The THDA administers the federally funded HOME Investment Partnership Program (“HOME”) to promote the production, preservation, and rehabilitation of single-family housing for low-income households. The purpose of this Program Description is to explain the requirements and the application process of THDA’s HOME Homeowner Rehabilitation Program. 

HOME Homeowner Rehabilitation

HOME funds are awarded under this Program Description through a competitive application process open to cities, counties, and non-profit organizations that are located outside of local participating jurisdictions. Local participating jurisdictions (“Local PJs”) are those local governments that also receive HOME funds directly from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”). The Local PJs in Tennessee are Chattanooga, Clarksville, Jackson, Knoxville, Memphis, Murfreesboro, Nashville-Davidson County, Knox County, Shelby County, and the Northeast Tennessee/Virginia Consortium (the cities of Bristol, Kingsport, Johnson City, Bluff City, Sullivan County, and Washington County, excluding the Town of Jonesborough). Non-profit organizations located in a Local PJ may apply for projects located outside of a Local PJ. An applicant must apply for at least $250,000 and may apply for a maximum HOME grant of $750,000 for funding under this Program Description. 

Impact100 Nashville's Spark Grant Category seeks to empower non-profit organizations addressing critical issues in Middle Tennessee, such as homelessness and poverty. By offering $35,000 grants, the program aims to fund innovative, self-sustaining projects that create lasting social change. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a sustainable plan and a track record of financial stability. This initiative encourages philanthropic collaboration among women to drive community transformation and elevate under-served populations.

About Us

50 years of affordable housing innovation

Since 1973, THDA has been at the forefront of creating housing opportunities in Tennessee.

Our purpose

• Promote the production of more affordable new housing units for very low-, low-, and moderate-income individuals and families in Tennessee.
• Promote the preservation and rehabilitation of existing housing units for very low-, low-, and moderate-income individuals and families.
• Bring greater stability to the residential construction industry and related industries so as to assure a steady flow of production of new housing units.

Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Program

About the Emergency Solutions Grant Program (ESG)

THDA administers the federally funded Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) Program on behalf of the State of Tennessee to fund the provision of services necessary to help persons who are experiencing homelessness or at-risk of homelessness to quickly regain stability in permanent housing.

State Board Programming Regrants (SBPG)

The Tennessee Historical Records Advisory Board (THRAB) is pleased to provide a grant opportunity for improving the preservation of and access to Tennessee’s historical records, educate and train records custodians, and support archival program development and enhancement.

The grants will be available up to $5,000 per institution and are available to any government entity or not-for-profit organization that holds permanent, historically valuable archival collections. There is no match requirement,

Grant funds are available for the following:

Technology

• This category provides funding for hardware, software, peripherals, and other technology items used to create online digital collections.
• Items requested may not exceed $5,000.

Training

• This category provides funding for registration costs for webinars or workshops related to conservation, digitization, and digital project planning for archivists and museum personnel.

Contracted Services

• This category provides funding to hire a vendor or independent contractor for the purpose of digitization or conservation services.
• You must include a quote for these services from a specific vendor as part of your application.

Contract/Part-Time Archivist

• This category provides funding to hire a contract or part-time archivist for the duration of the grant period to scan documents and create corresponding metadata.
• This person cannot already be employed by or paid by your organization. This cannot be supplemental to an existing salary or hourly employee.

Supplies

• This category provides funding for archival shelving units, acid-free, lignin-free folders and boxes, and other necessary archival supplies or environmental monitoring devices.

Tennessee Housing Development Agency

Since 1973, Tennessee Housing Development Agency (“THDA”)  has been at the forefront of creating housing opportunities in Tennessee. Our purpose: Promote the production of more affordable new housing units for very low-, low-, and moderate-income individuals and families in Tennessee; Promote the preservation and rehabilitation of existing housing units for very low-, low-, and moderate-income individuals and families; Bring greater stability to the residential construction industry and related industries so as to assure a steady flow of production of new housing units.

The THDA administers the federally funded HOME Investment Partnership Program (“HOME”) to promote the production, preservation, and rehabilitation of single-family housing for low-income households. The purpose of this Program Description is to explain the requirements and the application process of THDA’s HOME Homeowner Rehabilitation Program. 

HOME Homeownership Development

THDA will make HOME funds available to non-profit organizations that meet the designation of a Community Housing Development Organization (“CHDO”) through a competitive application process. An applicant must apply for a HOME grant of at least $250,000 for program costs, but may apply for a maximum HOME grant of $1,000,000 for program costs and may also apply for operating assistance up to an amount equal to 7% of program costs.

Eligible housing activities under this program description include Homeownership Programs: THDA expects that the Grant Recipients will not only shepherd the homebuyer through the home buying process, but also work toward fostering an on-going relationship with the homebuyer. This responsibility includes facilitating additional homeowner counseling, verifying homeowner occupancy requirements on an annual basis, and monitoring mortgage loan default issues. 

Tennessee Housing Development Agency

Since 1973, Tennessee Housing Development Agency (“THDA”)  has been at the forefront of creating housing opportunities in Tennessee. Our purpose: Promote the production of more affordable new housing units for very low-, low-, and moderate-income individuals and families in Tennessee; Promote the preservation and rehabilitation of existing housing units for very low-, low-, and moderate-income individuals and families; Bring greater stability to the residential construction industry and related industries so as to assure a steady flow of production of new housing units.

The THDA administers the federally funded HOME Investment Partnership Program (“HOME”) to promote the production, preservation, and rehabilitation of single-family housing for low-income households. The purpose of this Program Description is to explain the requirements and the application process of THDA’s HOME Homeowner Rehabilitation Program. 

HOME Rental Housing Development

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: being developed in urban areas, as defined in Section 6 of this document, may not consist of more than 11 units of housing total. The funding may be combined with other resources, except Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (“LIHTC”); being developed in rural areas, as defined in Section 7 of this document, must not have more than 11 HOME-Funded units, but the total number of units in the project is not limited. The funding may be combined with other resources, including LIHTC. 

The Affordable Housing Trust Fund Grant supports low-income housing initiatives in Knoxville, providing funding for new construction, major rehabs, and various assistance programs. Eligible applicants include nonprofits and governmental entities committed to non-discriminatory practices. Assistance may be awarded as secured loans, forgivable loans, or grants, with a focus on enhancing housing opportunities for both owner-occupied and rental housing. The grant aims to promote stability and education in housing for very low-income households.

The Tennessee Appalachian Regional Commission Funding supports economic development projects in middle and east Tennessee. Grants can reach up to $1,000,000 for construction and $500,000 for non-construction projects. Priorities include water and wastewater services to industries, basic services in rural areas, and unique community opportunities. This funding aims to enhance the quality of life and foster self-sustaining development in the Appalachian region.

The Best Life Community Awards, funded by Altra Foundation Inc, invites nominations for nonprofit organizations that have made a significant impact in their communities. Altra members can nominate eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits they support with their time, talents, or financial contributions. The selected nonprofit will receive a $10,000 grant, aimed at fostering initiatives in education, health, and community services across specific counties in the U.S. Nominate today to help recognize outstanding contributions!

Mission

The mission of the Tennessee State Museum is to procure, preserve, exhibit, and interpret objects which relate to the social, political, economic, and cultural history of Tennessee and Tennesseans, and to provide access to educational and cultural programs and exhibitions for the people of the state.

Capital Maintenance and Improvements Grants

For the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, the Tennessee General Assembly included a direct appropriation in the amount of $5 million to the Tennessee State Museum “for the sole purpose of providing grants to museums with a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization or affiliated with a governmental entity for capital maintenance and improvements” (Section 61, Item 21 of the 2026-2027 Appropriations Act). This grant will be facilitated by the State Museum and is open to museums located in Tennessee.

This appropriation is separate from any other funding provided by the State of Tennessee to a museum and must be used for the capital maintenance and improvements as described in the grant application.

Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development

The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) is the state agency that helps businesses large and small succeed in Tennessee. We recruit new businesses to the state, support the growth of existing businesses and market the state as a premier business destination.

In pursuit of sustainable job-creation and investment in Tennessee, TNECD works closely with public- and private-sector partners at the state, regional and local levels.

Tourism Enhancement Grant

Tourism is one of the largest industries and most important economic drivers in Tennessee. The purpose of this grant is to support Tourism Development projects by eligible grantees to allow for the creation or expansion of physical attractions, facilities, or events that are available and open to the public, that improve the appeal of the destinations to tourists, and that enhance tourist experiences that are primarily promoted to or used by tourists.

• Extra consideration will be given to innovative, cost-effective projects with robust partnerships. Projects must be completed within an approximate 12 -18-month timeframe. Additional requirements may apply for specific projects, depending on their nature. 

• Project must be completed on applicant-owned property, or property leased by the applicant from TVA or the US Army Corps of Engineers that has a remaining term of at least the useful life of the project.

• A few examples of projects funded previously include: stage and boat ramp improvements, seating, electrical, lighting and sound system upgrades for tourism venues and attractions, wayfinding signage to direct visitors to tourism attractions, enhancements to sports facilities that host large travel tournaments.

• You can propose multiple projects in multiple parts of the county as long as you do not request more than the maximum permitted grant amount.

• Match amount for a county is determined by tier level designation at the time of application submission. Please see the TN Jobs Tax Credit map for your designation. Tier 1: 50/50 match; Tier 2: 70/30 match; Tier 3: 90/10 match; Tier 4: 95/05 match .

Examples of Eligible Projects

• Stages such as music, theatre, etc. if used for tourism events
• Lighting/electrical for tourism-related public spaces
• Boat ramps with public access
• Historic preservation of tourism property or facility
• ADA compliancy resources for tourism assets
• Wayfinding signage (with proper approval from TDOT as needed) 

The Stream and Wetland Restoration Grant, provided by the Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation, aims to restore natural resources impacted by violations of the Tennessee Water Quality Control Act. Eligible applicants include nonprofit corporations, state and federal agencies, and municipalities. Projects must contribute to strategic investment areas, comply with regulatory requirements, and demonstrate their capacity to manage funds effectively. Leveraging additional resources is essential, with a minimum of 20% required from other sources.

The John Deere FIRST LEGO League Challenge aims to enhance equity, diversity, and inclusion in STEM by supporting teams from underserved communities. Eligible teams must have a John Deere mentor and meet specific criteria related to student demographics. Grants will be awarded to teams that demonstrate commitment to community engagement and volunteerism. This initiative aligns with John Deere’s goal to reach one million underserved youth by 2030, fostering innovation and creativity in future generations.

The In These Mountains: Infrastructure Grants, offered by South Arts, aim to preserve and promote the folk arts and traditional culture of Central Appalachia. This initiative supports non-profit organizations in Kentucky, North Carolina, and Tennessee, focusing on enhancing the resources necessary for sustaining and advancing traditional arts. Grants of up to $30,000 are available to address non-programming expenses, ensuring the continuity of cultural practices while prioritizing inclusivity and accessibility.