Best Private Grants for Nonprofits in Tennessee

The Auto Club Group Foundation focuses on creating a positive impact through grants that enhance traffic safety, driver education, and financial literacy across 14 U.S. states and two territories. With a mission rooted in community service, the foundation supports nonprofit organizations and government entities that align with its goals. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $15,000, addressing crucial areas such as traffic safety initiatives, financial literacy for K-12 students, and equitable access to driver education programs.

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

The Memorial Foundation, established in 1994, aims to enhance community quality of life by supporting nonprofit organizations in areas such as health care, social services, and education. With a focus on data-driven, trauma-informed initiatives, the Foundation funds projects that address critical needs and promote lasting impact. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt and demonstrate community support. Grants are not available for individuals or certain specific projects, ensuring resources are allocated effectively for community enhancement.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

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 PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

South Arts, Inc. offers Professional Development Grants for Arts Organizations to enhance the skills and knowledge of Southern arts entities. These grants aim to support operational stability and growth, focusing on organizations with budgets of $500,000 or less. Eligible applicants include a range of arts organizations within South Arts' nine-state service area. The program emphasizes first-time opportunities and requires a dollar-for-dollar cash match, ensuring a commitment to professional development in the arts.

South Arts, Inc. offers Literary Arts Grants to support Southern independent publishers and small presses with funding up to $5,000. These grants aim to amplify contemporary literary arts and foster community engagement through projects like reading series and festivals. Eligible applicants must be based in the South Arts Region and demonstrate a commitment to advancing literary traditions. This initiative enhances access to the arts and promotes cultural vitality across the Southern states.

South Arts Inc. is offering Literary Arts Grants to support writers, independent publishers, and literary organizations focusing on contemporary literature in the Southern U.S. Grants of up to $5,000 will fund projects in poetry, fiction, and other genres. Eligible applicants must be full-time residents of the South Arts region. The initiative aims to amplify the literary traditions of the American South, fostering creativity and community engagement through diverse literary projects.

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 Resilient and Connected Appalachians Grant Program, offered by The Nature Conservancy, provides up to $100,000 for projects that acquire land and easements throughout the Appalachian region. This program emphasizes equitable conservation, aiming to support historically marginalized communities and enhance access to nature while addressing climate change impacts. Projects must demonstrate community engagement and align with the program's goals to protect vital habitats and foster resilience in the face of environmental challenges.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

The LP Community Grant, funded by the Louisiana Pacific Foundation, supports local nonprofits and public schools in North America. Ranging from $10,000 to $20,000, grants are determined by community needs and team member requests. Established in 1973, the LP Foundation has contributed over $22 million to enhance education, environmental efforts, and community development. The Board of Trustees oversees the grant process, emphasizing diversity and inclusion in the supported initiatives. For more details on applications, visit their official page.

The Community Ties Giving Program by Union Pacific Foundation offers local grants aimed at enhancing community well-being through diverse funding priorities. These include safety initiatives, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability. The program emphasizes supporting organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to create impactful projects that resonate with Union Pacific's heritage and mission. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations serving Union Pacific communities and demonstrate a clear need and capacity to deliver effective programming.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

The Rural Business Development Grants in Tennessee aim to support small rural businesses by providing essential technical assistance and training. With no maximum grant amount, priority is given to smaller requests, which can be used for various projects like training, land development, and community economic development. Eligible applicants include rural public entities and nonprofits, focusing on enhancing economic opportunities in rural areas. This program helps foster growth and sustainability for small businesses, benefiting the local economy.

The Arts Build Communities (ABC) Grant, in collaboration with the Tennessee Arts Commission, supports projects that enhance access to arts experiences and improve community quality of life in West Tennessee counties. Eligible organizations include nonprofits and government entities. This grant offers a valuable opportunity for new applicants to engage with community-focused arts initiatives, fostering cultural sustainability and artistic outreach within the designated counties.

Arts Build Communities

We are proud to partner with the Tennessee Arts Commission (TAC) to fund projects that broaden access to arts experiences, address community quality of life issues through the arts, or enhance the sustainability of asset-based cultural enterprises in West Tennessee counties: Fayette, Lauderdale, Shelby, and Tipton.

Overall, 12 designated agencies administer the Arts Build Communities (ABC) program on behalf of TAC in all 95 counties of the state. If your organization is new to ARTSmemphis grant applications, this grant is a great way to get started.

The TAC Arts Build Communities' Grant provides essential funding for arts projects that enhance community engagement and address local issues in Tennessee. This program supports innovative arts experiences, strengthens social networks, and promotes cultural initiatives that contribute to community identity and economic development. Eligible organizations include non-profits and government entities, and projects must be accessible to the public. This grant encourages creativity and collaboration among artists and communities across the state.

Tennessee Office of Homeland Security

The Tennessee Office of Homeland Security (TOHS) has primary responsibility and authority for directing statewide activities pertaining to the prevention of and protection from terrorist related events. This responsibility includes the development and implementation of a comprehensive and coordinated strategy to secure the state from terrorist threats and attacks. Further, TOHS serves as a liaison between federal, state and local agencies, as well as the private sector, on matters relating to the security of our state and citizens.

Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP)

The NSGP provides funding support to nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of terrorist attack and integrate nonprofit preparedness activities with broader state and local preparedness efforts. Additionally, the program is designed to promote coordination and collaboration in emergency preparedness activities among public and private community representatives, state and local government agencies, and Citizen Corps Councils.

Executive Summary

The NSGP improves and increases the physical/cybersecurity and facility/target hardening of nonprofit organizations’ facilities at risk of a terrorist of other extremist attack, ultimately safeguarding the lives and property of the American people.

There are two funding sources appropriated for nonprofit organizations: NSGP - Urban Area (NSGP-UA); and NSGP - State (NSGP-S)

NSGP - State (NSGP-S)

NSGP-S funds nonprofit organizations located outside of a Designated highrisk urban area. Under NSGP-S, each state will receive an allocation for nonprofit organizations in the state located outside of Designated high-risk urban areas.

Tennessee Office of Homeland Security

The Tennessee Office of Homeland Security (TOHS) has primary responsibility and authority for directing statewide activities pertaining to the prevention of and protection from terrorist related events. This responsibility includes the development and implementation of a comprehensive and coordinated strategy to secure the state from terrorist threats and attacks. Further, TOHS serves as a liaison between federal, state and local agencies, as well as the private sector, on matters relating to the security of our state and citizens.

Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP)

The NSGP provides funding support to nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of terrorist attack and integrate nonprofit preparedness activities with broader state and local preparedness efforts. Additionally, the program is designed to promote coordination and collaboration in emergency preparedness activities among public and private community representatives, state and local government agencies, and Citizen Corps Councils.

Executive Summary

The NSGP improves and increases the physical/cybersecurity and facility/target hardening of nonprofit organizations’ facilities at risk of a terrorist of other extremist attack, ultimately safeguarding the lives and property of the American people.

There are two funding sources appropriated for nonprofit organizations: NSGP - Urban Area (NSGP-UA); and NSGP - State (NSGP-S)

NSGP - Urban Area (NSGP-UA)

NSGP-UA funds nonprofit organizations located within designated high-risk urban areas. Under NSGP-UA, each urban area will receive an allocation for nonprofit organizations within the designated high-risk urban areas.

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.

South Arts Inc

Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, South Arts is a nonprofit regional arts organization empowering artists, organizations, and communities, and increasing access to arts and culture.

In partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the State Arts Agencies of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee — with additional funding from other public and private donors such as the Doris Duke Foundation, the Ford Foundation, and Mellon Foundation — South Arts supports artists and organizations through a rich and responsive portfolio of grants, fellowships, and programs. Why? Because South Arts believes that the arts elevate the region, increasing connectedness and inspiring meaningful change in the process.

Our mission: Advancing Southern vitality through the arts.

Arts in Community Grants

Program Description

Arts in Community Grants are designed to support deeper engagements between Southern communities and artists. Through these grants supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, we aim to increase access to the arts, expand audiences for artists, and broaden our reach. Eligible projects require a Southern artist/company visiting another Southern state for public activities, offering access to arts programming by professional artists. Funding supports Southern film directors, traditional artists, visual artists, performing artists, or writers:

• film (documentary, fiction, experimental, and animation),
• traditional arts (music, dance, storytelling, and visual arts/crafts),
• visual arts (crafts, drawing, experimental, painting, photography, sculpture, and mixed media),
• performing arts (theater, music, opera, musical theater, and dance), and
• literary arts (fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry).

Projects require an artist or artist ensemble and a host or partner organization. Project must include at least two in-person or live, virtual public activities – both a public presentation (a film screening, performance, reading, or exhibition) and an educational/community engagement activity (a workshop, demonstration, lecture, facilitated discussion, or master class). The grant requires a dollar-for-dollar cash match.

The Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants in Tennessee provide crucial funding to eligible communities for preparing and recovering from water emergencies. With grants of up to $1,000,000 for water sources and $150,000 for repairs, the program aims to ensure safe drinking water access after disasters like floods or droughts. Open to various applicants, including local governments and nonprofits, this initiative supports rural areas, enhancing both environmental restoration and community resilience.

The Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program in Tennessee provides essential funding for rural areas to enhance their drinking water systems, sewage disposal, and solid waste management. This program is aimed at households and businesses that struggle to secure commercial credit. Eligible applicants include governmental entities, private nonprofits, and federally-recognized tribes. The funding can be utilized for various purposes including construction, legal fees, and equipment acquisition, ensuring improved public health and environmental quality.