Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits in Tennessee

Agricultural producers, forest landowners, Tribes, and water management entities in Tennessee can receive technical and financial assistance to implement conservation practices on working lands. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Tennessee supports projects that improve water and air quality, soil health, wildlife habitat, drought resilience, and on-farm energy and climate-smart practices, which may complement staff training and professional growth efforts.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in the greater Chicago area working in education, human services, conservation, health, or cultural programs can seek McGraw Foundation grants for general operating, projects, or occasional capital needs. Focused on broad community support, this funding may benefit Tennessee nonprofits exploring similar program models or partnerships; typical awards range from US $2,000 - US $10,000.

Graduate students in Tennessee researching drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can receive US $3,000 to support impactful, industry-relevant research. With a mission to invest in future water professionals, American Water Works Association provides this scholarship for actionable projects addressing current challenges in the water industry, which may benefit nonprofit-related professional development paths.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on economic and workforce advancement, safe and affordable housing, or community arts and culture may be eligible for this funding, which can indirectly support staff and organizational growth. US Bancorp Foundation prioritizes organizations led by people of color and serving designated U.S. Bank communities through its Community Possible Grant Program.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) public charities, including eligible volunteer emergency responders and community-based nonprofits, can seek $5,000 - $30,000 for safety, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability projects in Union Pacific–served communities. Union Pacific Foundation supports capacity building, direct services, and DEI-focused initiatives that strengthen local organizations and their staff and volunteers.

Tennessee nonprofits providing homelessness and housing stability services in Tennessee can access funding through Tennessee Housing Development Agency to support Emergency Solutions Grant activities. Awards of US $35,000 - US $125,000 help people experiencing or at risk of homelessness regain stable permanent housing, which may include staff training and capacity-building for agencies delivering these services.

Tennessee nonprofits serving women, children, and families through education, employment readiness, homelessness services, or humanitarian aid can access funding through The Father's Table Foundation to expand or strengthen their programs. Organizations focused on building beneficiaries’ self-sufficiency, with proven records of service and scalable projects, may be especially competitive for awards up to US $750,000.

Undergraduate-focused higher education institutions in Tennessee and other eligible U.S. territories can apply for NIH AREA grants to support small-scale biomedical research and enhance their research environment. Grants from the National Institutes of Health help institutions that award baccalaureate science degrees and have limited prior NIH funding provide hands-on research experiences for undergraduate students. Awards up to US $375,000.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Tennessee can seek funding for education, environmental initiatives, or healthy and vibrant community programs that take place where Cleveland-Cliffs operates. Focused on community impact, Cleveland Cliffs Foundation invites proposals that build skills, restore and protect the environment, or improve health and quality of life for local residents.

NIH provides Tennessee nonprofit and academic medical researchers with professional development funding for mentored clinical research careers through the Fogarty Emerging Global Leader Award. Early-career scientists in eligible low- or middle-income countries can receive approximately US $140,000 for three to five years of protected research time, advancing work in areas like cancer, cardiovascular disease, mental health, and other global health priorities.

Nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status serving Montgomery County, Tennessee, and working in education, health, human services, environment, arts, or community development can be nominated for Altra Foundation’s Best Life Community Awards; awards US $2,500 - US $10,000 for impactful local programs. Nominations must come from Altra Federal Credit Union members who actively support the nonprofit.

About CommonSpirit

A calling that defines and unites

At CommonSpirit Health, we passionately care for the most vulnerable, relentlessly innovate how and where healing can happen and believe in uniting to benefit the common good. Our expansive network spans diverse communities, uniquely positioning us to meet their changing needs, improve population health and help chart the path to health equity.

Our mission, vision and values inform every aspect of our work each day and remind us that we serve our patients, their families, our communities – and each other. Our community health, research and home health programs help us address the primary barriers to healthier communities.

Sponsorship requests

We’re proud to support nonprofits that expand access to care, advance health equity and healthier communities. Learn more about our priorities.

Supporting our communities

CommonSpirit Health and our local facilities support nonprofit organizations that share our mission, vision and values. We give priority to programs that improve access to care and promote health equity and healthier communities.

CommonSpirit is proud to support nonprofit organizations that help improve the health and well-being of our communities. Guided by our mission, vision and values, we prioritize projects that focus on advancing health equity, improving access to care and improving community wellness.

Grants from the National Institutes of Health help Tennessee early-career health researchers in eligible low- or middle-income countries secure approximately US $140,000 for mentored career development. LMIC-based junior faculty in fields like oncology, mental health, cardiovascular or environmental health may be supported for three to five years under LMIC and U.S. mentorship.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Tennessee and other U.S. regions can seek $5,000 - $20,000 for education-focused programs, youth initiatives, arts education, and community services. John Ben Snow Memorial Trust particularly supports new or enhanced programs, short-term bridge funding, matching grants, and final dollars for campaigns, which may include staff training or capacity-building components.

Nonprofits and institutions hosting professional or scientific congresses, events, or initiatives in Tennessee can seek sponsorship funding that offers tangible benefits like exhibits, banners, or marketing opportunities. Biogen Foundation supports programs in areas such as neurology, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, and related diseases; eligibility depends on event details, alignment with focus areas, and location.

Focused on community-serving programs, nonprofits and other eligible 501(c) or 170(c) organizations in Tennessee can benefit from Regions Bank’s employee Matching Gifts Program, which doubles full-time associates’ charitable donations. Organizations working in economic and community development, education and workforce readiness, financial wellness, arts and culture, veterans, or disability services may be eligible.

Tennessee nonprofits and accredited educational institutions can access matching funds for donations supporting community development, education and workforce readiness, financial wellness, arts and culture, veterans, or individuals with disabilities. Regions Bank recent retirees may request up to US $1,000 per year in matching gifts for eligible 501(c) or 170(c) organizations within the Regions footprint.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Tennessee working on regenerative agriculture, climate justice, healthy food access, or environmental health can receive US $5,000 - US $50,000 for general operating support. Clif Family Foundation prioritizes grassroots groups with strong community ties, primarily focused in the U.S., advancing sustainable farming, pollution prevention, and inclusive outdoor access.

Nonprofit organizations in Tennessee counties hosting or near Google data centers can seek funding for STEM education, economic opportunity, digital access, sustainability, health, and arts projects. Focused on community impact, Meta (Facebook)’s Data Center Community Grants typically provide more than US $5,000 for innovative, measurable, and locally integrated initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in the Nashville area seeking major capacity-building, capital, or impact-expansion support may be eligible for this transformational grant. Grants from Joe C Davis Foundation help Tennessee education, healthcare, and community and social service organizations strengthen programs, facilities, and infrastructure, which can include leadership development, workforce training, and other professional growth components.

The William and Helen Thomas Charitable Trust provides funding to nonprofit organizations focused on education, environmental protection, medical research, and support for the underprivileged. This trust, based in Florida, primarily serves communities in Palm Beach, Martin, and St. Lucie Counties, along with select areas in Appalachia. It seeks to assist public charities classified under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, ensuring support for impactful charitable initiatives.

The Soil and Water Stewardship Scholarship, sponsored by the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, provides financial support to students pursuing careers in natural resources. Applicants must reside in specific Illinois counties and plan to enroll in a full-time program related to fields such as ecology, hydrology, and conservation. Academic performance is a key consideration in the selection process. For more details, contact the Winnebago County Soil & Water Conservation District.

NAFC Open Grant/Product Donation Applications

The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) is the only nonprofit 501c(3) organization whose mission is solely focused on the issues and needs of the medically underserved throughout the nation and the more than 1,400 Free and Charitable Clinics that serve them. The NAFC has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar and a 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator. Founded in 2001 and headquartered near Washington, D.C., the NAFC is working to ensure that the medically underserved have access to affordable quality healthcare and strives to be a national voice promoting quality healthcare for all. For more information about the NAFC, including how to become a member, please visit https://www.nafcclinics.org.

NAFC Healthcare Services Expansion Fund

The NAFC Healthcare Services Expansion Fund supports the launch or expansion of clinical programs and new service areas that increase access to care for underserved patients. This funding is designed to help NAFC members introduce new services or grow existing programs that address unmet community health needs and improve access to comprehensive, patient-centered care.

Tennessee Department of Health

Mission: Protect, promote, and improve the health and well-being of all people in Tennessee.

The Tennessee Department of Health's highly talented and dedicated professionals reflect a standard of performance in its effective and engaging public health efforts and collaborative commitment to providing compassionate service to people in all 95 counties of the state. TDH provides health care and wellness services daily to Tennesseans through a statewide network of 89 rural and six metropolitan county health departments at 117 physical locations.

Rural Healthcare Access Modernization Program (RAMP)

Description

The Rural Healthcare Access Modernization Program (RAMP) is intended to strengthen healthcare access in rural Tennessee by funding targeted capital improvements at rural hospitals and supporting the establishment or expansion of rural primary care practices. The opportunity seeks to increase service capacity, improve operational efficiency and quality of care, modernize healthcare facilities, and address critical provider shortages, particularly in pediatrics and obstetrics.

Funding is available for eligible capital investment projects that support rural Tennessee and for new or expanded primary care practices in rural areas facing critical provider shortages, with particular focus on pediatrics and obstetrics. 

Rural Primary Care Seed Grants / Primary Care Practice Projects

RAMP includes targeted funding to support the development and expansion of primary care services in rural Tennessee. Seed grants of up to $500,000 per site are intended to help eligible organizations establish or expand healthcare services in communities experiencing provider shortages.

These investments are designed to improve access to essential healthcare services in underserved areas, with particular emphasis on primary care, pediatric services, and obstetric care, where healthcare resources may be limited.

By supporting sustainable healthcare delivery models and reducing barriers to entry, these investments aim to help communities establish and maintain access to essential healthcare services over the long term.

Types of Projects

Organizations may apply for multiple grants, provided each proposed project is separate, clearly defined, and within the eligible project categories listed below. Allowable projects include: 

• Projects designed to expand access to healthcare and healthcare services to underserved rural populations.

• Projects designed to “right size” healthcare facilities to improve access.

• Projects to expand capacity and operational efficiency.

• Projects to renovate or upgrade existing healthcare facilities such as operating rooms, emergency departments, trauma rooms, or Intensive Care Units (ICU) to expand services.

• Projects to provide Information and Technology (IT) and equipment upgrades included in the scope of the approved capital investment “brick and mortar” project. These costs are limited to twenty percent (20%) of the total award.

• Projects funded via the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), Healthcare Reiliancy Program (HRP) in support of Rural Health Transformation Funding (RHTF) priorities which exhausted federal funds and/or projects not initiated due to unavailability ARPA HRP funds and deemed necessary to support current and future capital investment extending access to healthcare in for rural Tennessee.

• New or expanded primary care practices in rural areas facing critical provider shortages, with particular focus on pediatrics and obstetrics. Multi-site operators with proven models for rural primary care expansion may apply for multiple site grants, subject to a per-applicant cap of $500,000. 

The OECD Conference Sponsorship aims to enhance scientific knowledge and provide essential information to influence policy decisions on sustainable resource use in food, agriculture, forestry, and fisheries. It supports international events that showcase innovative research and developments, inviting applications from scientists in these fields. The event sponsorship encourages collaboration among policymakers, industry, and academia, ensuring that research insights are effectively communicated and utilized in decision-making processes.

The RNRF Planning and Small Grants program provides funding up to $50,000 to support projects that enhance collaboration among community partners in addressing critical environmental issues. Eligible applicants must be 501c3 organizations in the U.S. and demonstrate multidisciplinary cooperation. Projects should align with RNRF's mission and focus areas, including air quality, biodiversity, and renewable energy. The initiative aims to create sustainable and impactful outcomes by bridging research and practical implementation.

The RNRF Implementation/Collaboration Grants support innovative projects that enhance collaboration among stakeholders to address critical challenges in environmental, social, and economic systems. Offering up to $200,000 for initiatives lasting 12 months or more, these grants aim to implement evidence-based practices and facilitate multidisciplinary teamwork. Eligible applicants must be from 501c3 organizations in the U.S., ensuring alignment with RNRF's mission and focus areas, fostering sustainable and impactful outcomes.