Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits in Tennessee

The Marvin R. and Pearl E. Patterson Family Fund Scholarship, offered by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, supports students aspiring to study graphic or fine arts, as well as those interested in environmental sciences. Open to high school graduates from the Tri-Cities area, this scholarship considers leadership, community involvement, and academic achievements, although financial need is not a requirement. Applicants must provide transcripts and relevant documents to qualify for this opportunity.

The Abelard Foundation, established in 1958, supports progressive social change projects located east of the Mississippi River. With an average grant size of $12,000, they prioritize new initiatives with budgets under $350,000. The foundation emphasizes community organizing, civil rights, and empowering marginalized groups. Eligible applicants must be associated with a nonprofit organization and demonstrate a commitment to local leadership and broader policy connections. The board meets biannually to decide on approximately 15 grants per year, focusing mainly on general support.

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.

In 2020, the Department of Disability and Aging (DDA) established the Division of Program Innovation to advance forward‑thinking strategies that strengthen the Department’s mission to empower, support, and enhance the lives of people with disabilities and older Tennesseans by promoting independence, inclusion, and lifelong health. The Division operates through a people-centered, provider-driven, and program-based approach.

DDA is pleased to announce the availability of one-time grants for up to $20,000 to fund projects that develop innovative approaches aligned with the Department’s mission. Proposals should be forward‑thinking, practical, and scalable. Applicants are encouraged to incorporate new, emerging, or existing Enabling Technology (ET) solutions used in novel or expanded ways. A strong emphasis should be placed on increasing independence for individuals with disabilities and/or older adults aged 60 and over—whether at home, in the workplace, and/or within their community.

The Cumberland Plateau Stewardship Fund Grant aims to restore native forests and improve wildlife habitats while supporting working forests in the Cumberland Plateau. The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) invites proposals that enhance forest, grassland, and freshwater ecosystems, promoting conservation practices on agricultural lands. This initiative is backed by funding from USDA agencies and corporate partners, focusing on improving soil health, water quality, and carbon sequestration in the region.

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 Growing Tribal Economies Through Forest Market Innovations grant program, initiated by First Nations Development Institute, aims to empower Tribes and Alaska Native Villages to engage in emerging markets that enhance forest health and resilience. With funding of $200,000 to $500,000 per grant, this initiative supports projects focusing on sustainability, innovation, and traditional knowledge. Eligible applicants are encouraged to develop forest products, certifications, and practices that contribute positively to biodiversity and ecosystem management.

Entergy’s Open Grants Program aims to enhance community well-being through funding initiatives in arts, education, social services, and community improvement. The program prioritizes support for organizations that serve diverse populations, including children and low-income communities. Eligible entities must have 501(c)(3) status or equivalent nonprofit recognition. Applications should be submitted three months in advance, allowing ample time for review. Entergy focuses on projects that foster self-sufficiency and enrich local neighborhoods.

The TN Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) offers Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) to protect croplands and grasslands on working farms. By limiting non-agricultural land use, ALE ensures the long-term viability of food supply and provides public benefits such as environmental quality and wildlife habitat. The program supports eligible partners, including tribal landowners and local governments, with financial assistance to preserve agricultural lands, ensuring sustainable agricultural practices for future generations.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency offers Clean Stream Grants of up to $1,000 each to support stream clean-up projects across its four Aquatic Habitat Protection regions. These grants aim to assist various groups, including cities, schools, and conservation organizations, in acquiring necessary supplies and promoting volunteer efforts. Eligible applicants must possess a nonprofit tax number and submit detailed proposals, including project descriptions and relevant information about the stream and area involved.

The Tennessee Trucking Foundation Scholarship Fund, established by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, supports education for Tennessee residents who are dependent children, spouses, or employees of the Tennessee Trucking Association. This scholarship aims to empower applicants from Freshman to Senior status at Tennessee Higher Education Institutions or adjacent states offering in-state tuition, especially those interested in the trucking industry. The fund embodies the belief in education's transformative power.

About

The Costume Society of America (CSA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded on March 23, 1973, and incorporated in the state of New York on September 12, 1973. CSA serves it members, and promotes its goals with national symposia and publications including the journal Dress and its monthly electronic newsletter CSA e-News.

The organization began forming regional groups in 1978. There are six regional groups in the United States and Canada, and one international group. Individual regions hold annual meetings, sponsor programs and publish newsletters.

Our Mission

The Costume Society of America fosters an understanding of appearance and dress practices of people across the globe through research, education, preservation, and design. Our network of members studies the past, examines the present, and anticipates the future of clothing and fashion.

Colleen Callahan Professional Development Award

Members are invited to apply for the Professional Development Grant offered by Southeastern Region of the Costume Society of America. Awards will be made at a minimum of $250 with the total award not to exceed $1000. Your project may be on any aspect of costume, any technical skill, or any administrative expertise which will further the mission and purposes of the Costume Society of America. The grant money may be applied to research, a course, workshop fees, or travel.

About

The Costume Society of America (CSA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded on March 23, 1973, and incorporated in the state of New York on September 12, 1973. CSA serves it members, and promotes its goals with national symposia and publications including the journal Dress and its monthly electronic newsletter CSA e-News.

The organization began forming regional groups in 1978. There are six regional groups in the United States and Canada, and one international group. Individual regions hold annual meetings, sponsor programs and publish newsletters.

Our Mission

The Costume Society of America fosters an understanding of appearance and dress practices of people across the globe through research, education, preservation, and design. Our network of members studies the past, examines the present, and anticipates the future of clothing and fashion.

Jim Liles Student Award

 The Jim Liles Student Award is intended to assist students who want to make presentations at a CSA Southeastern Region symposium. These presentations may be on any costume-related topic. The work should be well researched and may or may not be thesis, dissertation, course research project, independent study research, or senior project related. Up to TWO students whose papers are accepted will receive up to $1,000 each to cover travel and other related expenses. The Registration fee will be waived for all student presenters, regardless of whether they receive this award.

The Catholic School Leadership Development Grant Program aims to cultivate and retain promising leaders within the Catholic school system. In partnership with Loyola Marymount University, this initiative offers a graduate-level online Certificate in Catholic School Administration, covering 80% of tuition costs and providing funding for essential travel. The one-year program focuses on mission effectiveness, operational management, and instructional leadership, requiring participants to serve two years in their diocese post-completion, thereby enhancing local educational leadership.

The Kent Flanagan Memorial Scholarship, established by family and friends of the late journalist Kent Flanagan, supports Tennessee students pursuing degrees in journalism. Eligible applicants include juniors, seniors, and graduate students with a B average or higher. This scholarship honors Flanagan's commitment to fair and unbiased reporting, reflecting the mission of the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee to foster positive change through education and community support.

The LadyAID Scholarship Fund, established by the GRAMMY Award-winning trio Lady A, supports students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). It aims to alleviate financial barriers for students from Tennessee and Georgia, promoting access to higher education. The scholarship is designed for those with a household income of $60,000 or less and is renewable, requiring annual reapplication. This initiative reflects a commitment to empowering Black communities and fostering educational opportunities.

The Stimulating Hematology Investigation: New Endeavors (SHINE) program aims to enhance nonmalignant hematology research aligned with the goals of the NIDDK, NIA, and NHLBI. It invites R01 grant applications focused on innovative and early translational hematology topics, fostering growth in this critical research area. Key deadlines for applications span from February 2025 to October 2027, allowing for both standard and renewal submissions.

Jack’s Family Fund

At Jack’s Family Restaurants, we’ve always thought of ourselves as one big family — employees and guests alike. Giving back to the communities in which we do business is part of our DNA. That’s why we’ve established the Jack’s Family Fund.

We think of our guests as part of the Jack’s family, and we’ll be there in times of need. With your help, we can make a difference in people’s lives and support those we call family, friends, and neighbors.

Jack's Family Fund Grant

The Jack's Family Fund is a non-profit charitable organization established to provide emergency financial assistance to members of the communities that Jack’s Family Restaurants (JFR) serve. Fund grants are made to assist those who have temporarily found themselves in need, but under normal circumstances are self-sustaining.

Our grants assist with:

• Immediate, short- term needs of individuals who may be victims of disasters or other emergency hardship situations including floods, fires, riots, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes and similar large-scale events, or
• Emergency hardship caused by illness, death, accident, violent crime or other types of personal injury.
• Community 501(c)(3) organizations working to respond to these types of needs on a broad scale.

Types of expenses grants may be awarded for include (but are not limited to):

• funeral expenses
• past due utilities (electric, water, natural gas)
• past due rent/mortgage
• emergency housing

Grants from the Fund are not intended to replace personal or homeowners insurance, federal disaster relief or other types of aid, but rather to assist on an immediate and short-term basis when other sources of assistance are not available.

Tennessee Housing Development Agency (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. 

Tennessee Department of Transportation

The Department of Transportation provides citizens of Tennessee and travelers with one of the best transportation systems in the country. TDOT consistently wins awards for its projects, highway design and innovative approach to transportation.

TDOT is a multimodal agency with responsibilities in aviation, public transit, waterways, railroads and cycling and walking. Our involvement ranges from airport improvements to funding transit buses to planning for river ports.

Transportation Planning Grants

The Transportation Planning Grant (TPG) is intended to assist jurisdictions (both municipalities and counties) with transportation planning efforts that determine strategies to support improvements in traffic flow, safety, mobility, and overall efficiency of the transportation system. Since 2015, TDOT has awarded 145 planning grants across the state, many of which have resulted in implementation funding.

The TPG funds transportation plans only.

Goals of the Transportation Planning Grant

• Assist Tennessee communities with multimodal transportation planning
• Bridge the gap between land use planning and transportation planning
• Aid with the creation of planning documents that support improvements in traffic flow, safety, and overall efficiency of the transportation system
• Provide planning resources to achieve community visions that promote future economic growth

Matching

• The TPG is 80% federal, 10% state, and 10% local match
• Distressed and At-Risk Counties as determined by TNECD (and municipalities within) as of FY26 qualify for 0% local match

Planning Opportunities

Planning opportunities include, but are not limited to: Complete Streets Plans; Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plans; Transportation System Management and Operations (TSMO) Plans; Corridor Studies; Resurfacing Plans; Community Mobility Plans

We also welcome any creative and innovative transportation planning ideas.

Community Mobility Plans

A Community Mobility Plan is a multimodal plan that identifies the existing and future transportation system, including roadways, public transportation, rail, bicycle, and pedestrian facilities. A Community Mobility Plan strengthens the connections between an area’s transportation plan, local land use plans, and community vision. See more here.

Administrative Process

Through the Transportation Planning Grant program, your community will be paired with a consultant currently under contract with TDOT that will guide you through the planning process and bring your plan to life. The community is responsible for actively participating in the plan by establishing a Steering Committee, providing the match, and ensuring local support for the proposed study recommendations.

Tennessee Department of Transportation

The Department of Transportation provides citizens of Tennessee and travelers with one of the best transportation systems in the country. TDOT consistently wins awards for its projects, highway design and innovative approach to transportation.

TDOT is a multimodal agency with responsibilities in aviation, public transit, waterways, railroads and cycling and walking. Our involvement ranges from airport improvements to funding transit buses to planning for river ports.

Transportation Planning Grants

The Transportation Planning Grant (TPG) is intended to assist jurisdictions (both municipalities and counties) with transportation planning efforts that determine strategies to support improvements in traffic flow, safety, mobility, and overall efficiency of the transportation system. Since 2015, TDOT has awarded 145 planning grants across the state, many of which have resulted in implementation funding.

The TPG funds transportation plans only.

Goals of the Transportation Planning Grant

• Assist Tennessee communities with multimodal transportation planning
• Bridge the gap between land use planning and transportation planning
• Aid with the creation of planning documents that support improvements in traffic flow, safety, and overall efficiency of the transportation system
• Provide planning resources to achieve community visions that promote future economic growth

Matching

• The TPG is 80% federal, 10% state, and 10% local match
• Distressed and At-Risk Counties as determined by TNECD (and municipalities within) as of FY26 qualify for 0% local match

Planning Opportunities

Planning opportunities include, but are not limited to: Complete Streets Plans; Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plans; Transportation System Management and Operations (TSMO) Plans; Corridor Studies; Resurfacing Plans; Community Mobility Plans

We also welcome any creative and innovative transportation planning ideas.

Resurfacing Plans

A Resurfacing Plan can provide communities with a data-driven approach to managing pavement-related activities. The goal of these plans is to support local road departments in maintaining the highest quality of pavement with their available funds. These plans will help support the selection of paving projects in a way that ensures the highest return on investment. See more here.

Administrative Process

Through the Transportation Planning Grant program, your community will be paired with a consultant currently under contract with TDOT that will guide you through the planning process and bring your plan to life. The community is responsible for actively participating in the plan by establishing a Steering Committee, providing the match, and ensuring local support for the proposed study recommendations.

Tennessee Department of Transportation

The Department of Transportation provides citizens of Tennessee and travelers with one of the best transportation systems in the country. TDOT consistently wins awards for its projects, highway design and innovative approach to transportation.

TDOT is a multimodal agency with responsibilities in aviation, public transit, waterways, railroads and cycling and walking. Our involvement ranges from airport improvements to funding transit buses to planning for river ports.

Transportation Planning Grants

The Transportation Planning Grant (TPG) is intended to assist jurisdictions (both municipalities and counties) with transportation planning efforts that determine strategies to support improvements in traffic flow, safety, mobility, and overall efficiency of the transportation system. Since 2015, TDOT has awarded 145 planning grants across the state, many of which have resulted in implementation funding.

The TPG funds transportation plans only.

Goals of the Transportation Planning Grant

• Assist Tennessee communities with multimodal transportation planning
• Bridge the gap between land use planning and transportation planning
• Aid with the creation of planning documents that support improvements in traffic flow, safety, and overall efficiency of the transportation system
• Provide planning resources to achieve community visions that promote future economic growth

Matching

• The TPG is 80% federal, 10% state, and 10% local match
• Distressed and At-Risk Counties as determined by TNECD (and municipalities within) as of FY26 qualify for 0% local match

Planning Opportunities

Planning opportunities include, but are not limited to: Complete Streets Plans; Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plans; Transportation System Management and Operations (TSMO) Plans; Corridor Studies; Resurfacing Plans; Community Mobility Plans

We also welcome any creative and innovative transportation planning ideas.

Corridor Studies

A Corridor Study examines the relationship between a roadway and its adjacent land. Corridor studies are often used to define levels of access and mobility, determine appropriate land uses, consolidate and control access points, identify operational breakdowns, promote efficiency, and encourage redevelopment of an underperforming corridor. See more here.

Administrative Process

Through the Transportation Planning Grant program, your community will be paired with a consultant currently under contract with TDOT that will guide you through the planning process and bring your plan to life. The community is responsible for actively participating in the plan by establishing a Steering Committee, providing the match, and ensuring local support for the proposed study recommendations.

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.

Tennessee Department of Transportation

The Department of Transportation provides citizens of Tennessee and travelers with one of the best transportation systems in the country. TDOT consistently wins awards for its projects, highway design and innovative approach to transportation.

TDOT is a multimodal agency with responsibilities in aviation, public transit, waterways, railroads and cycling and walking. Our involvement ranges from airport improvements to funding transit buses to planning for river ports.

Transportation Planning Grants

The Transportation Planning Grant (TPG) is intended to assist jurisdictions (both municipalities and counties) with transportation planning efforts that determine strategies to support improvements in traffic flow, safety, mobility, and overall efficiency of the transportation system. Since 2015, TDOT has awarded 145 planning grants across the state, many of which have resulted in implementation funding.

The TPG funds transportation plans only.

Goals of the Transportation Planning Grant

• Assist Tennessee communities with multimodal transportation planning
• Bridge the gap between land use planning and transportation planning
• Aid with the creation of planning documents that support improvements in traffic flow, safety, and overall efficiency of the transportation system
• Provide planning resources to achieve community visions that promote future economic growth

Matching

• The TPG is 80% federal, 10% state, and 10% local match
• Distressed and At-Risk Counties as determined by TNECD (and municipalities within) as of FY26 qualify for 0% local match

Planning Opportunities

Planning opportunities include, but are not limited to: Complete Streets Plans; Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plans; Transportation System Management and Operations (TSMO) Plans; Corridor Studies; Resurfacing Plans; Community Mobility Plans

We also welcome any creative and innovative transportation planning ideas.

Transportation System Management and Operations (TSMO) Plans

Transportation Systems Management & Operations (TSMO) provide a set of strategies and technologies used to optimize the performance of existing transportation infrastructure without adding more lanes. TSMO includes traffic signal retiming, traffic incident management, enhanced enforcement, ramp metering, and access management. See more here.

Administrative Process

Through the Transportation Planning Grant program, your community will be paired with a consultant currently under contract with TDOT that will guide you through the planning process and bring your plan to life. The community is responsible for actively participating in the plan by establishing a Steering Committee, providing the match, and ensuring local support for the proposed study recommendations.

Tennessee Department of Transportation

The Department of Transportation provides citizens of Tennessee and travelers with one of the best transportation systems in the country. TDOT consistently wins awards for its projects, highway design and innovative approach to transportation.

TDOT is a multimodal agency with responsibilities in aviation, public transit, waterways, railroads and cycling and walking. Our involvement ranges from airport improvements to funding transit buses to planning for river ports.

Transportation Planning Grants

The Transportation Planning Grant (TPG) is intended to assist jurisdictions (both municipalities and counties) with transportation planning efforts that determine strategies to support improvements in traffic flow, safety, mobility, and overall efficiency of the transportation system. Since 2015, TDOT has awarded 145 planning grants across the state, many of which have resulted in implementation funding.

The TPG funds transportation plans only.

Goals of the Transportation Planning Grant

• Assist Tennessee communities with multimodal transportation planning
• Bridge the gap between land use planning and transportation planning
• Aid with the creation of planning documents that support improvements in traffic flow, safety, and overall efficiency of the transportation system
• Provide planning resources to achieve community visions that promote future economic growth

Matching

• The TPG is 80% federal, 10% state, and 10% local match
• Distressed and At-Risk Counties as determined by TNECD (and municipalities within) as of FY26 qualify for 0% local match

Planning Opportunities

Planning opportunities include, but are not limited to: Complete Streets Plans; Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plans; Transportation System Management and Operations (TSMO) Plans; Corridor Studies; Resurfacing Plans; Community Mobility Plans

We also welcome any creative and innovative transportation planning ideas.

Complete Streets Plans

A Complete Streets Plan identifies solutions to create a transportation network that considers all users. A complete street makes it easier and safer for people to walk, bike, and use public transportation, while also enhancing community aesthetics and supporting economic growth. Complete Streets Plans are developed with the specific community context in mind. See more here.

Administrative Process

Through the Transportation Planning Grant program, your community will be paired with a consultant currently under contract with TDOT that will guide you through the planning process and bring your plan to life. The community is responsible for actively participating in the plan by establishing a Steering Committee, providing the match, and ensuring local support for the proposed study recommendations.

The Youth Endowment Fund Grant, managed by the East Tennessee Foundation, supports innovative solutions to challenges faced by youth within a 25-county service area. Grants of up to $20,000 are available for projects focusing on early childhood education, health drivers, and the prevention of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Eligible organizations must demonstrate a commitment to serving youth and adhere to non-discrimination policies. This initiative aims to foster stronger, healthier communities through impactful youth programming.

The LFF: Nature-Based Climate Action Grant aims to support initiatives that leverage natural systems to combat climate change. By funding projects focused on tree planting, prairie restoration, and carbon sequestration, the program seeks to engage communities and enhance understanding of climate challenges. Ideal applicants include rural organizations working to create measurable environmental impacts while fostering collaboration and policy change. This grant represents an opportunity for organizations ready to take significant strides in addressing the climate crisis.