Best Public Policy Grants in Tennessee

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) charities, government entities, and qualifying foundations in Tennessee can receive support for STEM education, basic needs like hunger and housing, and social justice initiatives. American Electric Power Foundation funds organizations within its service territory or with broader regional or national reach that benefit the public, environment, or AEP customers.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on economic and workforce advancement, affordable housing, or community arts and culture can access funding through US Bancorp Foundation’s Community Possible Grant Program. Organizations addressing work, home, and play, advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, and serving designated U.S. Bank communities may be especially competitive, including those with public policy-related programming.

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

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 Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on early childhood education or community and economic development in Tennessee communities where PNC operates can seek funding for programs serving low- and moderate-income residents. PNC Foundation supports initiatives such as early learning, affordable housing, small business support, neighborhood revitalization, arts, and essential human services that may complement public policy efforts.

Nonprofit organizations providing health, education, or humanitarian services to marginalized communities in Tennessee and worldwide can access funding through Semnani Family Foundation. The foundation supports programs such as healthcare access, disaster relief, child welfare, women’s and children’s health, and social services, and Tennessee-based groups with related public policy work may be eligible.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) arts organizations, government units, and tribal communities in Tennessee can receive US $500 - US $2,500 to make arts programs more accessible for people with disabilities, including facility and program enhancements. South Arts provides support for activities like accessible materials, interpretation services, transportation, and accessibility planning, which may benefit groups engaged in public policy-related arts initiatives.

Nonprofit and charitable organizations in Tennessee counties serving Black youth and adults can seek up to US $10,000 for social, economic, or environmental initiatives that address community-identified needs. Grants from Dow Company Foundation help advance equitable opportunities and may support public policy or systems-change work benefiting Black communities where Dow operates.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, government units, educational institutions, and fiscally sponsored groups in Tennessee can receive US $2,000 - US $10,000 to provide holiday gifts for under-resourced children. East Tennessee Foundation’s Laura J. Kress Angel Tree Fund supports youth in Campbell, Claiborne, Cocke, Grainger, Hamblen, Hancock, Hawkins, Morgan, Scott, and Union counties, which may benefit public policy-focused organizations serving these communities.

Nonprofits, government units, and educational institutions serving East Tennessee communities can seek up to US $25,000 for collaborative capacity-building projects that strengthen operations, finances, data systems, and programs. With a mission to strengthen communities, East Tennessee Foundation provides Tennessee public policy and community-focused organizations with support to improve sustainability, partnerships, and long-term impact.

Insperity's Corporate Contributions program emphasizes community involvement and corporate citizenship, providing philanthropic grants and event sponsorships to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Eligible organizations must engage Insperity employees or contribute to the communities where they operate. The program aims to support nonprofits in achieving their service goals and enhancing community welfare. Applications must be submitted 90 days prior to events, and funding requests can be made once a year.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries in Tennessee can seek US $5,000 - US $10,000 in unrestricted operating or program support for environmental, human services, disaster relief, or other qualifying work. With a mission to support environmental and human services causes, Lawrence Foundation provides flexible funding that may benefit organizations engaged in public policy-related efforts.

Rural Tennessee hospitals and 501(c)(3) or local government entities partnering with them can receive up to US $25,000 to create or expand arts-based health and wellness programming. Tennessee Arts Commission funding supports projects like murals, meditation gardens, exhibitions, and artist-led classes, which may benefit organizations integrating arts into community health and public policy efforts.

Local governments and 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organizations in rural Tennessee counties can receive up to US $200,000 to build, renovate, or expand arts and cultural facilities. Grants from Tennessee Arts Commission help communities improve stages, galleries, museums, and accessibility, which may support public policy goals around rural development and cultural participation.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Tennessee seeking program support in education, social services, health care, civic and cultural initiatives, or environmental work can apply for grants of US $5,000 - US $25,000. Grants from Dr Scholl Foundation help U.S. organizations with one year of project funding through an annual October–March application cycle.

Professional artists in Tennessee can receive unrestricted fellowship funding to support their ongoing creative work across craft, media, visual, dance, music, theatre, and literary arts. Focused on strengthening the arts ecosystem, Tennessee Arts Commission awards $5,000 fellowships that may benefit artists whose work intersects with public policy or civic and community issues.

Tennessee nonprofits, government units, and fiscally sponsored groups serving women, children, and youth in Knox County can seek funding for early childhood education, health drivers, and ACEs prevention projects. Knox County public policy or systems-focused initiatives that improve these outcomes may be eligible for up to US $20,000 from East Tennessee Foundation’s Mount Rest Fund.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations addressing youth mental health can apply for US $100,000 - US $150,000 from Cigna Foundation to expand evidence-informed programs for ages 5–18. With a mission to improve health and vitality, it supports school and community-based efforts in Tennessee and select states that build social-emotional skills and increase access to care.

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.

Tennessee public policy and community-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on youth development, housing, food security, or environmental stewardship can access funding through Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards. Grants of US $30,000 - US $350,000 support programs for underserved youth and families, including education, hunger relief, housing services, and community or environmental initiatives.

Graduate students in urban planning, policy, public administration, economics, or related fields can receive US $20,000 fellowships to work on housing, small business, and workforce development projects with community organizations, including in Tennessee. Tennessee public policy and community development groups may apply as host organizations to partner with the National Community Reinvestment Coalition and mentor a Student Fellow.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, government units, and educational institutions serving youth in Tennessee can access funding through East Tennessee Foundation’s Youth Endowment Fund. Grants up to US $20,000 over two years support early childhood education, drivers of health, and prevention or mitigation of Adverse Childhood Experiences in its 25-county service area, benefiting youth-focused public policy efforts.

Nonprofits, government units, and educational institutions in East Tennessee can receive $5,000 - $6,500 for charitable and economic programs that foster regional economic development. East Tennessee Foundation supports economic services and development across its 25-county service area, and public policy organizations working on economic issues in Tennessee may be eligible.

With a mission to strengthen communities, East Tennessee Foundation provides Tennessee nonprofits, government units, and educational institutions with up to US $50,000 for innovative life literacy projects serving Washington County residents. Programs may address education, health, financial literacy, life skills, or civic engagement, and must show unmet needs, measurable impact, matching funds, and a sustainability plan.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, government units, educational institutions, and fiscally sponsored groups in East Tennessee can apply for East Tennessee Foundation’s Arts Fund for $5,000 - $15,000 to support arts and cultural programming. Public policy organizations that use arts to engage communities or underserved populations in Tennessee may be eligible.