Best Seed Grants for Nonprofits in Tennessee

The CART Fund Grant supports innovative Alzheimer’s Disease research projects in the U.S. with funding up to $500,000 for a two-year period. It invites full-time faculty from public and private institutions to submit Letters of Intent, emphasizing novel concepts that advance biomedical knowledge. Selected finalists will be invited to apply for standard grants. The initiative aims to foster groundbreaking research initiatives lacking extensive preliminary data, ensuring a focus on projects with transformative potential.

This grant aims to enhance cooperation and regulatory standards among animal food safety programs by funding national feed associations. It promotes inter-agency collaboration, strengthens state regulatory frameworks, and supports the Animal Feed Regulatory Program Standards (AFRPS). By leveraging resources and aligning with federal and state initiatives, the program seeks to improve animal food safety and ensure comprehensive surveillance and protection.

The Graduate Education Indigenous Scholarships, including the Aurora Indigenous Education Scholarship, support Aboriginal Australians and Torres Strait Islanders to pursue full-time graduate studies in the US. Offering up to $40,000 for living and educational expenses, this initiative encourages Indigenous individuals to engage in Masters, Ph.D., or Postdoctoral Research. Applicants must be Australian citizens or permanent residents, actively seeking placement in accredited institutions, and plan to study for at least one year.

The St. Baldrick’s Foundation Fellowship Award supports pediatric oncology training through a two-year fellowship, with a potential third year based on need and achievements. This initiative, powered by community fundraising events, aims to advance research for childhood cancer cures. The award provides a salary capped at $97,500 per year, covering salary and benefits for fellows. This fellowship not only fosters professional growth but also contributes significantly to the fight against childhood cancers.

The St. Baldrick’s Foundation Research Grant Award supports innovative research aimed at curing childhood cancers. With funding of $100,000 per year for two years, this grant is designed for hypothesis-driven projects that can be laboratory, clinical, or epidemiological in nature. Established through community-driven fundraising events, the foundation empowers volunteers and donors to make a significant impact in the fight against cancer, ensuring a brighter future for young survivors.

The Terry Baucom Bluegrass Education Grant, established by the IBMA Foundation, honors the legacy of renowned bluegrass musician Terry Baucom. This grant supports musicians of all ages by providing funds for lessons, educational materials, and workshops. With awards beginning in January 2025, each grant can reach up to $500. Financial need is considered but not mandatory. This initiative aims to foster talent and ensure accessibility to bluegrass music education for a diverse range of applicants.

The David Nason Journalism Scholarship, established by the Nason family and the American Australian Association, supports Australian journalism students and journalists. It offers up to $20,000 for graduate studies or investigative projects in the US. Eligible applicants must be Australian citizens or permanent residents, and either pursuing graduate studies or have a media project agreement in the US. This scholarship promotes the advancement of journalism through international education and experience.

The Kidney Precision Medicine Project (KPMP), funded by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), aims to enhance research on Chronic Kidney Diseases (CKDs) and Acute Kidney Injuries (AKIs). Launched in 2017, this initiative focuses on ethical collection and analysis of human kidney tissue to uncover new molecular pathways. With expanded participant recruitment efforts beginning in 2022, the KPMP seeks to advance our understanding of kidney-related health issues.

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) is extending the Kidney Precision Medicine Project (KPMP) for five years to enhance participant recruitment and tissue interrogation. This initiative aims to discover novel molecular pathways associated with Chronic Kidney Diseases (CKDs) and Acute Kidney Injuries (AKIs). The renewed funding will support robust longitudinal follow-ups for existing enrollees and facilitate the enrollment of new participants, ensuring comprehensive data analysis and collaboration within the research community.

The Kidney Precision Medicine Project Central Hub, funded by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease (NIDDK), aims to enhance our understanding of Chronic Kidney Diseases (CKDs) and Acute Kidney Injuries (AKIs). This initiative, which began in FY2017, focuses on ethically collecting and analyzing kidney biopsy tissues to uncover molecular pathways. The project was expanded in FY2022 to improve participant recruitment and tissue analysis, driving forward research in kidney health.

The NCI Continuing Umbrella of Research Experiences (CURE) Non-Mentored Research Scientist Career Development Award (K22) aims to support postdoctoral fellows from underrepresented backgrounds in transitioning to tenure-track positions. This award provides essential funding for salary and research support for three years, enabling candidates to establish independent biomedical careers. Key deadlines for applications range from February 2025 to October 2027, ensuring ample opportunity for eligible researchers to secure funding for their career development.

Our Story

The IBMA Foundation was created by the International Bluegrass Music Association in 2007 with a bequest from the Richard Barnhart estate. Mr. Barnhart was a musician from northern Virginia who loved bluegrass and wanted to support educational programs for children. Since the beginning, our goal has been to support bluegrass-music-related educational, literary, artistic and historic preservation activities.

In our early years we produced Discover Bluegrass, an educational video that has been used in thousands of classrooms and libraries around the world. We have hosted dozens of teacher workshops and artist trainings. We created a bluegrass lesson plan competition and provided a network for leaders of after-school bluegrass programs.

Our project grants, which now total $25,000 a year, support bluegrass-related initiatives throughout the world. We also fund Bluegrass in the Schools Mini-grants ($7,000/year) which help schools to hire bluegrass bands for school programs. The Rosenberg Bluegrass Scholar Award recognizes excellence in academic research. Six college scholarships are granted for students working in various areas of the bluegrass music industry. The Arnold Shultz Fund supports increased participation of people of color in bluegrass music with grants that total $30,000/ year. Fletcher Bright Memorial Grants for Young Musicians (age 18 and younger) help young people go to bluegrass music camps and workshops, take lessons, and purchase educational materials.

Fletcher Bright Memorial Grant for Young Musicians

The IBMA Foundation is proud to host the Fletcher Bright Memorial Grant for Young Musicians. The Bright family of Chattanooga, Tennessee; Thomas J. Brown of Dalton, Georgia; and Barbara Martin Stephens of Madison, Tennessee made combined gifts of $29,000 in 2020 to create the fund that will benefit young people interested in learning to play bluegrass music and endow it for decades to come.

The Bright family is committed to supporting the endowment, and they welcome donations from others interested in helping young musicians achieve their bluegass education goals.

Fletcher Bright Memorial Grants up to $500 per applicant are awarded to help cover expenses of lessons, educational materials, instrument rental or purchase, workshops, and camps. Young bluegrass musicians at all levels may apply for assistance. Financial need will be considered, but is not required to receive a Bright grant. Applications for Bright grants may be made throughout the year.

Opera Grants for Women Composers: Discovery Grants support the creation of new operas by women composers, promoting gender parity and diversity in the field. These grants assist composers in exploring opera as an art form, funding activities like libretto readings and workshops. OPERA America is committed to enhancing the operatic repertoire with diverse perspectives, and these grants are made possible through the support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.

The Arnold Shultz Fund, established by the IBMA Foundation, aims to enhance diversity in bluegrass music by providing $30,000 annually in grants. This initiative supports individuals, schools, and organizations dedicated to inclusivity, particularly among underrepresented racial and ethnic groups. The fund honors Arnold Shultz, a pivotal African American musician who mentored Bill Monroe, and continues his legacy by funding educational opportunities for young musicians and promoting bluegrass music in diverse communities.

The ABC Law Centers: Disability Advocacy Scholarship, offered by ABC Law Centers, provides a $1,000 scholarship annually to students pursuing law or public policy careers focused on disability advocacy. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in a U.S. higher education institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0. This initiative aligns with the firm's mission to support families affected by birth injuries, ensuring that future advocates are equipped to address the legal needs of individuals with disabilities.

Karma for Cara Microgrants empowers students aged 18 and under to bring their service project ideas to life with funding up to $1,000. Founded in honor of Cara Becker, who inspired community service during her own health journey, the program supports a wide range of initiatives aimed at improving local communities across the U.S. Students are encouraged to demonstrate creativity and community involvement, with grants awarded quarterly to fuel their impactful projects.

The Henry Luce Foundation's Asia: Responsive Grants program supports initiatives that enhance understanding of East and Southeast Asia. With a focus on academic research, cultural exchange, and public education, the program seeks to promote collaboration between American and Asian institutions. Grants are awarded primarily to U.S.-based non-profits, fostering innovative teaching, resource development, and policy engagement, while prioritizing projects that bridge diverse disciplines and geographic divides.

The NESOT Fall Meeting Oral Presentation Award, sponsored by the Society of Toxicology, recognizes outstanding presentations by students in the Northeast. Up to four students will be selected to present their research, with one receiving a $1,000 prize for the best oral presentation. Eligible candidates must be NESOT members affiliated with institutions in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, or Vermont. Previous winners of the oral award may not compete but can participate in the poster competition.

The NESOT Fall Meeting Postdoc Poster Award, established by the Society of Toxicology, recognizes Postdocs presenting posters at the Northeast Regional Chapter Fall Meeting. Eligible candidates must be NESOT members affiliated with institutions in the region, including Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont. The award of $500 will be presented at the NESOT Annual Meeting, where abstracts will be reviewed by judges prior to the event.

The NESOT Fall Meeting Student Poster Awards, presented by the Society of Toxicology, recognize outstanding student presentations at the Northeast Regional Chapter Fall Meeting. Eligible candidates include undergraduate, graduate, and post-baccalaureate students who are NESOT members. Awards include $750 for 1st place, $500 for 2nd, and $250 for 3rd, along with a separate $125 award for an undergraduate poster presentation, fostering engagement and excellence in the field of toxicology.

The Autism Speaks Predoctoral Fellowship aims to support early career autistic scientists in their research endeavors. By providing a two-year fellowship that includes a $40,000 annual award, the program seeks to enhance research training opportunities for promising candidates. Fellows will collaborate with leading mentors in autism research, ensuring that individuals with both academic expertise and lived experience can significantly contribute to advancements in the field. This initiative underscores Autism Speaks' commitment to fostering inclusivity and innovation in autism research.

The VFW's Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship offers financial support of up to $5,000 to eligible veterans and service members pursuing their educational goals. This initiative, backed by the Veterans of Foreign Wars organization, aims to alleviate the burden of student debt for those who have served our country. By partnering with Student Veterans of America and Sport Clips, the VFW ensures that veterans receive the assistance they deserve to succeed in their academic endeavors.

The Ollie Hinkle Heart Foundation's Technology Grant aims to improve pediatric heart care outcomes through innovative collaborations. By focusing on predictive technologies for early recognition, precision for personalized care, and preventive measures for quality of life, the foundation seeks to transform care for heart children and their families. Their mission emphasizes community support, education, and advocacy to ensure no family faces unmet needs alone, creating a legacy of love and courage in the heart community.

The CFF/NIH R01-Unfunded Award, offered by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, supports exceptional CF-related research projects that have been submitted to NIH but lack funding. This program aims to bridge the gap for meritorious projects, providing up to $125,000 per year for two years. By facilitating research in cystic fibrosis, the foundation helps ensure that innovative ideas can continue to progress toward improving care and outcomes for individuals affected by this disease.

The American Parkinson Disease Association offers Post-Doctoral Fellowships to support research focused on Parkinson's disease. These fellowships, lasting two years, provide up to $75,000 per year to eligible post-doctoral trainees at U.S. institutions. Applicants must have completed their MD, PhD, or residency within two years prior to the award. Funding can cover direct research costs, but not travel or publication expenses over $1,000, ensuring resources are allocated effectively for impactful research.

The Native Performing Arts Fellowship (NPA) supports Native artists in enhancing their craft through grants of up to $10,000. This fellowship prioritizes personal artistic development over project-based funding, encouraging applicants to focus on growth through classes, workshops, and professional mentorship. Eligible candidates must be U.S.-based, 18 years or older, and enrolled members of recognized tribes. The program emphasizes Indigenous values in performing arts, fostering resilience and cultural expression.

The CF Foundation/NIH K-Unfunded Award aims to support exceptional research projects in cystic fibrosis (CF) that have been approved by the NIH but lack funding. This award provides temporary financial assistance of up to $80,000 per year for two years to ensure that promising CF research continues without interruption. The initiative focuses on fostering a new generation of researchers dedicated to advancing CF studies while encouraging the NIH to provide long-term support.