Best Social Science Research Grants in Tennessee

Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on economic and workforce advancement, safe and affordable housing, or community arts and culture can access funding through U.S. Bank Foundation’s Community Possible Grant Program. Organizations based in and serving designated U.S. Bank communities, especially those led by people of color and advancing equity, may be competitive applicants, including groups with social science research components.

Nonprofit organizations in Tennessee that are 501(c)(3)s and run programs for children, education, or health and human services may be eligible for monetary support that can complement social science or policy-related work. Grants from Costco Foundation help community-focused programs demonstrate measurable outcomes, collaborate locally, and leverage a broad base of financial support.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits with innovative human services or social problem-solving programs can seek invitation-only support to pilot or expand new approaches. Focused on innovation, Creag Foundation invites organizations, including those conducting social science or political science-related work on societal issues, to submit a letter of inquiry if they believe they fit the foundation’s funding criteria.

Early-stage nonprofit and mission-driven for-profit organizations tackling major social or environmental challenges in Tennessee can access funding and support through Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation; awards up to US $300,000 for scalable, impact-first solutions. Organizations conducting applied work that informs social science or political science research and benefits underserved communities may be competitive.

Tennessee educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies can access funding for safety, education, and community development initiatives through State Farm Companies Foundation. Projects may include disaster preparedness and recovery, community revitalization, job training, financial literacy, STEM and K–12 education, and other long-term, sustainable community programs that may benefit social science research efforts.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

Tennessee nonprofits and other eligible charitable organizations can receive support for health, education, and community programs, including food pantries, healthcare access, STEM initiatives, and preventative care. Labcorp Charitable Foundation provides grants twice yearly, and organizations conducting social science research connected to these areas may be eligible to apply.

Organizations worldwide working on education, children’s health, or family economic stability for urban low-income youth can apply for Michael & Susan Dell Foundation grants; awards more than US $50,000 for project support or scaling. Tennessee-based nonprofits, schools, governments, and social enterprises doing relevant social science or policy research within these areas may be eligible.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Tennessee communities where PNC has a significant presence can seek PNC Foundation grants for early childhood education or economic and community development programs serving low- and moderate-income residents. Funding may support classroom initiatives, educator training, housing counseling, small business assistance, job readiness, arts and cultural enrichment, or neighborhood revitalization efforts.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

Nonprofit and humanitarian organizations working on health, education, and disaster relief for marginalized communities in Tennessee and worldwide can seek support for programs such as healthcare access, child welfare, domestic violence services, and literacy initiatives. Semnani Family Foundation provides flexible funding that may benefit social science research tied to these human and social service priorities.

With a mission to support charitable, scientific, medical, and educational work, Sidney Stern Memorial Trust provides Tennessee 501(c)(3) organizations with funding for research and related programs. Eligible nonprofits must use awarded funds within the U.S., which may include social science or political science research benefiting broad target populations.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Tennessee working on community development, housing, jobs, hunger, arts, or related initiatives can seek sponsorship support through the Bank of America Charitable Foundation Sponsorship Program. Grants from Bank of America may benefit social science or political science projects that advance economic mobility and social progress in local communities.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) organizations serving communities through education, health, poverty relief, families, veterans, or related services can access funding through Robinson Foundation for single-year program support. Eligible nonprofits must serve the Southern region, be active for more than three years, and demonstrate tangible, meaningful impact, which may include social science research components within these focus areas.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting community services in Tennessee can seek philanthropic grants or event sponsorships that advance their service goals. With a mission to help communities where employees live and work, Insperity provides funding to approved charities once per year, which may benefit groups conducting social science or political science-related community programs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding may be eligible for support in Tennessee and beyond. Focused on broad social and environmental impact, the Dudley T Dougherty Foundation invites applicants whose work could include social science or political science research connected to these areas.

Charitable 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and qualified government entities in Tennessee communities within 30 miles of a Georgia-Pacific manufacturing facility can apply for Georgia-Pacific Foundation’s grants to support education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental initiatives. Programs that strengthen local well-being may be eligible, including those connected to social science or political science research in these communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations near TJX locations in Tennessee can seek funding for basic needs, youth enrichment, workforce readiness, and domestic violence safety programs. The TJX Foundation supports vulnerable families and children; eligible groups complete an online questionnaire, then may be invited to submit a letter of inquiry and full application.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

Nonprofit organizations in Tennessee seeking support for community-based programs can apply for US $1,000 - US $20,000 to fund cultural, educational, health, environmental, youth, senior, or disability services projects. The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation provides grants to IRS-qualified U.S. nonprofits where relatively small awards can make a significant impact, which may include social science-related initiatives.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) organizations seeking project support in education, social services, health care, civic and cultural, or environmental initiatives can apply for Dr Scholl Foundation grants of US $5,000 - US $25,000. Grants from Dr Scholl Foundation help nonprofits with defined, one-year projects that may include social science or political science-related work.

Graduate and exceptional undergraduate students pursuing medieval history or related studies in Tennessee can receive up to US $1,000 to offset tuition for approved summer courses in medieval languages or manuscript studies. The Medieval Academy of America offers these CARA Summer Scholarships for programs such as Latin, Greek, paleography, codicology, and related medieval skills training.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Tennessee that serve local communities where O’Reilly Auto Parts operates can seek funding for project, general operating, or capital support to improve quality of life. Grants from O'Reilly Automotive Foundation help programs focused on economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, and disaster relief, which may include social science research components.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Tennessee can apply for US $5,000 - US $30,000 from Union Pacific Foundation’s Community Ties Local Grants to support safety, workforce development, community vitality, or environmental sustainability projects. Programs serving Union Pacific communities, including youth development or community-focused initiatives that may inform social science research, may be eligible.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting youth, families, 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 in education, housing, hunger relief, community services, and related environmental initiatives, which may benefit organizations conducting applied social science or community-focused research.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.