Best Sustainability Grants in Tennessee

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations running sustainability, environmental, or community programs in Tennessee can apply for Union Pacific Foundation’s Community Ties Local Grants, offering US $5,000 - US $30,000. Funding supports projects in environmental sustainability, safety, workforce development, and community vitality within communities served by Union Pacific, with an emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Tennessee working on economic and workforce advancement, affordable housing, or community arts and culture can seek funding through the US Bancorp Foundation Community Possible Grant Program. Grants from this program may benefit sustainability-focused groups whose work overlaps housing, economic development, or community spaces, with priority for organizations led by people of color.

Tennessee nonprofits serving adults with workforce or small business programs can access funding via Truist Foundation for initiatives that build career pathways to economic mobility and strengthen small businesses. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) public charities may receive more than US $15,000 to support reskilling, upskilling, employment navigation, and entrepreneurship support, which may benefit sustainability-related community efforts.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Tennessee with audited expenses over $2 million can seek more than US $100,000 to support proven social service programs that address chronic poverty and strengthen families. With a mission to help people build healthy, productive lives, William Randolph Hearst Foundation provides program, capital, and general support, which may benefit sustainability-focused efforts like job training, housing, and economic development.

501(c)(3) organizations offering economic development, housing, education, or community programs that can benefit disadvantaged people in Tennessee and beyond can apply for the Erich & Hannah Sachs Foundation’s grants or low-interest PRI funding. Support may help self-sustaining initiatives like affordable housing, job training, after-school programs, health access, or land and open space preservation.

501(c)(3) organizations supporting women’s self-sufficiency or children’s education and skills training in Tennessee can apply for Kathryn McQuade Foundation grants, with awards from US $5,000 - US $50,000. Funding supports programs that advance women and children’s rights, education, welfare, job readiness, and financial independence, which may benefit sustainability-focused community initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and qualified local government entities supporting environmental and community initiatives in Tennessee communities near Georgia-Pacific manufacturing facilities can apply for this funding. Georgia-Pacific Foundation backs projects in education, environment, entrepreneurship, and community enrichment that enhance long-term well-being within its service areas.

With a mission to support innovative environmental, education, and human services work, Change Happens Foundation provides Tennessee 501(c)(3) public charities, government entities, and IRS-recognized tribes with funding for environmental conservation, climate resilience, and STEM education initiatives. Organizations with national or global reach may be especially competitive, and some community-focused projects may also be considered.

Tennessee environmental and community organizations running arts, education, environmental, or health and wellness projects or events can access funding through Stantec’s Community Engagement Grant. Eligible initiatives should be near a Stantec office and may include sustainable development, environmental responsibility, energy efficiency, air quality, or climate-related programs that strengthen local communities.

The Sparkplug Foundation Grant supports innovative projects from early-stage organizations and established non-profits in education, community organizing, and music. The foundation emphasizes community-led initiatives that address systemic injustices and engage marginalized populations. Grants are available for one year and prioritize projects with small budgets that lack extensive funding sources. The foundation encourages applications from diverse communities, particularly those led by Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and LGBTQ individuals, fostering equitable access to resources.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Tennessee communities where PNC operates can apply for PNC Foundation’s Foundation Grant to support early childhood education or community economic development programs. Funding may benefit initiatives such as neighborhood revitalization, affordable housing, small business support, arts and culture, or services for low- and moderate-income families, including sustainability-related efforts.

Nonprofit organizations, tribal governments, schools, and public entities in Tennessee can seek HDR Foundation funding for discrete projects in education, healthy communities, or environmental stewardship. Focused on sustainability and environmental conservation, HDR Foundation invites U.S.-based applicants with an engaged HDR employee sponsor to request more than US $5,000 for measurable, 12-month projects.

Nonprofit cultural institutions in Tennessee offering arts, culture, or science programming can seek more than US $100,000 for program, capital, or limited general support; awards are nationwide but include Tennessee. With a mission to strengthen lives, the Hearst Foundation prioritizes large, well-established 501(c)(3)s engaging youth, developing artists, and advancing STEAM education.

Nonprofit organizations and eligible public entities working on education, hunger relief, health, disaster response, or environmental conservation can apply for US $2,500 - US $10,000 to support programs in Tennessee communities with International Paper operations. With a mission to strengthen critical community and environmental needs, International Paper Company Foundation prioritizes projects tied to its signature causes and employee engagement.

501(c)(3) organizations working on environmental conservation, animal welfare, or related sustainability projects in Tennessee can apply for the Robert F. Schumann Foundation’s support. Grants prioritize innovative efforts in environmental sustainability, land and habitat conservation, and ornithology, with special consideration for impactful projects that might not proceed without this funding.

Tennessee 501(c)(3) and public organizations can seek funding for projects that advance environmental stewardship, sustainability education, and community vitality. Waste Management provides support for initiatives that preserve natural resources, build clean and resilient communities, and strengthen workforce and skills development, which may benefit sustainability-focused programs across the state.

Environmental and community-focused charities in Tennessee can seek funding to support sustainable development, humanitarian aid, science education, and contemporary arts projects. Grants from La Roche help organizations working on environmental conservation, STEM education, disaster relief, and community health that can actively partner with local Roche affiliates and engage employees in high-quality, innovative programs.

Tennessee environmental and sustainability-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits can seek general operating support for grassroots work improving food systems, climate justice, and community health. Clif Family Foundation supports regenerative and organic farming, healthy food access, pollution-free environments, and inclusive outdoor access, offering US $5,000 - US $50,000 one-year grants, with applications reviewed twice annually.