Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits in Tennessee

The Local Filmmaker Fund by the People's Media Fund supports filmmakers in Greater Philadelphia, enhancing their skills and film projects through a 12-month cohort program. This initiative prioritizes under-resourced filmmakers committed to social justice, offering funding up to $400,000. Eligible applicants must be at least 18 years old, live in designated areas, and either direct their film or secure fiscal sponsorship. The program fosters community storytelling and aims to amplify diverse voices in media.

The Young Investigators Research Forum offers a unique opportunity for early career sleep scientists to enhance their research skills. Funded by the AASM Foundation, this program provides travel scholarships for participants to attend the 2025 forum in Bethesda, MD. Participants will engage with senior investigators, learn about funding mechanisms, and refine their research proposals. This forum is designed to build a supportive network, fostering collaborations and mentorship in the field of sleep and circadian research.

The Stickley Scholarship Fund, established by L. & J. G. Stickley, Inc., offers four annual scholarships for graduating high school students who are children of full-time employees with over two years of service. This initiative promotes educational equity by making higher education more accessible, emphasizing the importance of financial need, community service, and academic achievement. Awarded in honor of Edward J. Audi, this scholarship aims to empower students to pursue their academic goals.

The Seymoure, Fred and Mildred (Young) Memorial Scholarship Fund offers a $500 scholarship to a Central Noble High School senior or graduate, or a resident of the Albion area pursuing a BS or MS in education. Established by the Noble County Community Foundation, this fund aims to support future educators in making a positive impact in their communities. Since 1991, the foundation has been dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Noble County.

The Pelvic Health Research Grant, offered by the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research, aims to enhance the health and movement of society through innovative research in physical therapy. With a commitment to addressing health disparities and supporting emerging researchers, this grant provides $40,000 over one or two years. It underscores the foundation's mission to optimize movement and improve health outcomes while fostering a robust pipeline of skilled researchers dedicated to evidence-based practices.

The FWW Fellowship Award supports emerging physicians and scientists dedicated to advancing women’s health research. Awardees, pursuing MD or PhD programs at U.S. institutions, explore critical health topics such as cardiovascular disease, leading female cancers, and the role of hormones. This initiative encourages diverse applicants and promotes innovative proposals that address health concerns disproportionately affecting women. With a commitment to fostering research excellence, the FWW Fellowship Award empowers the next generation of health leaders.

Pfizer is offering a grant opportunity for independent medical education initiatives focused on Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer (MIBC). This program aims to address the current knowledge gaps among healthcare professionals regarding emerging treatment data and its potential impact on clinical practices. By collaborating with Astellas, Pfizer seeks proposals that enhance awareness and understanding of the evolving MIBC landscape, ultimately improving patient outcomes in this critical area of unmet medical need.

The FWW Research Awards support short-term studies focused on critical women’s health issues such as cardiovascular disease, female cancers, and hormonal influences on health. Eligible applicants include MDs or PhDs affiliated with accredited institutions. Research proposals must align with FWW's priority areas, and financial support must be confirmed to ensure project completion. Note that sociological studies are not funded, and only one application per Principal Investigator is allowed.

The Warren MacKenzie Advancement Award supports students and emerging ceramic artists in the U.S. to enhance their skills and knowledge through research and education for up to twelve months. Eligible applicants include current students and recent graduates in ceramics. The award offers a maximum of $2,000 for travel, education, or research, enabling recipients to explore new techniques, collaborate with mentors, and attend workshops, thereby fostering professional growth in the field of ceramics.

This funding opportunity aims to enhance the global response to rabies through innovative, cost-effective tools. The initiative focuses on reducing human rabies cases and advancing canine rabies elimination, particularly in high-burden regions. Research areas include tracking vaccination efforts, managing rabies exposure investigations, improving laboratory systems, and assessing the economic impact of interventions. Ultimately, it seeks to develop strategies that protect public health and ensure the sustainability of rabies-free status in the U.S.

The Paris Patla Physical Therapy Research Grant, funded by the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research, aims to enhance the quality of life through innovative physical therapy research. With a commitment to advancing health and addressing disparities, this grant offers $100,000 for one or two years to support emerging and established researchers. By investing in the future of physical therapy, the Foundation strives to improve patient outcomes and solidify the profession's evidence-based practices.

The BECU Foundation Scholarship aims to support educational endeavors while promoting community service. This scholarship, valued at up to $5,000 over two years, is designed for BECU members who exemplify the philosophy of 'people helping people.' Eligible applicants include high school seniors and current college students with a minimum GPA of 2.5, who are committed to full-time education and community involvement. Apply to join a legacy of giving back while pursuing your academic goals.

The J. Thomas Dutro Jr. Student Award, presented by the Paleontological Research Institution, recognizes the significance of systematic research in paleontology. This $500 award is open to graduate students (Masters or Ph.D.) engaged in systematic paleontology research. Eligible expenses include research supplies, bench fees, and travel for fieldwork or conferences, supporting the academic growth of promising paleontologists.

The Diekemper Sofia Scholarship, established by Mrs. Lou Dunn Diekemper, supports students aged 40 and older enrolled in the global program at Sofia University in Palo Alto, California. This initiative, part of the Community Foundation of West Texas, aims to create a lasting impact on students' lives through educational opportunities. By fostering personal growth and development, the scholarship helps build a stronger future for individuals and the community as a whole.

The Graduate Student Scholarship: NSSLHA Scholarship supports CSD graduate students who show academic promise. Open to undergraduate seniors with active NSSLHA memberships, the scholarship emphasizes educational support for tuition and related expenses. Up to three scholarships are available, underwritten by the NSSLHA Scholarship Fund. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in a communication sciences and disorders graduate program in the U.S. and commit to full-time study, ensuring a focus on academic achievement.

The National Film Preservation Foundation offers Basic Preservation Grants to nonprofit and public institutions for preserving culturally significant American films. Since 1998, they have provided resources to 337 organizations across the U.S. Grants range from $1,000 to $20,000, facilitating the creation of new film preservation elements and public access copies. With an annual award of 30 to 40 grants, this initiative plays a crucial role in ensuring the survival of films that are at risk of being lost.

The Equus Veterinary Research Fellowship, established by the Equus Foundation and The Foundation For The Horse, offers a $5,000 scholarship and a $500 travel stipend to support equine research. Open to graduates of AVMA-accredited veterinary schools nearing residency or doctoral completion, this fellowship encourages innovative research in horse health care. Applications are accepted from mid-July to August, promoting the advancement of equine veterinary practices and the training of future researchers.

The Retail Food Safety Regulatory Association Collaboration program supports state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) food safety initiatives to mitigate food-borne illness risks. Funded by the FDA, this initiative aids SLTT agencies in research and intervention implementation, aiming to enhance public health and establish a cohesive national food safety framework. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations connected to higher education institutions, focusing on retail food safety.

The National Film Preservation Foundation (NFPF) offers Matching Grants to support the preservation of significant American films. Nonprofit and public institutions can apply for projects involving complex preservation efforts, with cash stipends ranging from $20,001 to $75,000. Grants require a matching contribution of one-fifth of the project costs. Since its inception, the NFPF has aided numerous organizations in preserving culturally important films, ensuring their accessibility for future generations.

Witness To Win Inc

Witness to Win, Inc. is a product of the Mathena family’s deep commitment to honoring God and God’s mission as stated in Matthew 28:19-20. These legacy values of giving and sharing were not only taught but were caught by the Mathena children. Many times, foundations are created to honor people and their legacy; however, Gary, Teresa, David, Melissa and John’s desire is to glorify the person of Jesus Christ and make Him known to all peoples. Therefore, the Mathena children unanimously decided to create the Witness to Win Foundation in 2017.

Over the past 10 years, the Mathena Family has given over $80M through their tithes and offerings to their local churches and to charitable organizations whose sole purpose is to share the love and message of Jesus Christ. 

Witness to Win Grant Program

To encourage and support charitable 501(c)(3) organizations who have as among their primary purpose to share and spread the gospel of Jesus Christ to the nations. These organizations will directly fulfill this purpose through Christian religious education and qualified Christian ministries. These charitable organizations must all be headquartered in the United States and must adhere to Christian, moral, and conservative standards of belief and conduct as specified in our Statements of Belief.

The Peter N. Whitcher Scholarship Fund provides financial assistance to eligible children of current or deceased members of the Iron Workers District Council of Western New York. This scholarship aims to support students pursuing high school graduation, higher education, or professional development, thus enhancing their educational opportunities and fostering equity in the community. Established by a key figure in the American labor movement, it reflects a commitment to uplift future generations through accessible education.

The Women's Fund Scholarship Award, established in 2014 by the Ashland County Community Foundation, provides financial assistance to female residents of Ashland County. It aims to empower women by supporting their education and job training goals, thereby improving their lives and their families' futures. This scholarship is available to high school seniors, college students, and non-traditional students, offering crucial resources for career advancement.

Spencer Educational Foundation Inc

The Spencer Educational Foundation was founded by the Rims Atlanta Chapter in 1979. To this day, Spencer remains the premier organization funding the education of tomorrow's risk management and insurance leaders.

The Spencer Educational Foundation: awards merit-based scholarships and grants to university students pursuing careers in risk management, insurance, and/or actuarial science; provides grants that create experiential learning opportunities both on and off campus; funds the development of risk management and insurance curricula in colleges and universities; supports Risk Managers by creating internship opportunities within the risk management function of their companies; and operates across the United States and Canada. 

Spencer Educational Foundation: Risk Manager on Campus Grants

Spencer’s Risk Manager on Campus (RMOC) Program has been praised by both universities and risk managers as a rewarding educational experience for students and a chance to give back to the profession. The grant program brings a practicing risk manager to the university to present and engage with students about the Risk Management profession and the Insurance industry. Since 1997, Spencer has awarded over 500 RMOC Grants totaling $1.7 million to universities & colleges across the United States and Canada.

Spencer’s Risk Manager on Campus program offers grants of up to $5,000 to universities and colleges in the United States and Canada to host a practicing Risk Manager on its campus for a 1–3-day residency. The grant award is to be used to:

• Reimburse the risk manager for travel, housing, and incidental expenses incurred from the visit.
• Coordinate class visits, campus-wide lectures, panel discussions, meals, student club/organization meetings, senior administration visits, and/or receptions for students to network with and learn from the visiting risk manager, thereby exposing students to careers in Risk Management and Insurance (including Actuarial Science) and cultivating excitement about the industry.

Spencer Educational Foundation Inc

The Spencer Educational Foundation was founded by the Rims Atlanta Chapter in 1979. To this day, Spencer remains the premier organization funding the education of tomorrow's risk management and insurance leaders.

The Spencer Educational Foundation: awards merit-based scholarships and grants to university students pursuing careers in risk management, insurance, and/or actuarial science; provides grants that create experiential learning opportunities both on and off campus; funds the development of risk management and insurance curricula in colleges and universities; supports Risk Managers by creating internship opportunities within the risk management function of their companies; and operates across the United States and Canada. 

Spencer Educational Foundation: Internship Grants

Through our Internship Grant Program, Spencer aims to support tomorrow’s Risk Management and Insurance leaders through experiential learning opportunities. 

Spencer provides internship grants of up to $7,500 to Risk Managers to hire interns in the risk management function of their organizations. Employers apply for grants from Spencer, and students then apply directly with the companies for internship opportunities.

Since 1999, Spencer has awarded $3.5 million to create over 650 risk management internships. Through the internship program, students learn about the field in a real-world business setting where they can quickly apply what they know, respond to new experiences, and begin to develop contacts in the industry. 

The Lawrence M. Brass, MD Clinical Research Training Scholarship in Stroke supports early career investigators focused on stroke and neurocritical care research. This award offers $65,000 annually for two years and an additional $10,000 yearly for educational costs, totaling $150,000. Eligibility requires applicants to be AAN members with MD, PhD, or equivalent degrees, and research must be conducted in accredited non-profit institutions in the U.S. Applications are assessed on research quality, innovation, and significance.

Alger Regional Community FoundationThe Alger Regional Community Foundation (ARCF) is a locally based 501(C)(3) nonprofit corporation dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Alger County through grants and scholarships.ARCF is a unique institution. It is a permanent, yet flexible, collection of endowment funds contributed by people from all walks of life who want to make a difference in our community.Clarence A. Thunander Endowment Scholarship FundGiven to an Alger County graduate who is continuing his/her education at an institution of higher learning in the medical-related field. The student receiving this award will be required to have completed 50 hours of satisfactory college credit with 10 hours in a medical-related field and provide college transcripts. They must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale. They must be attending an accredited college and pursuing a minimum of a 4-year degree in a medical-related field.

The New Music Organization Fund Grant supports non-profit organizations and performance groups dedicated to promoting new music and nurturing creators. This grant prioritizes artistic merit, community impact, immediate funding needs, and a commitment to inclusion. Eligible entities can apply for assistance to sustain their vital programming and resources for artists, ensuring the continued development of a vibrant music community.