Best Youth Sports Grants in Tennessee

The Watson-Brown Foundation Grant supports organizations dedicated to preserving the history and culture of the South. It offers various types of grants, including for educational programming and historic preservation, with a focus on southern studies. Eligible recipients include public charities in the southeastern United States. The Foundation's Junior Board of Trustees also awards grants to preservation projects in east central Georgia, emphasizing youth engagement in cultural heritage.

The Appalachian Region Healthcare Support Program aims to enhance healthcare delivery in rural areas by providing technical assistance to organizations such as critical access hospitals and rural health clinics. By focusing on planning and implementing healthcare service improvements, the program seeks to strengthen the operational performance and quality of care within these communities, ultimately benefiting the residents served by the Appalachian Regional Commission.

South Arts Inc

Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, South Arts is a nonprofit regional arts organization empowering artists, organizations, and communities, and increasing access to arts and culture.

In partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the State Arts Agencies of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee — with additional funding from other public and private donors such as the Doris Duke Foundation, the Ford Foundation, and Mellon Foundation — South Arts supports artists and organizations through a rich and responsive portfolio of grants, fellowships, and programs. Why? Because South Arts believes that the arts elevate the region, increasing connectedness and inspiring meaningful change in the process.

Our mission: Advancing Southern vitality through the arts.

Arts in Community Grants

Program Description

Arts in Community Grants are designed to support deeper engagements between Southern communities and artists. Through these grants supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, we aim to increase access to the arts, expand audiences for artists, and broaden our reach. Eligible projects require a Southern artist/company visiting another Southern state for public activities, offering access to arts programming by professional artists. Funding supports Southern film directors, traditional artists, visual artists, performing artists, or writers:

• film (documentary, fiction, experimental, and animation),
• traditional arts (music, dance, storytelling, and visual arts/crafts),
• visual arts (crafts, drawing, experimental, painting, photography, sculpture, and mixed media),
• performing arts (theater, music, opera, musical theater, and dance), and
• literary arts (fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry).

Projects require an artist or artist ensemble and a host or partner organization. Project must include at least two in-person or live, virtual public activities – both a public presentation (a film screening, performance, reading, or exhibition) and an educational/community engagement activity (a workshop, demonstration, lecture, facilitated discussion, or master class). The grant requires a dollar-for-dollar cash match.

The Diminished Tree Species Grant Program focuses on restoring native tree species crucial for biodiversity and forest health. By funding scientific research, seed orchard development, and land preservation, the program aims to combat climate change through effective tree restoration projects. The Oak Hill Fund, a private entity, encourages project-specific applications, prioritizing organizations that meet eligibility criteria under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS. This initiative is vital for sustaining healthy ecosystems and mitigating environmental impacts.

Tennessee nonprofits and accredited educational institutions receiving donations from recent Regions retirees can access funding through Regions Bank’s matching gifts program to support community and economic development, education and workforce readiness, financial wellness, arts and culture, veterans, and disability services. Eligible 501(c) or 170(c) organizations may receive up to US $1,000 per retiree per year in matched contributions.

Tennessee college students majoring in accounting and aiming to become Certified Public Accountants can receive scholarship support to continue their studies in-state. Focused on academic scholarships, Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee invites eligible rising juniors, seniors, and graduate students with at least a 3.2 GPA to apply; married applicants may receive preference.

About Us

Our Mission

The Tennessee Arts Commission was created in 1967 by the Tennessee General Assembly with the special mandate to stimulate and encourage the presentation of the visual, literary, music and performing arts and to encourage public interest in the cultural heritage of Tennessee. TN Arts Commission Governing Policies can be found here.

The mission of the Tennessee Arts Commission is to cultivate the arts for the benefit of all Tennesseans and their communities. Our vision is a Tennessee where the arts inspire, connect and enhance everyday lives.

The Commission is supported by in part by the National Endowment for the Arts.

Individual Artist Fellowship

Recognition and acknowledgement of outstanding professional Tennessee artists who, through their work add to the cultural vitality of the state.

Fellowships provide those individuals who by education, experience, or natural talent engage in a particular art form or discipline, and live and work in Tennessee. To qualify, an artist must be financially compensated for his or her work, and this compensation must be a significant source of support for their livelihood.

Accepted categories for FY 2028:

• Visual Art:
  • Two-Dimensional Work
  • Mural Arts
  • Craft
• Media:
  • Film
  • Photography
• Dance:
  • Solo Dance, Choreography, or Movement-based Work
• Music:
• Performance-based Work
• Composition-based Work
• Theatre:
• Acting or Directing
• Playwriting
• Production Design (set, lighting, or costume)
• Literary Arts:
• Creative Non-fiction
• Fiction
• Children’s Literature/Young Adult Literature
• Poetry

About Regions

Regions Financial Corporation is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation's largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas.

Regions Foundation

Regions Foundation supports community investments that positively impact the communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grantmaking program focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness; and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank.

Matching Gifts Program

Full-time associates and recent retirees (up to 5 years after retirement) of Regions and its affiliated companies can request a Regions Matching Gift to eligible organizations. The recipient organization must be a 501(c) or 170(c) organization located in the Regions footprint (except for accredited educational institutions, which may be located anywhere in the United States) and has a primary mission that clearly fits one of these categories:

• Economic and community development: Supporting economic prosperity through affordable housing, job creation, small-business development, homebuyer education and retention, neighborhood revitalization and stabilization, food security/hunger relief.
• Education and workforce readiness: Supporting career prosperity through student competency and skill building, college and career readiness, educational access and success, credential building and employment and educator training and resources.
• Financial wellness: Supporting financial prosperity through K-12 and college financial education, adult and workforce financial empowerment.
• Arts and culture: Organizations that promote visual or performing arts, historic or science museums, zoos, botanical gardens, libraries, parks or public radio and television.
• Service members and Veterans: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting U.S. military service members and veterans.
• Individuals with disabilities: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting individuals with disabilities.

Regions Matching Gifts for Full-Time Associates

Regions supports organizations important to our associates through the Regions Matching Gifts Program. This program, which is open for use for all full-time Regions associates, affiliate associates and recent retirees, allows you to make an even greater difference to your favorite charities by doubling your tax-deductible contributions to these organizations. 

The MFA Oil Foundation Grant offers cash support to nonprofit organizations focused on enhancing communities where MFA Oil operates. With a mission to bolster rural areas, the foundation prioritizes initiatives that develop youth leadership, agricultural education, and community problem-solving. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt nonprofits and accredited educational institutions. However, grants are not available for operating expenses, political lobbying, or individual support. This initiative seeks to empower organizations that create sustainable change in their communities.

The Akima Grant Program, managed by Akima Club Inc, provides essential financial support to local nonprofit agencies. This year, over $86,000 was awarded to more than 50 diverse organizations, enhancing community services in the fields of arts, culture, science, and social support. The program's mission emphasizes compassion and respect for the community, aiming to assist agencies that directly impact clients. Funding is generated through community-driven events, showcasing a long-standing commitment to local betterment.

The Sidney B. Meadows Scholarship, established in 1989, offers financial support to students pursuing degrees in horticulture across 16 southeastern states. Administered by the Sidney B. Meadows Scholarship Endowment Fund, this scholarship honors the legacy of Sidney B. Meadows, a dedicated advocate for education in the horticultural industry. Applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria related to academic standing and residency, with preference given to those intending to work in the field after graduation.

The Frankenmuth Insurance Foundation Charitable Grant supports qualified charities focused on community betterment and basic human needs. Founded in 2016, it aims to enhance lives through initiatives such as affordable housing, health programs, and the arts. Organizations eligible for funding must be tax-exempt and serve areas where Frankenmuth Insurance operates. Notably, the foundation excludes support for individuals, political groups, and projects typically financed by governments, ensuring its resources benefit the wider community.

The Stream and Wetland Restoration Grant, provided by the Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation, aims to restore natural resources impacted by violations of the Tennessee Water Quality Control Act. Eligible applicants include nonprofit corporations, state and federal agencies, and municipalities. Projects must contribute to strategic investment areas, comply with regulatory requirements, and demonstrate their capacity to manage funds effectively. Leveraging additional resources is essential, with a minimum of 20% required from other sources.

The Historic Preservation Fund Grant (HPF) offers matching grants to support projects that provide public benefits, reimbursing up to 60% of eligible costs. Applications open from December 1, 2025, to February 1, 2026. Grants typically range from $15,000 to $65,000, focusing on architectural surveys, preservation plans, and restoration of historically significant buildings. The program prioritizes non-profit, municipal, and civic organization projects that demonstrate public use and align with the State Historic Preservation Plan.

Investing in Our Communities

Regions Bank and Regions Foundation are committed to helping individuals, families, and businesses achieve financial success.

We work alongside nonprofit organizations, local businesses, government and service agencies to address social and economic issues, assist in building inclusive economic prosperity and help more members of our communities benefit from the rewards of a growing economy.

We make strategic and disciplined community investments in programs that seek to achieve three target outcomes:

Economic and Community Development

• Affordable housing
• Job creation
• Small business development
• Homebuyer education and retention
• Neighborhood revitalization and stabilization

Education and Workforce Readiness

• Student competency and skill building
• College and career readiness
• Educational access and success
• Credential building and employment
• Educator training and resources

Financial Wellness

• Financial education to youth, adults, and vulnerable populations
• Financial planning tools and resources, including Regions Next Step®
• Integrated asset-building

Tennessee students with costume-related research or design projects can access funding through the Costume Society of America’s Jim Liles Student Award to present at the CSA Southeastern Region symposium. Up to US $1,000 supports travel and related expenses for up to two accepted presenters, with registration fees waived for all student presenters.

Costume professionals and scholars in Tennessee and the wider Southeastern region can seek funding for costume-related research, education, or skills training. With a mission to advance understanding of dress and appearance, Costume Society of America provides members with US $250 - US $1,000 for courses, workshops, travel, or other professional development projects in costume arts.

The UNICO Foundation's Ralph J. Torraco Scholarship provides two scholarships of $2,500 each to students pursuing a degree. Open to all ethnicities, applicants must be U.S. citizens, attend an accredited college full-time, and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. They should continue their studies in the 2026-2027 academic year and may apply if sponsored by a UNICO chapter from specific states. This initiative underscores UNICO's commitment to supporting educational opportunities for deserving students.

The UNICO Foundation offers the Louise Torraco Memorial Scholarship for Science, providing two scholarships worth $2,500 each to U.S. citizens pursuing degrees in physical or life sciences. Eligible candidates must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and be enrolled full-time in accredited programs. This initiative reflects UNICO's commitment to supporting educational pursuits in scientific fields while fostering Italian American heritage and community service.

The Ella T. Grasso Literary Scholarship, provided by the UNICO Foundation, offers two $1,000 awards to college students of Italian descent. Candidates must submit an original essay or short story celebrating their heritage while being enrolled in a full-time, accredited U.S. college for the 2026-2027 academic year. This initiative highlights UNICO's commitment to supporting educational endeavors and preserving Italian culture within America.

The Bernard and Carolyn Torraco Memorial Nursing Scholarships, funded by the UNICO Foundation, offer $2,500 scholarships to students pursuing accredited nursing programs in the United States. These scholarships support nursing students of all ethnicities who demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens and enrolled in a campus-based program, with a focus on continuing their studies within the academic year 2025-2026.

The UNICO Foundation offers the Dr. Benjamin Cottone Memorial Scholarship, providing $5,000 to support a U.S. citizen of Italian descent pursuing a medical degree. Eligible candidates must be seniors at accredited colleges or medical schools, with proof of enrollment required. This scholarship not only aids education but also honors the foundation's commitment to community service and heritage, reflecting the core values of the Italian American community.

The Sergeant John Basilone Memorial Graduate Scholarship, offered by the UNICO Foundation, provides two awards of $3,000 each for graduate students of Italian descent. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens, enrolled full-time in accredited programs, and reside in specified states. The scholarship supports students pursuing graduate studies in the academic year 2026-2027. UNICO promotes Italian American heritage and community service, making this scholarship a valuable opportunity for deserving students.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers Family Literacy Grants to nonprofit organizations that support family literacy initiatives. Eligible applicants must provide services such as adult education, children's education, and parent-child engagement activities. Organizations must be located within 15 miles of a Dollar General store and have a valid IRS tax ID. This funding aims to enhance literacy skills for families, empowering individuals to achieve their educational goals.

South Arts provides Tennessee arts organizations rooted in communities of color with general operating support for organizational wellness and sustainability. Eligible applicants include nonprofit or fiscally sponsored arts groups, arts-centered private entities, and tribal governments with under $500,000 in annual revenue and at least three years of programming. Awards range from US $50,000 - US $150,000.

Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) exists to enhance the quality of life for citizens of Tennessee and to be stewards of our natural environment by:

• Protecting and improving the quality of Tennessee’s air, land, and water through a responsible regulatory system
• Protecting and promoting human health and safety
• Conserving and promoting natural, cultural and historic resources
• Providing a variety of quality outdoor recreational experiences

Brownfield Redevelopment Area Grant (BRAG)

Program Purpose and Authority

In 2023, the Tennessee General Assembly authorized TDEC to establish the Brownfield Redevelopment Area Fund, enabling a state-administered brownfield grant program to support the identification, investigation, planning, and remediation of brownfield sites.

Program Objectives and Priorities

• Facilitate identification and cleanup of brownfield sites.
• Encourage economic and community redevelopment through reuse.
• Support environmentally sound remediation.
• Promote balanced access to funding statewide.

Project Categories

To support BRAG’s purpose of supporting identification, assessment, or remediation activities, TDEC will award grants for the identification, planning, assessment, remediation and closure of brownfield sites across the state.

Identification Grants

Inventory of brownfield sites across multiple locations. Contract Term: 12 months

Allowable Activities

The following is a list of allowable actions under an identification grant. Other expenses may be allowable but would require prior approval by TDEC.

• Developing or updating an inventory of previously unidentified brownfield sites within a grantee community (brownfield redevelopment area). In preparing a brownfield inventory, the inventory shall include, to the extent easily ascertainable: an assessment of the contaminants known or suspected to have been discharged or that are currently stored on the site; the extent of any remediation performed on the site; the site's proximity to transportation networks; and the availability of infrastructure to support the redevelopment of the site.

• The following information gathered for the inventory shall be submitted to TDEC: the location and size of the brownfield property; current and anticipated uses of the property; known data about the environmental conditions or past uses of the property; and ownership of the property.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers the DGLF Summer Reading Grants, which support the development and expansion of summer reading programs aimed at Pre-K to 12th grade students, particularly new and below-grade-level readers, including those with learning disabilities. Eligible organizations, such as nonprofits, schools, and libraries within 15 miles of a Dollar General store, can apply for grants up to $3,000 to foster literacy and education initiatives.