Best White County Grants for Nonprofits in Tennessee

High school seniors from the 40 counties of Middle Tennessee, including White County, Tennessee, planning to attend Tennessee State University or Vanderbilt University can access funding through the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee’s Teddy Wilburn Scholarship Fund. Eligible students must have at least a B average over their last two years of high school.

White County, Tennessee land and habitat nonprofits can access funding through Open Space Institute to acquire permanent conservation easements or fee interests in large forest blocks on the Southern Cumberland Plateau. Eligible projects must permanently protect high-priority forests within the fund’s mapped region and be completed within 18 months, with limited support for transaction and stewardship costs.

College-bound female students from White County, Tennessee, planning to pursue higher education may be eligible for this memorial scholarship supporting academic study. Grants from Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee help students from its 40-county service area, with preference for applicants holding at least a 3.0 GPA and demonstrating extracurricular or community involvement.

The Sponsors Scholarship Fund, established by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, has awarded over $2.5 million in scholarships over 20 years to support financially disadvantaged students. This initiative continues the legacy of George Langstaff, who aimed to enhance educational opportunities and economic prospects for youth in Middle Tennessee and Allen County, Kentucky. By fostering collective philanthropy, the fund empowers young individuals to pursue higher education and contribute positively to their communities.

The In These Mountains: Infrastructure Grants, offered by South Arts, aim to preserve and promote the folk arts and traditional culture of Central Appalachia. This initiative supports non-profit organizations in Kentucky, North Carolina, and Tennessee, focusing on enhancing the resources necessary for sustaining and advancing traditional arts. Grants of up to $30,000 are available to address non-programming expenses, ensuring the continuity of cultural practices while prioritizing inclusivity and accessibility.

Nonprofit organizations providing arts, education, health, or human services programs in White County, Tennessee and the broader Middle Tennessee region can apply for funding that strengthens quality of life. Focused on community impact, Ingram Charitable Fund invites organizations making Nashville and surrounding counties better places to live and work to seek support.

Graduating high school seniors in Middle Tennessee, including White County, who self-identify as LGBTQ+ can receive renewable scholarship support for higher education. Grants from Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee prioritize students whose families have withdrawn financial support, helping them pursue academic goals through the H. Franklin Brooks Scholarship Fund.

The William Thomas McHugh and Lou Gower McHugh Scholarship Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, supports students from Middle Tennessee attending accredited law schools. It honors Bill McHugh's legacy, a devoted lawyer and veteran. Applicants must maintain a C average and preference is given to those attending Cumberland School of Law. This scholarship aims to promote legal education and uphold the values of integrity and service in the legal profession.

African-American students from Middle Tennessee with at least a 2.5 GPA and a record of community service can receive scholarship support for higher education, including graduate study. Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee provides these awards, and eligible students from White County, Tennessee are among those who may benefit from this academic scholarship program.

The WiTT Endowment Scholarship Fund, established by Women in Technology of Tennessee, aims to support women pursuing technology careers and enhance gender diversity in the IT industry. Operated by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, this scholarship seeks to empower female students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, who reside in the 40-county area served by CFMT, and are enrolled in technology-related degree programs.

The Rural Arts Facilities Fund, established by the Tennessee Arts Commission, aims to support rural communities in enhancing their arts and cultural facilities. Grants of up to $200,000 are available for projects that benefit local arts programming, foster community identity, and promote economic growth. Eligible applicants include local governments and nonprofit organizations in rural Tennessee. By investing in these facilities, the program seeks to improve access to arts experiences, create jobs, and stimulate tourism in underserved areas.

The Lowell Hill, Virginia Wilson Hill and Pegine Hill Memorial Scholarship Fund, established in 2022 by Virginia Tameron Hedge, honors her grandparents and mother, emphasizing the importance of education and community service. Administered by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, this renewable scholarship targets students pursuing degrees in education, the arts, and historic preservation, particularly within the 40 counties served by CFMT, with a preference for applicants from Bedford and Williamson counties.

The Tennessee Arts & Rural Health Initiative Grant, funded by the Tennessee Arts Commission, aims to enhance health and wellness in rural hospitals through arts-based programs. With a budget of $75,000 from the NEA, the initiative supports 4-6 hospitals, offering grants between $5,000 to $25,000. Projects may include artist-led classes, meditation gardens, and healing spaces, leveraging the therapeutic power of the arts to improve patient outcomes and community engagement in healthcare settings.

Graduating high school seniors in White County, Tennessee with a documented Autism Spectrum Disorder and strong academic or technical potential can receive scholarship support for higher education. Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee’s Brown Center for Autism: Benjamin M. Liske Scholarship Fund helps these students pursue college or technical programs and further their academic goals.

High school seniors from Middle Tennessee planning to attend an accredited college or university can apply for the Brandon Key Scholarship Fund to support higher education costs. Focused on academic scholarships and minority services, Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee gives preference to low-income students, especially those planning to attend a Historically Black College or University, including students from White County, Tennessee.

Legally blind students pursuing post-secondary education in White County, Tennessee and surrounding Middle Tennessee counties may be eligible for scholarship assistance. With a mission to build a thriving and inclusive community, Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee offers the B’nai B’rith Maimonides Lodge #46 Scholarship to support higher education costs for students who provide documentation of legal blindness.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and local government entities in White County, Tennessee can receive funding for rural arts projects that enhance community vitality and engagement. Grants from Tennessee Arts Commission support activities across disciplines, including performances, festivals, exhibitions, residencies, and public art, with awards ranging from US $1,000 - US $25,000.

Individual Black Appalachian storytellers connected to White County, Tennessee and other ARC-designated Appalachian counties can receive funding to sustain Black storytelling traditions. Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation provides US $5,000 fellowships honoring oral tradition culture bearers, with fellows recognized at the “In the Tradition…” National Black Storytelling Festival and Conference through the Central Appalachia Living Traditions program.

College juniors, seniors, graduate students, or mid-career journalists from Middle Tennessee pursuing journalism or broadcast news can receive scholarship support for education or professional training through the Drue Smith/Society of Professional Journalists’ Scholarship Fund. Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee serves multiple counties, including White County, Tennessee, making local journalism students eligible.

White County, Tennessee arts nonprofits can access funding through Tennessee Arts Commission’s Small Rural Partnership Support program for general operating expenses. Eligible 501(c)(3) arts organizations must be chartered in a designated rural county, have a three-year Commission funding history, and a minimum $30,000 budget; awards are up to US $25,000 with a 1:1 cash match.

The Donald and Frances McDonald Endowed Scholarship Fund, administered by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, supports students majoring in engineering technology or aerospace at Middle Tennessee State University. Eligible applicants must maintain a 3.0 GPA, demonstrate financial need, and be enrolled full-time. This renewable scholarship aims to foster academic success and career development in vital engineering fields, contributing to the growth and inclusivity of the local community.

The Tennessee Appalachian Regional Commission Funding supports economic development projects in middle and east Tennessee. Grants can reach up to $1,000,000 for construction and $500,000 for non-construction projects. Priorities include water and wastewater services to industries, basic services in rural areas, and unique community opportunities. This funding aims to enhance the quality of life and foster self-sustaining development in the Appalachian region.

The LGBTQ Fund Grant Program, offered by the Appalachian Community Fund, supports grassroots social change in Central Appalachia. It prioritizes funding for organizations that promote inclusivity and tackle systemic issues affecting LGBTQ communities, particularly youth. Grants are available to community-led organizations with a focus on building capacity and addressing social, economic, and racial justice. This initiative embodies a commitment to collective action and resource-sharing, fostering positive transformation in Appalachian communities.

The Appalachian Community Fund's Technical Assistance Grants are designed to strengthen grassroots organizations in Central Appalachia. These small grants support specific technical assistance needs, enhancing skills in areas such as leadership, fundraising, and community organizing. ACF prioritizes projects that address systemic issues and promote social, economic, and environmental justice. Organizations eligible for funding must be community-led and demonstrate a commitment to creating equitable change in their communities.

The J. Barrett Melton Family Memorial Scholarship Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, offers renewable scholarships for students in middle Tennessee. Applicants must have a minimum ACT score of 21 and a GPA of 3.0. Preference is given to students from Cannon County. This initiative aims to support local students in achieving their academic goals, fostering a thriving community through education.

Nonprofits and local partners in White County, Tennessee can seek funding for economic development, workforce training, job creation, and related planning or implementation projects serving coal-impacted communities. With a mission to revitalize the Appalachian economy, Appalachian Regional Commission provides competitive POWER Initiative grants up to US $2,500,000 for regional, collaborative efforts that diversify local industries and expand quality employment opportunities.

The John and Belinda Havron Scholarship Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, supports students from the 40 counties of Middle Tennessee with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. This scholarship aims to alleviate financial barriers for students pursuing post-secondary education, reflecting John and Belinda's commitment to fostering educational opportunities. Their legacy emphasizes the importance of community support and encourages scholarship recipients to 'pay it forward' in their own journeys.