Best Williamson County Grants for Nonprofits in Tennessee

The Dr. Robert W. Ikard Scholarship Fund, established by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, honors the legacy of Dr. Ikard, a surgeon and author committed to education and social justice. This scholarship supports descendants of slaves in Maury County, helping them access higher education opportunities. Eligible candidates must be residents of Maury or Williamson counties, have a minimum 3.0 GPA, and can reapply annually. The fund aims to foster a thriving, inclusive community through education.

Students in Williamson County, Tennessee pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in education, theology, music, film, historic preservation/public history, or fine arts may be eligible for this renewable scholarship. Grants from Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee support well-rounded applicants with at least a 3.0 GPA and demonstrated financial need from the 40 Middle Tennessee counties it serves.

The Melissa Ann Haught Scholarship Fund, established by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, honors Melissa's legacy by supporting graduates from Davidson and Williamson counties. This fund targets students pursuing higher education at accredited institutions with a minimum GPA of 3.0. By fostering educational opportunities, it aims to alleviate the stigma surrounding mental health, a cause close to Melissa's heart, and help others achieve their academic goals.

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.

The TAC Small Urban Partnership Support Grant provides competitive operating support to arts organizations in Tennessee's urban counties. Eligible organizations must have a minimum budget of $30,000 and can request up to 20% of their cash operating expenses. A one-to-one dollar match is required. Applicants must demonstrate a history of funding from the Tennessee Arts Commission and meet specific eligibility criteria related to IRS status and recognized art forms.

The NFL Foundation Grassroots Program, in partnership with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), aims to enhance the quality, safety, and accessibility of community football fields. With grants up to $250,000, this initiative addresses the critical lack of safe recreation spaces in low-income neighborhoods, ensuring children and adults have access to well-maintained facilities for gathering and exercise, ultimately fostering community health and well-being.

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.

Nonprofit organizations in Williamson County, Tennessee can seek support for programs in the arts, education, health, and human and social services that improve quality of life in Middle Tennessee. Focused on broad community impact, Ingram Charitable Fund invites 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving the wider Middle Tennessee region, including Williamson County, to apply.

The Middle Tennessee Fund Grant, offered by the HCA Healthcare Foundation, supports nonprofits in addressing community needs related to basic necessities, healthcare, education, and the arts. Since its inception in 1997, it has prioritized organizations with established relationships with HCA Healthcare. Eligible applicants must be 501c3 organizations with a minimum budget of $250,000, serving the Middle Tennessee area, and demonstrating engagement with HCA Healthcare through board involvement or volunteerism.

Williamson County, Tennessee children’s nonprofits can access funding through Speedway Children's Charities for programs serving kids in middle Tennessee. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations focus on children and may work in areas like homelessness, foster care, trafficking recovery, health, literacy, or after-school education. Capital projects and general operating costs, including salaries, are typically not supported.

The PNC Foundation's Grow Up Great Grant is a significant initiative aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for children from birth to age 5. With a commitment of $500 million, this program focuses on improving school readiness through support in vocabulary development, social-emotional learning, and the arts. By partnering with community-based nonprofits, PNC aims to foster stronger, smarter, and healthier communities, ensuring a brighter future for the next generation.

College-bound female students from Williamson County, Tennessee and other counties served by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee can receive scholarship support for postsecondary education. Grants from Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee help students, especially those with a 3.0 GPA or higher and extracurricular or community involvement, access academic scholarship opportunities.

Williamson County Tennessee municipalities or counties seeking to build or improve household hazardous waste collection facilities can access funding through the Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation. Grants support permanent or temporary collection infrastructure, including storage buildings, siting of facilities, safety equipment, signage, and operating and disposal reimbursement in eligible Tennessee counties.

Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development

The mission of the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development is to work as a team to promote workforce and economic development and improve workplace safety and health throughout Tennessee.

Rural Workforce Initiatives

Rural communities in Tennessee often struggle to access quality healthcare due to factors like limited facilities, long travel distances, workforce shortages, and high costs. The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD) is leading efforts to address workforce shortages across various industries, with healthcare as a priority.

Rural Healthcare Initiatives Grant 

The Program's Purpose

The Rural Healthcare Initiatives grant program aims to leverage existing healthcare training structures and expand apprenticeship and Workforce Development Initiatives to strengthen the pipeline of healthcare professionals in rural communities.

Financial support will be provided to sponsoring entities to offer training, certification, and apprenticeships, while also addressing ancillary costs like transportation, childcare, and examination fees that create barriers for participants.

Where will the grant provide services?

Potential recipients must identify a desired service area in their application. Service area must be in the 91 counties outside the major metropolitan counties of Davidson, Hamilton, Knox, and Shelby. Entities located within the counties of Davidson, Hamilton, Knox, and Shelby may apply for funding if funding is utilized for programing located in one of the other 91 counties in Tennessee. The service area must identify the need for the designated training or certification of the population based on county and regional employment opportunities and needs using local/state data and Labor Market Information. The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development will consult with applicants to ensure services are offered equitably across Tennessee.

What is the total grant award amount?

Applicants will propose their desired funding amount up to a maximum of $250,000 and will use the guidance found in this document.

How will subrecipients receive funds?

This is a reimbursable grant. Recipients will be required to submit requests at least once per month with supporting documentation to be reimbursed for allowable costs. Recipients must use The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development’s grant system, SmartSimple, for submissions. 

Learn more here.

The Brinker International Charitable Giving Program focuses on giving back to communities through support for kids, hunger, and education. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501c(3) non-profits and submit requests at least six weeks prior to events. The program does not support individuals, political or religious organizations, or explicit discrimination policies. Funding is provided through monetary donations or in-kind contributions like dining certificates.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Williamson County, Tennessee can apply for funding for arts and culture, education and leadership, environmental sustainability, financial literacy, and health and human services projects. First Horizon Foundation supports eligible nonprofits in Nashville and surrounding communities, including Franklin and Brentwood, to strengthen long-term community well-being.

The A. O. Smith Foundation, established in 1955, provides grants to support charitable, educational, and human services organizations primarily in communities where A. O. Smith Corporation operates. With a mission focused on enhancing community well-being, the Foundation promotes education, arts, culture, and health initiatives. It encourages employees to engage in volunteerism, fostering a culture of community involvement. Notably, the Foundation does not fund politically active organizations or those primarily aiming to influence legislation.

The Ann Buchanan Scholarship Fund, established by the Patricia Hart Society of the Women's Initiative at United Way of Williamson County, supports high school graduates in Williamson County facing extraordinary life challenges. This fund aims to provide opportunities for students not in the top 10% of their class, who are pursuing post-secondary education. The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, with over 30 years of experience, ensures that resources are directed to foster a thriving and inclusive community.

The First Generation College Opportunity Fund, established by a generous donor, aims to support first-generation college students in the Nashville area. Managed by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, this fund provides scholarships to students with a minimum 3.0 GPA attending public or private high schools in the region. It empowers young individuals to pursue higher education, fostering a more inclusive and thriving community for generations to come.

The Nissan Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations that promote cultural diversity and heritage. Established in 1992, the foundation focuses on enhancing community quality of life where Nissan operates. Eligible organizations must have 501(c)(3) status, be active for over three years, and serve specific communities. Ineligible programs include those not aligned with the foundation's mission, such as disease advocacy and political activities. The foundation does not provide multi-year grants, but organizations can reapply for funding in subsequent cycles.

The PLTW Biomedical Science grant aims to enhance the existing program by funding the addition of new courses or extra class periods, along with teacher training for the 2025-2026 academic year. Eligible applicants include public and charter schools in specific Tennessee counties. Grantees must adhere to reporting requirements and participate in surveys to ensure continual program improvement and stakeholder communication.

The H. Franklin Brooks Scholarship Fund, established by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, offers renewable scholarships to graduating high school seniors from Middle Tennessee. This fund particularly supports self-identified LGBTQ+ students, especially those whose families have ceased financial support for their education. With over 30 years of community impact, CFMT aims to foster a thriving, inclusive environment through collective philanthropy.

The Nashville Predators Foundation, empowered by SmileDirectClub, provides annual Helper Grants to support local charities in Nashville and Middle Tennessee. With grants ranging from $500 to $10,000, the foundation focuses on projects benefiting youth and families. In 2022, it distributed over $800,000 to 172 organizations. The program prioritizes those with detailed expense lists and organizations with budgets under $2 million, fostering community engagement and support for impactful initiatives.

The Bishop Joseph and Stephaine Walker Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, supports African-American students from the region who have a GPA of 2.5 or higher and a demonstrated history of community service. Annually, two to five scholarships are awarded to eligible graduate students pursuing advanced degrees, helping to foster educational advancement and community engagement in Middle Tennessee.

The B’nai B’rith Maimonides Lodge #46 Scholarship supports legally blind students pursuing post-secondary education. Established by the oldest Jewish service organization in Nashville, this scholarship honors 38 years of community service through a summer camp for visually-impaired children. The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee administers the fund, ensuring assistance reaches those in need while fostering an inclusive community. Eligible applicants must provide documentation of their legal blindness to apply.

Graduating high school seniors from Williamson County public schools in Tennessee can receive scholarship support for college through the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. Applicants must meet GPA, ACT, extracurricular, residency, and income criteria, with preference for colleges in Tennessee or the Southeast. This fund may interest local education-focused nonprofits assisting eligible students.

The Brown Center for Autism: Benjamin M. Liske Scholarship Fund, established by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, supports graduating seniors from Middle Tennessee diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. This scholarship honors Ben Liske, who excelled academically despite his challenges. Since its inception in 2008, the Brown Center has provided vital resources and training to families and professionals, aiming to enhance the lives of those affected by autism and promote a thriving, inclusive community.