Best Williamson County Grants for Nonprofits in Tennessee

The Brandon Key Scholarship Fund, established by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, honors a young man dedicated to community service and civil rights. This scholarship supports Middle Tennessee students with a minimum GPA of 2.5, who demonstrate a commitment to serving their community and plan to attend an accredited college. Preference is given to applicants from low socioeconomic backgrounds aiming for Historically Black Colleges or Universities, promoting inclusivity and opportunity for future generations.

High-achieving, low-income students attending public high schools in Williamson County, Tennessee, and nearby counties can apply for the JubiLee Scholarship Fund to support their postsecondary education. Administered by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, this scholarship may benefit local nonprofits helping eligible students meet academic, income, and school enrollment criteria.

The Drue Smith/Society of Professional Journalists’ Scholarship Fund, established in memory of pioneering journalist Drue Smith, supports college juniors, seniors, and graduate students from Middle Tennessee pursuing careers in journalism or broadcast news. This fund honors Drue's legacy as the first woman president of the Society of Professional Journalists in Tennessee, promoting professional development for aspiring journalists and fostering the next generation of media professionals in a rapidly changing landscape.

Impact100 Nashville's Spark Grant Category seeks to empower non-profit organizations addressing critical issues in Middle Tennessee, such as homelessness and poverty. By offering $35,000 grants, the program aims to fund innovative, self-sustaining projects that create lasting social change. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a sustainable plan and a track record of financial stability. This initiative encourages philanthropic collaboration among women to drive community transformation and elevate under-served populations.

The City of Franklin Nonprofit Funding Program supports local nonprofit organizations by providing funding to enhance their community impact. Eligible organizations, including 501C3, 501C6, and 501C4 entities, can apply for allocations to promote the welfare of Franklin residents and create job opportunities. The program emphasizes compliance with state regulations and non-discrimination principles, ensuring fair access to funds for all qualified applicants.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and qualified local government entities in Williamson County, Tennessee can apply for Georgia-Pacific Foundation’s grants to support education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental programs. Eligible applicants must be located near a Georgia-Pacific manufacturing community and serve local residents through community-based projects or services.

Impact100 Nashville's Transformation and Innovation Grant supports nonprofits that drive social change in Middle Tennessee. With a focus on innovative programs addressing issues like homelessness and poverty, this grant offers $100,000 for transformative projects. Organizations must have a solid history, a sustainable plan, and the capacity to implement impactful solutions within 24 months. The initiative empowers women philanthropists to collectively invest in community improvement, fostering a vibrant network dedicated to social transformation.

The Cumberland Plateau Stewardship Fund Grant aims to restore native forests and improve wildlife habitats while supporting working forests in the Cumberland Plateau. The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) invites proposals that enhance forest, grassland, and freshwater ecosystems, promoting conservation practices on agricultural lands. This initiative is backed by funding from USDA agencies and corporate partners, focusing on improving soil health, water quality, and carbon sequestration in the region.

501(c)(3) nonprofits providing early childhood education or community and economic development services in Williamson County, Tennessee can apply for PNC Foundation’s Foundation Grant to support their programs. Eligible projects must occur in a community where PNC has a significant presence and may include education, affordable housing, job training, arts, or neighborhood revitalization for low- and moderate-income residents.

The GM Corporate Giving Grants support U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations focused on STEM education and transportation initiatives. Applications are accepted from January to September, with a requirement to submit requests at least three months before the program’s start date. GM emphasizes charitable contributions in the communities where it operates, ensuring that organizations align with its values. The grant amount is not limited and is assessed based on the proposed program's merit and needs.

The Phoenix Club of Nashville Grant supports nonprofits making a positive impact on the lives of children in Middle Tennessee. Founded in 2001, the Phoenix Club has a legacy of fundraising for local charities, having raised millions for various causes. To apply, interested organizations can complete an initial request questionnaire available on their website. This opportunity allows nonprofits to connect with a network of leaders dedicated to community service and enhancement.

Care professionals in Williamson County, Tennessee seeking to further their education in a care-related field can apply for scholarships of US $500 - US $2,000 from the Jean Griswold Foundation. Awards are paid directly to federally accredited educational institutions to help caregivers enhance skills and advance their careers.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Williamson County, Tennessee that run digital literacy or broadband education programs for families or seniors may be eligible for US $2,500 - US $50,000 to expand their impact. Charter Communications’ Spectrum Digital Education Grants support existing programs in Spectrum markets that address the digital divide and can report clear participant and demographic outcomes.

Academy Sports + Outdoors, a leading sporting goods retailer, supports community initiatives by providing donations to registered 501(c)(3) organizations. Their focus is on promoting safety and responsibility in sports and outdoor activities. Proposals must foster community engagement and must not be affiliated with religious or political groups. Events should take place in areas with Academy stores, ensuring a positive local impact while encouraging active lifestyles and connection among community members.

The Memorial Foundation, established in 1994, aims to enhance community quality of life by supporting nonprofit organizations in areas such as health care, social services, and education. With a focus on data-driven, trauma-informed initiatives, the Foundation funds projects that address critical needs and promote lasting impact. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt and demonstrate community support. Grants are not available for individuals or certain specific projects, ensuring resources are allocated effectively for community enhancement.

Williamson County, Tennessee education nonprofits and youth-serving organizations can access funding through Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee’s Sponsors Scholarship Fund to support academic scholarship programs for financially disadvantaged students. Organizations helping high school students pursue postsecondary education in Middle Tennessee and Allen County, Kentucky may be eligible to connect promising youth with college opportunities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and government entities in Williamson County, Tennessee can seek funding for workforce development, K–12 energy education, climate resiliency, and inclusive economic opportunity projects. Focused on community development and environmental stewardship, the Duke Energy Foundation offers grants up to US $20,000 on a rolling basis for programs serving Piedmont Natural Gas communities.

501(c)(3) nonprofits providing senior services in Williamson County, Tennessee can apply for West End Home Foundation’s grants to support aging-related programs or capital needs. Funding may cover new or ongoing projects for adults age 60 and older, as well as infrastructure such as equipment, technology, or facility improvements in eligible Middle Tennessee counties.

The Teddy Wilburn Scholarship Fund, established by country music star Teddy Wilburn, aims to provide financial assistance to students at Tennessee State University and Vanderbilt University. This scholarship supports those who have demonstrated a commitment to their education, requiring a minimum B average in the last two years of high school. By promoting access to higher education, it reflects Wilburn's dedication to helping others achieve their academic aspirations, despite his own lack of a college experience.

Students from Middle Tennessee preparing for a legal career can apply for the William Thomas McHugh and Lou Gower McHugh Scholarship Fund to support tuition at accredited law schools, including those approved by the Tennessee Supreme Court. Applicants from Williamson County, Tennessee may be eligible, with preference for working students attending Cumberland School of Law.

Nonprofit organizations and local government entities in Williamson County, Tennessee can seek funding for arts projects and activities that enhance community vitality and engagement in urban areas. With a mission to support the arts statewide, Tennessee Arts Commission provides US $1,000 - US $18,000 for projects across disciplines such as music, visual arts, theater, dance, media, literary, and folk arts.

Female students pursuing technology-related degrees in four-year programs and living in Williamson County, Tennessee (within CFMT’s 40-county service area) may receive scholarship support for higher education. Grants from Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee help women studying fields like computer science, information systems, cybersecurity, or related technology disciplines prepare for tech careers.

Public and private schools in Williamson County, Tennessee can apply for Captain Planet Foundation’s Project Learning Garden package, valued at US $7,500 in in-kind support, to create outdoor STEAM learning gardens. Awards include raised beds, a mobile cooking cart, curriculum resources, supplies, and teacher training to support garden-based education and activities.

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.

Students of any age in Williamson County, Tennessee pursuing trade, associate degree, or certificate programs can receive renewable scholarship support for education-related costs. With a mission to build a thriving community, Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee helps cover expenses like tools or other non-tuition needs that might otherwise prevent enrollment or completion.

A funding opportunity designed to support food security, refugee services, licensed free healthcare clinics and community development organizations in the United States.

Summer Food Service Program (SUN) program 2026

The Summer Food Service Program (SUN), created and funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), currently provides organizations with limited funding opportunities to purchase and provide meals to their local communities in the form of reimbursements. Starting in 2011, IRUSA began to supplement and support the USDA in this effort. SUN recipient, organizations are able to start a USDA-approved site, increase the capacity of their current USDA-approved site(s) or develop their role as the meal-providing sponsor to subgrantees. Grants are provided to further enable and encourage wider participation in this program as well as increase food access and support to food-insecure children throughout the summer months. 

A funding opportunity designed to support food security, refugee services, licensed free healthcare clinics and community development organizations in the United States.

Day of Dignity 2026

Day of Dignity creates an opportunity for caring individuals from diverse communities to provide services to their neighbors in need. The Day of Dignity mission is to promote volunteerism, build relationships, and encourage local organizations to have a transformative impact on their unique community. Bookbags, school kits, jackets, and hygiene kits are some of the in-kind items provided by IRUSA to be distributed during Day of Dignity events. A grant is also given to help support the costs of food, entertainment, venue, etc. Free medical care, screenings, and even barber services can be offered out by the host organization at the event. The host organization is responsible for accommodating their community’s needs and reaching out to different services and vendors. The day is an effort to provide basic living essentials, medical care, and connect those in need to support services available to them in the long term.