The 2025 Families First Community Grant Program is a state-funded initiative administered by the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS). Designed to help nonprofit organizations address the complex needs of low-income families across Tennessee, the program will distribute approximately $27 million in funding. The grant aims to support organizations that empower vulnerable populations through community-based services that foster education, health and well-being, economic stability, and strong family relationships.
This competitive grant program is part of the state’s strategy to invest Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds in innovative and impactful ways. Eligible organizations must be nonprofits and must demonstrate the ability to deliver programs that align with at least one federal TANF goal. The overarching goal is to promote long-term economic self-sufficiency and break the cycle of poverty among Tennessee families.
Applications opened on May 29, 2025, and the deadline to submit is July 10, 2025, at 5:00 PM Central Time. Grant awards will be made based on the proposed project’s capacity to provide effective, measurable solutions tailored to community-specific challenges. The funding is not rolling, and applications must be submitted by the deadline to be considered.
Though the exact award sizes and number of recipients have not been specified, the program's substantial funding pool reflects TDHS’s commitment to large-scale community impact. This initiative encourages local nonprofits to take a leading role in supporting families and building stronger, more resilient communities throughout Tennessee.
Interested organizations must apply through the designated TDHS portal. While specific application questions and formats were not included in the announcement, the application process will likely involve detailed program descriptions, impact metrics, and alignment with TANF principles. For more information, applicants can visit the TDHS website or contact the department directly.
Focus on community-level impact, TANF alignment, and measurable results.
