Tennessee grants for County governments

Block Grant: Programs that provide services include those efforts that (1) respond to the emotional, psychological, or physical needs of crime victims, (2) help victims of crime to stabilize their lives after a victimization, (3) help victims to understand and participate in the criminal justice system, and (4) restore a measure of security and safety for the victim.The purpose of the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) is to provide high quality services that directly improve the health and well-being of victims of crime with priority given to victims of child abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault and services for previously underserved victims. The Office for Crime Victims (OVC) makes annual VOCA crime victim assistance grants from the Fund to states. The primary purpose of these grants is to support the provision of services to victims of crime throughout the nation. For the purpose of these Programs Guidelines, services are defined as those efforts that:

Support for presenting touring performing artists and groups for events and festivals in communities across the state, including in rural counties. This grant category supports Tennessee presenters by providing grant funds up to $5,000 to offset the costs of professional artist fees for performing artists and groups that present to the public and offer an educational component with their engagement. Any eligible organization may apply for up to $3,000 of the agreed upon artist’s fees. If an organization or touring artist being presented meets one of the following criteria, the organization may request up to $5,000 of the agreed upon artist’s fees.

Block Grant: Subawards to provide additional personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual support, training, technical assistance, and information systems for criminal justice projects. The Edward JAG Formula Grant Program is a partnership among federal, state and local governments, and non-profit organizations to create safer communities and improve criminal justice systems. The JAG program, created by the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988 (Public Law 100-690), emphasizes controlling violent and drug-related crime and serious offenders, and fosters multi-jurisdictional and multi-state efforts to support national drug-control policies. This grant program provides funding for projects which assist local and state government and non-profit agencies in their efforts to reduce violent crime and illegal drug activities, improve the criminal justice system and support local, state and national priorities.

This funding opportunity supports projects that preserve historic resources, such as surveys and restorations, benefiting the public and requiring matching funds from the grantee.

The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee is currently accepting applications for its Lillian Ashley Fund, a grant program established by Manchester, Tennessee native Lillian Ashley. This endowment reflects Lillian's desire to give back to her beloved community, focusing on areas close to her heart: children, animals, and environmental conservation within Coffee County. The program's core mission aligns with the foundation's broader goal of supporting community well-being by channeling resources to vital local initiatives. The primary beneficiaries of the Lillian Ashley Fund are the children, youth, and animals of Coffee County, as well as local environmental and conservation efforts. The fund aims to support the overall well-being of children and youth, provide for the care and welfare of animals, and bolster initiatives that protect and preserve the environment. The expected outcomes include improved quality of life for young residents, enhanced care and protection for animals, and a healthier, more sustainable environment within the county. The fund's strategic priorities are clearly defined: supporting the well-being of children and youth, ensuring the care and welfare of animals, and promoting environment and conservation efforts. These focus areas are intended to create a tangible impact on the community, addressing specific needs identified by the donor. While measurable results are not explicitly detailed in terms of specific metrics, the grant period of December 1, 2024, to November 30, 2025, suggests an expectation of progress within that timeframe, contributing to the broader theory of change that targeted funding can lead to significant positive community development in these key areas. Eligible organizations for this grant include 501(c)(3) public charities and governmental entities such as libraries or departments. Nonprofits can request grants up to a maximum of $15,000, with the overall fund size ranging from $10,000 to $100,000. This targeted approach allows the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, through the Lillian Ashley Fund, to strategically invest in local organizations that are directly addressing the program's goals and contributing to the sustained betterment of Coffee County's children, animals, and environment.

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) is offering the Community Tree Planting Program, funded by the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP) through the 2008 State Legislature. This grant program is administered by the Division of Forestry’s Urban and Community Forestry Program. The core mission of this grant is to increase the tree resource base in cities and towns across Tennessee, focusing on the functional benefits of urban trees rather than solely on beautification. The primary beneficiaries of this program are communities and local units of government, non-profit organizations, and elementary, secondary, and higher education institutions within Tennessee. The impact goal is to enhance the state's urban tree resources to provide direct cost-saving benefits to communities. These benefits include energy savings through shading, storm water mitigation, rain interception, and improved air quality through filtration and absorption. The program's priorities and focuses are explicitly not beautification but rather the practical, environmental services that trees provide. It emphasizes that trees are "work horses for communities." Recommended goals and objectives for applicants include statements about urban trees providing cooler temperatures, cleaner air, reduced flooding and erosion, improved human health, and food and shelter for wildlife. Expected outcomes and measurable results revolve around the increase in the tree resource base and the subsequent realization of the aforementioned environmental and economic benefits. While specific metrics are not detailed in the provided text, the focus on quantifiable benefits like energy savings and storm water mitigation implies an expectation of measurable improvements in these areas. The grant contracts will run from December 1, 2024, to April 30, 2025, suggesting that the initial outcomes will be assessed within this timeframe. Eligible applicants can apply for grants ranging from $500 to $20,000, which further indicates a focus on smaller, community-level projects with clear, achievable objectives.

The Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) has launched its inaugural Fatherhood Grant Program, a significant initiative aimed at enhancing the well-being of fathers and, by extension, Tennessee society. This program aligns with the TDHS mission to support and empower families by investing in on-the-ground service delivery providers. The department is committing approximately $10 million to this program, demonstrating a substantial strategic priority towards strengthening fatherhood across the state. This investment reflects a theory of change that by supporting organizations directly serving fathers, the state can foster stronger families and communities. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant program are fathers across Tennessee, with an overarching impact goal of promoting fatherhood and providing essential support to empower them. The grant is designed to fund public, private, and non-profit organizations that are directly involved in serving fathers or offering fatherhood-related programming. These organizations will act as conduits for service delivery, directly reaching fathers in various communities throughout Tennessee. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly defined to maximize its impact. Funding will specifically support organizations with a targeted focus on delivering a range of fatherhood-related programs. These include mentorship initiatives, educational and co-parenting support, skill-building workshops, employment services, and financial literacy training. This comprehensive approach ensures that various aspects of a father's life are addressed, from personal development to practical support in raising their children and managing their finances. Expected outcomes and measurable results from this program include an increase in the number of fathers receiving crucial support services, improved co-parenting relationships, enhanced skill sets among fathers leading to better employment opportunities, and greater financial stability for families. The program's success will be measured by the ability of funded organizations to effectively deliver these services and demonstrate positive impacts on the lives of fathers and their families, ultimately contributing to a healthier and more stable Tennessee society.

Prioritizes the use of funds for two purposes: 1) to improve the reporting of dispositions and 2) to improve the reporting of persons prohibited from possessing firearms for reasons related to mental health to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) The National Criminal History Improvement Program (NCHIP) awards grants to States to help improve the Nation’s safety and security by enhancing the quality, completeness, and accessibility of criminal history record information and by insuring the nationwide implementation of criminal justice and noncriminal justice background check systems. The National Criminal History Improvement Program is administered by the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) in the Office of Justice Programs (OJP), U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).

Designed to offset the capital expenses in the deployment of broadband in unserved areas. The goal of this program is to facilitate broadband access to all Tennesseans while promoting practices that increase deployment and encourage adoption. The goal of this program is to facilitate broadband access to all Tennesseans while promoting practices that increase deployment and encourage adoption. Funds will be targeted to areas that are unlikely to receive broadband service without grant funding.

To reduce the incidence of overweight, obesity, pre diabetes, and/or diabetes in Tennessee. A request for applications (RFA) is issued every three years. The next RFA is expected to be issued in January 2025. A letter of intent (LOI) is required for an invitation to apply. The Notice of Award is posted in late April or early May with a July 1 start date. Project Diabetes funds are distributed through a request for reimbursement process. Therefore, applicants must have the funds needed to implement the project upfront. Grantees are reimbursed monthly for their expenses. To be alerted to the posting of this RFA and other TDH grants, sign up on the funding opportunities website https://www.tn.gov/health/funding-opportunities.html.

Funding from the HUD to promote economic and community development in small cities (e.g. sewer, water, drainage, building community centers). A central tenet of the CDBG program, as with all HUD-funded programs, is to affirmatively further fair housing in the communities we serve. Along with requiring subrecipients to conduct local fair housing activities as a condition of each CDBG activity, an Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice is conducted every five years to assess and review impediments or barriers that affect the right of fair housing choice. Public and private policies, practices, and procedures affecting housing choice are covered in this analysis. Impediments to fair housing choice are defined as any actions, omissions, or decisions that restrict, or have the effect of restricting, the availability of housing choices, based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, national origin, or creed.

This grant provides funding for innovative arts education projects that engage diverse communities in hands-on learning experiences across various art forms outside of traditional school settings.

Deadline: May 31, 2024, at 4 p.m. CDT. Eligible Recipients: Not-for-profit organizations with preservation, conservation, cultural, historical, or archeological missions, including HBCUs, tribal nations, and government entities. Eligible Projects: Must be within the Delta Region, focusing on cultural heritage, public roads, regional music, museums, and more. Priority Criteria: Projects addressing immediate needs, new initiatives, completed within 18 months, and enhancing heritage tourism. Where: Projects within the Delta Region, not on federal property. When: Applications open April 15, 2024, and close May 31, 2024, at 4 p.m. CDT. Selected projects announced by September 2024. Webinar: Optional webinar on April 24 at 10 a.m. CDT. Register here. Contact: For project inquiries, email us. For technical support, contact [email protected].

Online Resources for Starting Businesses. Economic inclusion describes the efforts made to bring DBEs into the economic mainstream. For the purposes of BERO, DBE refers to businesses owned by women, minorities, veterans and persons with disabilities; as well as those in areas of chronic high unemployment and low income. BERO was legislatively established within the Department of Economic and Community Development in 1977 by Title 4, Chapter 26 as the office of business enterprise. Serves as a voice for and advocate of economic inclusion; Analyzes, disseminates, and promotes best practices and access to capital to service providers; and Reports on the status of DBEs statewide (disadvantaged businesses).

EELP launched in the fall of 2010 with the purpose of establishing a low interest revolving loan fund to assist commercial and industrial businesses in implementing energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements, which, in turn, reduce operating costs, improve productivity, and make Tennessee businesses more competitive. In January 2016, EELP was expanded to offer financing to local government entities, including municipalities, counties, school districts, and other public agencies.

The purpose of the RSAT for State Prisoners Program is to break the cycle of drug addiction and violence by reducing the demand for, use, and trafficking of illegal drugs. RSAT’s objectives are to enhance the capabilities of states and units of local and tribal governments to provide residential substance abuse treatment for incarcerated inmates; prepare individuals for reintegration into communities and assist individuals and communities through the reentry process by delivering community based treatment and other broad based aftercare services.

Support for arts projects in underserved, rural communities with special focus on distressed counties. The Targeted Arts Development Initiative (TADI) is a strategy developed to reach counties identified by the Tennessee Arts Commission as under-represented in Commission investments. TADI is designed to build capacity and develop leadership potential, while encouraging applications from the identified counties to existing Commission grant categories or programs. Government and nonprofit entities within identified counties above with projects that use arts and cultural activities to benefit their community, build upon existing assets, or overcome challenges are urged to apply.

The Bellevue Community Foundation Grant program is accepting applications to support programs serving the Bellevue Community. Established in 2007 as the Bellevue Community Fund in association with the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, its goal was to grow a pool of charitable dollars for the community. In 2020, it evolved into the Bellevue Community Foundation, committed to collaborating with like-minded civic organizations in Bellevue. This grant program aligns with the foundation's mission to foster community growth and support local initiatives. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are organizations located in the Bellevue area (37221 zip code). Specifically, eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) public charities or entities of government such as libraries and departments. The program aims to create a positive impact by funding local programs, contributing to the overall well-being and development of the Bellevue community. The grant size ranges from $1000 to $10,000, with a maximum request of $5,000 for nonprofits, indicating a focus on supporting a variety of community-based projects. The foundation prioritizes and focuses on organizations that directly serve the Bellevue community. The grant period runs from December 1, 2024, to November 30, 2025, allowing for a full year of program implementation. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided text, the underlying theory of change suggests that by providing funding to eligible local organizations, the foundation anticipates strengthening community services and improving the quality of life for Bellevue residents. In essence, the Bellevue Community Foundation's strategic priority is to build and sustain a vibrant Bellevue community through charitable giving and partnerships. By offering grants, they empower local organizations to address community needs, foster civic engagement, and contribute to the area's long-term prosperity. The program embodies a grassroots approach, where local support translates into tangible benefits for the community it serves.

For community and economic development projects. Awarded to approximately 25 recipients at up to $500,000 each. The Appalachian Regional Commission (www.arc.gov) is a federal-state partnership that works with the people of Appalachia to create opportunities for self-sustaining economic development and improved quality of life. The commission is a unique alliance composed of the governors of the 13 Appalachian states and a presidential appointee representing the federal government. Governor Lee serves on the board; the Governor’s Alternate for Tennessee is Brooxie Carlton, and the Program Manager is Brooxie Carlton. Through ARC, Tennessee is able to award grants each year for economic and community development projects in the 52 counties in middle and east Tennessee served by the ARC.

Funding for local litter pickup operations and prevention education programs. In 1983, TDOT issued the first “Litter Grants” to county governments. These grants established pickup programs and provided litter prevention and recycling education at the local level. Today, Litter Grants improve communities in all 95 Tennessee counties and directly touch thousands of Tennesseans each year through volunteerism and educational programming.