Tennessee grants for Nonprofits

This funding opportunity supports non-profit organizations in Knoxville that provide workforce readiness programs and social-emotional development for youth aged 12-24, helping them gain essential skills and resilience for future careers.

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.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations that provide stable housing and empower low- and moderate-income communities, focusing on vulnerable populations such as working families, youth, seniors, and veterans.

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is offering Ag Research Grants to fund agricultural research projects conducted between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2026, with potential for extension. This program aims to address continued priorities of the agricultural industry within the Commonwealth. The Department’s mission alignment is evident in its focus on scientific studies that improve various aspects of agriculture, from economic impact and farm management to animal health and innovative technologies, ultimately benefiting the state’s agricultural sector and its stakeholders. The target beneficiaries of these grants are researchers and institutions capable of conducting impactful agricultural studies. The program's impact goals are broad, aiming to enhance agricultural sustainability, economic viability, and public well-being within Pennsylvania. Specific goals include mitigating pest infestations, understanding the economic impacts of agricultural practices, improving food security programs, advancing energy efficiency in agriculture, addressing animal health concerns, and fostering innovation in manufacturing and robotic technologies within the sector. The Department's priorities and focuses are diverse, encompassing ongoing multi-year research projects, general agriculture, energy in agriculture, life science, manufacturing, and robotic technology. Within general agriculture, there is interest in food action plans, the impact of food assistance programs (Double Up Food Bucks, Senior Food Nutrition Program, Farmers Market Nutrition Program, TEFAP), surplus food recovery, consumer affairs reporting on food prices, workforce analysis, economic impact studies, urban agriculture capacity and stewardship, land access barriers for BIPOC farmers, and soil testing/remediation. Energy in agriculture focuses on mapping energy generation from agricultural products, reducing greenhouse gases, and Agrivoltaics. In the life science category, the Department seeks to address wildlife crop damage, the impact of Medicare rule changes on fresh food access, One Health initiatives, animal health and productivity, diagnosis of animal diseases, animal welfare, and dairy industry recommendations related to Federal Milk Marketing Order and the PA Milk Board Over-Order Premium, as well as Chronic Wasting Disease strategy development. Manufacturing research is encouraged in areas like food production residual waste, organic processing incentives, biodegradable packaging, pharmaceutical/industrial uses for milk proteins, and conversion of spent mushroom substrate to bio-char. Finally, robotic technology research aims to understand current and future farmer technology use and assess Augmented Reality applications in Pennsylvania's animal and plant industries. The expected outcomes include the development of evidence-based strategies for pest control, improved farm management practices impacting the Chesapeake Bay, enhanced food security through program analysis, validated consumer information, and a better understanding of the agricultural workforce and urban agriculture. In energy, outcomes will include new methods for energy generation, greenhouse gas reduction strategies, and optimized Agrivoltaics implementation. Life science research is expected to lead to improved animal health, productivity, and welfare, as well as informed policy recommendations for the dairy industry and effective strategies for Chronic Wasting Disease. Manufacturing research will contribute to sustainable waste management and innovative product development, while robotics research will drive technological adoption in farming. The Department's strategic priorities are to address critical challenges and opportunities facing Pennsylvania agriculture, leveraging scientific research to achieve measurable results. Their theory of change is that by funding targeted research in these key areas, they can provide actionable insights and innovative solutions that will directly benefit farmers, agricultural businesses, consumers, and the environment. All funding is contingent upon budget appropriations, indicating a commitment to sustained investment in agricultural progress as a core component of the state's economic and environmental health.

Downtown revitalization projects following at least one of the 4 points of the Main Street program. Awarded to approximately 6 recipients at $15,000 each. Tennessee Downtowns is an affiliated program of Tennessee Main Street designed to help communities embark on a comprehensive revitalization effort for their downtown. Using the proven National Main Street Center’s Four-Point Approach® to downtown revitalization, this 24-month program coaches selected downtowns and their steering committees through the steps of launching an effective revitalization effort. Space in this program is limited and highly competitive. Program activities include training, site visits, regional workshops, webinars, technical assistance and an innovation project grant.

This funding supports Southern nonprofit organizations and government entities in enhancing their artistic programming and professional development through travel and training opportunities.

This funding program provides financial support to community-based organizations that empower youth aged 12 to 20 through established, youth-led urban greening initiatives focused on social and environmental justice in select states.

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.

Spay/Neuter Grant for Tennessee Organizations Eligibility: Government shelters or 501(c)(3) organizations in Tennessee. Provides spay and neuter services for dogs and cats. Grant Coverage: Covers spay and neuter procedures only. Does not cover expenses like fences or food. Procedure Requirements: Procedures must be performed by a Tennessee clinic with a licensed Tennessee veterinarian. Funding Source: Funding is from sales of the Spay/Neuter license plate. Application Process: Send an email to [email protected] to be added to the grant information email list. Set up an account as an Edison Supplier: Edison Supplier Portal Fill out the application when available in the spring and submit supporting documentation. Awards are determined based on various factors such as procedure price, number of animals served, counties served, etc. Once awarded, sign and return the contract. It goes through Department of Agriculture approval. Contracts are entered into Edison, and invoices are created and emailed to the organization. During the fiscal year, organizations perform procedures, fill out invoices with procedure information, and send them to the Animal Friendly email for reimbursement. Note: Application availability and award criteria subject to change.

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.

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.

The Donaldson Foundation dedicates its efforts to making a positive impact in communities where Donaldson Company employees reside, focusing on supporting educational initiatives. It extends grant invitations exclusively to applications with an educational aim, scrutinizing each based on criteria such as educational focus, the need of beneficiaries, impact, sustainability, and connection to communities near company locations. Eligible recipients are required to be IRS-recognized tax-exempt entities. Funding is available in the Twin Cities and several U.S. locations where Donaldson has significant operations, with grants reaching up to $20,000. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual Cycle 2 deadline: January 15th

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].

The Bonnaroo Works Fund, administered by The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, seeks to expand its support for nonprofits dedicated to social impact and human development. This grant program aligns with the foundation's mission by channeling resources towards organizations that are actively making a difference in the world through various community-focused initiatives. The fund operates with the strategic priority of fostering positive change, reflecting a theory of change that believes targeted financial support can empower organizations to achieve significant and lasting societal benefits. The fund targets a broad range of beneficiaries, focusing on children and communities through programs in education, music, and arts. It also extends its reach to environmental protection and sustainability efforts, as well as the arts and humanities. The impact goals are to support and nurture initiatives that enhance learning, cultural enrichment, and ecological well-being. The fund generally avoids supporting endowment programs, fundraising events, annual appeals of well-established organizations, or grants to individuals or religious or political causes, thereby concentrating its resources on direct program impact. The Bonnaroo Works Fund prioritizes programs that demonstrate clear objectives and a potential for measurable results. Applicants are required to provide detailed project information, including a comprehensive description, the requested amount, the total project budget, and a timeline. A critical component of the application is a narrative explaining how the success of the efforts will be measured, ensuring that funded projects are accountable and demonstrate tangible outcomes. This emphasis on measurable results reflects the fund's commitment to effective philanthropy. To ensure accountability and transparency, applicants must also provide information about future funding plans and a completed Project Budget Form, along with required organizational documentation. Grants are exclusively made to tax-exempt public charities under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and to government agencies, ensuring that funds are directed to legitimate and impactful organizations without discrimination based on race, religion, sex, or national origin. The average grant allocation ranges from $1,000 to $10,000, signifying a commitment to supporting a diverse portfolio of projects that can achieve meaningful results within these parameters.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations that assist migrant and seasonal farmworkers with employment services, training, and housing solutions.

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 Centennial Park Conservancy is offering Nashville Earth Day grants to support local environmental initiatives, utilizing $60,000 in proceeds from the 2024 Nashville Earth Day festival. This funding is dedicated to underwriting environmental projects in public spaces throughout Nashville, aligning with the Conservancy's broader mission of sustaining Centennial Park's vibrancy and promoting positive environmental change across the city. The program emphasizes community engagement and direct action to address environmental concerns. The grant program targets a wide range of beneficiaries, including community members who benefit from improved public spaces, those involved in community gardens, and individuals participating in environmental education. The impact goals are ambitious and directly address critical environmental issues within Nashville. These include increasing urban tree canopy, supporting pollinator populations, enhancing local food systems through community gardens, improving water quality, and promoting environmental literacy among both adults and children. The priorities and focuses of this grant program are clearly defined through the types of activities that have been previously funded and are expected to continue. These include the planting of trees, care for bee populations, development and improvement of community gardens and pollinator habitats, waterway cleanups, and invasive plant removal. A significant focus is also placed on environmental education, reaching thousands of individuals in parks and classrooms, thereby fostering a more environmentally conscious community. Expected outcomes and measurable results are evident in the program's past successes and future objectives. The program has already facilitated the planting of 240 trees, cared for 160,000 bees, established or improved 11 community gardens and pollinator habitats, cleaned up 15 waterways, and donated 2,300 trees. Future grants will aim to continue and expand upon these measurable impacts, contributing to a healthier and more sustainable environment across Nashville. The Centennial Park Conservancy's strategic priorities and theory of change are rooted in the belief that direct investment in local environmental projects, combined with community education and engagement, leads to lasting positive change. By funding initiatives that enhance public spaces and educate the populace, the Conservancy aims to create a ripple effect of environmental stewardship. Their approach demonstrates a commitment to practical, on-the-ground interventions that yield tangible environmental benefits and foster a deeper connection between residents and their natural surroundings.

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.