Tennessee grants for Nonprofits

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.

This funding is available to nonprofit organizations in Knoxville that are working to reduce opioid-related harm through prevention, treatment, and recovery support initiatives.

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.

The Community Foundation for Dickson County supports local nonprofits addressing unmet needs within Dickson County. As an endowment, the Foundation aims to benefit the community in perpetuity. Its mission is aligned with improving education, invigorating leadership, and enhancing the quality of life within Dickson County. Organizations located in Dickson County that are 501(c)(3) public charities or government entities are eligible to apply for funding. The grant program targets youth, the elderly, and the broader community of Dickson County through various initiatives. Impact goals include fostering improved education, developing invigorated leadership, and contributing to an enhanced quality of life for residents. The Foundation also prioritizes support for environmental efforts and the preservation of historical places within Dickson County. These goals reflect the Foundation's commitment to holistic community development. Funding goals are specifically focused on supporting environmental efforts, addressing the needs of youth and the elderly, and preserving historical sites in Dickson County. These priorities demonstrate the Foundation's strategic approach to community investment, aiming to create both immediate and long-term positive change. Nonprofits can request grants up to a maximum of $5,000, with a grant period typically running from December 1st to November 30th of the following year. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided information, the Foundation's theory of change appears to be rooted in supporting local organizations that directly address these identified community needs. By providing funding to eligible nonprofits, the Foundation expects to see improvements in the selected categories. The emphasis on environmental efforts, youth and elderly support, and historical preservation suggests a belief that targeted investments in these areas will lead to a stronger, more vibrant Dickson County.

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.

This funding opportunity supports rural healthcare providers and educational institutions in Tennessee to enhance training programs and develop a skilled workforce in underserved areas, focusing on improving access to healthcare services.

The City of Memphis is offering the Safer Communities Grant program, ranging from $5,000 to $50,000, to 501(c)(3) organizations that have been operational for at least a year, for programs focused on crime intervention, suppression, or prevention to enhance community safety.

This grant provides funding to non-profit and community organizations in East Knoxville to promote equity and address disparities in areas such as education, homeownership, and small business development.

Federal program designed to help homeless individuals / families enter into a shelter with the goal of finding affordable housing or maintain affordable housing. THDA administers the federally funded Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) Program for the state of Tennessee in 92 of the state's 95 counties in order to fund the provision of services necessary to help persons who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness to quickly regain stability in permanent housing.

This funding opportunity supports a variety of arts projects in Tennessee's urban counties, encouraging both arts and non-arts organizations to enhance community engagement and vitality.

This grant provides funding to local organizations in Campbell County, Tennessee, to support innovative projects that enhance community well-being and address local challenges.

This funding program provides financial support for projects that improve access to the arts for underserved groups, including ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, seniors, and military families.

This grant provides funding for nonprofit arts organizations, schools, and higher education institutions in Tennessee to conduct immersive professional development workshops focused on arts education and integration.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency has grants available for aquatic stream clean-up projects across the state. The program assists cities, schools, community organizations, civic groups, watershed organizations, and conservation groups with stream clean-up projects. Five grants, at a maximum of $1,000 each, are available for each of TWRA’s four regional Aquatic Habitat Protection regions (a total of $5,000 per region). The grant money could be used to buy supplies such as rakes, work gloves, and garbage bags. Also, it could be used to pay disposal fees for solid waste and tire removal or to provide promotional items like project advertisements or T‑shirts and refreshments for volunteer support. The funds will be obligated as grants, so the grantee must have a nonprofit tax number. Grant proposals should include the applicant organization’s name, tax ID number, address, phone, and name of a contact person authorized to enter into a contractual agreement on behalf of the organization. The proposal should also include the name of the stream, the county or counties involved, and the project area and description.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and public institutions in East Tennessee for programs focused on mental health, family services, and early education.