Tennessee Arts Grants

The Rural Advancement Foundation International (RAFI) is offering its 2024 Infrastructure Grant Program, which aligns with its mission to support the viability and sustainability of historically underserved farmers and ranchers. This program aims to foster projects that enhance farm viability, create new markets for local agricultural products and services, develop innovative uses for existing farm infrastructure, add value to farm products through processing, packaging, or marketing, and optimize the use of on-farm and natural resources. Additionally, the grant supports cultural and heritage projects dedicated to preserving and continuing specific agrarian traditions, reflecting RAFI's broader commitment to a resilient and equitable food system. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are historically underserved farmers and ranchers, as defined by NRCS, who are in at least their fourth full growing season and have operated their current farm for at least two years. The program specifically targets "livelihood" farmers and ranchers who depend on agriculture for their financial support or are pursuing a long-term career in farming. Eligibility extends to individual farmer owners/co-owners or farm cooperatives, provided at least 50% of the cooperative members meet the individual eligibility criteria. The grants range from $1,000 to $10,000 and are available to farms located in specific states: AL, AR, DC, FL, GA, KY, LA, MD, MS, NC, SC, TN, or VA. Funding priorities are given to proposals demonstrating a high expected impact on farm viability and sustainability, strong project feasibility, and comprehensive planning, including a clear plan, detailed budget, timeline, and all necessary supporting documentation. RAFI also prioritizes farmers who derive a significant portion of their household income from farm operations, individuals with financial need, or those located in economically disadvantaged areas. Projects that tangibly benefit the surrounding community and farms utilizing agroecological and/or ancestral farming practices are also highly favored, reflecting RAFI's strategic priorities for holistic agricultural development and community engagement. The expected outcomes of the Infrastructure Grant Program include increased farm viability and sustainability for historically underserved farmers, the establishment of new and diversified markets for local products, and the preservation of valuable agricultural traditions. Through these grants, RAFI aims to support projects that lead to concrete improvements in farm infrastructure, expanded income streams for farmers, and a stronger connection between agricultural practices and community well-being. By focusing on these outcomes, RAFI reinforces its theory of change, which posits that targeted financial support and capacity building for underserved farmers will lead to a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable agricultural landscape.

The South Arts In These Mountains (ITM) initiative is a grant program designed to support projects that promote the sharing, teaching, learning, preserving, documenting, and continuity of folk arts and traditional culture within Central Appalachia. This aligns with a broader mission to foster cultural preservation and community enrichment, particularly in underserved regions. The program seeks to empower communities through their unique cultural heritage, ensuring these traditions are passed down through generations and remain vibrant within the region. The target beneficiaries for this grant program are nonprofit organizations and educational organizations located in Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) counties in Kentucky, North Carolina, and Tennessee. This includes a wide array of entities such as community cultural organizations, schools, colleges, universities, libraries, museums, performing arts presenters, community festival organizations, and faith-based organizations. The primary impact goal is to strengthen the traditional arts and cultural fabric of these communities, particularly those in rural areas with populations under 50,000, by providing essential funding for relevant projects. South Arts has several key priorities and focuses for this initiative. They are deeply committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, actively encouraging applications from Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)-led and LGBTQIA+-led organizations, as well as organizations led by people with disabilities. Furthermore, they prioritize applications that feature BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and traditional artists with disabilities. Another significant focus is on funding traditional arts projects specifically in rural communities. The grants are awarded in the amount of $10,000, with a project period from October 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025. The expected outcomes and measurable results of the ITM initiative include a sustained and increased engagement with folk arts and traditional culture in Central Appalachia. Success will be measured by the number and quality of projects that effectively share, teach, learn, preserve, document, and support the continuity of these cultural practices. The prioritization of diverse and rural-led organizations aims to ensure that funding reaches those most in need of support and that a wide array of voices and traditions are represented and uplifted. The strategic priority of South Arts, as evidenced by this grant, is to build a more equitable and culturally rich Central Appalachia through targeted investment in its traditional arts.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and local government entities in Tennessee's rural counties for diverse arts projects that promote community engagement and vitality.

This program provides financial support to rural nonprofit and governmental organizations in select Southern states for presenting touring artists across various disciplines, including film, performing arts, and visual arts.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in central and western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee that focus on education, medical services, and essential human services.

This program provides financial support to individual craft, folk, and traditional artists across the U.S. to purchase essential tools and equipment that enhance their artistic practices.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in West Tennessee for community-driven projects that benefit local residents across various sectors, excluding operating support and individual grants.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in the greater Nashville area for health, education, arts, and community services, focusing on those with established ties to the foundation.

This funding opportunity supports collaborative projects between arts organizations and non-arts entities in the Southern U.S. to creatively address health and wellness challenges in their communities.

This grant provides financial support to Southern writers and independent publishers for literary projects that celebrate the region's unique traditions and voices.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in Middle Tennessee that enhance community well-being through initiatives in the arts, child and youth development, and positive mental health, particularly for underserved populations.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, for projects that improve the community's quality of life through social welfare, education, recreation, and economic development.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Knoxville that promote arts, culture, and social services, enhancing community engagement and well-being.

This funding opportunity supports local arts organizations in Memphis that create impactful, arts-based programs aligned with community development, education, health, and wellness initiatives.

This program provides funding to local schools, nonprofits, and community organizations in areas where Meta operates data centers, focusing on technology-driven community development and enhancing STEAM education.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in select Southern states for capital projects and educational programs that aim to improve graduation rates.

This funding opportunity supports arts projects that enhance access for underserved and underrepresented groups, including ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, seniors, and military families.

This funding opportunity provides $2,000 grants to individual artists in six Southeastern states who have lost essential tools or materials due to Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in select states to support projects that celebrate and promote cultural diversity and community engagement.

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