Tennessee Education Grants

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.

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.

Coordinated School Health (CSH) is an evidence based model developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) designed to promote healthy school environments so children arrive at school ready to learn. Tennessee Coordinated School Health connects physical, emotional and social health with education through eight inter-related components. This coordinated approach improves students' health and their capacity to learn through the support of families, communities and schools working together. Coordinated School Health works with many partners to address school health priorities.

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

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.

The City of Germantown's Neighborhood Grants Program aims to empower neighborhood leaders by supporting projects that foster community engagement, beautify surroundings, improve resident communications, and enhance well-being. This program directly aligns with a broader mission to strengthen local communities by providing resources to homeowner and neighborhood associations. It serves as a strategic initiative to cultivate active, connected, and well-maintained neighborhoods, reflecting a theory of change where targeted financial support for community-led projects leads to tangible improvements in quality of life and a heightened sense of belonging among residents. The primary beneficiaries of this program are Germantown homeowner and neighborhood associations, along with their constituents. The impact goals are multi-faceted, focusing on increasing neighborly interaction, improving the aesthetics and functionality of public spaces, enhancing communication channels within neighborhoods, and promoting a greater sense of safety and collective well-being. The program's strategic priority is to empower these local organizations to take ownership of community development, leveraging their intimate understanding of neighborhood needs to drive meaningful change. The program prioritizes projects falling into four key categories: Engagement, Communications, Beautification, and Safety. Engagement projects aim to bring neighbors together for social and recreational activities, such as block parties and movie nights. Communications projects focus on strengthening neighborhood organizations through initiatives like website development and newsletters. Beautification projects seek to enhance public areas with holiday decorations, landscaping, and art. Safety projects are designed to increase well-being through events like Germantown Night Out, seminars, and safety awareness campaigns. Expected outcomes include a more vibrant and connected community life, more effective neighborhood organizations, visually appealing and well-maintained public spaces, and a measurable increase in residents' sense of safety and well-being. The program anticipates awarding two maximum grants of $5,000 each per period, with additional microgrants ranging from $500 to $1,000, totaling $25,000 per fiscal year. Measurable results will be gauged through the documentation of events with photos and sign-in sheets, the provision of receipts for all expenditures, and the overall completion of approved projects by the June 30, 2025, deadline.

The Diversity in Teaching (DIT) program grant competitively funds two-year proposals from regionally accredited colleges and universities domiciled in Tennessee, for the development of programs with a commitment to diversity as an instructional tool, and that increase the number of K-12 teachers in Tennessee from underrepresented groups.***Please check back soon for FY24-26 funding information and updates.***

As a result of Governor Lee’s commitment of $12 million to the state’s Charter School Facilities Fund, the Charter School Facilities Grant offers Tennessee charter schools access to funding to improve or build educational facilities. Grant monies are issued in two installments, including a non competitive manner based on total enrollment and a competitive grant based on evidence of high student achievement.

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.

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.

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.

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.

As a result of Governor Lee’s commitment of $12 million to the state’s Charter School Facilities Fund, the Charter School Facilities Grant offers Tennessee charter schools access to funding to improve or build educational facilities. Grant monies are issued in two installments, including a non competitive manner based on total enrollment and a competitive grant based on evidence of high student achievement.

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.

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.

READY Community Foundations, part of ARC's READY Appalachia initiative, offers no-cost training to community foundations in Appalachia. Participants will build skills in financial management, fundraising, grantmaking, and strategic planning. Eligible foundations can apply for up to $25,000 in funding to implement capacity-building projects post-training. Applications are due by July 5, 2024.

The Arts Fund for East Tennessee, administered by the East Tennessee Foundation, aims to celebrate the region's rich artistic expressions and cultural diversity in 2024. This grant program aligns with the foundation's broader mission to sustain cultural traditions and encourage all forms of artistic expression within its 25-county service area. The foundation's strategic priorities are evident in its preference for projects that expand art opportunities to underserved populations, bring public art into daily life, support grassroots arts organizations, and celebrate historically underrepresented communities. Target beneficiaries include organizations that are 501(c)(3) public charities, units of government, or public educational institutions. New or emerging groups without nonprofit status can apply with a fiscal sponsor. A specific fund, the Katherine Davis Moore and Mary Elizabeth (Betty) Davis Foundation Fund, further targets art-related programs that benefit young persons under the age of 25 in East Tennessee. The overall impact goal is to foster a vibrant and inclusive arts community, ensuring that cultural opportunities are accessible to a wide range of individuals and communities, particularly those who have historically been marginalized. The grantmaking focuses on several key areas. Preference is given to projects with outreach efforts that extend art opportunities to underserved populations. Public art displays and performances designed to integrate art into the everyday lives of the general public are also prioritized. Support for grassroots arts organizations is a central focus, as is the celebration of arts and cultures of historically underrepresented communities. These priorities reflect a theory of change that by supporting diverse artistic expressions and increasing accessibility, the foundation can strengthen cultural identity and enhance community well-being. Funding amounts for the Arts Fund grants will range from $5,000 to $15,000, with a grant term from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2026. While the initial description mentions a size of $10,000 to $100,000, the "Funding Information" section clarifies the actual amounts. The expected outcomes include the sustained operation of cultural traditions, the proliferation of various artistic expressions, and increased engagement with the arts among diverse populations. Measurable results could involve the number of underserved individuals reached, the number of public art installations or performances, the growth of grassroots organizations, and the representation of underrepresented cultures in funded projects.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and higher education institutions for initiatives that improve earthquake safety and awareness across multiple states or nationally.

This program provides funding for out-of-school arts initiatives that help underserved youth develop essential skills for success in education and careers through artistic engagement.