Tennessee Recreation Grants

This funding opportunity provides financial support to U.S. states, territories, and eligible Indian tribes for implementing approved plans to prevent and manage invasive aquatic species.

This grant provides funding to community organizations in Davidson County to create opportunities for connection and engagement through public events, shared spaces, and neighborhood initiatives.

The Jackson National Life Insurance Company (Jackson) is seeking applications for its Community grants to strengthen families and/or increase economic opportunities. Donor Name: Jackson National Life Insurance Company (Jackson) State: Michigan, Tennessee, Illinois City: Selected Cities Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 09/12/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Focus Areas  Economic Opportunities Building on stability, Jackson also supports non-profits that change individual trajectories with access to finance, employment and education. Career Pathways and Job Skills Financial Education and Coaching Homeownership and Wealth Building Strong Families Support start with nonprofits that help families break generational cycle of poverty and trauma by providing stability in their most critical needs. Emergency Shelter Access to Food Intervention and care after crisis Resilient Parenting and accessible Childcare Youth Mentoring Eligibility Criteria Jackson awards funding to local nonprofits in the Lansing, MI, Nashville, TN, and Chicago, IL, areas through a competitive grant process. Funding Restrictions Jackson will not review corporate funding requests for: Individuals Private foundations Health clinics, treatment centers or hospitals Disease and/or disorder-specific organizations Sectarian, denominational, or religious organizations (except for programs that are broadly promoted, available to anyone and free from religious orientation) Public or private elementary or secondary schools, school districts, or school foundations School-district affiliated sports teams or clubs Any tax-exempt organization that does not fall under IRS tax code 501(c)3 including but not limited to civic leagues (501(c)4), labor organizations (501(c)5), social clubs (501(c)7), fraternal societies (501(c)8), veterans’ organizations (501(c)19), or political organizations (527) For more information, visit Jackson.

This funding opportunity supports non-profit and community organizations in Knoxville to implement programs that raise awareness and prevent youth violence during National Youth Violence Prevention Week.

This funding opportunity supports non-profit and community organizations in Knoxville that provide engaging programs and employment initiatives for at-risk youth, particularly those involved with the juvenile justice system.

This program provides financial support to exceptional professional artists in Tennessee across various disciplines, enabling them to further their creative work and enhance the state's cultural landscape.

This grant provides financial support to local nonprofit organizations in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, for projects that enhance the quality of life, promote social welfare, and address community needs.

The Arts Build Communities (ABC) grant program is designed to provide support for arts projects that broaden access to arts experiences, address community quality of life issues through the arts, or enhance the sustainability of asset-based cultural enterprises. Donor Name: Tennessee Arts Commission State: Tennessee County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline:07/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Less than 1 Year Details: ABC funds may be used to: Provide innovative arts experiences that are new or unfamiliar to community residents Offer arts programs that are designed to help affect positive change in community social issues Develop arts programming that strengthens social networks through community engagement Undertake cultural arts initiatives that enhance a community’s identity and/or economic development Offer training that helps experienced or emerging artists/arts administrators develop entrepreneurial skills or innovative strategies for building sustainability Funding Information Maximum Request of $5000 (non-matching). Grant Period FY2025: August 16, 2024 – June 15, 2025. Appropriate Activities The following are examples of activities and expenditures that are consistent with the funding philosophy for ABC: Projects that involve and promote Tennessee artists Visiting artists conducting master classes Festival coordination and programming Public performances, productions and exhibitions produced by the applicant Exhibitions of art by Tennessee artists and artists from outside Tennessee Promotion, publicity and newsletters Administrative and artistic staff support Research and documentation as part of a project or program development Touring projects that bring professional performers to communities across the state Improved program accessibility for underserved constituencies, such as at-risk youth, economically disadvantaged individuals, people living in rural communities or isolated settings, people with disabilities, people of color and senior citizens Art in public places Extensions of literary projects, journals with continuing publication or juried anthologies Apprenticeship programs Computer software/training that builds or enhances creative workforce skills Technical/production support Eligibility Criteria An organization is eligible to apply for funding support of its arts activities if the organization meets one of the following qualifications: The organization is a nonprofit organization legally chartered in Tennessee and in possession of a determination letter from the Internal Revenue Service declaring the organization exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Private educational institutions must be a nonprofit and meet these tax-exempt requirements. -OR- The organization is an entity of government (such as city/county government departments, public libraries, public schools, etc.) Colleges and universities are eligible only for activities that clearly serve the needs of surrounding communities or the State and are designed to involve a broad audience. Activities that are credit-producing or are oriented primarily to collegiate students and the academic community are not eligible. Requirements for 501(c)(3) Applicants All 501(c)(3) applicants must upload their most recent copy of the organization’s By-laws into their organizational profiles in the Online Grants System. Nonprofit applicants’ 501(c)(3) statuses will be verified independently prior to being reviewed by a designated agency panel. Any applications from organizations with lapsed or unconfirmed nonprofit determination will be disqualified. For more information, visit Tennessee Arts Commission.

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

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 seeking applications for its Lillian Ashley Fund. Donor Name: Community Foundation Middle Tennessee State: Tennessee County: Coffee County (TN) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Lillian Ashley, a Manchester, Tennessee native, lived a wonderful life filled with extensive travel, but Lillian always wanted to give back to the community she loved. She created this endowment to benefit the children, animals, and the environment and conservation efforts of Coffee County. Funding Goals Support for the wellbeing of children and youth; Provide for the care and welfare of animals, and; Support environment and conservation efforts. Funding Information Nonprofits may request grants up to a maximum of $15,000. Grant Period December 1, 2024 – November 30, 2025. Eligibility Criteria  Organizations must be 501(c)(3) public charities or may be entities of government (i.e., libraries, departments, etc.). For more information, visit CFMT.

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 City of Germantown is excited to announce the Neighborhood Grants Program. Donor Name: City of Germantown State: Tennessee City: Germantown Type of Grant: Grant Deadline:  05/06/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The City of Germantown has a program to support neighborhood leaders as they engage their neighbors, beautify their surroundings, improve resident communications and increase a sense of well-being in their neighborhoods.  To that end, Germantown’s Neighborhood Grants Program supports Germantown homeowner and neighborhood associations by providing grants for projects that fall under one of the following categories: Engagement Projects that bring neighbors together for fellowship and recreation Examples: block/cove parties, movie nights, food trucks, face painting, youth projects, neighborhood festivals, etc. Communications Projects that increase the effectiveness of neighborhood organizations Examples: website development, newsletter development, flyers, printing costs, mailers, association establishment, governance training for neighborhood leaders, etc. Beautification Projects that enhance or improve public areas Examples: holiday decorations, common area landscaping, neighborhood art projects, HOA/entry signs, gardening supplies, decorative street sign funds, etc. Safety Projects that increase a sense of safety and well-being Examples: Germantown Night Out, health and wellness seminars, spotlights, Neighborhood Watch awareness, emergency preparedness, Flock (license plate reading) cameras, etc. Funding Information Two maximum awards of $5,000 each will be awarded per grant period. Additional microgrants ranging from $500 to $1,000 will be awarded until the allotted $25,000 per fiscal year has been reached. Eligibility Criteria Applying neighborhood organizations must be established with elected leaders and bylaws Applicants must submit an IRS W-9 form with their application. Program Requirements Applications must be legible; typed is appreciated. Only one grant application per neighborhood association will be accepted. Grants must be used for public purposes only. Proposals must be drafted and approved by the neighborhood or homeowners association. All grant funds must be used by June 30, 2025. The association must provide receipts after the project or event. Any unused funds must be returned to the City. If the grant is used for an event, the event must be documented with photos and a sign-in sheet. The event must take place within the designated neighborhood. Events must be free of charge and open to everyone without regard to race, gender, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation or any other status protected by law. All receipts and documentation must be returned to the City within 30 days of the project or event’s completion. Grant funds may not be used to purchase weapons or alcohol. For more information, visit City of Germantown.

The Community Foundation for Dickson County supports local nonprofits to address unmet needs within Dickson County. Donor Name: Community Foundation for Dickson County State: Tennessee County: Dickson County (TN) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The Foundation serves as an endowment that will benefit the community in perpetuity. At the onset, The Community Foundation for Dickson County selected three categories to address: improved education, invigorated leadership, and an enhanced quality of life. Organizations that are located in Dickson County are welcome to apply for consideration of funding from the Community Foundation for Dickson County.  Funding Goals Support for environmental efforts; Support the needs of youth and the elderly, and; Preservation of historical places in the Dickson County. Organizations located in Dickson County are welcome to apply for consideration of funding from the Community Foundation for Dickson County. Funding Information Nonprofits may request grants up to a maximum of $5,000. Grant Period December 1, 2024 – November 30, 2025. Eligibility Criteria  Organizations must be 501(c)(3) public charities or must be entities of government (i.e., libraries, departments, etc.). For more information, visit CFMT.

In 2024, the Arts Fund for East Tennessee will focus its grantmaking on celebrating region’s richness in artistic expressions and cultural diversity. Donor Name: East Tennessee Foundation State: Tennessee County: Selected Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/10/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: Grants will be awarded to sustain cultural traditions and to encourage all forms of artistic expression. Preference will be given to: Organizations whose projects extend art opportunities to underserved populations such as through outreach efforts; Public art displays and performances that are designed to bring the arts into the everyday lives of the general public; Grassroots arts organizations; and Projects that celebrate the arts and cultures of historically underrepresented communities. Funding Information Amounts will range from $5,000 – $15,000. The grant term is July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2026. Eligibility Criteria Confirmation that the organization is a 501(c)(3) public charity, unit of government, or public educational institution New or emerging groups that do not have nonprofit status may apply if they have an established nonprofit organization as a fiscal sponsor Employee Identification Number (EIN) Legal name of organization, address, and contact information (phone, email address, fax) Primary contact person and title Most recent financial statements and/or most recent audit and/or IRS Form 990 Current year organization operating budget List of current board of directors or equivalent governing body List of staff administering the project Confirmation that the organization operates and is organized so as to not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, familial status, sexual orientation, age, disability, covered veteran status, or other characteristics as identified in the Foundation’s Diversity and Non-Discrimination Statement. Additional eligibility criteria specific to the Arts Fund: Art organizations must be located in and serve communities in ETF’s 25-county service area. Organizations that are not primarily art-based but which incorporate art-related programming are eligible to apply. Additional eligibility criteria specific to the Katherine Davis Moore and Mary Elizabeth (Betty) Davis Foundation Fund: Art-related programs must benefit young persons under the age of 25 in East Tennessee. For more information, visit  East Tennessee Foundation.

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.

The City of Knoxville Parks and Recreation Department offers an annual Challenge Grant Program, which provides grants to non-profit projects associated with public parks or recreation facilities within the City limits. Donor Name: City of Knoxville State: Tennessee City: Knoxville Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/28/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Challenge Grants may also be used to promote activities in City Parks and on Greenways. Grants can provide match funds for various fitness classes such as Yoga, Tai Chi, or other activities. Passive programming for activities such as painting and birdwatching will also be considered. Approved activities must be on City Park properties, and all other rules associated with the Challenge Grant Program will apply. In order to receive a grant, the projects are preferred to be on City-owned or -leased property, but must be related to a facility that is available to all residents on a yearly basis. Funding Information Recipients of a challenge grant will be reimbursed 50 percent of the cost of a single project, up to $3,000. Eligibility Criteria  The grants are available to 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(6) status community groups, homeowner associations, schools, Scout troops and other organizations. Ineligibility  The grant funding may not be used to purchase a new facility, regular maintenance, or for the purchase of individual or team equipment. For more information, visit City of Knoxville.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and local government entities in Tennessee to use arts and culture for community revitalization and economic growth.

The Sports Fund exists to help ensure that children across this community can become part of a team. Donor Name: Community Foundation Middle Tennessee State: Tennessee Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Organizations with programming using a team approach such as sports and troupes which provide children and youth with a sense of belonging and hope, particularly in the critical afterschool hours, are eligible to apply for funding from the Sports Fund. Funding Goals Organizations with programs using a team approach which provide children and youth with a sense of belonging and hope. Funding Information Nonprofits may request grants up to a maximum of $5,000. Grant Period December 1, 2024 – November 30, 2025. Eligibility Criteria Organizations must be 501(c)(3) public charities or may be entities of government (i.e., libraries, departments, etc.). For more information, visit CFMT.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for community events that engage youth aged 12-24 in Knoxville, promoting social connections and well-being through meaningful participation.