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.

The Jackson National Life Insurance Company (Jackson) offers Community grants aimed at strengthening families and increasing economic opportunities. These grants align with Jackson's mission to support non-profits that positively impact individual trajectories and provide stability for families. The program has two main focus areas: Economic Opportunities and Strong Families, reflecting the foundation's strategic priorities to build on stability and help break cycles of poverty and trauma. Under the Economic Opportunities focus, Jackson supports non-profits that provide access to finance, employment, and education. This includes initiatives related to Career Pathways and Job Skills, Financial Education and Coaching, and Homeownership and Wealth Building. The expected outcome is to change individual trajectories by providing the tools and resources necessary for financial independence and stability. While specific measurable results are not explicitly stated, the focus on tangible areas like job skills and homeownership implies a theory of change where targeted interventions lead to improved economic well-being. The Strong Families focus is dedicated to supporting non-profits that help families overcome generational poverty and trauma by addressing their most critical needs. This encompasses programs providing Emergency Shelter, Access to Food, Intervention and care after crisis, Resilient Parenting and accessible Childcare, and Youth Mentoring. The goal is to provide stability and support, leading to a break in cycles of poverty and trauma. The foundation's theory of change here is that by providing foundational support and care, families can achieve greater resilience and well-being. Jackson awards funding to local nonprofits in specific geographic areas, including Lansing, MI, Nashville, TN, and Chicago, IL, through a competitive grant process. The eligibility criteria emphasize support for 501(c)3 tax-exempt organizations, with specific restrictions against funding individuals, private foundations, certain health and disease-specific organizations, religious organizations (unless broadly accessible and free from religious orientation), and schools or school-affiliated sports teams/clubs. This highlights Jackson's commitment to partnering with established non-profits that align with their community-focused mission and strategic priorities.

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, administered by the Tennessee Arts Commission, aims to bolster arts projects that expand access to artistic experiences, leverage the arts to address community quality of life issues, and foster the sustained growth of asset-based cultural enterprises. This program aligns with a mission to enrich communities through the arts, promoting their role in social well-being and economic development. The grant supports diverse initiatives, from innovative new arts experiences to programs that strengthen social networks through community engagement. The program targets a wide array of beneficiaries, including community residents, experienced and emerging artists and arts administrators, and underserved constituencies. The latter group specifically includes at-risk youth, economically disadvantaged individuals, people in rural or isolated settings, people with disabilities, people of color, and senior citizens. The impact goals are centered on positive community change, such as strengthening social networks, enhancing community identity and economic development through cultural arts, and building entrepreneurial skills for artists and administrators. The ABC grant program prioritizes activities that directly involve and promote Tennessee artists, support touring projects that bring professional performers statewide, and improve program accessibility for various underserved groups. Other focuses include public performances, productions, exhibitions, festival coordination, and training that enhances creative workforce skills. The program's philosophy supports a broad range of activities and expenditures, from administrative support and research to art in public places and literary projects. Expected outcomes include increased access to arts experiences, measurable improvements in community quality of life through artistic interventions, and enhanced sustainability of cultural organizations and artists. The program's strategic approach involves funding projects that demonstrate a clear potential to affect positive change, strengthen community ties, and contribute to local identity and economic vitality. The theory of change posits that by supporting diverse arts initiatives and making them accessible, communities will experience enhanced social cohesion, cultural richness, and economic resilience, ultimately leading to a higher quality of life for residents across Tennessee.

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 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.

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'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 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.

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 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's annual Challenge Grant Program aims to support non-profit projects that enhance public parks and recreation facilities within the city limits. This initiative aligns with the department's mission to foster community engagement and promote the use of public spaces for recreation and well-being. The program's focus on projects associated with public parks and recreation facilities directly contributes to the department's strategic priority of maintaining and improving accessible recreational opportunities for all residents. The target beneficiaries of this grant program include various community groups such as 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(6) status organizations, homeowner associations, schools, and Scout troops. The impact goals are to encourage activities within City Parks and Greenways, offer match funds for fitness classes like Yoga and Tai Chi, and support passive programming such as painting and birdwatching. These goals are intended to increase community participation in park activities and enhance the quality of life for Knoxville residents. The program prioritizes projects that take place on City-owned or -leased property and are related to facilities available to all residents on a yearly basis. This ensures that the grants directly benefit the broader community and support accessible public resources. The funding structure, which reimburses recipients 50 percent of the project cost up to $3,000, aims to make these projects more feasible for eligible organizations. Expected outcomes include an increase in diverse activities offered in city parks and greenways, a greater number of residents participating in fitness and recreational programs, and improved utilization of public recreational facilities. The measurable results would involve tracking the types of projects funded, the number of participants in various activities, and the overall engagement with city parks. The program's theory of change posits that by providing financial support for community-led initiatives in public spaces, the City of Knoxville can cultivate a more active, engaged, and healthy populace.

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, established by the Community Foundation Middle Tennessee, aims to ensure that children across the community have the opportunity to participate in team-based programming. This initiative aligns with the foundation's broader mission to foster a sense of belonging and hope among youth, particularly during critical after-school hours. By supporting organizations that utilize a team approach, the fund directly contributes to the development of positive social skills, improved well-being, and increased community engagement for young individuals. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant are children and youth involved in programs that employ a team-based methodology, such as sports and performance troupes. The overarching impact goal is to instill a sense of belonging and hope in these young participants. The fund prioritizes programs that operate during after-school hours, recognizing this period as crucial for positive youth development and the prevention of negative behaviors. The Sports Fund focuses on supporting organizations that can demonstrate a clear team approach in their programming. This includes activities where participants collaborate, learn together, and support one another, thereby promoting camaraderie and mutual respect. The expected outcomes include an increase in youth participation in structured team activities, enhanced feelings of community and belonging among participants, and the development of important life skills through collaborative efforts. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the grant size and duration, the program implies a focus on the number of children and youth served by funded organizations and the qualitative impact on their sense of belonging and hope. Organizations may request grants up to a maximum of $5,000, with a grant period spanning December 1, 2024, to November 30, 2025. This funding is intended to support the operational and programmatic needs of eligible organizations, which must be 501(c)(3) public charities or government entities. The foundation's strategic priority is to invest in community programs that directly uplift and empower the next generation, with a theory of change positing that participation in team-based activities leads to improved social-emotional well-being and a more resilient community.

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.

This program provides funding to nonprofit organizations and schools in low- to moderate-income neighborhoods for improving local football fields, ensuring safe and accessible play spaces for community youth.