Tennessee Science and Technology Grants

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 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.

The Downtown Johnson City Facade Improvement Grant Program, administered by the Johnson City Development Authority (JCDA) and supported through the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Program, aims to revitalize the Downtown Johnson City Redevelopment District, with a particular focus on the Historic Overlay District. The core mission of this program aligns with increasing the economic viability, improving aesthetics, and enhancing property values within this crucial area. By providing financial incentives for facade improvements, the JCDA seeks to prevent urban blight and create a more attractive environment for both businesses and residents, directly supporting community development and economic growth initiatives. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are conforming commercial and mixed-use properties located within the Historic Overlay District. The impact goals extend beyond individual property improvements, aiming for a broader community uplift. Key objectives include enhancing the marketability of commercial spaces, attracting new businesses and residents, and ultimately stimulating economic activity through increased job creation and sales tax generation in the downtown area. The program prioritizes projects that demonstrate substantial economic impact, thereby supporting the strategic goal of fostering a vibrant and economically robust downtown. The program focuses on a range of eligible activities designed to preserve and enhance the architectural integrity and visual appeal of buildings. These include masonry repairs, storefront reconstruction, removal of false facades, cornice repair, exterior painting, awnings, window and door repair/replacement, permanent exterior lighting, and signage integrated into design, among others. Eligibility criteria require applicants to obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness from the City’s Historic Zoning Commission or preapproval from the City’s Planning Division, ensuring that renovations align with historic preservation standards and zoning requirements. Proposed renovations must also be approved by the JCDA before commencement. Expected outcomes include a noticeable improvement in the physical appearance of downtown buildings, leading to increased property values and a more inviting urban landscape. Measurable results will include the number of improved facades, the amount of private investment leveraged by the grants, and, importantly, the economic impact in terms of new businesses, job creation, and sales tax revenue within the Redevelopment District. The JCDA's theory of change posits that by directly investing in the physical infrastructure of downtown properties, a ripple effect will occur, stimulating broader economic development and enhancing the overall quality of life in Johnson City. The program's flexible funding model, offering up to $10,000 for single-faced buildings and an additional $5,000 for multiple street-facing facades, with potential for larger grants for projects with substantial economic impact, underscores its strategic priority of maximizing community benefit.

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 higher education institutions for initiatives that improve earthquake safety and awareness across multiple states or nationally.

This program provides funding to universities in eligible states to enhance their research capabilities in science and engineering that support the needs of the Department of Defense.

The Spark Cleantech Accelerator (CTA) is a 12-week in-person program at the UT Research Park in Knoxville, Tennessee, designed to support early-stage cleantech businesses and drive the commercialization of their technologies. Created in partnership with Evergreen Climate Innovations, the program aims to foster innovation in Tennessee, the Midwest, and the Southeast. This initiative aligns with the broader mission of supporting sustainable technological advancements and economic development in the region by focusing on emerging cleantech enterprises. The program targets early-stage cleantech entrepreneurs and companies, particularly those with applications from Tennessee, the Midwest, and beyond. Eligible businesses are those demonstrating a positive impact on energy efficiency, renewable energy generation, greenhouse gas emissions reduction, carbon capture, increased recycling/upcycling, and a circular economy. The program prioritizes companies with strong market potential, defensible intellectual property (issued or pending patents), and technologies that can address the challenges of Spark partners such as utilities, local governments, and manufacturing companies. It also focuses on software or hardware technologies, including intelligent connected devices and advanced materials processes, at a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 2-6, and applicants open to establishing a permanent business location in Tennessee. The Spark CTA provides a comprehensive suite of services, including $15,000 stipends to offset travel/living costs and support business/technical milestones, prototyping services through the University of Tennessee’s Center for Materials Processing, and one-on-one mentorship from experts in various fields like business, market analysis, IP/patent strategy, product design, engineering, and manufacturing. It also facilitates crucial connections with customers, investors, strategic partners, suppliers, universities, and national laboratories, along with training workshops. The program emphasizes partnership opportunities with key organizations such as the Tennessee Valley Authority, Oak Ridge National Lab, and the City of Knoxville. Expected outcomes include the successful commercialization of new cleantech innovations, the growth of early-stage cleantech businesses, and the creation of a vibrant cleantech ecosystem in Tennessee and surrounding regions. Measurable results would encompass the number of businesses supported, the development and deployment of new technologies, the securing of investments, and the establishment of new partnerships. The program's strategic priority is to accelerate the development and market entry of technologies that contribute to environmental sustainability and economic prosperity, operating on a theory of change that by providing targeted support, resources, and connections, early-stage cleantech companies can overcome barriers to commercialization and achieve significant impact.

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 Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) is offering the Site Development Grant Program, aimed at enhancing Tennessee's nationally recognized Select Tennessee certified sites and preparing other locations for certification. This initiative aligns with TNECD's mission to foster economic growth and community development across the state by improving site readiness and attracting new businesses. The program primarily targets governmental entities such as cities, counties, and Industrial Development Boards. The key beneficiaries are communities across all Tennessee counties that will see improved infrastructure and increased potential for economic investment. The impact goals are to strengthen the state's industrial site inventory, stimulate job creation, and encourage capital investment by making sites more attractive for development. The grant prioritizes several key areas, including construction activities (access roadways, utilities, rail lines), property-related activities (purchase of property, right-of-way, due diligence studies), rehabilitation of publicly-owned industrial buildings, brownfield remediation, and speculative building construction. Specific focuses include ensuring sites are at least 20 acres (10 acres in Tier 3 and 4 counties) and have undergone specific site evaluations for the Select TN certification program, PEP, or Invest Prep. Due diligence grants are limited to $100,000, while the maximum for other site development grants is $5,000,000. Expected outcomes include a significant increase in the number of certified, development-ready sites across Tennessee, leading to enhanced competitiveness for attracting businesses. Measurable results will include the number of sites improved, the square footage of speculative buildings constructed, the amount of brownfield acreage remediated, and ultimately, the number of new businesses attracted and jobs created. The program implicitly operates on a theory of change that improved infrastructure and development-ready sites directly lead to increased economic activity and a stronger statewide economy.

This program provides funding to rural communities in Tennessee for building or improving arts and cultural facilities to boost local economies and enhance quality of life through arts programming.

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 Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) is offering 2024 Families First Community Grants to eligible non-profit organizations in Tennessee. The program aims to engage these organizations to administer community-based services that meet the needs of low-income families, guiding them toward permanent economic security. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to improve economic security and well-being for low-income families and strategically utilize TANF funds. The four core purposes of TANF—providing assistance to needy families so children can be cared for in their own homes, reducing dependency on government benefits by promoting job preparation, work, and marriage, preventing and reducing out-of-wedlock pregnancies, and encouraging two-parent families—form the bedrock of this grant program. The target beneficiaries are low-income families in Tennessee who face challenges related to education, health and well-being, economic stability, and safe, stable, and nurturing relationships. The impact goals are to place these families on a path to permanent economic security and to foster a more strategic use of TANF funds to achieve the outlined purposes. The program seeks to reduce dependency on government benefits, improve family well-being, and ultimately build the economic, social, and developmental capital of those served. The program prioritizes partnerships with non-profit organizations that demonstrate an understanding of the challenges faced by low-income families and have a proven track record. Key focuses for partnership include organizations that have implemented or developed effective, community-based programs; demonstrated strong leadership and coordination of cross-sector partnerships; and shown a proven track record for providing services that help low-income families achieve economic mobility. Furthermore, organizations must have identified diverse resources, secured cross-sector partnerships, and developed a family-led approach aligned with one or more TANF purposes. Expected outcomes include a long-term positive impact on the community, with a clear articulation of return on investment and cost-benefit analysis to sustain service delivery. The Department also seeks partners committed to co-creating solutions to significant social problems with other stakeholders and customers, and those leveraging other public resources through innovative initiatives. The strategic priorities revolve around fostering economic security, reducing dependency, and strengthening families through evidence-based and evidence-informed program models, all while promoting a collaborative, community-led approach.

Grant Title: NIST MEP is seeking applications to establish and manage Manufacturing Extension Partnership Centers in designated states to provide essential services that enhance the productivity, innovation, and competitiveness of small and mid-sized manufacturers.

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 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 support, mentorship, and funding to early-stage cleantech startups in Tennessee and surrounding regions to help them commercialize innovative technologies.

This funding initiative provides financial support to graduate students conducting herpetological research focused on the conservation and management of reptiles and amphibians in the southeastern United States.

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.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and educational institutions in the Cumberland Plateau and Southern Appalachians to restore ecosystems, improve habitats, and promote sustainable agricultural practices.

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.