Tennessee Recreation Grants

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.

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 local governments, nonprofit organizations, and public schools in Tennessee for planting trees on public lands to improve community wellbeing and environmental health.

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.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations that provide programs to improve the mental health of underserved youth aged 5-18, focusing on conflict resolution, family-school partnerships, and trauma-focused services in specific states.

This program provides funding for businesses, nonprofits, community groups, churches, and educational institutions to implement projects that enhance neighborhood beauty, foster community engagement, and celebrate local culture in Jackson.

This funding opportunity supports projects in the Appalachian region that help individuals recovering from substance use disorders gain access to job training and employment services, fostering sustainable recovery and economic independence.

This grant provides funding to government entities and nonprofit organizations for projects that protect land, enhance community resilience, and support conservation planning in the Appalachian Trail region.