Tennessee Private Grants

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is seeking proposals for its Southeast Aquatics Fund to voluntarily conserve aquatic habitats in the southeastern United States and Texas. This grant program directly aligns with NFWF's mission to sustain, restore, and enhance the nation's fish, wildlife, and plants. The fund's priorities are informed by the Longleaf Forests and Rivers Business Plan, adopted in 2018 and updated in 2023, which aims to conserve the extraordinary biodiversity across the Southeast. The primary target beneficiaries of this program are aquatic ecosystems and the diverse array of species that inhabit them, particularly those identified as focal species in the Conasauga River (GA) and Middle Coosa (AL) watersheds. These include various endemic and native fishes like the Alabama shiner, banded sculpin, blue shiner, and trispot darter. The impact goal is to advance specific goals and objectives of the Longleaf Forests and Rivers Business Plan and other relevant conservation plans, ultimately leading to healthier aquatic habitats. The program prioritizes work in northern Alabama and Georgia due to measurement and monitoring constraints, with funding available for a wide range of activities in the Conasauga River (GA) and Locust Fork and Middle Coosa (AL) watersheds. Projects benefiting the focal species in these areas will receive priority. The strategic priorities of the NFWF, as evidenced by the Longleaf Forests and Rivers Business Plan, emphasize a suite of aquatic species as indicators of healthy aquatic habitats in prioritized watersheds, reflecting a theory of change that by protecting these indicator species, the broader ecosystem health will improve. Expected outcomes include the conservation of aquatic habitat, the advancement of specific goals outlined in the Longleaf Forests and Rivers Business Plan, and positive impacts on focal species populations. While not explicitly detailed as "measurable results" in the provided text, the focus on indicator species suggests that the health and population trends of these species would serve as key metrics for success. Projects are anticipated to have a completion time of 24–36 months, with grant awards ranging from $150,000 to $500,000 from approximately $8.45 million available in 2024.

The Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (SSARE) Education Grants program is designed to fund education and outreach activities that benefit the sustainable agriculture community. This grant directly aligns with SSARE's mission to promote efforts in farmer innovations, community resilience, business success, agricultural diversification, and best management practices. The core objective is to support projects that develop sustainable agriculture systems or move existing systems towards sustainability. The primary beneficiaries of these grants are farmers and farming communities, including those involved in indigenous agriculture producing for community food systems. Academic institutions, non-profits, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), 1890 land-grant university faculty/extension cooperators, 1862 land-grant universities, other colleges and universities, and government agencies are eligible to apply, acting as facilitators for these educational initiatives. The impact goals are centered on fostering a more sustainable, resilient, and economically viable agricultural sector through knowledge dissemination and practical application. Education Grants prioritize projects that clearly articulate what is being taught, to whom, and how the goals will be accomplished. Focus areas include experiential learning (demonstrations, on-farm tours, field days, workshops), integrative approaches (conferences, seminars, course curriculum), and reinforcement methods (fact sheets, bulletins, videos, online technologies). SSARE also encourages proposals on quality of life topics, such as heirs property, farmers’ markets, food hubs, local/regional processing, and urban agriculture systems, emphasizing the social health of farming systems. Expected outcomes include the adoption of sustainable agriculture practices, enhanced farmer innovation, increased community resilience, improved business success for agricultural enterprises, and greater agricultural diversification. Projects should yield results that are realistic, acceptable to farmers, logical, and capable of leading to tangible actions and benefits described in the proposal. The grant projects are strictly focused on education and outreach, with no research component, and are paid by reimbursement of allowable expenses. The foundation's strategic priorities are evident in the grant requirements, which mandate that project outcomes focus on sustainable agriculture systems and clearly demonstrate how education and outreach efforts will be implemented and evaluated. The theory of change underpinning this program is that by providing targeted education and outreach, knowledge and best practices will be transferred to farmers and communities, leading to the development and widespread adoption of sustainable agricultural methods and improved quality of life within farming systems. Project maximums are $50,000, with a duration limited to two years. Applicants from the Southern region, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, are eligible. Farmers involved in these projects must have farming/ranching as their primary occupation or part-time farming with at least $1,000 of documented annual income from their operation, with exceptions for indigenous agriculture.

The opioid remediation grant program, launched by the City of Naperville, offers reimbursement-based grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, with a total of $100,000 approved for the initiative. The program's core mission is to combat the opioid crisis locally by funding interventions that align with Approved Abatement Programs under settlement restrictions. This initiative reflects a strategic priority of the city government to directly address a critical public health issue and foster community well-being and safety. The funding mechanism requires grantees to accrue costs before seeking reimbursement. The primary target beneficiaries of this strategic grant program are Naperville residents directly or indirectly affected by opioid misuse. This includes individuals struggling with opioid addiction, their families, and the wider community impacted by the social and health consequences of the crisis. The defined impact goals are comprehensive: to reduce opioid overdoses, expand access to essential treatment and recovery services, prevent opioid misuse from starting, and promote effective harm reduction strategies. The program's theory of change is rooted in supporting evidence-based, comprehensive interventions to create a healthier and safer environment for all residents. The grant program prioritizes a broad range of services that qualify as Approved Abatement Programs. Key focus areas include the expansion of distribution for Naloxone and other FDA-approved overdose reversal drugs, as well as providing medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for uninsured or underinsured individuals. Additionally, the grants aim to expand overall treatment and recovery support services, such as residential care, intensive outpatient treatment, and recovery housing. Specific priority populations and interventions are also highlighted. These include support for screening and treatment services for pregnant and postpartum women, the establishment of warm hand-off programs for individuals beginning recovery, and the implementation of evidence-based education within school-based and youth-focused programs to prevent opioid misuse. Further priorities encompass syringe service programs, community drug disposal initiatives, and broader public education campaigns to enhance community awareness. Expected outcomes include a measurable reduction in both opioid overdose fatalities and non-fatal overdoses, a significant increase in the number of individuals receiving effective opioid treatment and recovery support, and a verifiable decrease in overall opioid misuse rates, particularly among the youth population. The program anticipates an expansion of access to life-saving Naloxone and MAT, along with improved support for vulnerable groups like pregnant and postpartum women. Measurable results will be rigorously tracked through specific metrics to ensure accountability and assess effectiveness. Key metrics include the number of Naloxone kits distributed, the number of individuals served by various treatment programs, participation rates in educational initiatives, and the overall volume of medications safely disposed of through community programs. These measurable results are central to confirming the efficacy of the city's strategic investment in mitigating the opioid crisis.

This grant provides funding for projects that restore and enhance forests and wetlands in the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley, benefiting wildlife and promoting community resilience, particularly for local landowners and conservation organizations.

This grant provides operational funding to qualified arts organizations in Tennessee to support their year-round public arts programming and promote accessibility and advocacy within the community.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that develop innovative resources and services to help adults in the middle or late stages of their careers with reskilling, upskilling, and career navigation, particularly those who are unemployed or underemployed.

This grant provides financial support to established arts organizations in Tennessee with a strong track record, helping them cover operational costs while promoting cultural excellence.

This grant recognizes and supports young entrepreneurs and new business owners who demonstrate trustworthiness and positively impact their communities through ethical business practices.

This program provides financial support and resources to small businesses in select U.S. cities that are dedicated to community upliftment and have been impacted by COVID-19.

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 opportunity supports nonprofit organizations that provide stable housing and empower low- and moderate-income communities, focusing on vulnerable populations such as working families, youth, seniors, and veterans.

This program provides financial support to LGBTQ+-owned and allied restaurants, cafes, and bars to help them thrive and recover.

This funding supports Southern nonprofit organizations and government entities in enhancing their artistic programming and professional development through travel and training opportunities.

This grant provides operational funding to local arts organizations in Hamilton County, Tennessee, to support their year-round programming and enhance community engagement in the arts.

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.

This grant provides funding to nonprofits, government units, and public educational institutions in Johnson County, Tennessee, to support community-focused projects that improve the quality of life for local residents.

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

This funding opportunity provides $2,000 grants to individual artists in six Southeastern states who have lost essential tools or materials due to Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

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.