Tennessee Private Grants

The Bellevue Community Foundation Grant program is accepting applications to support programs serving the Bellevue Community. Established in 2007 as the Bellevue Community Fund in association with the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, its goal was to grow a pool of charitable dollars for the community. In 2020, it evolved into the Bellevue Community Foundation, committed to collaborating with like-minded civic organizations in Bellevue. This grant program aligns with the foundation's mission to foster community growth and support local initiatives. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are organizations located in the Bellevue area (37221 zip code). Specifically, eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) public charities or entities of government such as libraries and departments. The program aims to create a positive impact by funding local programs, contributing to the overall well-being and development of the Bellevue community. The grant size ranges from $1000 to $10,000, with a maximum request of $5,000 for nonprofits, indicating a focus on supporting a variety of community-based projects. The foundation prioritizes and focuses on organizations that directly serve the Bellevue community. The grant period runs from December 1, 2024, to November 30, 2025, allowing for a full year of program implementation. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided text, the underlying theory of change suggests that by providing funding to eligible local organizations, the foundation anticipates strengthening community services and improving the quality of life for Bellevue residents. In essence, the Bellevue Community Foundation's strategic priority is to build and sustain a vibrant Bellevue community through charitable giving and partnerships. By offering grants, they empower local organizations to address community needs, foster civic engagement, and contribute to the area's long-term prosperity. The program embodies a grassroots approach, where local support translates into tangible benefits for the community it serves.

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.

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 grant provides funding to local organizations in Campbell County, Tennessee, to support innovative projects that enhance community well-being and address local challenges.

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.

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 public institutions in East Tennessee for programs focused on mental health, family services, and early education.

This program provides financial support to arts organizations in rural Tennessee, helping them cover operating expenses while promoting community engagement and sound financial practices.

This funding initiative provides financial support to community-based organizations, local and tribal governments in eight southeastern states to address environmental justice issues and promote healthier environments.

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.

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 funding opportunity provides financial support to community and faith-based organizations in select Tennessee counties for innovative projects that promote health equity and address social determinants of health.

This grant provides operational funding to arts organizations in Tennessee's urban counties to support their annual expenses and promote diverse artistic representation.

The Rural Advancement Foundation International (RAFI) is offering its 2024 Infrastructure Grant Program, which aligns with its mission to support the viability and sustainability of historically underserved farmers and ranchers. This program aims to foster projects that enhance farm viability, create new markets for local agricultural products and services, develop innovative uses for existing farm infrastructure, add value to farm products through processing, packaging, or marketing, and optimize the use of on-farm and natural resources. Additionally, the grant supports cultural and heritage projects dedicated to preserving and continuing specific agrarian traditions, reflecting RAFI's broader commitment to a resilient and equitable food system. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are historically underserved farmers and ranchers, as defined by NRCS, who are in at least their fourth full growing season and have operated their current farm for at least two years. The program specifically targets "livelihood" farmers and ranchers who depend on agriculture for their financial support or are pursuing a long-term career in farming. Eligibility extends to individual farmer owners/co-owners or farm cooperatives, provided at least 50% of the cooperative members meet the individual eligibility criteria. The grants range from $1,000 to $10,000 and are available to farms located in specific states: AL, AR, DC, FL, GA, KY, LA, MD, MS, NC, SC, TN, or VA. Funding priorities are given to proposals demonstrating a high expected impact on farm viability and sustainability, strong project feasibility, and comprehensive planning, including a clear plan, detailed budget, timeline, and all necessary supporting documentation. RAFI also prioritizes farmers who derive a significant portion of their household income from farm operations, individuals with financial need, or those located in economically disadvantaged areas. Projects that tangibly benefit the surrounding community and farms utilizing agroecological and/or ancestral farming practices are also highly favored, reflecting RAFI's strategic priorities for holistic agricultural development and community engagement. The expected outcomes of the Infrastructure Grant Program include increased farm viability and sustainability for historically underserved farmers, the establishment of new and diversified markets for local products, and the preservation of valuable agricultural traditions. Through these grants, RAFI aims to support projects that lead to concrete improvements in farm infrastructure, expanded income streams for farmers, and a stronger connection between agricultural practices and community well-being. By focusing on these outcomes, RAFI reinforces its theory of change, which posits that targeted financial support and capacity building for underserved farmers will lead to a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable agricultural landscape.

Nissan Neighbors is a community-focused initiative that provides charitable contributions and in-kind donations to nonprofit organizations working in the areas of education, the environment, and humanitarian aid. The program aims to improve communities by valuing cultural diversity and has been awarding hundreds of thousands of dollars annually since its establishment in 1992. Nissan Foundation Criteria To be considered for funding by Nissan Foundation, organizations must meet the following requirements: Have 501(c)(3) nonprofit status Have been in existence for more than three years Reflect the mission of Nissan Foundation to build community by valuing cultural diversity Demonstrate intentional design of programming grounded in the importance and benefits of cultural diversity Specify community need(s) addressed and intended outcomes of programming Demonstrate experience with populations served Serve communities where Nissan has a significant operational presence, namely: Southern California Middle Tennessee Central Mississippi Dallas/Ft. Worth Detroit New York City and North Central New Jersey Atlanta

This initiative provides funding and support to nonprofit organizations, local governments, and Tribal governments in coal-impacted communities to develop and scale innovative economic projects that create job opportunities and foster local economic transformation.

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.

The South Arts In These Mountains (ITM) initiative is a grant program designed to support projects that promote the sharing, teaching, learning, preserving, documenting, and continuity of folk arts and traditional culture within Central Appalachia. This aligns with a broader mission to foster cultural preservation and community enrichment, particularly in underserved regions. The program seeks to empower communities through their unique cultural heritage, ensuring these traditions are passed down through generations and remain vibrant within the region. The target beneficiaries for this grant program are nonprofit organizations and educational organizations located in Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) counties in Kentucky, North Carolina, and Tennessee. This includes a wide array of entities such as community cultural organizations, schools, colleges, universities, libraries, museums, performing arts presenters, community festival organizations, and faith-based organizations. The primary impact goal is to strengthen the traditional arts and cultural fabric of these communities, particularly those in rural areas with populations under 50,000, by providing essential funding for relevant projects. South Arts has several key priorities and focuses for this initiative. They are deeply committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, actively encouraging applications from Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)-led and LGBTQIA+-led organizations, as well as organizations led by people with disabilities. Furthermore, they prioritize applications that feature BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and traditional artists with disabilities. Another significant focus is on funding traditional arts projects specifically in rural communities. The grants are awarded in the amount of $10,000, with a project period from October 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025. The expected outcomes and measurable results of the ITM initiative include a sustained and increased engagement with folk arts and traditional culture in Central Appalachia. Success will be measured by the number and quality of projects that effectively share, teach, learn, preserve, document, and support the continuity of these cultural practices. The prioritization of diverse and rural-led organizations aims to ensure that funding reaches those most in need of support and that a wide array of voices and traditions are represented and uplifted. The strategic priority of South Arts, as evidenced by this grant, is to build a more equitable and culturally rich Central Appalachia through targeted investment in its traditional arts.

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.