Community Improvement Grants in Tennessee

Explore verified institutional foundations, typical award distributions, and active grantmakers supporting community programs across Tennessee.

Total Capital Deployed
$149M

Across 1,936 verified foundation awards

Typical Grant Size
$76,959

Median award for community in Tennessee

Open to New Applicants
73%

Of active community foundations accept unsolicited proposals

Community Improvement Grant Funding Landscape in Tennessee

Nonprofits focused on Community Improvement in Tennessee received $149M across 1,936 verified foundation grants over recent tax filings. The typical (median) community grant in Tennessee is $76,959, though awards range from smaller $5,000–$25,000 community programming grants up to multi-million-dollar institutional and endowment commitments.

Major Tennessee funders actively supporting community initiatives include Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors INC, The New York Community Trust, Local Initiatives Support Corporation, alongside national foundations funding Tennessee organizations, youth initiatives, and community programs. Of the active institutional grantmakers funding community in Tennessee, 73% accept unsolicited grant proposals from new applicants, offering immediate funding opportunities for growing 501(c)(3) organizations.

Top Funded Cities in TennesseeBy Total Capital
Nashville19,185 grants awarded
$991.3M
Memphis19,722 grants awarded
$899.9M
Knoxville5,878 grants awarded
$630.9M
Chattanooga4,487 grants awarded
$241.7M
Franklin2,219 grants awarded
$156.1M
Grant Size Distribution TiersBy Grant Count
Grassroots & Seed (<$25,000)79%
Ideal for emerging nonprofits, project pilots, and local programming
Mid-Tier & Capacity ($25K – $100K)14%
Core operational funding, staff expansion, and multi-year programs
Major Endowments ($100,000+)7%
Capital campaigns, statewide initiatives, and major institutional grants
Top Institutional Foundations Funding Community Improvement in TennesseeRanked by annual charitable capital distribution • Form 990-PF & Community Foundations
FoundationHeadquartersAnnual GivingTypical GrantApplication StatusAction
Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors INC
EIN: 133615533
New York, NY$275M$100KAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
The New York Community Trust
EIN: 133062214
New York, NY$193.8M$20KAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
Local Initiatives Support Corporation
EIN: 133030229
New York, NY$102.8M$40KAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
Surdna Foundation INC
EIN: 136108163
New York, NY$56.5M$90KInvitation OnlyView Profile →
Save the Children Federation INC
EIN: 060726487
Fairfield, CT$55.5M$71KAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
National Urban League INC
EIN: 131840489
New York, NY$54.8M$100KAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
New Profit INC
EIN: 043396766
Boston, MA$31.2M$375KAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
American Electric Power Foundation
EIN: 203886453
Wilmington, DE$23M$10KInvitation OnlyView Profile →
The New World Foundation
EIN: 131919791
New York, NY$8.2M$23KAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
Natural Resources Defense Council INC
EIN: 132654926
New York, NY$5.3M$17KAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
The W Duke Kimbrell Family Foundation
EIN: 203390787
Gastonia, NC$5M$500KInvitation OnlyView Profile →
The Gibson Foundation
EIN: 200832563
Nashville, TN$2.5M$4KInvitation OnlyView Profile →
Tntp INC
EIN: 133850158
New York, NY$2.4M$47KAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
National Recreation and Park Association
EIN: 135563001
Ashburn, VA$1.6M$19KAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
Foodservice Packaging Institute INC
EIN: 130612120
Falls Church, VA$50K$50KAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
Showing verified grantmakers • Commercial DAFs & university endowments excludedView all in Tennessee directory →

Frequently Asked Questions About Community Improvement Grants in Tennessee

How much grant funding is available for community in Tennessee?

Over $149M has been deployed across 1,936 verified foundation grants in Tennessee according to recent Form 990-PF and 990 filings.

What is the typical community grant size in Tennessee?

The median grant award is approximately $76,959. However, local grassroots initiatives often receive $5,000–$25,000, while regional endowments can exceed $250,000+.

Which foundations in Tennessee accept unsolicited proposals?

Approximately 73% of verified institutional grantmakers funding community in Tennessee accept unsolicited applications without a pre-existing relationship.

How can my nonprofit find foundations that match our mission?

Use NPO Grant to analyze peer award ledgers in Tennessee, identify foundations with active giving history in your city, and contact verified program officers directly.