Philanthropy & Grants Grants in Tennessee

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

Total Capital Deployed
$567.1M

Across 3,987 verified foundation awards

Typical Grant Size
$142,247

Median award for philanthropy in Tennessee

Open to New Applicants
53%

Of active philanthropy foundations accept unsolicited proposals

Philanthropy & Grants Grant Funding Landscape in Tennessee

Nonprofits focused on Philanthropy & Grants in Tennessee received $567.1M across 3,987 verified foundation grants over recent tax filings. The typical (median) philanthropy grant in Tennessee is $142,247, 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 philanthropy initiatives include The Jewish Federations of North America INC, New Venture Fund, Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors INC, alongside national foundations funding Tennessee organizations, youth initiatives, and community programs. Of the active institutional grantmakers funding philanthropy in Tennessee, 53% accept unsolicited grant proposals from new applicants, offering immediate funding opportunities for growing 501(c)(3) organizations.

Top Funded Cities in TennesseeBy Total Capital
Memphis19,751 grants awarded
$1.17B
Nashville20,015 grants awarded
$1.03B
Knoxville6,099 grants awarded
$653.2M
Chattanooga4,726 grants awarded
$272M
Franklin2,320 grants awarded
$171.3M
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 Philanthropy & Grants in TennesseeRanked by annual charitable capital distribution • Form 990-PF & Community Foundations
FoundationHeadquartersAnnual GivingTypical GrantApplication StatusAction
The Jewish Federations of North America INC
EIN: 131624240
New York, NY$432.7M$75KAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
New Venture Fund
EIN: 205806345
Washington, DC$359.6M$101KAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors INC
EIN: 133615533
New York, NY$275M$100KAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
Carnegie Corporation of New York
EIN: 131628151
New York, NY$174.4M$225KInvitation OnlyView Profile →
Wal-mart Foundation
EIN: 205639919
Bentonville, AR$112.2M$435KInvitation OnlyView Profile →
The Wallace Foundation
EIN: 136183757
New York, NY$54.6M$27KInvitation OnlyView Profile →
Third Sector New England INC
EIN: 042261109
Boston, MA$12.5M$84KAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
United Way Worldwide
EIN: 131635294
Alexandria, VA$11.4M$23KAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
The Robert a and Susan C Wilson
EIN: 200798711
Memphis, TN$10.9M$2KInvitation OnlyView Profile →
Yarbrough Family Foundation
EIN: 205980265
Franklin, TN$6.7M$3KInvitation OnlyView Profile →
Tennessee Health Foundation INC
EIN: 200298456
Chattanooga, TN$3.8M$8KInvitation OnlyView Profile →
Regal Foundation
EIN: 134249812
Knoxville, TN$3M$679Invitation OnlyView Profile →
Chi Psi Educational Trust INC
EIN: 030386312
Nashville, TN$1.1M$46KAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
Seattle Christian Foundation
EIN: 203788055
Seattle, WA$884K$860KAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
Kindred Employee Assistance Fund INC
EIN: 201964646
Louisville, KY$1K$1KAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
Showing verified grantmakers • Commercial DAFs & university endowments excludedView all in Tennessee directory →

Frequently Asked Questions About Philanthropy & Grants Grants in Tennessee

How much grant funding is available for philanthropy in Tennessee?

Over $567.1M has been deployed across 3,987 verified foundation grants in Tennessee according to recent Form 990-PF and 990 filings.

What is the typical philanthropy grant size in Tennessee?

The median grant award is approximately $142,247. 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 53% of verified institutional grantmakers funding philanthropy 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.