Public & Societal Benefit Grants in Tennessee

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

Total Capital Deployed
$27.6M

Across 796 verified foundation awards

Typical Grant Size
$34,703

Median award for public benefit in Tennessee

Open to New Applicants
53%

Of active public benefit foundations accept unsolicited proposals

Public & Societal Benefit Grant Funding Landscape in Tennessee

Nonprofits focused on Public & Societal Benefit in Tennessee received $27.6M across 796 verified foundation grants over recent tax filings. The typical (median) public benefit grant in Tennessee is $34,703, 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 public benefit initiatives include Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors INC, Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation INC, Local Initiatives Support Corporation, alongside national foundations funding Tennessee organizations, youth initiatives, and community programs. Of the active institutional grantmakers funding public benefit 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
Nashville18,798 grants awarded
$931.6M
Memphis19,399 grants awarded
$879.4M
Knoxville5,817 grants awarded
$626.1M
Chattanooga4,313 grants awarded
$230.3M
Franklin2,206 grants awarded
$155.8M
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 Public & Societal Benefit 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 →
Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation INC
EIN: 061627638
Stamford, CT$130M$100KInvitation OnlyView Profile →
Local Initiatives Support Corporation
EIN: 133030229
New York, NY$102.8M$40KAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
Fractured Atlas INC
EIN: 113451703
New York, NY$31.8M$18KAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
The Robert a and Susan C Wilson
EIN: 200798711
Memphis, TN$10.9M$2KInvitation OnlyView Profile →
The Angell Foundation
EIN: 010789717
Los Angeles, CA$6.2M$10KInvitation OnlyView Profile →
Open Space Institute Land Trust INC
EIN: 133028060
New York, NY$5.6M$35KAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
The Gibson Foundation
EIN: 200832563
Nashville, TN$2.5M$4KInvitation OnlyView Profile →
Keep America Beautiful INC
EIN: 131761633
Stamford, CT$1.2M$14KAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
Clifford and Lavonne Graese Foundation
EIN: 133388411
Yulee, FL$1M$25KInvitation OnlyView Profile →
Stonewall Community Foundation
EIN: 133550688
New York, NY$897K$10KAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
Human Rights Foundation
EIN: 202669700
New York, NY$747K$20KAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
Honor Flight INC
EIN: 202751460
Arlington, VA$344K$10KAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
Third Horizon Foundation
EIN: 200721691
San Francisco, CA$140K$10KInvitation OnlyView Profile →
Walton Family Foundation INC
EIN: 133441466
Bentonville, AR$1K$650Invitation OnlyView Profile →
Showing verified grantmakers • Commercial DAFs & university endowments excludedView all in Tennessee directory →

Frequently Asked Questions About Public & Societal Benefit Grants in Tennessee

How much grant funding is available for public benefit in Tennessee?

Over $27.6M has been deployed across 796 verified foundation grants in Tennessee according to recent Form 990-PF and 990 filings.

What is the typical public benefit grant size in Tennessee?

The median grant award is approximately $34,703. 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 public benefit 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.