Ned R McWherter Charitable Foundation

The Community Foundation of Middle

Nashville, TN

The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee supports nonprofits through community impact and fund-specific grants across a range of charitable areas, primarily serving Middle Tennessee. Its 2024 grants had a median of $8,500, though awards varied widely; it accepts applications for annual Special Interest Grants, but is not opening a new competitive Community Impact cycle for 2026–2027.

Duke Energy Foundation

Charlotte, NC

The Duke Energy Foundation funds workforce development, local economic development and recovery, disaster resilience, conservation, and economic opportunity in communities across North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. It reports more than $30 million in annual charitable grants; awards vary widely, with a 2024 median of $25,000, and applications of $20,000 or less are accepted on a rolling basis. Applicants should contact their local Foundation representative before applying.

The Ayers Foundation Trust

Parsons, TN

The Ayers Foundation Trust supports educational institutions, community organizations, medical services, and other nonprofits, primarily in six Tennessee counties: Davidson, Decatur, Henderson, Lawrence, Perry, and Unicoi. Its 2025 grants ranged from $250 to $5 million, with a median of $25,000. It accepts applications at any time, with no specific form required.

Ayers Foundation

Parsons, TN

The Ayers Foundation supports education, conservation, and social welfare, with a strong emphasis on helping rural Tennessee students access and complete postsecondary education. Its 2023 grants averaged about $34,600, and giving primarily—but not exclusively—supports organizations in six Tennessee counties. It accepts applications at any time, with no required form; contact Janet Ayers.

Gause Foundation

Nashville, TN

The Gause Foundation supports general charitable and educational purposes, including religious, arts, educational, environmental, and human-service organizations. Its grants typically are small: the 2025 median was $1,000, with awards ranging from $200 to $20,500; most funding went to Tennessee, followed by Georgia. It gives only to preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.

Christian Community Foundation

Memphis, TN

The foundation supports a broad range of U.S. charities through donor-advised funds, with a particular focus on Christian ministries and community transformation in Memphis; its Hope for Memphis Fund serves eligible Gospel-centered nonprofits in the Memphis metro area. Its 2025 grants had a median of $22,050, and it accepts applications for the Hope for Memphis Fund during its stated application cycle.

Community Foundation

Memphis, TN

The Community Foundation of Greater Memphis supports nonprofits serving West Tennessee, eastern Arkansas, and northern Mississippi across a range of community needs, with grants made mainly through donor-advised funds and several focused programs. Grant sizes vary widely; the 2025 median was $20,200, while its Nonprofit Capacity Building program averages about $15,000 and Community Solutions Grants ranged from $50,000 to $150,000. Some programs accept applications, but the profile does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted generally.

Tua Justin & Valere B Potter Fdn

Dallas, TX

National Trust for Historic Preservation in the United States

Washington, DC

The National Trust for Historic Preservation funds preservation planning, education, organizational capacity, and—in some programs—building restoration and other capital work, particularly at culturally significant historic places. Its 2025 grants had a median of $37,500, while several targeted programs typically offer $2,500–$15,000; funding reaches organizations across the United States, with some programs focused on specific states. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.

HCA Healthcare Foundation

Nashville, TN

HCA Healthcare Foundation funds community health and health equity, including primary care, basic needs, education, and the arts; its Middle Tennessee Fund serves nine counties, while other initiatives support communities served by HCA Healthcare. In 2024, grants ranged from $1,000 to $9.65 million, with a median of $5,000. It accepts requests through an Applicant Inquiry Form for new applicants and organizations that have not received funding in 18 months; staff provide next steps after review.

Dollar General Employee Assistance

Goodletsville, TN

The foundation provides emergency financial assistance to active Dollar General employees and their families facing qualifying hardships, such as a home loss, a death, or a serious illness or injury. In 2026, grants ranged from $37 to $6,000, with a median of $2,000; all reported recipients were in Tennessee. It accepts applications from eligible employees, who must submit supporting documentation.

The Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga Inc

Chattanooga, TN

The foundation supports scholarships and community needs including affordable housing, health and wellness, workforce development, education, culture, and hunger relief, with a focus on Chattanooga and surrounding areas; Fund for Chattanooga grants prioritize organizations serving Hamilton County residents. Its 2024 grants had a median of $10,000, and a separate program offers unrestricted grants of up to $30,000. It does not describe an open unsolicited application process: prospective applicants are asked to discuss a proposal with staff, who may invite them to apply.