CNS Y-12 Community Investment Fund Grant

The CNS Y-12 Community Investment Fund, established by Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC, supports local communities in Oak Ridge, TN and Amarillo, TX. Since its inception in 2015, it has awarded over 205 grants to more than 120 nonprofits. With grants of up to $12,500 for one-year terms, organizations are encouraged to address funding priorities such as mental health support and early learning. The fund reflects a commitment to enhancing community welfare through strategic resource allocation.

Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC (CNS), the contractor at Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge, TN, and the Pantex Plant in Amarillo, TX, established funds at East Tennessee Foundation and Amarillo Area Foundation as part of their commitment to the host communities of Amarillo and Oak Ridge, as well as their local counties and regions.
With the leadership of an employee-based CNS Y-12 Investment Advisory Committee, CNS employees have the opportunity to recommend grant support where the need is the greatest and the resources are best allocated. Since 2015, this fund has awarded 205 grants benefiting more than 120 nonprofits in their 20-county service area in East Tennessee.
Grant Amounts and Terms
Organizations can apply for an amount between $2,000 and $15,000. The grant term is September 15, 2025 – September 14, 2026.
In 2025, applicant organizations must address one of the following funding priorities:
Acute Mental Health Support: Grant proposals should demonstrate how programs provide immediate, short-term response to people experiencing a mental health crisis.
Pre and Postnatal Family Services: Grant proposals should demonstrate how programs provide access to healthcare, educational services, or other resources pre and/or post delivery for individuals and families.Early Learning and Academic Support: Grant proposals should explain how programs support the development of cognitive, reading, writing, and numeric skills to children and youth.

Eligibility

Confirmation that the organization is a 501(c)(3) public charity, unit of government, or public educational institutionNew or emerging groups that do not have nonprofit status may apply if they have an established nonprofit organization as a fiscal sponsorConfirmation that the organization operates and is organized so as to not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, familial status, sexual orientation, age, disability, covered veteran status, or other characteristics as identified in the Foundation’s Diversity and Non-Discrimination Statement.

Ineligibility

Grants to individuals. We are restricted by law and therefore unable to provide grants directly to individuals.Debt retirement or budget deficitsEndowment funds or general fundraising campaignsCapital campaignsFaith based organizations and houses of worship are welcome to apply. However their projects that have explicit religious content, express a particular religious view, limit participation based on faith affiliation, or require participation in religious activities or services will not be considered. For example, a church’s food pantry may be awarded funding if participation in the program is not limited based on faith or attendance.