The Frist Foundation Grant

The Frist Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing the quality of life in Nashville and Middle Tennessee by funding nonprofit organizations. With over 40 years of commitment, it prioritizes projects addressing community challenges in areas such as Arts, Food Insecurity, Health Disparities, and support for underserved residents. The Foundation seeks to empower organizations through General, Technology, and Operational Grants, emphasizing sustainability and long-term impact without funding operational expenses or salaries.

Grants
For over 40 years, we have been dedicated to sustaining and improving the quality of life in Nashville and the broader Middle Tennessee area by investing in nonprofit organizations.
Our Approach
The Frist Foundation partners with agencies serving Davidson County residents in the following focus areas: Arts & Culture, Food Insecurity, Health Disparities, Immigrants & Refugees, Nonprofit Infrastructure, and Unhoused Neighbors.
General Grants
The Frist Foundation is interested in funding projects that will increase service capacity or ensure an organization’s long-term sustainability. These might include capital needs, the creation of earned revenue streams, or supporting consulting expenses for strategic planning or financial management. This does not include operational expenses, including salaries or programmatic expenses.
Technology Grants
The technology grant program is designed to help agencies work differently and more effectively using technology. This does not include hardware upgrades.
From tech consultation to solution implementation, GeekCause provides a low-cost platform for agencies to solve tech-based challenges through the support of skilled volunteers. We often recommend agencies reach out to GeekCause before applying for a technology grant.
Operational Grants
The Frist Foundation makes dozens of operational grants each year, the most significant being to The Frist Art Museum. The Foundation also supports organizations that we describe as “Nonprofit Infrastructure,” including The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, The United Way of Greater Nashville, Hands On Nashville, Community Resource Center, and Young Leaders Council, among others.
Please note: The Foundation is not currently making new grants for operating or programmatic expenses.

Eligibility

Updated profile on GivingMatters.com
The organization’s focus area is in one of the following: Arts & Culture, Food Insecurity, Health Disparities, Human Services, Immigrants & Refugees, Nonprofit Infrastructure, and Unhoused Neighbors
The grant request is in line with one of the grant focuses below

Ineligibility

ExclusionsOperational or programmatic expenses, including salaries