Foundations
1,750
Total Assets
$10.6B
Total Giving
$3.9B
Active Grants
108
National Rank
#24
Tennessee Grant Programs: FastTrack Incentives, Community Development, and Nonprofit Funding
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Key State Programs
FastTrack Job Training Assistance Program
Discretionary grants from TNECD to Tennessee companies supporting the training of net new full-time employees. Businesses must create new jobs and make capital investments to qualify, with award amounts determined by projected economic impact.
FastTrack Infrastructure Program
Discretionary grants to local government agencies for public infrastructure improvements that benefit businesses creating jobs in Tennessee. Requires a business commitment to create new full-time positions and invest capital in the community.
Community Development Block Grants (CDBG)
Federal pass-through funding for Tennessee communities not receiving direct HUD allocations. Supports sewer and water infrastructure, housing rehabilitation, and health and safety projects, with annual application cycles typically opening in February.
Tennessee Arts Commission Grants
Annual competitive grants supporting arts and cultural activities for more than 700 organizations, schools, local governments, nonprofits, and individual artists across Tennessee. Multiple grant categories for operating support, project funding, and capacity building.
TN250 Community and Project Support Grants
A combined $3.5 million in grants from the Tennessee Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial for organizations and communities celebrating Tennessee's unique stories and heritage through 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Tennessee's FastTrack grants and who qualifies?
Tennessee's FastTrack programs include the Job Training Assistance Program and the Infrastructure Program, both administered by the Department of Economic and Community Development. To qualify, businesses must commit to creating net new full-time jobs and making capital investments in Tennessee. Award amounts are discretionary and based on projected economic impact, job numbers, wage levels, and investment commitments. These are deal-closing incentives typically used for significant expansion or relocation projects.
How can Tennessee nonprofits access state grant funding?
Tennessee nonprofits can access funding through multiple state agencies. The Tennessee Arts Commission provides grants for cultural organizations and artists. The Department of Safety and Homeland Security offers the Houses of Worship Security Grant for eligible 501(c)(3) organizations. The Department of Disability and Aging runs the Senior Centers Grant Program with awards from $10,000 to $50,000. Nonprofits should also monitor the TN250 grant program and CDBG opportunities through TNECD.
What tax credits are available for businesses creating jobs in Tennessee?
Tennessee offers a one-time corporate income tax credit of $4,500 per job for businesses that make a capital investment of at least $500,000. Additional Enhanced Job Tax Credits are available in economically distressed counties, offering higher per-job credit amounts. These credits can be combined with FastTrack grants for qualifying projects, making Tennessee's total incentive package highly competitive for job creation initiatives.
Are Community Development Block Grants available in all Tennessee communities?
CDBG funds in Tennessee are available to communities that do not receive funding directly from HUD as entitlement communities. Applications are typically submitted each February and awards are made in the fall. Eligible projects include sewer and water system improvements, housing rehabilitation, and health and safety initiatives. Larger cities like Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville receive CDBG funds directly from HUD and are not eligible for state-administered CDBG grants.
Does Tennessee offer workforce training grants for small businesses?
While Tennessee's FastTrack Job Training Assistance Program focuses on larger job creation projects, the state also supports workforce development through the Tennessee Reconnect program and partnerships with the Tennessee Board of Regents community college system. Small businesses may find training support through local workforce development boards and the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development. However, state incentives in Tennessee tend to favor larger employers with significant job creation and investment commitments.
Explore
Tennessee Funding Resources
Top Foundations
Largest Foundations in Tennessee
| # | Foundation | Assets |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Bill Gatton Foundation | $930.7M |
| 2 | Robert E And Jenny D Kirkland Found | $301.1M |
| 3 | Tennessee Health Foundation Inc. | $281.8M |
| 4 | J R Hyde Iii Foundation | $256.5M |
| 5 | Dettwiller Foundation | $251.3M |
Active Grants