Tennessee grants for Public and State controlled institutions of higher education

The South Arts In These Mountains (ITM) initiative is a grant program designed to support projects that promote the sharing, teaching, learning, preserving, documenting, and continuity of folk arts and traditional culture within Central Appalachia. This aligns with a broader mission to foster cultural preservation and community enrichment, particularly in underserved regions. The program seeks to empower communities through their unique cultural heritage, ensuring these traditions are passed down through generations and remain vibrant within the region. The target beneficiaries for this grant program are nonprofit organizations and educational organizations located in Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) counties in Kentucky, North Carolina, and Tennessee. This includes a wide array of entities such as community cultural organizations, schools, colleges, universities, libraries, museums, performing arts presenters, community festival organizations, and faith-based organizations. The primary impact goal is to strengthen the traditional arts and cultural fabric of these communities, particularly those in rural areas with populations under 50,000, by providing essential funding for relevant projects. South Arts has several key priorities and focuses for this initiative. They are deeply committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, actively encouraging applications from Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)-led and LGBTQIA+-led organizations, as well as organizations led by people with disabilities. Furthermore, they prioritize applications that feature BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and traditional artists with disabilities. Another significant focus is on funding traditional arts projects specifically in rural communities. The grants are awarded in the amount of $10,000, with a project period from October 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025. The expected outcomes and measurable results of the ITM initiative include a sustained and increased engagement with folk arts and traditional culture in Central Appalachia. Success will be measured by the number and quality of projects that effectively share, teach, learn, preserve, document, and support the continuity of these cultural practices. The prioritization of diverse and rural-led organizations aims to ensure that funding reaches those most in need of support and that a wide array of voices and traditions are represented and uplifted. The strategic priority of South Arts, as evidenced by this grant, is to build a more equitable and culturally rich Central Appalachia through targeted investment in its traditional arts.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and public entities in specific East Tennessee counties to deliver holiday gifts and seasonal assistance to under-resourced and underserved children in need.

This grant provides funding to under-resourced communities in the Mississippi River Delta and Alabama Black Belt regions to develop strategic plans that address local economic development challenges.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Tennessee colleges and universities to create and improve inclusive higher education programs for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations in the Appalachian region for projects that promote economic diversification and workforce development in communities impacted by coal industry job losses.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to licensed dairy farms in the southeastern U.S. to improve their infrastructure and operational efficiency, enhancing profitability and sustainability in the dairy industry.

This funding opportunity supports innovative healthcare projects that improve access and wellbeing for residents of Jefferson County, particularly targeting underserved populations.

This funding opportunity supports collaborative projects between arts organizations and non-arts entities in the Southern U.S. to creatively address health and wellness challenges in their communities.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations, government units, and educational institutions in East Tennessee to support community-based literacy programs that improve reading and writing skills.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofits, government agencies, and educational institutions in the southeastern U.S. to improve aquatic habitats and water quality, particularly for endangered species and key river basins.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and educational institutions in the Cumberland Plateau and Southern Appalachians to restore ecosystems, improve habitats, and promote sustainable agricultural practices.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and public educational institutions in East Tennessee to enhance educational opportunities and improve public education outcomes.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and public entities in East Tennessee for spaying and neutering programs that help control pet overpopulation and improve animal welfare.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and public entities in specific U.S. regions for initiatives addressing homelessness, STEM education, veterans' services, and support for women and children.

This grant provides funding to organizations that deliver medical transportation and clinical services to underserved residents in rural Greene County, Tennessee, particularly focusing on children and vulnerable populations.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities in Knox County, Tennessee, for projects that protect wildlife habitats and preserve natural landscapes without making structural changes to the land.

This grant provides funding to nonprofits, government units, and public educational institutions in Johnson County, Tennessee, to support community-focused projects that improve the quality of life for local residents.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local governments, nonprofit organizations, and public schools in Tennessee for planting trees on public lands to improve community wellbeing and environmental health.

This grant provides funding to community organizations in Davidson County to create opportunities for connection and engagement through public events, shared spaces, and neighborhood initiatives.

This grant provides funding to residents and neighborhood groups in Jackson, Tennessee, to support community-driven projects that improve local neighborhoods through beautification, safety, and engagement initiatives.