Small GrantsApplication Process

Definition of capacity building adopted by the Board of Directors in June 2018:

CAPACITY BUILDING is not just about the capacity of a nonprofit today -- it's about the future. Distinct capacity building projects such as identifying a communications strategy, improving volunteer recruitment, developing a leadership succession plan, identifying more efficient uses of technology, and engaging in collaborations with community partners -- all build the capacity of a charitable nonprofit to effectively deliver its mission in the future.  When capacity building is successful, it strengthens a nonprofit’s ability to fulfill its mission over time and enhances the nonprofit’s ability to have a positive impact on lives and communities.

~ National Council of Nonprofits

• Projects/organizations in the State of Tennessee that are IRS-designated tax-exempt organizations, 501(c)(3), and government entities.
• Projects/Organizations with an unrestricted annual budget of less than $2 million. 

Please remember that prior grant award recipients cannot reapply for two years, except for topic-specific grant cycle recipients. The timeline to reapply starts after the end date on your last grant agreement.

The small grants program does NOT fund:

• Individual or family grants
• Membership fees
• Conferences
• Fundraisers
• Replacement of lost funding
• Reimbursement for purchases previously made
• General operating cost
• Political Activities
• Social events

 Example of funded projects:

Use this link to view past funded projects: https://www.tndisability.org/past-grant-awards

The TDC uses JotForm as our electronic submission platform because of its accessibility.  But we do realize that it might not be accessible for everyone. If you need an alternative way to submit your proposal, please email Carrie Carlson at smallgrants@tndisability.org

1. The JotForm link will open on Friday, August 15, 2025.
2. Applications are due by Friday, September 12, 2025.
   1. No late applications will be accepted.
3. You will receive an email via JotForm confirming your submission (check your junk). If you do not receive confirmation, please email Smallgrants@tndisability.org
4. By the end of November, you will receive an email stating if you have been selected to be funded or not.
   1. Depending on the volume of applications, this could be sooner or later.

If your application is funded: 

1. You will receive a grant agreement to sign and return.
   1. Please read this agreement! There are additional and important details included.
2. Once your agreement has been signed and returned, you will receive an email to complete your Bill.com profile.
   1. If you already have Bill.com, you can link to that account.
   2.  
3. If you complete your Bill.com account you will receive your first installment, the second full week in January. 

Required Reports:

All grantees will be required to submit two (2) reports:

1. A five-month progress report, with a current budget.
2. A final report, including a final budget, is required within four weeks following the end of the project term.

 Please note: You will receive a JotForm link to submitting these reports. Reports submitted in alternative formats will not be accepted, unless you have prior authorization.

Grant funds are disbursed in two installments:

Funding agreements include disbursement dates.

Once you have returned the signed Funding Agreement to the TDC staff liaison, your funding process will begin. 

1. You will receive an email to complete your Bill.com profile.
   1. If you already have Bill.com profile, you can link to that account.  will be disbursed by the date on your funding agreement.
2. If you complete your Bill.com account, you will receive your first installment, by the date listed on your funding agreement. Usually around the second full week of January.
3. Once the small grants committee has approved your five-month report, the second installment will be processed.
   1. Late report submissions or reports that are not approved can delay your second installment.

Additional Information:

Grant funds must be used during the designated grant year.

• Funds cannot be used for past expenses or to reimburse the program for expenses that were paid before the first award was deposited.
• If grant funds are not exhausted, the excess funds must be returned to the TDC.
• If grant funds are used for expenses that are not outlined in the proposed budget, those funds must be returned to the TDC.
• Grant awards are not considered gifts or charitable donations.