Fall 2021 
Topic-Specific 
Small Grant Offering 
Outline 


Storytelling can be a powerful tool. Community-centric storytelling can support community 
members learning to tell their stories, policy change, public health communication and 
community development, for example. Effective, ethical storytelling initiatives require 
intentionality and sufficient resources. 

The Board of Directors of the Tennessee Disability Coalition (TDC) has decided to hold a special 
grant offering in Fall 2021 to support disability community-centric storytelling initiatives. 

Community-centric storytelling puts the community first. While important initiatives, 
storytelling with the primary goal to amplify brand awareness or raise money for nonprofits will 
not be eligible for this funding. 

Initiatives that focus on serving underserved or intersectional communities will receive 
preference. 


Funding Amount Available: 

. 
Nonprofits may apply individually for a grant of 
up to $10,000. 


. 
Two or more nonprofits 
collaborating on an initiative may apply for a grant of up to 
$15,000. One organization must serve as lead organization to manage disbursement of 
funds. 

Funding Information: 

. 
Grant funds must be used during the designated grant year (twelve months from receipt 
of grant contract) 
. 
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 program 

budget line Items, funds must be returned to the TDC 
. 
Grant awards are not considered gifts or charitable grants 


Who can apply? 

. 
Nonprofit organizations in the State of Tennessee, United States of America that are IRS-
designated tax-exempt organizations or governmental entities 


. 
In order to be eligible, an organization’s unrestricted funds as part of their annual 
budget must be less than $2 million. For collaborative grant applicants, unrestricted 
funding per organization must be less than $2 million. Unlike restricted funds which are 
designated by the funder for a specific program or use, unrestricted funds are not 
limited by the funder and usually go toward operating expenses or the program of the 
nonprofit’s choice. 

. 
Regardless of award date, all prior TDC small grant awardees are eligible for this special 
topic grant opportunity 

Online Application Process: 


1. 
Submission of a letter of interest with a budget outline 
2. 
Submission of a full proposal, if requested, using the link provided in your acceptance 
letter 
Funding Process: 

1. 
The first half of the grant funding will be dispersed only after the 
signed Contract Agreement is returned to the TDC 
2. 
The second half of the grant funding will be disbursed only after we have approved the 
five-month Summary of 
Activities Report 
Online Reporting Process: 

1. 
A five-month progress report in the proper format, with a current budget report 
2. 
A final report, including a final budget, within six weeks following the end of the project 
term 
Please note: Many organizations apply for grants each year and the overall amount of funding 
requested far exceeds our resources. Declined applications in no way reflect the worthiness of 
an organization's mission or programming.