Since 2008, the Tennessee Disability Coalition has offered small grants to Tennessee IRS-designated tax-exempt organizations-501(c)(3) and governmental entities. In keeping with the mission of the Coalition to help build a society that includes and values people with disabilities. The purpose of the small grants program is to build capacity in the disability community to serve individuals with disabilities and their families.
The small grants program aims to provide funding to those who do not currently serve the disability community but are building their internal capacity to do just that.
Nonprofit capacity building refers to activities that improve and enhance a nonprofit’s ability to achieve its mission and sustain itself over time. Capacity building involves all aspects of a nonprofit’s activities. 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.
What is Capacity Building?
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
Who can apply?
Projects/organizations in the State of Tennessee, that are IRS - IRS-designated tax-exempt organizations, 501(c)(3), and government entities.
As part of the annual budget, the project/organization's unrestricted funds must be less than $2 million
Projects/organizations that are ready to build capacity in the disability community.
Please note that prior grant recipients cannot re-apply for two years, except for topic-specific grant cycles.
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 proposals:
Use this link to view past funded projects: https://www.tndisability.org/past-grant-awards
Ready to learn more and apply? If so, use this link: https://www.tndisability.org/application-process
If you would like to be added to the Small Grants email notification list please use this link to register your email address: https://form.jotform.com/232266260440044
For more information, contact:
Carrie Carlson | smallgrants@tndisability.org