Congratulations to the Spring 2022 grant awardees!!!
Friends of Tennessee Babies with Special Needs: will expand our program capacity by implementing a Volunteer Management Program based on best practices.
Knoxville Jewish Alliance: will purchase an Aqua Creek Admiral Pool Lift which supports up to 450 pounds.
Raising Kellan: will be improving the user experience by improving digital accessibility of the website and accessibility of the podcast by adding subtitles to their podcasts.
St. Patrick Presbyterian: In order to grow our Special Friends program, Saint Patrick has identified a need to begin a paid residency program.
The Board of Directors of the Coalition offers biannual small grant awards of up to $10,000.00 per grant. In keeping with the mission of the Coalition, the purpose of the grant awards is to BUILD CAPACITY in the disability community.
“The lifting power of many wings can achieve twice the distance of flying alone”
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 - 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 and expand inclusion within the disability community
Please note that effective March 2021, prior Grant Recipients cannot re-apply for two years (four grant cycles), with the exception of topic-specific grant cycles.
The small grants program does NOT fund:
- Individual or family needs
- Membership fees
- Conferences
- Fundraisers
- Replacement of lost or funding
- General operating cost
- Political Activities
- Social events
Example of funded proposals:
- To add technology for outreach, communication, managing finances, data storage and optimizing operations
- Create a resource library of videos/podcasts
- Develop a formal volunteer program
- Purchasing equipment (i.e., hearing assistive technology, computers) that can be used by many individuals and over time
- Assist in the funding of a new chapter of the organization
If you would like to be added to the Small Grants email award notification list please email smallgrants@tndisability.org
For more information, contact:
Carrie Carlson
email: smallgrants@tndisability.org
phone: (901) 907 - 5731
Download or share our Small Grants Flyer: