Small grants program updates as of July 1, 2024!
- The small grants program will now be an annual program.
- Grants will be offered in the fall each year.
- The next grant offering will open in the fall of 2025.
- The next grant offering will open in the fall of 2025.
- You can now request up to $15,000
- This is an increase from $10,000
The Coalition's Board of Directors offers an annual small grant award of up to $15,000.00 per grant. In keeping with the mission of the Coalition, the grant awards must BUILD CAPACITY in the disability community and include a sustainability plan.
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?
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Projects/organizations in the State of Tennessee, that are IRS - designated tax-exempt organizations - 501(c)(3) and government entities
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As part of the annual budget, the project/organization's unrestricted funds must be less than $2 million
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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:
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Individual or family grants
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Membership fees
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Conferences
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Fundraisers
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Replacement of lost funding
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Reimbursement for purchases previously made
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General operating cost
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Political Activities
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Social events
Example of funded proposals:
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To add technology for outreach, communication, managing finances, data storage, and optimizing operations
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Create a resource library of videos/podcasts
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Develop a formal volunteer program
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Purchasing equipment (i.e., hearing assistive technology, computers) that can be used by many individuals and over time
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Assist in the funding of a new chapter of the organization
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