Grants
The Frist Foundation’s grant program aims to sustain and improve the quality of life in Nashville, Tennessee. Our foundation takes special interest in agencies that serve Nashville’s communities facing challenges and those doing collaborative community work. Our specific focus lies in grants that strengthen the capacity of an organization and increase the number of clients served.
Our Approach
The Frist Foundation partners with agencies serving Davidson County residents in the following focus areas: Arts & Culture, Civic, Food Insecurities, Health Disparities, Human Services, Immigrants & Refugees, Nonprofit Infrastructure, and Unhoused Neighbors.
Requirements:
- Located in Davidson County and primarily serving Davidson County residents
- 501(c)(3) organization
- Operating for 2-3 years
- Updated profile on GivingMatters.com
- Focus area in alignment with The Frist Foundation’s focus areas listed above
- Type of grant fits in with the below
Exclusions:
- New programmatic or operational funding
- Endowment or scholarship funding
- Social or fundraising events
- Schools below the college level, except for projects intended to serve the broader community
- Hospitals or nursing homes
- Individuals
- Religious organizations for religious purposes
- Statewide initiatives
TYPES OF GRANTS
General Grants
The Frist Foundation is interested in funding projects that will increase service capacity or ensure an organization’s long-term sustainability. These might include capital needs, the creation of earned revenue streams, or covering consulting expenses for strategic planning or financial management.
Technology Grants
The technology grant program is designed to help agencies work differently and more effectively using technology. In a rapidly changing environment, we see technology as integral to agency collaboration, data collection, workflow and improving the level of service to clients.
Additionally, we provide annual support for Hands On Nashville’s GeekCause, which matches Nashville tech experts with community partners in need of their services. From tech consultation to solution implementation, GeekCause provides a low-cost platform for agencies to solve tech-based challenges through the support of skilled volunteers. We often recommend agencies reach out to GeekCause before applying for a technology grant.
Operational Grants
The Frist Foundation makes dozens of operational grants each year, the most significant being to The Frist Art Museum. The Foundation also supports grants that we describe as “Nonprofit Infrastructure” including The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, The United Way of Greater Nashville, The Center for Nonprofit Management, Hands On Nashville, Community Resource Center, and Young Leaders Council, among others.
Please note: The Foundation is not currently making new grants for operating or programmatic expenses.