Grants & Benefits for Tennessee Residents
Tennessee has 1 state-specific program in our database, plus 20+ federal programs available to all residents. Use the free matcher to find what you personally qualify for.
Tennessee-Specific Programs
Programs administered by Tennessee state agencies.
Tennessee HOPE Scholarship
Tennessee's lottery-funded merit scholarship for high school graduates attending TN institutions.
Deadline: September 1
Federal Programs Available in Tennessee
Administered by federal agencies and available to eligible residents in all 50 states. Showing 20 of 94 federal programs — use the matcher to see all that fit your situation.
Federal Pell Grant
Need-based grant for undergraduate students who haven't earned a bachelor's degree. Does not need to be repaid.
Deadline: Rolling — FAFSA opens Oct 1
Federal SEOG Grant
Supplemental grant for undergrads with exceptional financial need. Funds limited — priority to earliest FAFSA filers.
Deadline: Varies by school
TEACH Grant
For students planning to teach in high-need fields at low-income schools. Converts to loan if service requirement unmet.
Deadline: Rolling
Post-9/11 GI Bill (Ch. 33)
Covers tuition at state schools plus housing allowance and book stipend for veterans who served 90+ days post-9/11.
Deadline: Rolling
Head Start Program
Federally funded comprehensive early childhood education for ages 3–5 from low-income families. Covers school readiness, health, nutrition, and family services. Early Head Start serves 0–3.
Deadline: Rolling — contact local program
WIC — Women, Infants & Children
Nutritious foods, nutrition counseling, and healthcare referrals for low-income pregnant women, new mothers, and children under 5.
Deadline: Rolling
Child Care & Development Fund (CCDF)
Helps low-income working families pay for childcare. Each state administers its own version of this federal block grant.
Deadline: Rolling
TANF — Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
Monthly cash assistance for low-income families with children. Each state runs its own program with different benefit levels and work requirements.
Deadline: Rolling
Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)
Federal rental assistance for low-income families, elderly, and disabled. Tenants pay 30% of income; voucher covers the rest up to a payment standard.
Deadline: Waitlist — check local HA
USDA Home Repair Grants (Section 504)
Grants and loans for very low-income rural homeowners to repair homes or remove health/safety hazards.
Deadline: Rolling
LIHEAP Energy Assistance
Helps low-income households pay heating and cooling costs. Administered locally through Community Action Agencies.
Deadline: Rolling — varies by state
SBIR Phase I Grant
Seed funding for small businesses to explore R&D feasibility for federal agencies. America's largest innovation grant program.
Deadline: Varies by agency
SBA 8(a) Business Development Program
9-year mentoring and contracting program for socially and economically disadvantaged small businesses.
Deadline: Rolling
WOSB Federal Contracting Set-Asides
Federal contracts reserved for women-owned small businesses in underrepresented industries.
Deadline: Ongoing via SAM.gov
SDVOSB Contracting Set-Asides
Federal contracts reserved for service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses.
Deadline: Ongoing via SAM.gov
GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS)
Pre-approved contract vehicle allowing any federal agency to buy your commercial products/services without competitive bid.
Deadline: Rolling
SNAP (Food Stamps)
Monthly EBT card benefits to buy food at authorized retailers. Average ~$175/person/month.
Deadline: Rolling
Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program
Medical care and support for people with HIV who lack adequate insurance coverage.
Deadline: Rolling
IRA Home Efficiency Tax Credits (25C/25D)
30% federal tax credits for insulation, windows, heat pumps, and solar panels.
Deadline: Through 2032
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
Free insulation, air sealing, HVAC repair, and energy-efficient upgrades for low-income households.
Deadline: Rolling
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