How To Apply
The Foundation provides both Operational and Transformational Grants in the Nashville, Tennessee area, and its primary areas of focus are:
Education
Community and Social Services
Healthcare
Agencies can inquire about a grant application after reviewing our grants overview page and the guidelines below.
OPERATIONAL GRANTS
The Joe C. Davis Foundation’s Operating Grant portfolio provides unrestricted operating support to well-run, community-anchored nonprofits. The Foundation prioritizes organizations with strong leadership, financial discipline, and proven outcomes that provide accessible, affordable services to low-income and vulnerable populations. Through a focus on children and youth, health, and social services, this portfolio helps individuals and families stabilize, strengthen, and achieve long-term success – honoring Mr. Davis’s intent to provide opportunity for motivated individuals to build better lives.
The application process differs depending on whether your organization is new/returning or an existing partner.
New and Returning Applicants
New or Returning applicants are organizations that have not received operational funding from JCDF within the past 3 years.
Agencies meeting the Grants eligibility requirements may submit a Letter of Interest (LOI) to be considered for operational support to be awarded in the following calendar year. Example: An LOI submitted in 2026 is for potential funding in 2027.
The LOI includes:
- Agency Mission
- Statement of Financial Need
- Problem Statement, Theory of Change, and Organizational Solution
- Current Fiscal Year Organizational Budget
Key Dates & Process
- LOI Application Window: The LOI application opens on June 1 and is due by September 30.
- The LOI must be submitted through the Joe C. Davis Foundation’s Online Grant Management System. Once logged in, agencies can access and complete the “Letter of Interest – Operational Grant Cycle” application from their homepage.
- If your organization does not have an active account in the system, use the link above to create a new account.
- After submission, next steps may include a phone call and/or site visit with Foundation staff.
- All LOI decisions will be shared by December 1, including next steps for organizations moving forward to the full application for the following year.
Questions
Email Megan McGuire for LOI or portal assistance.
Existing Partners
Existing Partners are agencies currently receiving operational funding from JCDF.
Foundation staff will email application instructions to your organization’s primary contact by December 1.
Applications are due January 30 and can be accessed through your account in the Foundation’s Online Grant Management System.
Questions
For access-related questions, and/or if your agency’s contact person has changed, please email Megan McGuire.
TRANSFORMATIONAL GRANTS
Overview
The Foundation awards one-time grants to advance major capacity-building initiatives, expand organizational impact, or support capital projects. Transformational grants are typically awarded to organizations with a strong track record, demonstrated financial stability, and alignment with the Foundation’s priorities.
Application Process
Public Information Sessions
The Foundation hosts public information sessions to help organizations better understand the Transformational Grant portfolio and assess whether their proposed project may be a good fit. Foundation staff will share an overview of portfolio priorities, eligibility criteria, the types of initiatives considered transformational, and the application process.
These sessions are intended to be informative and interactive, offering space for questions and conversation with Foundation staff. Attendance is not required and does not impact an organization’s eligibility or consideration for funding. All sessions will cover the same content—there is no need to attend more than one.
2026 Dates
- June 10, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. CT – Register Here
- June 25, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. CT – Register Here
Pre-Application Meeting: June 1 – July 15
All interested applicants should email Megan McGuire to discuss a potential proposal. Applicants are encouraged, but not required, to share a brief one-pager or LOI prior to the call.
Application Due: August 1
Following the pre-application meeting, organizations that meet the criteria may be asked to submit a full application, due August 1.
Questions
For questions about Transformational Grants or the application process, email Megan McGuire.