Apply for a Grant
Apply for a Grant

Grant program

The West End Home Foundation is dedicated to helping support and sustain a comprehensive system of care for older adults in Middle Tennessee.
The Foundation conducts an annual grants process during which time we accept applications from organizations providing programs that seek to enhance the quality of life for older adults. The broad spectrum of programs that benefit each year address one of our key impact areas:
Raising awareness of issues impacting older adults, their families and caregivers, advocating for policies and services that promote successful aging and advocating on behalf of older adults to ensure full access to needed resources and care.
Opportunities for meaningful social interaction, lifelong learning, and community engagement.
Alleviating food insecurity and addressing the nutritional needs of older adults with groceries, home-delivered meals, congregate meals and nutrition education.
Healthcare funding is limited to oral health care and behavioral health services.
Home repair and safety modifications, rent and utility assistance, and access to appropriate housing solutions to facilitate safe and affordable housing
Safe and affordable transportation to ensure that older adults have access to needed services and have opportunities to remain engaged in community life
Prevention, wellness and in-home supportive services to promote and sustain healthy aging
Other initiatives that complement and enhance the mission of The West End Home Foundation

Guidelines & Eligibility

Program

Funding to support implementation of a specific program or project. Projects may be new or ongoing.

Capital

Funding to support a capital investment in agency infrastructure such as equipment, technology, facility maintenance or facility acquisition/expansion.
  • Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
  • Provide services that align with the WEHF mission. Priority consideration is given to projects specifically designed to meet the unique needs of adults age 60 and older.
  • Demonstrate capacity to deliver services that achieve meaningful and measurable outcomes
  • Provide services in one or more of the following middle Tennessee counties: Cheatham, Davidson, Robertson, Rutherford, Sumner, Williamson, Wilson
  • To churches and religious organizations for projects that primarily benefit their own members; however, we may support church-based programs funded by multiple sources with broad community reach and support
  • To organizations seeking support for national research projects and programs
  • To sponsor special events, telethons, performances or similar fundraising and advertising activities
  • To retire accumulated debt
  • To individuals
The grant application for 2027 Project Funding will be available on our grant portal April 1, 2026. The deadline to apply for 2027 funding is June 25, 2026.
 
Letters of Intent (LOI): If you are not receiving Foundation funding in 2026, you are required to submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) in order to be considered for 2027 funding.
 
Before Submitting an LOI: Please contact Chandra Allen, Program Director, at chandra.allen@westendhomefoundation.org prior to submitting your LOI. This initial conversation will help determine whether your project aligns with the Foundation’s funding priorities.
 
What to Include in Your LOI:
• A brief overview of the project for which you are requesting funding
• The amount of funding you intend to request
• A copy of your 501(c)(3) determination letter
 
Submission Instructions:
• Email your LOI and supporting documents to cindy.dickinson@westendhomefoundation.org
• Do not submit your LOI through the grant portal
• Deadline: April 15, 2026
 

Capacity Building

Capacity building grants seek to empower nonprofits with the tools and resources necessary to strengthen their infrastructure, enhance their leadership and improve their programs—ultimately resulting in a greater and more lasting impact. These grants aim to help our nonprofit community partners invest in their people and systems, helping them grow stronger and more resilient amidst changing landscapes.
Capacity Building grants are available to agencies that are currently receiving funding from The West End Home Foundation. Each eligible agency may receive funding in only one category per calendar year. Capacity Building grants are one-time awards and are non-renewable. These grants do not support activities that are expected to be included in the organization’s general operating budget.

Capacity building grants are available across four categories:

Professional Development Training/Workshop Stipends: This category offers funding for training and workshops aimed at improving the skills and knowledge of your staff and leadership. Professional development is essential for nonprofits to stay competitive and innovative in their work. Up to $2,500 may be requested in this category.

Conference Stipends: Conferences provide valuable opportunities for networking, learning about emerging trends and gaining insights from experts in the field. Exposure to fresh perspectives and new resources create opportunities for innovation that can drive positive change within your organization. Up to $2,500 may be requested in this category.

Consulting Services: This grant category supports nonprofits seeking expert advice and consultation to strengthen infrastructure and improve operations. Whether you need help refining your strategic plan, enhancing financial management practices or streamlining organizational processes, consulting services can provide invaluable insights. Up to $5,000 may be requested in this category and a proposed scope of work from your selected consultant is required as part of the application.

Staff Wellness/ Self-Care Programs: The Staff Wellness/Self-Care Programs grant aims to support initiatives focused on the physical and mental wellbeing of your team. Providing access to wellness programs, stress management workshops or self-care initiatives can help prevent burnout, improve staff retention and foster a positive work environment. Up to $3,000 may be requested in this category.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis during the first and second quarters of the year.  Application reviews are conducted in March and June. Should you have a project that requires funding during the first quarter, please reach out to your WEHF staff liaison.

Reporting Requirements: A brief written follow-up report will be required at the end of the project period that should highlight the impact of the grant including new knowledge, skills, or goals achieved and final budget.

Contact Information: If you have any questions about the capacity building grant, contact your agency liaison: Dianne Oliver (dianne.oliver@westendhomefoundation.org) or Chandra Allen (chandra.allen@westendhomefoundation.org).

If you need assistance with the application process, please contact Cindy Dickinson (cindy.dickinson@westendhomefoundation.org).

Frequently Asked Questions

We have not established minimum or maximum grant award amounts. Grant award amounts in recent years have varied widely. It is the responsibility of the applicant to present a budget that is appropriate for the type and amount of service proposed.

If you have not previously received funding from The West End Home Foundation, but are interested in applying in the future, please reach out to Chandra Allen, Program Director at chandra.allen@westendhomefoundation.org to arrange an introductory meeting.

Please also note that if you are not currently receiving funding from The West End Home Foundation, you are required to submit a Letter of Intent. Prior to submission of the Letter of Intent, you must contact Chandra Allen, Program Director at chandra.allen@westendhomefoundation.org.

We accept applications every year from many of the same agencies. There is, however, no guarantee that programs funded during one grant cycle will be funded in the next.
Our fiscal year is January 1 – December 31.
Yes, of course. Each time you sign in to your online application you have the option to “Save Application”.
All applicants receive written notification regarding approval or denial of grant requests in early November. Successful applicants will receive their actual grant award in early January.
No, we hold firm to the application deadline. The online application portal automatically shuts down at the time of the posted deadline.
We have not identified priorities among the eight service categories that we fund. We consider all service categories to be important components in the comprehensive system of care for older adults.

You must create a new account the first time your organization accesses the application portal. Once your organization has created an account, you will use the account to apply for funding and submit any requested documents, contracts or reports. You will also be able to view your current application and view your organization’s historical records. Please create only one account per organization. If you need assistance with creating an account or accessing the account after registration, please contact Cindy Dickinson at cindy.dickinson@westendhomefoundation.org or 615-383-1395.

We ask all grantees to submit a year-end report detailing program accomplishments and expenditures.  In some cases, more frequent reporting may be requested. We also encourage year-round communication between our staff and recipient agencies to remain apprised of progress and changes that may be impacting your organization and your work.
No, within the Application for 2027 Grant funding, you will choose Capital Grant or Operating Grant.

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