Stillbirth Funeral Assistance

Summary

The Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) is seeking one to three Tennessee-based nonprofit organizations to administer a statewide Stillbirth Funeral Assistance Program. Grants totaling $500,000 are available for SFY 2027 to help eligible families pay funeral expenses (burial or cremation) related to stillbirths occurring from December 15, 2026, through June 30, 2027. Assistance is paid directly to funeral providers upon submission of a current outstanding invoice, not to the families. The selected grantee(s) will manage outreach, family eligibility verification, fiscal oversight, and coordination with funeral providers, including developing and administering an application process and maintaining documentation. Maximum assistance per eligible stillbirth is $2,500 for burial or $1,000 for cremation, and administrative costs may not exceed 10% of the award. Applicants must demonstrate fiscal accountability in management of funds.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants are Tennessee-based nonprofit organizations properly registered as tax-exempt with the IRS and with the Tennessee Secretary of State. Organizations must have Edison supplier registration prior to award. Religious and educational institutions are excluded unless registered under nonprofit requirements. Eligible organizations include rural hospitals, health systems, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), community-based organizations, and other qualifying nonprofits as defined by TDH.

Requirements Checklist

• Applicants must submit the completed Stillbirth Funeral Assistance RFA application, agency and primary contact information, organization director information, Edison registration or supplier ID, signed Competitive Requirements form, all required documentation of nonprofit status (IRS and Tennessee registration), and contract exceptions if applicable. The application must include a completed line-item Grant Budget form (Attachment 2 Excel template) with justifications. Review the Sample Grant Contract before applying.