Best Women's Programs in Tennessee — 15 resources

About Women's Programs for Women

Women's empowerment programs in the US are funded through a mix of federal grants (Office on Women's Health, Women's Bureau at the Department of Labor, WANTO grants for nontraditional trades) and nonprofit networks like the YWCA, AAUW, and the National Council of Women's Organizations. Services typically include leadership development, financial literacy, entrepreneurship through SBA Women's Business Centers (WBCs), and peer support groups. Dress for Success outfits women re-entering the workforce, and Bottomless Closet and Step Up Network mentor low-income women. State-level women's commissions advocate on policy and refer to local providers. This directory aggregates WBCs, YWCAs, women's commissions, and empowerment nonprofits.

Women's Programs in Tennessee

Tennessee circuit and chancery courts hear family matters in each of its 31 judicial districts, with some counties operating juvenile courts for unmarried-parent custody. Tennessee Child Support Services operates under DHS. Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga are the major metros. Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee, Memphis Area Legal Services, and the Tennessee Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence serve women.

15 Resources

1. YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee — Free

Women's empowerment programs including job training, domestic violence support, and leadership in Nashville. Programs include workshops, mentorship, advocacy, and direct services for women and families. Programs may have eligibility requirements; call ahead to confirm hours and how to enroll. Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm.

615-983-4400 · 1608 Woodmont Blvd, Nashville, TN 37215 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Women's Foundation of Tennessee — Free

Grants, research, and policy advocacy for economic security of Tennessee women. Programs include workshops, mentorship, advocacy, and direct services for women and families. Programs may have eligibility requirements; call ahead to confirm hours and how to enroll. Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm.

615-695-3430 · 3803 Bedford Ave Suite 101, Nashville, TN 37215 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

3. Women of Achievement - Chattanooga — Free

Mentoring and leadership development for women in the Chattanooga area. Programs include workshops, mentorship, advocacy, and direct services for women and families. Programs may have eligibility requirements; call ahead to confirm hours and how to enroll. Open Mon-Fri 9am-4pm.

423-267-1218 · 100 Cherokee Blvd Suite 102, Chattanooga, TN 37405 · Mon-Fri 9am-4pm

4. YWCA Knoxville and the Tennessee Valley — Free

Women's programs including racial justice, wellness, and leadership development in Knoxville. Programs include workshops, mentorship, advocacy, and direct services for women and families. Programs may have eligibility requirements; call ahead to confirm hours and how to enroll. Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm.

865-523-6126 · 420 W Clinch Ave, Knoxville, TN 37902 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

5. Women's Resource and Rape Assistance Program (WRAP) — Free

Counseling and support services for women survivors of sexual violence in Memphis. Programs include workshops, mentorship, advocacy, and direct services for women and families. Programs may have eligibility requirements; call ahead to confirm hours and how to enroll. Open Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm.

901-272-2020 · 1750 Madison Ave Suite 600, Memphis, TN 38104 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm

6. Mercy Multiplied - Nashville — Free

Free residential program for young women struggling with life-controlling issues in Nashville. Programs include workshops, mentorship, advocacy, and direct services for women and families. Programs may have eligibility requirements; call ahead to confirm hours and how to enroll. Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm.

615-831-6987 · 15328 Old Hickory Blvd, Nashville, TN 37211 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

7. Dress for Success Nashville — Free

Professional attire and career development tools to help women achieve economic independence in Nashville. Programs include workshops, mentorship, advocacy, and direct services for women and families. Programs may have eligibility requirements; call ahead to confirm hours and how to enroll. Open Mon-Fri 9am-4pm.

615-997-0498 · 1016 18th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37212 · Mon-Fri 9am-4pm · Visit Website

8. AAUW — American Association of University Women — Free

American Association of University Women advances equity through education, advocacy, and research. Women can join a local branch, apply for fellowships, and access free salary negotiation training at aauw.org.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

9. National Organization for Women (NOW) — Free

NOW is the largest grassroots feminist organization in the US, advocating for reproductive rights, workplace equity, and an end to violence against women. Local chapters take action nationwide.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

10. League of Women Voters — Free

Nonpartisan organization with chapters in every state encouraging women to register, vote, and engage in civic life. Provides voter guides and candidate forums at lwv.org.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

11. YWCA USA — Free

National YWCA works to eliminate racism and empower women through local YWCAs offering emergency housing, childcare, job training, and DV services nationwide.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

12. Women's Funding Network — Free

Global coalition of women's foundations and funds investing in programs addressing economic security, safety, and leadership for women and girls. Member directory at womensfundingnetwork.org.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

13. Junior League — Free

International organization of women committed to voluntarism, leadership development, and community improvement. Local chapters across the US offer training and community projects.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

14. Soroptimist International — Free

Global volunteer organization of business and professional women that improves lives of women and girls through Live Your Dream Awards and local service projects.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

15. Zonta International — Free

Zonta International is a global service organization of professionals empowering women through service projects, scholarships, and vocational training grants at zonta.org.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

Frequently Asked

How many women's programs resources are in Tennessee?
Women's Corner tracks 15 women's programs resources for women in Tennessee.
Are women's programs resources in Tennessee free?
15 of the 15 listed women's programs resources in Tennessee are explicitly free or low-cost.
Which cities in Tennessee have women's programs resources?
Listings span cities including Nashville, Chattanooga, Knoxville, Memphis.
What are some examples of women's programs resources in Tennessee?
Featured entries include YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee, Women's Foundation of Tennessee, Women of Achievement - Chattanooga, YWCA Knoxville and the Tennessee Valley, Women's Resource and Rape Assistance Program (WRAP).
Do these listings include phone numbers?
7 of 15 Tennessee women's programs listings include phone numbers.
What do women's empowerment programs actually offer?
Most combine peer support groups, financial literacy and credit-building classes, job training, GED prep, leadership development, and help navigating benefits and legal systems. Many include free childcare during sessions. Programs like Dress for Success, Bottomless Closet, and YWCA chapters serve women rebuilding after divorce, abuse, or job loss.
Are there programs for single moms specifically?
Yes. The Life of a Single Mom (TLSM) operates in 30+ states with peer groups and crisis grants. Helping Hands for Single Moms funds college for single mothers. Modest Needs gives short-term emergency grants. Many United Way 211 calls connect single mothers to local single-mom funds for rent, car repair, or childcare.
Do these programs cost money?
Almost all empowerment programs are free for income-qualifying women, often funded through HHS Office of Family Assistance, state TANF dollars, or private foundations. Many include free meals, transportation stipends, and childcare. Bring ID, proof of income, and any benefits letters when you enroll.
Can I get help starting a business as a woman?
Yes. The SBA's Office of Women's Business Ownership funds 140+ Women's Business Centers nationwide offering free training, mentorship, and loan readiness. SCORE provides free women-mentor pairings. Grants like the Amber Grant (
0,000/month) and Cartier Women's Initiative target women founders. Many states have additional women-owned business certifications that unlock contracts.