LGBTQ Fund of Mississippi Small Grants Program

The LGBTQ Fund of Mississippi’s Small Grants Program, managed through the Community Foundation for Mississippi, supports initiatives that align with the Fund’s mission to help LGBTQ Mississippians live safely, openly, and free from alienation, isolation, discrimination, or prejudice. The 2025–2026 grant cycle officially opened on April 1, 2025. This program offers flexible funding opportunities designed to support general operations, planning, and research efforts, especially those that address priority needs identified through the Fund’s statewide needs assessment. Funding is available for organizations supporting underserved LGBTQ communities in Mississippi, including people of color, youth, seniors, rural residents, and transgender or gender non-conforming individuals. Programs incorporating faith and acceptance or intersectionality are particularly encouraged. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, local government units (such as schools and school districts), public and private colleges and universities, research centers, and federally recognized Indian tribes. Applications from non-501(c)(3) organizations will be considered on a case-by-case basis, with fiscal sponsorship arrangements available. There are three types of grants: Planning (up to $5,000), Research (up to $10,000), and General Operations (up to $15,000). Applicants with organizational budgets over $100,000 must provide a 25% match (cash or in-kind), except for planning or research proposals. Grants may be used for broad, inclusive purposes like strategic planning, fundraising strategy development, staff training, community needs assessments, and general program operations. Funding cannot be used for real estate, scholarships, fundraising campaigns, or benefits to individuals. Applications must include a cover sheet, narrative statement, budget form, budget narrative, IRS determination letter, and proof of compliance with Mississippi Secretary of State regulations. A brief final report is required at the end of the grant period, and site visits or mid-year check-ins may occur. Proposals must be submitted through the Fund's website, and one informational session is available to provide pre-application assistance. Applications are reviewed within 90 days of submission. Support is available throughout the process via Michael Martella at grants@lgbtqfundms.org for application-specific questions and Sammy Moon at sammy.moon@alliancems.org for fiscal sponsorship inquiries. Full application materials, including guidelines and forms, are downloadable at www.lgbtqfundms.org.