Mississippi Infrastructure Grants

This funding initiative provides financial support to local communities in the Appalachian Region for projects that enhance critical infrastructure and promote business and workforce development.

This initiative provides funding to support large-scale economic development projects across the Appalachian region, focusing on workforce development, business growth, infrastructure improvements, and community capacity building.

This funding opportunity is designed to strengthen research capabilities in eligible jurisdictions by supporting collaborations among academic institutions, government agencies, and private industry to develop sustainable research infrastructure.

This funding initiative provides financial support to community-based organizations, local and tribal governments in eight southeastern states to address environmental justice issues and promote healthier environments.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to state and county governments in the Gulf Coast region for construction and real estate projects that enhance environmental restoration, economic revitalization, and infrastructure improvements following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to state transportation departments in rural U.S. states for the replacement and rehabilitation of multiple highway bridges to improve safety and efficiency.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to states and U.S. territories with high seismic risk to improve earthquake safety through mitigation, preparedness, and educational initiatives.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Mississippi to support projects that improve economic security and health for women and girls, particularly in underserved communities.

The Rural Advancement Foundation International (RAFI) is offering its 2024 Infrastructure Grant Program, which aligns with its mission to support the viability and sustainability of historically underserved farmers and ranchers. This program aims to foster projects that enhance farm viability, create new markets for local agricultural products and services, develop innovative uses for existing farm infrastructure, add value to farm products through processing, packaging, or marketing, and optimize the use of on-farm and natural resources. Additionally, the grant supports cultural and heritage projects dedicated to preserving and continuing specific agrarian traditions, reflecting RAFI's broader commitment to a resilient and equitable food system. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are historically underserved farmers and ranchers, as defined by NRCS, who are in at least their fourth full growing season and have operated their current farm for at least two years. The program specifically targets "livelihood" farmers and ranchers who depend on agriculture for their financial support or are pursuing a long-term career in farming. Eligibility extends to individual farmer owners/co-owners or farm cooperatives, provided at least 50% of the cooperative members meet the individual eligibility criteria. The grants range from $1,000 to $10,000 and are available to farms located in specific states: AL, AR, DC, FL, GA, KY, LA, MD, MS, NC, SC, TN, or VA. Funding priorities are given to proposals demonstrating a high expected impact on farm viability and sustainability, strong project feasibility, and comprehensive planning, including a clear plan, detailed budget, timeline, and all necessary supporting documentation. RAFI also prioritizes farmers who derive a significant portion of their household income from farm operations, individuals with financial need, or those located in economically disadvantaged areas. Projects that tangibly benefit the surrounding community and farms utilizing agroecological and/or ancestral farming practices are also highly favored, reflecting RAFI's strategic priorities for holistic agricultural development and community engagement. The expected outcomes of the Infrastructure Grant Program include increased farm viability and sustainability for historically underserved farmers, the establishment of new and diversified markets for local products, and the preservation of valuable agricultural traditions. Through these grants, RAFI aims to support projects that lead to concrete improvements in farm infrastructure, expanded income streams for farmers, and a stronger connection between agricultural practices and community well-being. By focusing on these outcomes, RAFI reinforces its theory of change, which posits that targeted financial support and capacity building for underserved farmers will lead to a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable agricultural landscape.

This grant provides funding for nonprofit organizations to collaborate on improving oral health care access for seniors in underserved communities across select Southern states.

This program provides financial support to rural nonprofit and governmental organizations in select Southern states for presenting touring artists across various disciplines, including film, performing arts, and visual arts.

This grant provides funding to under-resourced communities in the Mississippi River Delta and Alabama Black Belt regions to develop strategic plans that address local economic development challenges.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations in the Appalachian region for projects that promote economic diversification and workforce development in communities impacted by coal industry job losses.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in the Gulf South to promote affordable housing and community resilience in underserved areas through initiatives like first-time homebuyer assistance and disaster preparedness.

This program provides financial assistance to historically underserved farmers in the southeastern U.S. for essential infrastructure improvements and support for new farming operations.

This funding opportunity supports projects in the Appalachian region that help individuals recovering from substance use disorders gain access to job training and employment services, fostering sustainable recovery and economic independence.

This program provides matching funds to nonprofit organizations in specific U.S. regions for energy efficiency upgrades to their existing buildings, helping them save on utility costs and enhance sustainability.