Mississippi Private Grants

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 home rehabilitation.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations in the Gulf States to develop training programs that prepare young individuals for careers in the evolving energy sector.

This funding supports Southern nonprofit organizations and government entities in enhancing their artistic programming and professional development through travel and training opportunities.

This funding program provides financial support to community-based organizations that empower youth aged 12 to 20 through established, youth-led urban greening initiatives focused on social and environmental justice in select states.

The Mississippi Humanities Council offers grants to support projects that engage communities in meaningful dialogue, attract diverse audiences, and are participatory and engaging, applying humanities to everyday life. Grants support public humanities programs, exhibits, planning of larger projects, and the development of original productions in various media. Regular grants : start at $2,500 to $10,000. Regular grants applications are accepted on May 1st and September 1st Grant renewed every year.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and cultural groups in Mississippi to create documentary films that explore and reflect on the state's rich history and culture.

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s Gulf Research Program (GRP) is seeking proposals for its Building the Next Generation of STEMM Leaders in the Field of Environmental Justice. Donor Name: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine State: Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/08/2024 Size of the Grant: $500,000 to $1 million Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: The purpose of this funding opportunity is to support the development and implementation of projects that cultivate the next generation of STEMM leaders in the field of Environmental Justice (EJ). Specifically, this funding opportunity will support proposals based in education and mentorship that aim to raise awareness, expand understanding, and empower young people (grades 9-12) to apply STEMM disciplines to explore and examine the relationship between environmental hazards and their effects on the health and resilience of communities. Ultimately, the GRP expects this funding opportunity to increase the number of young people in the Gulf of Mexico region who study and work in STEMM disciplines within the field of EJ. The GRP encourages nonprofit or community-based organizations to work with young people from communities affected by environmental inequalities. This grant opportunity aims to support experiences that foster the development of the scientific and environmental literacy, skills, competencies, and capabilities that are critical to cultivating a next generation of STEMM leaders working towards Environmental Justice. Activities should focus on education and mentorship opportunities in the Gulf of Mexico region that provide youth with opportunities to learn about and apply STEMM in the exploration and examination of environmental hazards and their effects on the health and resilience of communities, raising awareness and building capacity among youth to pursue STEMM studies and/or careers in the field of EJ. These activities may take place in formal or informal educational settings, should target youth in the 9-12 grade range, and be complementary to formal education standards and learning objectives. Projects should be grounded in appropriate teaching methods for the goals of the project. Funding Information Total funding available: $4 million Specifications for award amount: This funding opportunity is for projects of at least $75,000. The majority of the available funds will support projects that are less than $500,000, and the remainder will support projects between $500,000 and $1,000,000. Award Duration Grants will be awarded to support projects up to 24 months in length. Eligibility Criteria For the purpose of this grant opportunity, applications will be accepted from all nonprofit and community-based organizations with 501(c)(3) status, which support educational, service, and/or coordination activities for youth in the 9-12 grade range. Preference will be given to applicants with a history of working with children and youth, particularly those who work with underrepresented or underserved populations, including but not limited to racial/ethnic minorities, tribal youth, LGBTQ+ youth, students demonstrating low socio-economic status as established by the free and reduced lunch program, children with disabilities, first-generation immigrants, students from rural or remote areas, and/or students experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Programmatic activities must occur in the United States Gulf of Mexico region. The Gulf Research Program welcomes proposals from all nonprofit and communitybased organizations with 501(c)(3) status, on behalf of qualified individuals. The applying organization will be referred to as the “applicant” hereafter. The individuals who will lead the proposed project will be referred to as “project directors” hereafter. All eligible applicants must have a valid federal tax ID number in order to apply. For more information, visit National Academies.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Baldwin County, Alabama, and surrounding areas to support programs that assist people and animals facing hardship, neglect, or abuse.

The LGBTQ Grant Program award grants to support planning, research, and general operations that address priority needs of LGBTQ Mississippians as they strive to live safely, openly and without alienation, isolation, prejudice and/or discrimination. Donor Name: LGBTQ Fund of Mississippi State: Mississippi County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 06/28/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The LGBTQ Grant Program, which receives resources from a Fund held at the Community Foundation for Mississippi, provides resources that align with and support the vision, mission, and beliefs defined by the Advisory Board of The LGBTQ Fund of Mississippi. Special attention will be paid to the following:  proposals that demonstrate a commitment to addressing the needs of LGBTQ communities that have been most demonstrably underserved, including but not limited to, communities of color, youth, seniors, and persons in rural communities;  intersectional programs addressing faith and acceptance; and  efforts serving transgender and gender non-conforming persons.  Geographic Area Applicants must be in Mississippi or provide services that have a positive direct impact on Mississippi’s LGBTQ population. Eligibility Criteria Applicants for grants from the LGBTQ Fund of Mississippi include the following:  nonprofit organizations with current tax-exempt status under Section 501c3 of the IRS code that are in compliance with the Mississippi Secretary of State’s charity registration, fee payment, audit (if required), and reporting requirements; units of local government (including schools school districts, public-private partnerships, and quasi-governmental entities);  research centers (independent and those associated with universities);  public and private institutions of higher learning; and  federally recognized Indian tribes. For more information, visit LGBTQ Fund of Mississippi.

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 Public Welfare Foundation's Grant Program aims to support community-led, restorative, and racially just approaches to justice in the United States. The focus areas include innovative criminal justice reform in specific states and cities, dismantling structures that have harmed people of color, investing in community-based solutions to reduce mass incarceration, and reframing the narrative around the U.S. criminal justice system through storytelling and journalism.

The Mississippi Council on Developmental Disabilities is accepting Innovative Quality of Life Grant applications for Fiscal Year 2025 (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025). Maximum funding amount for each grant is $25,000. MSCDD expects to fund five or more new grants. Deadline for the application is June 5, 2024 at noon. Eligibility and more details are stated in the application. Applications should address one or more of the following expected outcomes from the current state plan: Developing and Strengthening Self-Advocacy and Leadership Developing or Improving Approaches to Services and Systems Meeting Other Needs of People with Developmental Disabilities and Families Planning of the Future Care for Aging Adults with Developmental Disabilities

Mini-Grants for Community Impact are offered to bolster local initiatives in Choctaw, Lowndes, Noxubee, Oktibbeha, Webster, and/or Winston Counties. Donor Name: United Way of the Golden Triangle Region State: Mississippi County: Choctaw County (MS), Lowndes County (MS), Noxubee County (MS), Oktibbeha County (MS), Webster County (MS), Winston County (MS) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/09/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: This agreement is based on the mutual beliefs of both the United Way of the Golden Triangle Region and the participating organization that: The goal of meeting the human needs of the people of Choctaw, Lowndes, Noxubee, Oktibbeha, Webster, and Winston Counties demands the united efforts of all segments of the commuity. Human services planning, community-wide fundraising and the allocation of funds based upon citizens’ review of services are the most effective and efficient means of meeting the human needs of the community. Clear understanding and mutual acceptance of the respective roles of the United Way of the Golden Triangle Region and the participating organization are essential to their joint effort to meet the human needs of the aforementioned counties. Funding Information The awarded amount ranges from $500 to $1,500, with a maximum of $1,500 per entity (non-profit, organization, program, business, or community group). Funds cannot be allocated towards salaries, reimbursements, matching funds, capital campaigns, operational expenses, consulting fees, or lobbying. Instead, they must be directed towards fulfilling a specific community need. Criteria This application welcomes registered 501(c)3 non-profits, organizations, businesses, programs, or community groups committed to advancing Education, Health, Financial Stability, Children/Family, and/or Disaster relief in this region. For more information, visit United Way of the Golden Triangle Region.

The Rural Advancement Foundation International (RAFI) is currently applications for the 2024 Infrastructure Grant Program. Donor Name: Rural Advancement Foundation International State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/09/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: RAFI provides support to Historically Underserved farmers and ranchers  for projects that demonstrate an ability to increase farm viability; establish new markets for local products and services; develop new uses for existing structures and equipment; add value to existing farm products through processing, packaging or marketing; make optimal use of on-farm and natural resources; and Cultural/Heritage projects which are focused on preserving and continuing a specific agrarian tradition.  Funding priority will be given to proposals with: High expected impact on farm viability and sustainability Strong project feasibility and planning: a clear plan, detailed budget and timeline, and all supporting documentation included.  Farmers who earn a significant amount of their household income from the farm operation.  Individual financial need, or location in an economically disadvantaged area Project tangibly benefits the surrounding community Farm uses agroecological and/or or ancestral farming practices  Funding Information Applicants may request up to $10,000 in funding.  Eligibility Criteria You are a historically underserved farmer or rancher, as defined by NRCS.  You are applying as either an individual farmer owner/co-owner or as a farm cooperative If applying as a cooperative or collaborative, at least 50% of the cooperative or collaborative must meet eligibility criteria.  You are in at least your fourth full growing season of farming and have worked at least two years in your current farming operation and location.  You are a “livelihood” farmer/rancher or are seeking a long term career that financially supports you through agriculture  You complete and submit an application by the deadline. You submit only one application (as an individual or a collective). If you submit more than one application, neither will be considered. You have NOT received a RAFI infrastructure grant before (2020-2023).  Your farm is located in one of the following states AL, AR, DC, FL, GA, KY, LA, MD, MS, NC, SC, TN, or VA. For more information, visit RAFI.

The Children’s Foundation of Mississippi (CFM) is offering up to 10 small planning grants to establish local Early Childhood Councils (ECCs). Donor Name: Children’s Foundation of Mississippi (CFM) State: Mississippi County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/28/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The purpose of an Early Childhood Council (or committee) is to invite community leaders from all industries interested in improving conditions for children ages 0-5 and families in their neighborhoods, cities, and counties. Early Childhood Council Goals Communities that want to build a committee with a focus on one or more of the following areas should apply: Work to expand and deepen civic engagement with policymakers on children’s issues identified in their communities Support or advocate for policies and programming that continue to expand state funding for high‐quality public Pre‐K in Mississippi Serve as a facilitator and connector to build partnerships with existing non-profits/programming with established track records such as Excel By 5; Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, Parents Campaign Research and Education Fund, United Ways, Reach Out and Read, Mind in the Making/VROOM, Resource and Referral Centers, etc. Implement unique early childhood programs or resources in areas with a lack thereof Determine what programs or services are not currently in their communities but need to be accessed. Funding Information Assist grants of $2000. Eligibility Criteria These grants will be made to agencies or organizations that want to lead the community in determining needs and promoting the advancement of early childhood programming in their local communities. The planning grants will be awarded to local, community-based entities in two categories: Groups that are currently meeting, formally or informally, to address early care and education needs at the local level (whether it is within a municipality or across a county) Communities that do not currently have groups working on early care and education needs but want to explore more possibilities for children in their communities/counties are also encouraged to apply for the planning grants Non-profit organizations, community-based groups, educational institutions, and other relevant entities are eligible to apply. For more information, visit CFM.

Nissan Neighbors is a community-focused initiative that provides charitable contributions and in-kind donations to nonprofit organizations working in the areas of education, the environment, and humanitarian aid. The program aims to improve communities by valuing cultural diversity and has been awarding hundreds of thousands of dollars annually since its establishment in 1992. Nissan Foundation Criteria To be considered for funding by Nissan Foundation, organizations must meet the following requirements: Have 501(c)(3) nonprofit status Have been in existence for more than three years Reflect the mission of Nissan Foundation to build community by valuing cultural diversity Demonstrate intentional design of programming grounded in the importance and benefits of cultural diversity Specify community need(s) addressed and intended outcomes of programming Demonstrate experience with populations served Serve communities where Nissan has a significant operational presence, namely: Southern California Middle Tennessee Central Mississippi Dallas/Ft. Worth Detroit New York City and North Central New Jersey Atlanta

This initiative provides funding and support to nonprofit organizations, local governments, and Tribal governments in coal-impacted communities to develop and scale innovative economic projects that create job opportunities and foster local economic transformation.

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

The National Academy of Sciences Gulf Research Program is investing $50 million in the Gulf Futures Challenge to fund projects addressing critical challenges in the Gulf region. The Challenge aims to discover and promote innovative and transformative solutions by leveraging the talent and knowledge of the Gulf's people. The competition focuses on three main areas: energy transition, environmental change along the coast, and healthy and resilient communities. Up to ten finalists will receive up to $1 million in project development support, with two finalists awarded $20 million each to implement their solutions. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, state, local, and tribal governments, and academic institutions from Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, or Texas, with projects located within 100 miles of the Gulf coastline. The registration deadline is August 20, 2024, and the application deadline is September 20, 2024.

This funding opportunity supports educational projects that enhance community resilience and environmental literacy in the Gulf States by engaging learners of all ages in addressing local environmental challenges.