Best Benton County Grants for Nonprofits in Mississippi

The Festus & Helen Stacy Foundation provides grants to non-profit organizations worldwide, especially those focusing on evangelism, leadership development, holistic ministries, and media outreach. Established in 1980, the foundation aims to support projects that address the needs of the marginalized and promote generous giving. Grants are typically awarded for specific initiatives in South Florida, nationally, and internationally, particularly in emerging nations. Organizations must be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) to be eligible.

The Reel Change Film Fund is a five-year initiative aimed at supporting underrepresented film composers in the industry. It provides grants averaging $20,000 to assist US-based projects in production or post-production. Created by Christophe Beck and SESAC, this fund addresses the lack of diversity in film scoring, promoting inclusivity for diverse composers. Through mentorship and financial support, it seeks to elevate the careers of talented individuals from various backgrounds, enhancing the overall landscape of film music.

The Simeon J. Fortin Charitable Foundation, founded in 1986, champions cancer research initiatives aimed at finding a cure. It supports relevant projects and fellowships within medical and research institutions, ensuring a significant impact on health-related research. The grant review process is conducted by The Medical Foundation, in coordination with the King Trust Postdoctoral Fellowships, enhancing collaboration and funding opportunities for innovative research in oncology.

The NHLBI is launching a Limited Competition Small Grant Program aimed at NHLBI career development award recipients. This program supports researchers transitioning to independence by providing small grants for expanding research objectives or initiating new studies based on their prior work. It encourages applicants to form collaborations and develop impactful projects, although applications are not currently being solicited. This initiative aims to facilitate the generation of essential preliminary data and publications, aiding recipients in their K-to-R transition.

The J.R. Simplot Company Foundation Grant supports U.S. non-profit organizations focused on art, education, youth, community, and global food and agriculture. Established in 1929, the foundation is committed to enhancing community welfare through creative cultural endeavors, educational initiatives, health services, and youth programs. Applications are reviewed quarterly, ensuring a timely response to organizations dedicated to making a positive impact in their communities.

The Change Lab Research Fellow - Civic Engagement position at Forecast Public Art invites talented individuals to explore the intersection of public art and civic engagement. This six-month fellowship offers a $5,000 stipend for research aimed at fostering democratic participation through public art. The selected Fellow will conduct in-depth research, develop a public-facing report, and contribute to a national public art policy platform focused on justice and human dignity.

The Tommy Wilson Memorial Grant, established by Dr. George T. Wilson and his wife Irene, honors their son Tommy, who had cerebral palsy. This grant supports recreational programs for individuals with disabilities and aims to positively impact their lives. Applicants must be nonprofit organizations with a successful history of programming for individuals with disabilities. The grant prioritizes programs serving economically disadvantaged individuals and may only fund applicants once every five years.

The Thomas L. McKenzie Research Award, offered by SHAPE America, supports emerging researchers in physical education and public health. With a funding pool exceeding $600,000 since 1997, it provides annual awards of up to $2,000 to graduate students and early career professionals (within 4 years of graduation) who are members of SHAPE America. The focus is on behavioral research related to physical activity, particularly in natural environments, contributing to disease prevention and promoting overall health.

The SHAPE America: Research Fellow Program recognizes dedicated members for their significant contributions to health and physical education scholarship. Nominees must demonstrate excellence through impactful research, including a minimum of 10 peer-reviewed articles and participation in SHAPE America conventions. This prestigious designation promotes ongoing scholarship and encourages engagement within the diverse community of health and physical educators, enhancing professional practice and advancing the mission of SHAPE America.

The Ruth Abernathy Presidential Scholarship is awarded annually by SHAPE America to honor outstanding undergraduate and graduate students in health and physical education. Established in 1995, this scholarship supports three undergraduate and two graduate recipients. Candidates must be SHAPE America members, majoring in relevant fields, and demonstrate academic excellence and leadership. In addition to financial support, recipients receive a three-year membership to SHAPE America, fostering a commitment to health education and physical activity.

The Ruth Abernathy Presidential Scholarship, established by SHAPE America, honors outstanding graduate students in health and physical education. Awarded annually since 1995, it recognizes two graduate recipients based on academic excellence and leadership. Along with financial support, winners receive a three-year SHAPE America membership, enhancing their professional network. This scholarship underscores the organization's commitment to advancing health education and supporting future leaders in the field.

This grant aims to address drug shortages by exploring the landscape of products susceptible to health fraud and finding ways for outsourcing facilities to fulfill these needs. By funding research and development, the initiative seeks to enhance the production of critical medications, thereby stabilizing the drug supply chain and protecting public health from fraud-related risks.

This grant aims to enhance cooperation and regulatory standards among animal food safety programs by funding national feed associations. It promotes inter-agency collaboration, strengthens state regulatory frameworks, and supports the Animal Feed Regulatory Program Standards (AFRPS). By leveraging resources and aligning with federal and state initiatives, the program seeks to improve animal food safety and ensure comprehensive surveillance and protection.

The Bill Kane Undergraduate Scholarship, awarded by SHAPE America, provides $1,000 annually to undergraduate students majoring in school-based health education at accredited institutions in the U.S. or territories. Eligible candidates must be full-time students with a GPA of at least 3.25. Alongside the scholarship, recipients receive a complimentary one-year membership with SHAPE America, promoting professional development in health and physical education.

The Barbara A. Cooley Master’s Scholarship, offered by SHAPE America, is a $1,000 annual award for master's level students enrolled in accredited health education programs in the U.S. Recipients can use the funds as they wish and receive a complimentary one-year student membership with SHAPE America. The scholarship aims to support future educators and enhance the quality of health education, promoting research and professional practice in the field.

The Zyne Family Foundation Grant aims to enhance and support Catholic faith-based organizations and other 501(c)(3) nonprofits dedicated to education, medical research, and family values. The foundation's mission focuses on making a direct impact on individuals' daily lives, ensuring that these initiatives can thrive both now and in the future, promoting community well-being and development.

The SHAPE America: Mentor of the Year Award recognizes an exemplary role model committed to fostering student engagement in professional activities. Candidates must have a minimum of three years of membership in SHAPE America and serve as full-time faculty at a higher education institution. This award emphasizes mentorship through professional behavior, involvement in student projects, and providing academic guidance, ensuring that students are well-prepared for their future careers.

The AWG Mid-Career Excellence Award honors outstanding mid-career women scientists contributing significantly to geosciences. It recognizes achievements across academia, industry, and government, with nominees evaluated on their scientific impact and community service. This prestigious award encourages nominations from the AWG membership and the broader geoscience community, fostering recognition of women's vital contributions in the field. With a commitment to diversity, the award aims to inspire future generations of women in geoscience careers.

The Terry Baucom Bluegrass Education Grant, established by the IBMA Foundation, honors the legacy of renowned bluegrass musician Terry Baucom. This grant supports musicians of all ages by providing funds for lessons, educational materials, and workshops. With awards beginning in January 2025, each grant can reach up to $500. Financial need is considered but not mandatory. This initiative aims to foster talent and ensure accessibility to bluegrass music education for a diverse range of applicants.

Our Story

The IBMA Foundation was created by the International Bluegrass Music Association in 2007 with a bequest from the Richard Barnhart estate. Mr. Barnhart was a musician from northern Virginia who loved bluegrass and wanted to support educational programs for children. Since the beginning, our goal has been to support bluegrass-music-related educational, literary, artistic and historic preservation activities.

In our early years we produced Discover Bluegrass, an educational video that has been used in thousands of classrooms and libraries around the world. We have hosted dozens of teacher workshops and artist trainings. We created a bluegrass lesson plan competition and provided a network for leaders of after-school bluegrass programs.

Our project grants, which now total $25,000 a year, support bluegrass-related initiatives throughout the world. We also fund Bluegrass in the Schools Mini-grants ($7,000/year) which help schools to hire bluegrass bands for school programs. The Rosenberg Bluegrass Scholar Award recognizes excellence in academic research. Six college scholarships are granted for students working in various areas of the bluegrass music industry. The Arnold Shultz Fund supports increased participation of people of color in bluegrass music with grants that total $30,000/ year. Fletcher Bright Memorial Grants for Young Musicians (age 18 and younger) help young people go to bluegrass music camps and workshops, take lessons, and purchase educational materials.

The Sally Ann Forrester Scholarship

The Sally Ann Forrester College Scholarship is a $1,000 – $2,000 scholarship awarded to a female bluegrass musician. Students may be majoring in any subject, including bluegrass music. The IBMA Foundation administers the scholarship, which is funded by an endowment at the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. Sally Ann Forrester played accordion and sang as a member of Bill Monroe and His Blue Grass Boys from 1943-1946, thus becoming the first female professional bluegrass musician in history.

The Path to a Cure (PTAC) - Postdoc-to-Faculty Transition Award by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation supports postdoctoral fellows in advancing their research careers in cystic fibrosis. This program offers up to five years of funding, including 3 years for research training and 2 years for transitioning to an independent faculty position, with a maximum support of $110,000 per year. It aims to foster innovative research that develops new therapies for cystic fibrosis.

The Harry Shwachman Clinical Investigator Award, offered by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, supports clinically trained physicians transitioning to independent researchers in cystic fibrosis. It provides up to $133,000 per year for three years to facilitate research tailored to individual interests. The funding covers personnel costs and supplies, promoting a strong mentorship during this critical stage of their academic careers.

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation offers a Travel Award Supplement aimed at supporting Ph.D. students, postdoctoral fellows, and junior faculty. This funding of up to $3,000 enables trainees to participate in off-site workshops or training programs to enhance their research skills. Eligible applicants must be active researchers in CF projects, with a minimum of one year of experience. The program excludes conference attendance and for-profit entities, ensuring focused support for advancing cystic fibrosis research.

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's Student Traineeship Award supports students in engaging with cystic fibrosis research through hands-on projects. With a maximum funding of $4,000 for one year, the program aims to inspire students to pursue careers in CF research or care. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in a degree program and collaborate with a faculty mentor on a relevant project. This initiative also emphasizes the importance of maintaining interest in CF-related research among new generations.

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's Screening Improvement Program (SIP) Award aims to enhance early diagnosis of cystic fibrosis (CF) through improved newborn screening processes. This initiative emphasizes equitable screening practices for diverse populations and seeks innovative approaches to strengthen communication with primary care providers. Grants of up to $75,000 per year for two years are available to support projects that focus on algorithm transformation and best practices in screening, without funding clinical trials.

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's Program for Adult Care Excellence (PACE) aims to enhance adult care for cystic fibrosis patients by recruiting and training physicians. With an increasing life expectancy for CF patients, the program addresses the need for specialized adult caregivers. Physicians can apply for funding up to $38,435 per year for three years, enabling them to develop expertise in adult CF care. This initiative supports both the medical community and the CF population significantly.

The AO North America VET Preceptorships Program offers surgical residents from the American College of Veterinary Surgeons the chance to enhance their skills in Veterinary Trauma and Orthopedics through a structured training experience. Participants can receive up to four weeks of advanced training in AO techniques at designated surgical centers, with funding available for housing and travel expenses, totaling up to $2,750. This initiative aims to foster professional development and improve patient care outcomes.