Best Copiah County Grants for Nonprofits in Mississippi

WFM Rural Leveraging Matching Grants

Open year-round.

Rural Leveraging Matching Grants are for our organizations or municipalities based in or serving counties within CFM’s rural footprint. Those in counties with populations of under 50,000 may submit a letter of interest asking CFM to consider a grant for up to 50% of the required match necessary for an anticipated, awarded or obligated grant, including but not limited to, a state or federal grant. CFM believes this grant can fill a gap in traditional philanthropic funding by investing in projects that have had community support but may not otherwise be accomplished without additional resources.

WFM Community Impact Project Grants

Community Impact Project Grants are project grants available to nonprofits for up to $5,000. No financial match is required, however, projects demonstrating community support will be prioritized.

Community Impact Grants will support projects in the following categories: Placemaking, Children and Families, and Community Partnerships.

Placemaking

Examples include, but are not limited to: Projects that can demonstrate outcomes that contribute to increased livability, projects that focus on the activation of underutilized spaces such as beautification, trail improvements, tactical urbanism, blight removal, or other project-based creative interventions to transform public spaces or increase public dialog about the built environment, community vibrancy, local storytelling or quality of life.

Children and Families

Examples include but are not limited to: Projects that support reading and childhood literacy, programs that increase opportunities to connect children and families with physical, mental or financial health resources, projects that increase access to clean water for children and families at high risk for lead and other contaminants. Other examples include projects that prioritize prevention, early intervention and programs that can demonstrate the ability to measure impact related to children and families within CFM’s 22 county service area. 

Community Partnerships

Projects that specifically focus on collaborative projects between two or more cross-sector or nonprofit partnerships. Examples might include but are not limited to: Projects that take a collaborative approach to address or advance an issue important to their community such as support for community visioning, charettes and asset mapping, or to support inclusive stakeholder convenings. CFM seeks to support programs that can demonstrate their intention for diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) as it relates to project participation. Therefore, grant support may also include projects that lead to positive community change, positive civic engagement, and increasing community voice.

The Nissan Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations that promote cultural diversity and heritage. Established in 1992, the foundation focuses on enhancing community quality of life where Nissan operates. Eligible organizations must have 501(c)(3) status, be active for over three years, and serve specific communities. Ineligible programs include those not aligned with the foundation's mission, such as disease advocacy and political activities. The foundation does not provide multi-year grants, but organizations can reapply for funding in subsequent cycles.

The CenterPoint Energy Foundation aims to enhance community vitality through grants supporting affordable housing, environmental education, and workforce development. Focusing on low- to moderate-income populations, the Foundation prioritizes innovative programs that foster community connections and educational opportunities. By investing in both community vitality and education, they strive to create vibrant neighborhoods and empower individuals with the skills needed for success in today's workforce. Their commitment extends across Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio, and Texas.

Nonprofit Capacity Building Mini-Grants

Open year-round.

Nonprofit capacity building opportunities at the Community Foundation for Mississippi are primarily offered through our Nonprofit Capacity Building Mini-Grants, open year-round to 501c3 nonprofits within our service area. Nonprofits may apply through a mini-grant to receive discounts or scholarships to attend professional development courses or trainings to assist their board or staff learn ways to increase their effectiveness, strengthening their internal systems and organizational management. 

Nonprofit organizations may choose to apply for financial assistance for a pre-determined training course or for financial assistance to hire a specific vetted nonprofit consultant OR they may apply more generally for needed assistance within specific professional and organizational development areas. While financial grants may be awarded, the majority of grants in this category are awarded through discounted or free attendance at workshops or training courses. In some cases, such as grant-writing, endowment building and storytelling, assistance may be provided through CFM staff or CFM-hosted events. 

Examples include but are not limited to: Strategic planning, board development, and governance, succession planning, emergency preparedness, planning related to facilities, maintenance or accessibility, workshops related to DEIB (diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging), program development, evaluation and data gathering, fundraising and grant writing, staff development and more. 

Delta Workforce Grant Program

The Delta Workforce Grant Program (DWP) is an initiative designed to build long-term community capacity and increase economic competitiveness by providing grants to support workforce training and education programs throughout the lower Mississippi River Delta and Alabama Black Belt regions.

DWP supports projects and initiatives that create a more vibrant economic future for the Delta region by expanding opportunities to recruit, train, and retain a diverse and local workforce; aligning workforce and economic development strategies; creating sustainable talent pipelines; establishing or enhancing locally/regionally significant sector-based partnerships; and supporting enhanced workforce productivity through investments in innovative programming or services.

The Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund provides grants to support communities in the U.S. and Canada where the company operates. Focused on affordable housing, education, environmental stewardship, and more, the fund emphasizes projects that meet local needs and demonstrate community support. Eligible organizations include nonprofits and educational institutions. Applications are accepted year-round with a deadline for 2025 on September 30. National initiatives related to working forests are funded by invitation only.

The Woodward Hines Education Foundation Calling Panther Award offers up to $5,000 over four years to motivated high school seniors at Hazelhurst and Crystal Springs High Schools. To qualify, students must complete the FAFSA and Mississippi Aid Application, and submit a video detailing their plans to positively impact their community after pursuing post-secondary education. This initiative aims to foster local leadership and community engagement among young adults.

The Enbridge Safe Community First Responder Program is designed to support emergency response organizations across Canada and the U.S. by providing grants for safety equipment, training, and educational programs. Launched in 2002, it has invested over $22 million in enhancing community safety. Eligible organizations include fire departments and medical services located near Enbridge operations. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $10,000, helping improve the capabilities of first responders in rural and underserved areas.

The Longleaf Landscape Stewardship Fund Grant, managed by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), provides funding for projects aimed at restoring and conserving longleaf pine and bottomland hardwood forests. With approximately $30 million available for 2024, grants range from $250,000 to $3,000,000. This initiative, supported by various federal and private entities, emphasizes the importance of ecological preservation and sustainable land management practices.

The Entergy Micro Grants Program offers funding of up to $1,000 for various initiatives including arts, education, and community improvement. Eligible organizations are typically 501(c)(3) non-profits, schools, or government entities. Applications should be submitted at least three months in advance, as review times can take 8 to 12 weeks. Notably, grants will not be awarded to individuals or for capital projects, political activities, or religious purposes.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

The Enbridge Community Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in North American communities through strategic donations and sponsorships. With funding ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, the grant supports organizations focused on safety, education, environmental stewardship, and Indigenous culture. Enbridge encourages early applications, with decisions typically made within eight weeks. The grant seeks to empower local initiatives that foster community strength, vibrancy, and sustainability.

Stanislaus Community Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for students in order to help them achieve their educational and career goals. We believe that by investing in our students, we are investing in a brighter future for Stanislaus. 

Richard & Dolla Squires Memorial Music Scholarship

Open to graduating high school seniors pursuing a degree in music and demonstrating financial need. 

Award Amount:

• $1,000 

Stanislaus Community Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for students in order to help them achieve their educational and career goals. We believe that by investing in our students, we are investing in a brighter future for Stanislaus. 

Jane Wynne Woolley Scholarship

Open to English Language Learners demonstrating financial need.

Award Amount:

• $1,000-$2,200   

Stanislaus Community Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for students in order to help them achieve their educational and career goals. We believe that by investing in our students, we are investing in a brighter future for Stanislaus.

Jim & Betty Lilly Scholarship Fund

Open to students from Stanislaus and Calaveras County who have attended a continuation high school, including those who have returned to and graduated from traditional high schools or attending a Vocational School.

Award Amount:

• $1,000

Warrior Assist Foundation

Founded in 2020, Warrior Assist Foundation is dedicated to supporting those who serve or have served in the U.S. armed forces and their families.

Grants

Warrior Assist Foundation offers grants to 501(c)(3) organizations that dedicate at least 85% of their annual expenditures to provide assistance to active duty and reserve military personnel, their spouses and children, veterans, or spouses and children of veterans.

Stanislaus Community Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for students in order to help them achieve their educational and career goals. We believe that by investing in our students, we are investing in a brighter future for Stanislaus.

First Tee of Central Valley

Open to current/active members of The First Tee program with a minimum 3.0 GPA. 

Award Amount:

• $2,000 

Stanislaus Community Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for students in order to help them achieve their educational and career goals. We believe that by investing in our students, we are investing in a brighter future for Stanislaus. 

Earl Pride Scholarship

Open to Stanislaus County employees and their children/step-children. Employee must work 24+ hours per week on a regular basis. 

Award amount:

• $1,000

Stanislaus Community Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for students in order to help them achieve their educational and career goals. We believe that by investing in our students, we are investing in a brighter future for Stanislaus. 

Dr. Grant E. & Colleen Bare Scholarship

Open to current Modesto Junior College students and Stanislaus County students planning to transfer to a four-year college and pursue a degree in the fields of science, medical sciences and/or mathematics. 

Award Amount:

• Up to $3,500

Stanislaus Community Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for students in order to help them achieve their educational and career goals. We believe that by investing in our students, we are investing in a brighter future for Stanislaus. 

Diane Bava Memorial Scholarship

Sponsored by Amador Family Scholarship Fund, this scholarship is open to current or former Modesto City School District students.

Award Amount:

• $1,000

Stanislaus Community Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for students in order to help them achieve their educational and career goals. We believe that by investing in our students, we are investing in a brighter future for Stanislaus. 

David W. Moore Memorial Scholarship

Open to graduating seniors from Atwater, Golden Valley and Oakdale pursuing a degree in agriculture, ag-related fields, animal science or teaching or primary healthcare. Students must demonstrate financial need, community involvement and have a 2.5+ GPA.

Award Amount:

• $2,500

Stanislaus Community Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for students in order to help them achieve their educational and career goals. We believe that by investing in our students, we are investing in a brighter future for Stanislaus. 

Bob Boggeri Farms Fund

Open to students planning to pursue a degree in Ag or Horticulture. Must be a FFA member and demonstrate financial need. Preference given to students from Hughson.

Award Amount:

• $1,000

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) is set to release a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) aiming to stimulate research on Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related dementias (ADRD). This initiative focuses on validating novel drug targets and supports early-stage drug discovery efforts. The U01 activity code will be utilized, and while applications are not currently solicited, this notice allows potential applicants ample time to form collaborations and develop impactful projects in the field of AD/ADRD research.

The NIH is announcing a funding opportunity for competitive revisions of ongoing grants to tackle unforeseen public health crises. This Urgent Competitive Revision program aims to facilitate timely responses to emerging health challenges. Once the Notice of Funding Opportunity is published, eligible applications will be directly routed to the appropriate NIH awarding component. Only submissions in response to an Urgent Guide Notice published by an NIH Institute or Center will be accepted.

Community Foundation of New Jersey

Over our 46-year history, the Community Foundation of New Jersey has collaborated with individuals, families, organizations, and businesses to design charitable funds and implement the philanthropic solutions they want to see in their communities. We leverage $1.17 billion in assets and 1,200 funds to help our partners think boldly and creatively about ways to give.

Scholarship Fund Overview

Beyond a shared commitment to educational opportunity, families establish scholarship funds with a variety of goals and purposes in mind. They may offer traditional scholarships or customize fund awards for alternative scholarships.

Currently, CFNJ administers more than 135 scholarship funds. Our scholarship opportunities run the gamut, from those exclusive to a local high school or geographic region to those supporting specific majors or career pursuits. Last year, we awarded over $2 million in scholarship assistance to 271 scholars.

Applicants may be evaluated on academic performance; extracurricular activities; community involvement; paid or unpaid work; and a statement of their personal aspirations, educational goals, and demonstrated unmet financial need in our scholarship review process.

Alfred J. Speak Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a college-bound, graduating high school senior from the greater Newark area. Preference will be given to students who are affiliated with the Boys and Girls Club of Newark or the First Presbyterian Church (located on Broad Street in Newark). Applicants will be evaluated on academic performance, extracurricular activities, community service, work (paid or unpaid), and unmet financial need.