Best Disaster Preparedness and Relief Grants in Mississippi

Catholic dioceses with pastoral or social outreach ministries in Mississippi can seek funding to expand evangelization, liturgical life, and community services, including disaster-related support. With a mission to strengthen church outreach, Catholic Extension provides programmatic support for ministries serving homeless individuals, immigrants, incarcerated people, and communities restoring ecclesial services after disasters.

Mississippi Office of Homeland Security

Homeland Security is a concerted State and National effort to prevent terrorist attacks within the State, reduce our vulnerability to terrorism and or any disaster that may occur, minimize the damage, and recover from events that do occur. The Mississippi Office of Homeland Security was created through Executive Order 872 and repositioned under the authority of the Mississippi Department of Public Safety through Executive Order 916.

The mission of the Mississippi Office of Homeland Security (MOHS) is to partner with federal, state, and local emergency response personnel during both man-made and natural disasters, as well as working to prevent, protect, and respond to threats and/or acts of terrorism within our state. This office will act as the nexus for information sharing through its direction of the Mississippi Analysis and Information Center (MSAIC) and will lead efforts in "All Hazard" prevention, preparedness, and response by continuing to foster strong partnerships across professional response disciplines. MOHS will further the education of the Mississippi citizenry through awareness and outreach efforts. These efforts are accomplished through training, equipping, and informing the populace about the steps necessary to keep themselves and their communities vigilant and prepared.

Community Preparedness Grants

At times during specific years, the Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) may focus on a special emphasis area that is part of the National Priorities. This allows for the creation of funding for a special emphasis area such as election security, school safety, community preparedness, etc. During years that there may be a special emphasis, the MOHS will release a separate grant application for the HSGP application, to focus on a special emphasis area. These grant follow all the same regulation and processes, but may be solicited outside the regular application window (March-April).

Community Preparedness grants are issued out the local jurisdictions that are interested in creating or refreshing Citizen Emergency Response Teams (CERTS) for both adults and students. Also part of Community Preparedness grants are the opportunity to set up Neighborhood Watch programs. 

Nonprofit animal welfare groups and municipal agencies in Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana can seek funding to improve disaster preparedness for animals in high-risk communities. With a mission to protect animals, ASPCA provides US $20,000 - US $50,000 grants for planning, shelters, and coordinated emergency response benefiting at-risk coastal and FEMA-identified areas.

Mississippi K-12 public school libraries needing disaster relief for damaged books, media, or equipment can access funding through the Dollar General Literacy Foundation if they are within 15 miles of a Dollar General store or distribution center. Eligible schools must have a pre-existing library and be within 36 months of a qualifying disaster event.

Jack’s Family Fund

At Jack’s Family Restaurants, we’ve always thought of ourselves as one big family — employees and guests alike. Giving back to the communities in which we do business is part of our DNA. That’s why we’ve established the Jack’s Family Fund.

We think of our guests as part of the Jack’s family, and we’ll be there in times of need. With your help, we can make a difference in people’s lives and support those we call family, friends, and neighbors.

Jack's Family Fund Grant

The Jack's Family Fund is a non-profit charitable organization established to provide emergency financial assistance to members of the communities that Jack’s Family Restaurants (JFR) serve. Fund grants are made to assist those who have temporarily found themselves in need, but under normal circumstances are self-sustaining.

Our grants assist with:

• Immediate, short- term needs of individuals who may be victims of disasters or other emergency hardship situations including floods, fires, riots, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes and similar large-scale events, or
• Emergency hardship caused by illness, death, accident, violent crime or other types of personal injury.
• Community 501(c)(3) organizations working to respond to these types of needs on a broad scale.

Types of expenses grants may be awarded for include (but are not limited to):

• funeral expenses
• past due utilities (electric, water, natural gas)
• past due rent/mortgage
• emergency housing

Grants from the Fund are not intended to replace personal or homeowners insurance, federal disaster relief or other types of aid, but rather to assist on an immediate and short-term basis when other sources of assistance are not available.

Mississippi 501(c)(3) nonprofits and houses of worship seeking security-related and physical security enhancements can apply for the Non-Profit Grant Program, with awards up to Up to US $200,000 per site. Administered by the Mississippi Office of Homeland Security, this competitive program supports disaster preparedness and coordination across up to three separate locations per applicant.

Nonprofit organizations with tax-exempt status serving communities in Mississippi can seek funding for humanitarian and community-benefit projects, including disaster relief and related support. Grants from James E Huffer And Betty J Huffer Foundation help groups with proven, measurable impact advance youth enrichment, education, health sciences, arts and culture, and environmental stewardship that may include disaster preparedness and response efforts.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations active for over three years and serving communities in Mississippi and the broader Southern region can seek support for disaster relief and humanitarian aid projects. Focused on tangible, meaningful impact, Robinson Foundation also considers related efforts for children and families, poverty relief, and medical assistance, excluding capital projects.

With a mission to strengthen communities, nonprofits and eligible public entities in Mississippi can access International Paper Company Foundation grants of US $2,500 - US $10,000 for disaster preparedness and relief, humanitarian aid, and related community needs. Programs in counties where International Paper operates, especially those engaging company employees, may be most competitive.

Eligible educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies in Mississippi can apply for State Farm Companies Foundation’s Good Neighbor Citizenship grants to support safety, community development, and education initiatives. Programs focused on disaster preparedness, mitigation, or recovery may be especially competitive under this national funding opportunity.

Mississippi nonprofits and 501(c)(3) institutions working on disaster preparedness, relief, and related global challenges can access funding through Japan Foundation’s Japan–U.S. Global Partnership Grant Program. Eligible projects involve Japan–U.S. collaborative, policy-oriented research or dialogue that addresses issues like climate change, disaster prevention, post-disaster recovery, public health, or community resilience within the program’s thematic areas.

Nonprofit organizations working on disaster preparedness, relief, or humanitarian aid in Mississippi can seek up to US $25,000 to support crisis response, medicine, and food programs. The McKesson Foundation funds U.S. and Canadian efforts that advance health equity, especially for vulnerable communities, with local projects favored in its priority regions.

Mississippi public entities and regional partners working on disaster preparedness, relief, and long-term economic recovery can access funding through the Economic Development Administration’s FY25 Disaster Supplemental program. This U.S. program offers up to US $50,000,000 for planning, construction, and industry-focused projects that help communities recover from 2023–2024 disasters and improve their economic trajectory.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and local government agencies seeking disaster preparedness and backup power projects can apply for Hillman Family Foundations’ Powered & Prepared Initiative, which offers US $300,000 for emergency-ready power solutions. Although national in scope, organizations in Mississippi working on disaster relief and essential basic needs may be eligible if they meet location requirements.

Nonprofit organizations advancing health equity, cancer prevention and care, workforce diversity, or crisis response can apply for more than US $25,000 to support programs in the U.S. or Canada, including Mississippi. Grants from McKesson Foundation help fund disaster preparedness and relief, medicine and food access, and support for vulnerable and underserved communities.

The Crawford Taylor Foundation focuses on enhancing programs that create lasting legacies in St. Louis. With priorities in community development, women's health, animal welfare, and environmental preservation, the foundation seeks to support 501(c)(3) organizations that meet specific eligibility criteria. They avoid funding multi-year grants or for-profit initiatives, emphasizing support for local causes and relief efforts deemed important by the Taylor family.

The IATSE Local 700 Hardship Relief Fund provides emergency financial assistance to eligible members of the performing arts and entertainment industry during critical times. This support helps cover essential living expenses, such as housing and healthcare, to prevent eviction and utility shut-offs. To qualify, members must have met minimum dues requirements or be officially retired. The fund does not cover expenses like credit cards, loans, or business-related costs.

The IATSE Local 798 Fund offers emergency financial assistance to performing arts and entertainment professionals facing unexpected critical needs. This support helps cover essential living expenses, including housing, utilities, and healthcare, to prevent eviction or service shut-offs. Eligible applicants must be union members for at least two years and have experienced unforeseen financial hardship due to circumstances beyond their control, such as injury or natural disasters.

Full-time U.S. radio and television broadcasters facing acute financial need from personal property damage or home emergencies can receive one-time disaster relief grants, including those in Mississippi. Broadcasters Foundation of America provides emergency support to individuals or via employer applications for staff impacted by natural disasters or similar crises.

Performing arts and entertainment professionals in Mississippi facing unexpected critical need can receive emergency help with basic living expenses like health care, housing, and utilities. AFM Local 802 members in good standing with documented financial hardship may be eligible for this Entertainment Community Fund support, which can aid disaster-impacted musicians and other artists.

Individual performing arts and entertainment professionals facing critical financial emergencies can receive help with basic living expenses such as housing, utilities, and health care across the U.S., including Mississippi. With a mission to support artists in crisis, Entertainment Community Fund provides emergency assistance to eligible American Guild of Musical Artists members in good standing.

The NASA ROSES 2025: A.18 Geosphere program provides funding for research on solid-Earth processes across various scales. It aims to enhance understanding of the Earth's structure and dynamics, particularly in the core, mantle, and lithosphere. Key areas of focus include Earth Surface Properties, Crustal Dynamics, and Earth Interior. This initiative supports advancements in managing natural resources, assessing geohazards, and exploring the forces driving plate tectonics, ultimately contributing to improved hazard forecasting and mitigation strategies.

The Joan M. Wismer Foundation, established in 2001, honors the legacy of Joan Marilynn Wismer, who was dedicated to charitable work and community service. The foundation focuses on improving lives through education, youth development, safety, humanitarian services, and medical research. It primarily supports IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and churches, while emphasizing the importance of sustainable funding and effective financial management in its grant-making process.

BioMarin offers funding through its donation program focused on improving healthcare and patient advocacy, particularly for rare diseases. Organizations eligible for support include hospitals, accredited providers, and patient advocacy groups. BioMarin prioritizes innovative therapeutic solutions for rare genetic conditions. The company is dedicated to enhancing patient care and education, and it reviews funding requests year-round, although specific deadlines apply for year-end funding. This initiative reflects BioMarin's commitment to addressing unmet medical needs.

The Bertin Family Foundation Grants support 501(c)(3) public charities that align with the foundation's mission of community strengthening and compassion. Grant requests are accepted annually from July 1 to August 31, focusing on program or project support rather than general endowment. The foundation values measurable outcomes and responsible stewardship, and gives preference to organizations with Gold or Platinum status on Candid.

The Disaster Resilience Program Fellowship supports low-income communities affected by disasters by mobilizing lawyers and law students to provide free civil legal aid. This initiative ensures access to essential legal services, helping families navigate recovery barriers. Attorney Fellows receive a salary while Student Fellows earn a stipend for their service. Participants engage in outreach, build community relationships, and receive comprehensive training to enhance their legal skills, contributing to the resilience of affected communities.

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.