Best Diversity Grants for Nonprofits in Mississippi

Mississippi artists and culture bearers of color engaging in social change can access funding through National Performance Network for civic practice projects that center racial justice and community collaboration. Eligible BIPOC individuals or collectives in Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi may receive up to US $25,000 for research, development, production, or other project phases advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Mississippi NCAA Division II schools and multisport conference offices seeking to fund full-time entry-level athletics administration internships focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion can access funding through the National Collegiate Athletic Association. Grants provide US $30,000 for intern salary plus additional professional development support, aiming to increase ethnic minority and women’s representation in athletic administration roles.

Mississippi diversity, equity, and inclusion organizations within NCAA Division II conferences or institutions can access funding through the National Collegiate Athletic Association to expand ethnic minority and gender representation in athletics administration. Grants support full-time, mid- to senior-level roles covering strategic planning, budgeting, fundraising, compliance, diversity initiatives, and student-athlete welfare over a five-year commitment.

NCAA Division II member colleges, including those in Mississippi, can use this grant to fund newly created assistant coaching positions that increase ethnic minority and gender representation in any NCAA-sponsored sport. With a mission to advance inclusive athletics, the National Collegiate Athletic Association provides US $48,000 over three years toward salary, wages, and benefits for the hired coach.

NCAA Division III conferences and institutions seeking to improve ethnic minority and gender representation in mid- to senior-level athletics administration roles can apply for this national Strategic Alliance Matching Grant, including in Mississippi. National Collegiate Athletic Association support may benefit diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within athletic departments at eligible Division III schools and multisport conferences.

Mississippi NCAA Division III member institutions seeking to create new assistant coaching positions that advance diversity, equity, and inclusion can apply for this coaching enhancement grant. National Collegiate Athletic Association provides U.S. Division III schools with two years of support for salary, wages, and benefits to increase ethnic minority and gender representation in athletic coaching staffs.

Mississippi clinical and translational science researchers affiliated with CTSA Program institutions can access funding through the National Institutes of Health to advance small, independent projects. Grants up to US $100,000 support pilot and feasibility studies, secondary data analyses, methodology development, and new research technologies, especially for KL2 scholars and diversity or re-entry supplement recipients.

Early stage and new investigators conducting independent research on deafness or other communication disorders in the U.S. and territories can apply for NIH R01 funding, with awards up to US $2,500,000. Grants from the National Institutes of Health help Mississippi and other eligible researchers, especially those from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds, advance health-related science careers.

Nurses in the U.S. pursuing advanced degrees to become or advance as full-time nurse educators can receive $8,000 for tuition, books, and research expenses through the NLN-Health Carousel Foundation Nurse Educator Scholarship. Emphasizing diversity, equity, and inclusion, this national award can support Mississippi nurses dedicated to building more inclusive academic environments.

The NLN Cecelia Lou Vriheas Scholarship Award offers an $8,000 scholarship to first-generation nursing students from historically marginalized groups pursuing advanced degrees. This award aims to support those committed to becoming full-time nurse educators. Eligible candidates must be enrolled in accredited nursing programs and demonstrate academic excellence. The scholarship can be used for tuition, books, and related expenses, fostering diversity in nursing education and leadership.

The Emerging Voices Fellowship offers a five-month virtual mentorship for early-career writers from underrepresented communities, including Black, Indigenous, LGBTQ+, and disabled individuals. This program aims to enhance their publishing skills through one-on-one mentorship, workshops, and access to industry professionals. Participants also benefit from community-building events and an honorarium. Established by PEN America, this fellowship seeks to diversify the literary landscape and is open to various genres, fostering creative growth and professional development in a supportive environment.

Postdoctoral research scientists from nationally underrepresented backgrounds conducting cancer-related biomedical, behavioral, clinical, or social science research in the U.S. can receive career development support to transition into independent faculty roles. The National Institutes of Health provides three years of protected time, salary, and research support, which may benefit diversity-focused researchers at Mississippi institutions.

The T32 Training Program aims to enhance the participation of individuals from underrepresented backgrounds in cardiovascular, pulmonary, hematologic, and sleep disorders research. This initiative, funded by the NIH, supports institutions committed to diversity and health disparity populations. By providing training opportunities for students and postdoctoral trainees, the program seeks to foster research that improves health outcomes for these communities. Note that appointed trainees cannot lead independent clinical trials but can gain experience in trials conducted by mentors.

Mississippi research institutions and similar organizations supporting diverse, new, or at-risk health investigators can seek R01 funding for independent science and health research projects through the National Institutes of Health. This U.S. Department of Health and Human Services program supports workforce diversity, so nonprofits and academic entities with DEI-focused health research may be eligible.

Mississippi graduate students conducting aging and aging-related health research can access funding through the National Institutes of Health to support their doctoral dissertations and help diversify the scientific workforce. This U.S. Department of Health and Human Services opportunity offers up to US $142,312 for projects aligned with NIA’s strategic priorities, including diversity, equity, and inclusion in aging research.

Late-stage biomedical PhD students from diverse backgrounds in Mississippi and other eligible U.S. locations can apply for the NIH Advancing Research Careers (ARC) F99/K00 award to support dissertation completion and mentored postdoctoral research training. This two-phase program also offers cohort-based mentoring, networking, and professional development in NIH mission areas.

Mississippi diversity, equity, and inclusion researchers can access funding through the National Institutes of Health to support health-related research projects alongside DEIA-focused activities. Eligible investigators must be conducting work within NIH institute interests, contribute significantly to DEIA, and have no current NIH research project grant, with support available across the U.S. and territories.

Swim lesson programs serving youth in Mississippi can receive funding to provide free or reduced-cost swim lessons and transportation for children under 19, especially in under-served communities. USA Swimming Foundation provides U.S. diversity, equity, and inclusion-focused swimming programs with more than US $1,000 to expand existing learn-to-swim services for kids who otherwise could not participate.

Federally recognized HBCUs starting or expanding youth water safety lessons or university swim clubs, including those in Mississippi, can receive US $5,000 - US $10,000 to build aquatic programming. With a mission to strengthen swimming in diverse communities, USA Swimming Foundation provides national grants for competitive swimming and youth learn-to-swim costs.

Nonprofit organizations with a 5+ year track record serving Black, Latina, and Native American women and girls in computing can seek support for college-level computing recruitment and retention programs in Mississippi and nationwide. Reboot Representation Tech Coalition supports research-backed, multi-geometry initiatives that build inclusive pathways to computing degrees for underrepresented women.

The Stanley C. Israel Regional Award for Advancing Diversity in the Chemical Sciences recognizes individuals or institutions promoting inclusiveness in the chemical sciences. This award includes a medal, a $1,250 grant, and reimbursement for travel expenses up to $1,500 for attending the ACS regional meeting where the award is presented. Eligible nominees must foster programs that increase participation from diverse groups in the chemical enterprise.

The Robert Holland Jr. Award honors senior scientists with diverse backgrounds who demonstrate excellence in research and teaching in Chemistry, Physics, and Astronomy. Recipients are invited to join the Cottrell Scholar community, fostering creativity and inclusivity. The award includes a $5,000 cash prize and promotes the contributions of underrepresented scholars. Candidates are evaluated on their mentoring, leadership in diversity initiatives, and potential impact on the academic community. This prestigious award is a key initiative by the Research Corporation.

The NINDS Alzheimer’s Disease-Related Dementias (ADRD) K99/R00 program promotes diversity by supporting new independent investigators from underrepresented backgrounds in AD/ADRD research. This award facilitates a transition from mentored postdoctoral positions to independent faculty roles, providing essential NIH research support. Applicants must propose research that does not involve leading a clinical trial but may include participation in trials led by mentors. Key deadlines for applications span from October 2024 to June 2027.

The NINDS Faculty Development Award aims to enhance diversity in neuroscience research by supporting junior faculty from underrepresented backgrounds. This award provides essential research cost support, protected research time, and mentorship for individuals holding doctoral degrees within their first three years on a faculty tenure track. It specifically encourages research proposals that do not involve independent clinical trials, while allowing participation in trials led by mentors. Key application deadlines span from October 2024 to June 2027.

The Maximizing Opportunities for Scientific and Academic Independent Careers (MOSAIC) program aims to enhance diversity in the research workforce by supporting early career investigators from underrepresented backgrounds. This initiative includes a K99/R00 career transition award for postdoctoral scholars and a UE5 cooperative agreement to foster mentoring, networking, and professional development. With multiple application deadlines from 2024 to 2027, MOSAIC is dedicated to facilitating successful transitions into tenure-track or equivalent research-intensive faculty roles.

The Maximizing Opportunities for Scientific and Academic Independent Careers (MOSAIC) program aims to enhance diversity in research by supporting early career investigators from underrepresented backgrounds. This initiative offers a K99/R00 career transition award for postdoctoral scholars and a UE5 cooperative agreement that provides mentorship and professional development. The program's goal is to ensure successful transitions into independent, tenure-track faculty roles in NIH mission areas, ultimately fostering a more inclusive scientific community.

The MOSAIC Organizational Research Education Award aims to enhance diversity in biomedical research by supporting educational initiatives for individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. This NIH program focuses on developing skills through creative courses and mentoring activities designed for the next generation of researchers. Organizations with a proven track record in professional development and networking are encouraged to apply, helping to prepare K99/R00 grantees for successful faculty careers in research-intensive institutions.