Best Environmental Education Grants in Mississippi

Nonprofits and education-focused organizations in Mississippi and other Gulf Coast states can seek US $100,000 - US $750,000 to deliver place-based environmental education that builds community resilience. Focused on environmental education, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine invites projects that address local socio-environmental challenges and empower community members to take action.

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Rob’s Hauling & Vance Family Scholarship

The Rob’s Hauling & Vance Family Scholarship Fund was created in 2019 by James and Lyndsey Vance. The Vance family places a priority on and a commitment to protecting, preserving, conserving, and sustaining the environment. Their scholarship gives special consideration to applicants who are pursuing an education in Ecology, Natural Science, Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Management, Natural Resource Management, Renewable Energy Engineering, Sustainability Management, Urban Planning and Sustainability, Climate Science, Conservation Science, Conservation Biology, or Environmental Health and Economics. Consideration is also given to students studying Agricultural Engineering, Agriculture Production, Animal Science, Food Sciences and Technologies, Horticulture, Plant Science, Soil Science, and related fields.

Recipients may be a graduate or senior from any school located in Marion County who have been a resident of the area for their entire high school career and maintained a grade point average of 3.0 or greater.

Scholarships are available to graduating high school seniors. Applications are accepted from mid-November until mid-March. Scholarship award recipients will be announced at the high school awards ceremony. 

Van Cott Family Memorial Scholarship

Established in memory of Kermit Van Cott and his son Forrest to provide tuition assistance to a graduating Senior from one of the High Schools in Susquehanna County, with priority given to Blue Ridge, who will major in Landscape Architecture, Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Horticulture, Botany, Forestry, or Agriculture and who will matriculate at college or a post-secondary degree program.

Graduating high school seniors planning to study environmental science can access scholarship funding through Scranton Area Foundation, which administers the Stanley and Stella Becker Environmental Scholarship Fund. While the award is for Monroe County residents, Mississippi students interested in environmental education may find this example helpful when exploring similar opportunities.

Graduating high school seniors and current college students pursuing environmental science or related fields can access scholarship funding through Scranton Area Foundation. Although based in Northeastern Pennsylvania, students living in Lackawanna or Wayne County may find this opportunity relevant to environmental education interests similar to those of Mississippi-based programs.

Undergraduate students in environmentally oriented majors from the Geneva Lake area, including those studying in Mississippi, can receive support for sophomore, junior, or senior year programs in environmental fields of study. Environmental Education Foundation provides up to US $4,000, generally awarding four scholarships annually, with prior EEF high school winners encouraged to apply.

Students in Mississippi and across the U.S. pursuing degrees in natural resources, environmental education, interpretation, parks and recreation, or environmental studies may be eligible for the Melinda Henning Scholarship. Offered through the Community Foundation of Mahoning Valley, this scholarship supports higher education for future environmental and parks professionals.

High school seniors pursuing environmentally related college studies can receive US $3,000 to support higher education through this scholarship, including students from the Geneva Lake area. Focused on environmental education, Environmental Education Foundation invites applicants planning four-year degrees in fields like environmental engineering, ecological or agricultural sciences, conservation, or environmental education who demonstrate strong academic potential and passion for conservation.

High school students pursuing environmentally focused college degrees can receive up to US $16,000 for tuition and related educational costs through scholarships from the Environmental Education Foundation in the U.S. Those passionate about conservation, environmental protection, or environmental education may be eligible, with renewals requiring strong academic performance and ongoing communication.

Students pursuing agricultural or environmental studies at accredited post-secondary institutions can receive more than US $1,000 in scholarship support, including those from Mississippi. Nebraska Community Foundation’s Butler County Area Foundation Fund offers two annual awards for majors in agriculture or environmental studies, which may benefit students focused on environmental education–related fields.

Mississippi high school seniors planning to study environmental education at the undergraduate level can access funding through the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties to support college costs. Applicants must be seniors at a public or private high school in Martin County with a minimum 3.0 GPA and major in Environmental Studies.

Mississippi students seeking environmental education funding can access scholarship support through Innovia Foundation’s Rika Ream Environmental Scholarship. Eligible applicants must be Spokane County residents enrolled full-time in college for environmental sciences, environmental studies, ecology, recreational management, or land management, and demonstrate financial need with at least a 2.5 GPA; previous recipients may re-apply.

Students pursuing environmental sciences or environmental engineering in accredited U.S. programs may be eligible for this environmental education-focused scholarship, open to graduating seniors from Douglas County high schools. The Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin supports further study in these fields, which may benefit Mississippi programs guiding students into environmental careers.

American Indian and Alaska Native graduate students in public health or environmental science attending accredited U.S. institutions can receive need-based support through the Grace Wall Barreda Memorial Scholarship. With a mission to assist Indigenous scholars, Native Forward Scholars Fund provides awards of US $100 - US $30,000; Mississippi students focused on environmental education may be eligible.

Graduate students, postdocs, and exceptional undergraduates conducting extended field-based environmental or organismal research can receive US $2,000 to cover housing and research supplies at Hastings Natural History Reservation in California. Grants from Natural Reserve System- University of California help Mississippi environmental education researchers and others at accredited institutions fund several months of on-site study.

Undergraduate juniors, seniors, and graduate students studying plant sciences, conservation, environmental sciences, or landscape architecture may be eligible for environmental education support, including students from Mississippi. Focused on higher education access, The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region invites applicants who can demonstrate financial need and meet its residency requirements for the Fort Orange Garden Club Centennial Endowed Scholarship.

High school seniors pursuing environmental sciences or related fields can receive scholarship support for post-secondary education, with preference for marine sciences. Community Foundation of the Lowcountry supports environmental education through the Joseph S. Onisko, Jr. Environmental Sciences Scholarship for eligible students graduating from southern Beaufort County high schools and residing in Beaufort County, SC.

High school seniors pursuing marine biology, environmental sciences, STEM, or education can receive scholarship support for post-secondary study through the Turtle Trackers - Linda Zambelli Family Scholarship Fund in Mississippi. Community Foundation of the Lowcountry supports students with strong academics who are U.S. citizens, residents of Beaufort or Jasper County, and accepted to accredited colleges or universities.

Students pursuing natural resources or environmental education fields in Mississippi can receive scholarship support for full-time study at accredited two- or four-year institutions. With a mission to support higher education in environmental and natural resource disciplines, Community Foundation of Northern Illinois backs studies in areas like ecology, forestry, hydrology, soils, pollution control, and water quality.

Mississippi students with cystic fibrosis pursuing higher education in environmental science can access funding through the United States Adult Cystic Fibrosis Association; awards US $1,000 for education-related costs. The Stenzel Scholarship supports degree-seeking students at U.S. institutions, helping cover tuition, fees, or materials in eligible health and environmental fields.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations offering environmental education or stewardship programs in Mississippi can access funding through the Crawford Taylor Foundation, which supports U.S.-based projects with a preference for the Greater St. Louis area. Eligible projects may also involve parks, public spaces, or broader community development with an environmental focus.

The Arkansas Audubon Society Trust Grants support conservation, research, and education projects focused on Arkansas bird species and their habitats. Established in 1972, the trust offers grants ranging from $100 to $1200, prioritizing projects within the state but considering broader initiatives as well. Eligible applicants include individuals, students, educators, and nonprofits. Proposals are accepted biannually, with meetings held to discuss funding decisions, fostering a community dedicated to avian conservation.

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.

Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation

The Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation began in 1992 when a group of community champions came together around a vision to give back to our region then, now, and forever.

This vision lives on within our organization today as we support the people and places of Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians.

Together with our partners, we spark positive change for a variety of local causes, including youth, arts and culture, education, environment, and health and human services, across our region.

Regional Scholarships

We believe that post-secondary education is key to healthy, resilient, and thriving communities and are pleased to partner with generous community donors to create and offer a variety of scholarship opportunities for local students across the region.

Ragland Bloem Scholarship Fund (Antrim and Kalkaska Counties)

Available to graduating seniors from Antrim or Kalkaska Counties who are planning to pursue education in environmental or related studies.

Scholarships for High School Seniors

Mid-Shore Community Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties, who are planning to attend a college, university, or trade school. In general, scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate academic achievement, community service, financial need, and other criteria specified by the donor.

Kelley Phillips Cox Legacy Scholarship

Awarded to Mid-Shore students, who are planning to pursue degrees in Environmental Science or Marine Biology

About Community Foundation of Henderson County

• Mission: Helping people who care make lasting contributions to causes that matter.
• Vision: Community Foundation of Henderson County is a highly visible, philanthropic leader directed by an engaged and committed board, staffed by qualified employees, empowering donors at all levels to invest in professionally managed charitable funds that address community needs.

Elizabeth DeVilling Environmental Odyssey Scholarship

This scholarship provides support to graduating seniors or graduates of any Henderson County public, private or parochial high school seeking to further their education beyond high school. Recipients of this scholarship must be accepted to an accredited degree granting college or university and be actively pursuing an undergraduate degree in the field of environmental science or a related field. Preference will be given to those who have expressed a desire to pursue work which relates to environmental preservation and/or conservation and have financial need for assistance. Extra-curricular and extra participation in activity relevant to earth sciences/environmental sciences will be given added priority.

Ecolab Foundation

Ecolab Foundation is a philanthropic arm of Ecolab dedicated to advancing community well-being through programs that promote education, environmental stewardship, and public health. Its mission is to create positive social impact by supporting initiatives that strengthen communities and foster sustainable development.

The foundation’s primary areas of engagement include educational programs that enhance learning and workforce readiness, environmental projects that encourage conservation and sustainability, and health-related initiatives that improve hygiene and safety. It focuses on partnerships that deliver measurable benefits and long-term impact.

Ecolab Foundation operates primarily within the United States while also supporting global initiatives aligned with its corporate responsibility goals. Its geographic scope reflects a commitment to addressing local community needs and contributing to broader sustainability efforts.

The foundation collaborates with nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and community-based groups. It prioritizes partnerships that demonstrate strong governance, clear objectives, and alignment with its mission of education, health, and environmental responsibility.

Ecolab Match Program

Ecolab established the Volunteer and Community Relations programs to encourage and reward Ecolab employee and alumni involvement in the communities where people live and work. There are three programs including the Board Leadership Volunteer Grant.

Board Leadership Volunteer Grant

Ecolab will donate up to $500 USD annually to a qualifying 501(c)3 organization (some restrictions apply) for which an eligible person serves on the Board of Directors. 

Focus Areas of Giving

• Youth and Education: programs that promote youth development, particularly for programs that ensure all students are successful
• Civic & Community Development: affordable housing, work readiness, crisis assistance and hunger relief
• Environment & Conservation: hands-on environmental learning programs, environment and conservation organizations
• Arts & Culture: arts education for children and youth as well as support for museums and the performing arts