Best Grants for Preschools in Mississippi

The Norfolk Southern Trades on Track SkillPointe Scholarship offers $5,000 scholarships for students pursuing trades education related to the rail industry. Eligible candidates must be enrolled in a post-secondary institution and focused on railway-related trades. With over 1,000 scholarships funded and a mission to close the skills gap, this initiative empowers individuals towards high-demand careers without requiring a four-year degree, ultimately strengthening the workforce and economy.

Entergy’s Open Grants Program in Mississippi aims to enhance community well-being through support for arts, education, poverty solutions, and health initiatives. The program prioritizes requests from organizations with 501(c)(3) status and local projects that improve public access to the arts and promote self-sufficiency. Funding is not available for utility payments, political activities, or religious organizations. Preference is given to projects serving Entergy's customer areas, ensuring community-focused impact.

The Toy Foundation Program offers a unique opportunity for nonprofit organizations to apply for toy donations to support children in need. The application period runs from January to June, with approved applicants receiving toys by the end of the year. This initiative, part of the Toy Chest program, has positively impacted over 35 million children since 2003, promoting play as essential for emotional and educational development.

The Battlefield Preservation Fund Grant aims to support initiatives that preserve battlefields and related historic sites. This funding encourages planning and educational efforts, particularly those that engage new audiences in preservation activities. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofits in specified states. Grants can be used for staff support, consultant fees, and educational materials. Applicants must provide a one-to-one match for funding, ensuring strong community involvement in preservation efforts.

The Gulf Research Program's Science Policy Fellowship offers an opportunity for scientists to bridge the gap between science and policy, enhancing their skills while benefiting Gulf Coast communities. Over a year, fellows work with various agencies, gaining practical experience at the science-policy interface. This program provides a stipend, health allowance, and professional development support, fostering leadership and capacity building in environmental protection and public health. Eligible candidates include those with advanced degrees in relevant fields, ensuring a diverse, skilled cohort dedicated to impactful research.

The Phil Hardin Foundation Grant aims to enhance educational and life outcomes for children and youth in Mississippi, particularly in Meridian and Lauderdale County. The foundation prioritizes proposals that demonstrate a regional or statewide impact, focusing on areas like early childhood development, literacy, and equitable access to educational resources. It encourages collaboration among educational institutions and community organizations, fostering partnerships to improve educational quality and cultural enrichment across Mississippi.

The JWDDBF: SupportSTEM Grant Program aims to enhance STEM education in K-12 schools in Louisiana and Mississippi by funding innovative curriculum implementation and instructional support. Eligible applicants include K-12 schools, universities, and non-profits with three years of operation. Grants can be requested for amounts up to $20,000, covering essentials like professional development, STEM kits, and ongoing programs. However, funds will not support capital projects or one-time events.

The Ernest Morgan Memorial Scholarship, managed by CommunityGiving, supports central Minnesota student athletes and leaders to pursue higher education outside their home states. This scholarship aims to expand students' horizons and experiences, with a total award of $5,000 available. Open to high school seniors from specific schools, applicants are encouraged to apply online and demonstrate their leadership or athletic skills. This initiative enhances educational opportunities and fosters personal growth among local youth.

The JWDDBF Service Learning Program, administered by the Joe W & Dorothy Dorsett Brown Foundation, supports K-12 schools in Louisiana and Mississippi. This initiative encourages students to engage with their communities through service learning projects that connect academic curriculum with real-world problems. By providing funding, the program enhances students' critical thinking, collaboration, and empathy while fostering positive relationships between schools and communities. The Principal’s Award also incentivizes schools to participate in these enriching experiences.

Mississippi Arts Commission

The Mississippi Arts Commission was established in 1968 by the Mississippi Legislature as the official grants-making and service agency for the arts in the state. MAC provides financial and technical assistance for arts programming to arts organizations and educational institutions throughout Mississippi. Funded annually by the Mississippi Legislature, the National Endowment for the Arts and private funds, MAC uses this support to carry forth its mission and continues to act as a core and essential function of government.

Folk Arts Apprenticeship

The Folk Arts Apprenticeship program helps to ensure the survival, development and continued evolution of community-based traditional art forms found throughout Mississippi. The program allows master traditional artists to pass along their unique skills to promising novice artists that work in their art form. The master artist works with the apprentice on a one-on-one basis over an agreed upon period of time to teach specific aspects of the tradition.

Who is a master artist?

A master artist is a skilled and experienced practitioner of a traditional art form. The master artist acts as a mentor and teacher to the apprentice.

Who is an apprentice?

An apprentice is an emerging traditional artist who has an established skill set and seeks to enhance their knowledge and understanding of their art form through one-on-one instruction.

Many types of traditional artists can benefit from this program. Some examples of artists who have received Apprenticeship grants in the past include boat builders, quilters, old-time fiddlers, traditional potters, basket makers, and blues guitarists. The program is focused on supporting forms of creative expression that have been an important part of community life for many years and that are passed on informally rather than taught through formal classes. Please consult with the Folk and Traditional Arts Program Director to see if your art form qualifies for this program.

MAC also accepts Apprenticeship applications from foodways practitioners. MAC recognizes the creativity and cultural significance of foodways to the history and identity of Mississippians. The program honors foodways artists who make dishes that are directly related to the soil and climate of the state, or to the ethnic and regional heritage of their families or communities. Whether you are frying fish, rolling dough, stuffing tamales or canning figs (or something in between), MAC encourages you to share your expertise by participating in the Apprenticeship program. Before applying, please consult with the Folk and Traditional Arts Program Director to see if your foodways tradition qualifies for this program.

The master artist and apprentice work together to determine the budget for their project. The majority of the grant funds (80 percent or more – $2,400) should be set aside for the master artist’s teaching fee. The remaining amount can be used to purchase supplies (only expendable items, not permanent equipment) and for mileage incurred by the apprentice (this should be estimated using the State of Mississippi’s current mileage reimbursement rate.

Please note: MAC will provide reasonable accommodations for those individuals who are unable to access the online grant system. Paper applications are available upon request at least two weeks ahead of the application deadline.

Folk Arts Apprenticeship Showcase Requirement

Each apprenticeship team that is awarded a grant will be required to participate in MAC’s annual Folk Arts Apprenticeship Showcase near the end of the grant period. This showcase is a public program that highlights the work of the apprenticeship teams. The program has both online and in-person components and is developed in consultation with MAC staff and the participating artists.

The Joe W. and Dorothy Dorsett Brown Foundation's Summer Camp Program aims to support overnight camps for children with special needs, particularly those unable to attend other camps. The program prioritizes STEM education and seeks to mitigate summer learning loss through high-quality instruction and academic enrichment. Only camps located in Louisiana or Mississippi are eligible, and applicants must be non-profit organizations operating for at least three years.

The FY26 Defense Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (DEPSCoR) aims to enhance research capabilities in eligible states by increasing the number of university researchers and institutions conducting relevant science and engineering research. Sponsored by the Department of Defense, this program will fund multiyear awards to promote research aligned with national security needs. Applications require a multi-stage submission process, emphasizing early registration and timely proposal submissions.

The FY26 Defense Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (DEPSCoR) Capacity Building opportunity aims to enhance the capabilities of university researchers in eligible states. Managed by the DoD, this initiative focuses on increasing the number of researchers capable of conducting relevant science and engineering research. The program also seeks to strengthen institutions of higher education and improve their competitiveness for federal research funding, ultimately fostering long-term growth in financial assistance for scientific research.

The Dean William C. Flewellen Jr. Scholarship Fund, established by the Central Alabama Community Foundation in 1987, supports students attending Mississippi State University in the College of Business. This renewable scholarship is available to graduating seniors from specified counties with a minimum 3.0 GPA and an ACT score of 27. The fund exemplifies a commitment to educational advancement and community support, ensuring that local students have access to higher education opportunities.

Lane-Ware Graduate Nursing Scholarship 

Mrs. Irma Brinkley Lane and Dr. Sarah Mazique Ware are retired nurses with greater than 35 years’ experience each. They met in the undergraduate nursing program at Alcorn State University and have worked together and kept in touch over the years. Lane and Ware value community service. They have been, and continue to be, involved in the health promotion and maintenance within their local and regional communities.

In light of the contemporary health care milieu, Lane and Ware also value the mental health of individuals, families, and communities. They recognize the increasing need for clinicians and scholars to embrace the psycho-social needs of others. The mental health impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the growing attention to death and dying are challenges that need the attention of advance practice nurses.

Lane and Ware believe that much is to be known and done about the mental health care climate in our country. Advance practice nurses are in a pivotal position to study and influence the mental health outcomes of those persons impacted by contemporary health crises. Many will be affected for years to come. Lane and Ware created this scholarship to recognize and support advance practice nurses who advocate for the mental well-being of individuals, groups, and families in Mississippi communities.

The Watson-Brown Foundation Grant supports organizations dedicated to preserving the history and culture of the South. It offers various types of grants, including for educational programming and historic preservation, with a focus on southern studies. Eligible recipients include public charities in the southeastern United States. The Foundation's Junior Board of Trustees also awards grants to preservation projects in east central Georgia, emphasizing youth engagement in cultural heritage.

The Dogs for Joy Grant, funded by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, supports the integration of trained facility dogs in pediatric hospitals. These dogs provide emotional support, help children cope with medical procedures, and enhance overall well-being. The program aims to increase the presence of in-residence dogs, as research highlights their positive impact on reducing anxiety and improving patient outcomes. Grants typically cover multi-year funding, promoting innovative animal-assisted therapy approaches in healthcare settings.

The Dunkin' Joyful Spaces Grant supports children's hospitals and community health centers in creating joyful environments for pediatric patients. Launched in 2022, this initiative helps fund play areas, healing gardens, and other kid-friendly spaces, enhancing the hospital experience. Grants typically range from $25,000 to $65,000 annually, with a maximum of $150,000 over three years. This opportunity encourages creativity in designing spaces that provide comfort and joy to children and their families during hospital stays.

The Dunkin’ Prom Grant, provided by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, aims to bring joy to teenage patients unable to attend their own prom due to illness. By funding hospitals to host prom-like events, the program ensures these patients experience this significant milestone. Grants typically range from $20,000 to $50,000, supporting the creation of memorable events with themes, food, entertainment, and formal wear for the teens, making a positive impact in their lives.

The Connecting Joy Grant, provided by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, aims to enhance the hospital experience for children battling illness through engaging gaming programs. This initiative supports children's hospitals and nonprofits by funding equipment, staffing, and connectivity, ensuring children can enjoy gaming at their bedside. With grants ranging from $25,000 to $150,000, the program focuses on offering joy and distraction, helping young patients cope with their hospital stays while facilitating connections with peers.

CSX Charitable Investments provide essential in-kind donations to nonprofit organizations focused on supporting military members and community first responders. Through intermodal transportation services, CSX offers equipment and rail services to help reduce transportation costs for eligible organizations. The program also includes occasional donations of railroad materials and equipment based on availability. CSX prioritizes support for organizations operating within its service areas, promoting community betterment and development.

Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi

The Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi manages 314 donor-established funds and has disbursed over $48 million to support more than 1,000 charitable organizations and activities recommended by its donors, as well as charitable programs established by the foundation. Established in 2002 with a generous grant from the Maddox Foundation, the Community Foundation is an independent 501(c)3 charitable organization. The Foundation serves Bolivar, Coahoma, DeSoto, Leflore, Marshall, Panola, Quitman, Sunflower, Tallahatchie, Tate, Tunica and Yalobusha counties. 

DeSoto County Business Women

The Desoto County Business Women offer a scholarship each year to a female, non-traditional student at the University of Mississippi Desoto Center. The criteria are as follows:

• Desoto County resident
• Business major
• Female senior
• Non-traditional student

The recipient shall be required to attend one DCBW meeting at our expense.

Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi

The Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi manages 314 donor-established funds and has disbursed over $48 million to support more than 1,000 charitable organizations and activities recommended by its donors, as well as charitable programs established by the foundation. Established in 2002 with a generous grant from the Maddox Foundation, the Community Foundation is an independent 501(c)3 charitable organization. The Foundation serves Bolivar, Coahoma, DeSoto, Leflore, Marshall, Panola, Quitman, Sunflower, Tallahatchie, Tate, Tunica and Yalobusha counties. 

Rosa Lee Jennings Scholarship

The Rosa Lee Jennings Scholarship was established by residents of Wesley Meadows Retirement Community to honor the memory of beloved activity director, Rosa Lee Jennings. They conducted fundraisers and began an endowed fund at the Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi.

The scholarship is usually awarded to a high school senior who volunteers at Wesley Meadows.

The Ronald L. Schmied GCFI Scholarship is a travel award supporting graduate students studying marine recreational fisheries. Established in memory of Ron Schmied, a dedicated fisheries biologist, this scholarship aims to assist students in attending the Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute annual meeting. With at least one $1,500 scholarship awarded each year, it covers airfare, lodging, and research-related expenses, fostering the next generation of fishery professionals and promoting engagement in vital discussions within the field.

The U.S. Geological Survey is offering funding for research to assess how variations in geotechnical sediment properties impact geomorphic responses during storms. This initiative aims to enhance predictive models for coastal storm impacts, addressing urgent stakeholder needs highlighted by the damage from Hurricanes Ian and Fiona. Research will support coastal management and energy resource security, aligning with national energy policies and enhancing preparedness for severe weather events.

The Vulcan Materials Company Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community quality of life through education, environmental stewardship, and employee involvement. Established in 1988, the Foundation supports public charities and government units, prioritizing proposals that improve public education and promote sustainable practices. Special consideration is given to initiatives that engage Vulcan employees and integrate multiple focus areas, ensuring a positive impact in the local communities where Vulcan operates.

The Patterson Foundation offers Oral Health Grants to support programs that enhance access to dental care for underserved communities. Eligible 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations can apply for funding up to $35,000 for capacity expansion, $10,000 for personnel support, or $10,000 for program support. The foundation prioritizes projects led by volunteer dental professionals and requires follow-up reports for continued funding. Applications are accepted year-round through a two-step process.