Best Grants for Visual Artists in Mississippi

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative human services approaches, including those supporting visual arts in Mississippi, can seek invitation-only funding to address social problems. Creag Foundation considers smaller or evolving organizations that propose new ways to tackle existing or previously unaddressed societal issues; interested groups may begin with a letter of inquiry.

Early-stage nonprofit and impact-first social enterprises in Mississippi and beyond can seek funding to scale innovative solutions for underserved communities. Focused on bold, scalable social and environmental impact, Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation offers up to US $300,000 plus intensive capacity-building support for organizations operating in priority regions including the U.S.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits with audited expenses over $2 million that deliver direct social services, including in Mississippi, can seek large grants to expand proven programs addressing chronic poverty and economic hardship. William Randolph Hearst Foundation supports program, capital, and general operations for efforts like affordable housing, food access, job training, youth development, reentry, and legal services, with awards over US $100,000.

Nonprofit organizations working in health, education, or community services in Mississippi can apply for funding that supports food pantries, healthcare access for underserved populations, STEM education, and healthy lifestyle initiatives. Focused on community well-being, the Labcorp Charitable Foundation invites eligible 501(c)(3) groups, including those serving visual artists, to request support during its March and September review cycles.

Nonprofit organizations and educational institutions in underserved Mississippi counties can seek funding to expand arts access and programming in their communities. Focused on arts and culture participation, Mississippi Arts Commission invites schools, libraries, arts councils, and community groups to explore eligible projects and receive outreach support, including visits from program directors to discuss grants and services.

Organizations working on education, children’s health, or family economic stability for low-income urban youth in Mississippi and other eligible areas can seek project or scaling support of more than US $50,000. Michael & Susan Dell Foundation funds nonprofits, social enterprises, schools, governments, and related entities in the U.S., India, and South Africa that meet its mission and location criteria.

Mississippi arts nonprofits and government or tribal arts units seeking professional development for staff or board members can use this grant to build organizational capacity and sustainability. With a mission to advance Southern vitality through the arts, South Arts provides up to US $1,000 for conferences, workshops, travel, and other eligible training expenses for smaller arts organizations.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations conducting charitable, educational, scientific, or medical work in the U.S., including Mississippi, can seek funding to support broad-impact programs. Grants from Sidney Stern Memorial Trust help organizations with strong management and measurable service to their target populations, which may include visual arts nonprofits with qualifying educational or community-focused initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Mississippi seeking support for community-focused programs can apply for Bank of America Foundation sponsorships. Bank of America Foundation supports initiatives such as arts and culture, community development, housing, hunger relief, workforce education, and diversity and inclusion, which may benefit visual arts organizations contributing to local economic and social vitality.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Mississippi and the broader Southern region can seek funding for programs such as education, youth and family services, poverty relief, disaster relief, health, animal welfare, conservation, veterans’ issues, and religious or spiritual work. Robinson Foundation supports single-year, program-focused projects from fiscally responsible organizations operating for more than three years.

Diverse 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Mississippi can seek support for community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding projects. Dudley T Dougherty Foundation provides flexible funding for charitable organizations whose missions advance people, the environment, and respect for life, which may include nonprofits supporting visual artists or arts-related community initiatives.

Nonprofit organizations, public schools, and local government entities near Georgia-Pacific facilities in Mississippi can seek funding for education, community enrichment, environment, entrepreneurship, and arts-related programs. Focused on strengthening GP communities, Georgia-Pacific Foundation invites eligible groups within 30 miles of a GP manufacturing community to propose projects that improve long-term community well-being.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Mississippi located within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office can seek funding for basic needs, youth enrichment, workforce readiness, and domestic violence safety programs. The TJX Foundation supports community-focused initiatives that help vulnerable families and children build better futures; visual arts nonprofits may be eligible if their programs align.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries seeking support for environmental or human services work in Mississippi can apply for Lawrence Foundation grants of US $5,000 - US $10,000. Grants from Lawrence Foundation help visual arts organizations in Mississippi if their programs advance these priorities and need unrestricted operating or project support.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

Mississippi 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in education, social services, health care, civic or cultural programs, or environmental initiatives can access funding through Dr Scholl Foundation for one-year project support. Grants of US $5,000 - US $25,000 are awarded annually, with most funding going to U.S. applicants and a single application allowed per grant year.

The Hansen Family Foundation Grant seeks to empower organizations that uphold the American values of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Focused on diverse causes like children, education, animals, environmental conservation, humanitarian efforts, and arts, the foundation is committed to supporting initiatives that create positive change. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, while political campaigns and organizations with high budgets or overheads are ineligible. This grant fosters impactful contributions to society.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and aligned for-profits can receive more than US $50,000 to create storytelling projects that highlight their preservation, education, or wellness impact. Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation supports initiatives such as environmental conservation, historic preservation, mental health, and education, which may include visual storytelling by Mississippi arts-focused organizations.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

Nonprofit and governmental arts presenting organizations in Mississippi and the broader South Arts region can apply for up to US $1,000 to support staff or guest artists’ professional development travel and training. South Arts funds expenses for conferences, festivals, workshops, exhibitions, and virtual trainings, with a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Mississippi working with underserved youth, families, or community and environmental programs can apply for Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards, offering US $30,000 - US $350,000 for impactful projects. Visual arts nonprofits may be eligible if their programs advance youth development, education, housing, food access, or environmental stewardship.

Nonprofit organizations in Mississippi that lead strong, replicable community partnerships may be eligible for Mutual of America Foundation’s national Community Partnership Award, recognizing collaborations that address significant social issues. Visual arts nonprofits using cross-sector partnerships to strengthen communities can showcase their impact and model for others through this annual U.S. competition.

Nonprofit organizations helping disadvantaged people become self-reliant, including those in Mississippi, can apply for Gupta Family Foundation grants ranging from US $5,000 - US $250,000 to support humanitarian, poverty alleviation, disability, and disaster relief programs. Eligible groups are typically smaller 501(c)(3)s or qualifying foreign entities operating in select countries, including the U.S.

South Arts Inc

Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, South Arts is a nonprofit regional arts organization empowering artists, organizations, and communities, and increasing access to arts and culture.

In partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the State Arts Agencies of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee — with additional funding from other public and private donors such as the Doris Duke Foundation, the Ford Foundation, and Mellon Foundation — South Arts supports artists and organizations through a rich and responsive portfolio of grants, fellowships, and programs. Why? Because South Arts believes that the arts elevate the region, increasing connectedness and inspiring meaningful change in the process.

Our mission: Advancing Southern vitality through the arts.

Arts in Community Grants

Program Description

Arts in Community Grants are designed to support deeper engagements between Southern communities and artists. Through these grants supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, we aim to increase access to the arts, expand audiences for artists, and broaden our reach. Eligible projects require a Southern artist/company visiting another Southern state for public activities, offering access to arts programming by professional artists. Funding supports Southern film directors, traditional artists, visual artists, performing artists, or writers:

• film (documentary, fiction, experimental, and animation),
• traditional arts (music, dance, storytelling, and visual arts/crafts),
• visual arts (crafts, drawing, experimental, painting, photography, sculpture, and mixed media),
• performing arts (theater, music, opera, musical theater, and dance), and
• literary arts (fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry).

Projects require an artist or artist ensemble and a host or partner organization. Project must include at least two in-person or live, virtual public activities – both a public presentation (a film screening, performance, reading, or exhibition) and an educational/community engagement activity (a workshop, demonstration, lecture, facilitated discussion, or master class). The grant requires a dollar-for-dollar cash match.