Best Plant Grants in Mississippi

Mississippi botanical conservation groups can access funding through the Oak Hill Fund’s Diminished Tree Species Program to restore diminished native tree species via research, seed orchard development, and forest land preservation. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) organizations across the continental U.S., with project-specific requests preferred over general operating support.

About The American Chestnut Foundation:

Our mission is to return the iconic American chestnut to its native range.

Our vision is a robust eastern forest returned to its splendor.

Small Grants Program

Are you looking for funding to support your American chestnut research? External small grants offer recipients a variety of benefits such as professional development and an expanded network. Grant activities contribute to the continuous renewal and development of faculty and staff, to the education and motivation of students, and achievement of our mutual interest — restoration of the American chestnut. This is a small grants program. TACF does not ordinarily fund projects in excess of $10,000.

Tree Research and Education Endowment Fund (TREE Fund)

TREE Fund is a 501(c)3 nonprofit whose mission is to support scientific discovery and dissemination of new knowledge and best practices in the fields of arboriculture and urban forestry.

TREE Fund’s research and education programs shape industry best practices, improve workforce safety and contribute to the long-term sustainability of our communities in the following crucial ways:

• Improving the quality of nursery grown trees and overall tree survival through the development of hardier, drought- and disease-resistant species.
• Stopping diseases and pests while reducing pesticide use with the evolution of integrated pest management programs.
• Enhancing public and workforce safety with advanced tree risk assessment techniques and greater knowledge about why and how trees fail.
• Quantifying the benefits of trees which makes it easier for governments and businesses to project their return on tree care investment.
• Revolutionizing global best practices for growing strong, healthy landscape trees.
• Connecting youth with nature to promote environmental stewardship in the next generation and inspire them to consider careers in green industries.

Lucas Tree Experts Integrated Vegetation Management Endowed Research Fund

Since 1926, John Lucas Tree Expert Co. has worked with investor-owned utilities, electric cooperatives, municipalities, railroads, and pipeline customers throughout the United States and Canada. Innovation has always been a core value, and Lucas remains committed to innovation that makes the industry safer, greener, and more efficient. The Lucas Tree Experts Integrated Vegetation Management Endowed Research Fund is a new endowment fund of Tree Research and Education Endowment (TREE) Fund created to support research in Integrated Vegetation Management in the United States and Canada.

This fund program was created in 2026 to help celebrate Lucas Tree’s 100th anniversary. Lucas Tree’s anniversary marks a century of innovation, safety, and stewardship in utility vegetation management.

Projects are expected to be completed within one to three years. No project may receive more than one award from this program.

Application Requirements can be found here.

Graduate students in biology, horticulture, or related fields conducting conservation horticulture research in the U.S. can receive up to US $4,500 for work at a botanical garden. Grants from Garden Club of America help Mississippi and other U.S. botanical conservation efforts focused on rare and endangered plants, with preference for projects in the Carolinas or Southeast.

Individuals studying or conserving native orchids in North America, including work relevant to Mississippi, can receive US $500 through the Philip Keenan Award. American Orchid Society provides botanical conservation supporters with recognition for significant past and current efforts, making this suitable for students, amateurs, or professionals focused on orchid research or preservation.

The Bureau of Land Management's Plant Conservation and Restoration Program (PCRP) aims to enhance the native seed supply chain, crucial for restoring resilient public lands. By collaborating with various partners, PCRP seeks to improve rangeland health, restore wildlife habitats, and create job opportunities. In 2026, the focus will be on local seed collections, supporting farmers entering the native seed market, and developing innovative technologies to ensure effective restoration outcomes and ecological resilience.

Undergraduate students in plant science or botanical conservation can receive full support to attend the 2025 Botany conference, including travel, lodging, meals, and registration. Focused on botanical careers, Botanical Society of America invites Mississippi and other U.S. undergraduates to join the Botany and Beyond: PLANTS III mentored pathway program for immersive research exposure and networking.

Graduating high school seniors in Mississippi planning to study natural resources conservation, fish and wildlife management, forest management, or similar fields at a 2- or 4-year college may be eligible for this scholarship. With a mission to support conservation-focused education, Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation considers financial need and applicants’ engagement in outdoor sports and conservation values.

Undergraduate and graduate students conducting botany, plant ecology, or other plant-focused research within the Northern California Botanists geographic range can receive US $1,500 research scholarships, even if enrolled outside Mississippi. Northern California Botanists supports independent study, thesis, or dissertation projects, which may interest students and programs focused on plant conservation and ecology.

Students interested in plant-related fields can benefit from the Van Cott Family Memorial Scholarship, which supports environmental and agricultural studies. Focused on higher education in areas like environmental science, horticulture, botany, and forestry, Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains invites eligible graduating seniors to pursue post-secondary degrees that may connect to botanical conservation and plant-focused careers.

Graduate-level plant scientists can receive US $6,000 for plant-based research and outreach through the Botany in Action Fellowship, open to PhD students enrolled at U.S. institutions, including those studying Mississippi ecosystems. Grants from Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens help botanical conservation and sustainable agriculture researchers fund fieldwork, communication training, and public engagement activities.

Students in Mississippi studying plant sciences, conservation, environmental sciences, or landscape architecture can access scholarship funding to support higher education. Focused on botanical and environmental fields, The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region invites financially needy third- or fourth-year undergraduates and current graduate students to apply through its universal scholarship application system.

Students pursuing natural resources or environmental studies in Mississippi and other eligible areas can apply for the Soil and Water Stewardship Scholarship, which supports full-time study in fields like conservation, ecology, forestry, and botany. With a mission to support future conservation professionals, Community Foundation of Northern Illinois provides academic scholarships that may benefit those focused on plant and ecosystem stewardship.

Mississippi environmental nonprofits focused on climate and clean energy or climate education can access funding through the Mayer and Morris Kaplan Foundation for general operations or specific programs. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations working to reduce fossil fuel use or provide scientifically accurate climate change education for youth and young adults may be eligible.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) ministries seeking support for evangelism, leadership development, holistic outreach, media, stewardship, or children and youth programs, including work that may touch plant or environmental contexts in Mississippi, may be eligible. Festus and Helen Stacy Foundation funds specific projects locally in South Florida, nationally, and internationally, primarily in emerging nations.

AFL Community Grants aim to empower education, youth, and life advancement through targeted community support. The program is designed for non-profit organizations, focusing on STEM education, youth development, and the LEAP initiative for adult self-sufficiency. With grant applications opening in 2025, AFL Global seeks to make a lasting impact in communities by addressing their greatest needs and fostering growth through education and development initiatives.

Nonprofit organizations and educational institutions working on food system transformation and farmed animal issues in Mississippi can apply for Stray Dog Institute’s grants, typically US $2,500 - US $10,000, for project or general operating support. U.S.-based 501(c)(3)s or fiscally sponsored groups addressing areas like sustainable agriculture, environmental policy, or food justice may be eligible.

Nonprofits, mission-oriented for-profits, tribal housing entities, and qualified public agencies working on affordable housing innovation can seek US $2,000,000 grants to scale proven solutions nationwide, including Mississippi. Enterprise Community Partners and Wells Fargo support projects in design and construction, finance, or service delivery that expand affordable rental and homeownership options.

Mississippi nonprofits offering nutrition education, food access, or culinary arts training programs can seek support to expand their work. Focused on healthy eating and food awareness, Ann B Zekauskas Family Foundation invites 501(c)(3) organizations, including schools and community groups, to apply for funding that educates students, families, and underserved communities nationwide.

Nonprofit organizations and public institutions working on biodiversity and ecosystem restoration in Mississippi can access funding through the Biophilia Foundation, with typical first-time awards of US $5,000 - US $25,000. Grants support private land conservation, habitat and freshwater restoration, restorative economies, and conservation policy, which may benefit plant and botanical conservation efforts on private lands.

Nonprofits, researchers, and conservation-focused groups in Mississippi and across North America can apply for ecosystem projects funding via W.L. Gore & Associates, typically ranging from US $3,000 - US $20,000. Grants support habitat and ecosystem restoration, biodiversity, conservation, outdoor recreation access, and collaborative stewardship that benefit plants, wildlife, and broader natural systems.

The Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Corridor Community Grants, provided by Keep America Beautiful, aim to empower communities to revitalize and beautify MLK corridors across the U.S. These grants support various projects, including murals, community gardens, and cleanup efforts, contributing to the initiative's goal of beautifying 25,000 communities by 2026. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, local governments, and community organizations, with a focus on sustainable impacts and local engagement.

Non-governmental and nonprofit organizations with climate action projects, including botanical and ecosystem conservation work in Mississippi and other eligible Americas countries, can seek up to US $500,000 to run two-year initiatives. HCL Technologies supports scalable projects advancing Sustainable Development Goals through adaptation, mitigation, resilience, and related environmental strategies.

The Ash Grove Charitable Foundation Grant supports public charities with 501(c)(3) status, focusing on capital projects that enhance community life in states where Ash Grove operates. With a commitment to environmental sustainability, education, and human services, the Foundation prioritizes funding for renovation and construction projects. Grants typically reach up to $25,000, aiming to foster better living standards and support local initiatives that are vital for community growth and resilience.

The Regenerative Agriculture Foundation Grant supports organizations that promote regenerative practices, emphasizing the value of people, plants, animals, and the planet. With a focus on BIPOC-led initiatives, the foundation encourages systemic change in agricultural systems through collaborative funding. Grants are available to U.S.-based organizations that align with RAF's vision and engage in transformative efforts. The competitive grantmaking process is by invitation only, ensuring targeted support for impactful projects.

The KidsGardening Youth Garden Grant supports organizations in the U.S. or U.S. Territories that aim to enhance youth gardening programs. With a focus on underserved communities, the grant provides resources to develop or improve garden projects for youth aged 0-18. This initiative not only promotes educational opportunities but also fosters community engagement through gardening. Recipients receive a variety of supplies, including seeds and gardening tools, to help cultivate sustainable gardening practices.

The Plant America Community Project Grant, offered by the National Garden Clubs, supports initiatives that enhance public spaces and community gardens. Grants of up to $2,000 are available for projects that educate and engage both adults and children in gardening. Since 2017, over 250 grants have been awarded, totaling more than $225,000. Eligible applicants include member clubs, focusing on beautification, restoration, and environmental education.