Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits in Mississippi

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations seeking funding for youth health, education, development, or welfare initiatives can apply for support, including professional development activities, in Mississippi and beyond. The Dan Paul Foundation supports workshops, conferences, and seminars for parents and teachers, as well as programs addressing child advocacy, homelessness, poverty, environmental responsibility, and refugee enrichment, with awards up to US $15,000.

Nonprofits and NGOs using technology to tackle education, crisis response, economic empowerment, or climate resilience challenges in Mississippi and beyond can seek Global Impact Cash Grants. Grants from Cisco Systems Foundation help organizations serving mostly economically underserved communities scale innovative, tech-enabled programs, with awards up to US $100,000 available year-round following an LOI process.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

Nonprofits and social enterprises working on education, health, or family economic stability for urban low-income children and youth in Mississippi may be eligible for project or scale-up support of more than US $50,000. Michael & Susan Dell Foundation funds organizations with a U.S. TIN whose work fits its priorities in the U.S., India, and South Africa.

Mississippi 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking professional development support can access funding and training to strengthen internal systems and organizational management. Focused on nonprofit growth and development, Community Foundation for Mississippi invites eligible organizations in its service area to request mini-grants for courses, workshops, or vetted consultants in areas like governance, fundraising, evaluation, and staff development.

Mississippi arts nonprofits and government or tribal arts agencies 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 travel, registration, consultants, and other first-time training expenses, with a required dollar-for-dollar cash match.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

Established 501(c)(3) nonprofits in west Tennessee, northern Mississippi, and eastern Arkansas can apply for approximately US $15,000 from the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis to fund one-time capacity building projects like evaluation, training, planning, or technology upgrades. Awards require a dollar-for-dollar cash match and must align with the organization’s strategic plan and LIVEGIVEmidsouth.org profile.

Diverse 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in Mississippi seeking support for community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding projects can apply for grants from the Dudley T Dougherty Foundation. This national funder provides flexible program funding that may also help nonprofits strengthen staff skills and organizational capacity as part of broader mission-driven work.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

Mississippi 501(c)(3) arts nonprofits and local government units can access matching mini-grants for professional development, capacity building, and hiring professional artists. With a mission to strengthen arts organizations, Mississippi Arts Commission provides support for conferences, consultants, curriculum development, and projects that expand arts education and access, including in underserved and rural communities across Mississippi. Awards range from US $200 - US $1,000.

Nonprofit organizations providing community development, education, health, or social services in DeSoto County, Mississippi can apply for support from The Assisi Foundation of Memphis. The foundation provides funding for programs and projects across health and human services, lifelong learning, social justice, cultural enrichment, and community enhancement within its Mid-South service area.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

Individual writers and literary arts nonprofits in Mississippi can seek funding for creative projects, community engagement, or professional development in contemporary writing. South Arts supports poetry, fiction, drama, creative nonfiction, and young readers’ literature, with awards up to US $5,000 for Southern residents and organizations based in its nine-state region.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Mississippi working on basic needs, community vitality, or volunteer-driven programs can seek Ameriprise Community Grants for operating or program support. With a mission to strengthen communities, Ameriprise Financial provides U.S. nonprofits with funding that prioritizes hunger relief, housing and homelessness, economic development, arts access, and adult self-sufficiency initiatives.

Mississippi 501(c)(3) arts organizations can use this grant for general operating expenses such as salaries, rent, marketing, insurance, and artistic fees. Focused on strengthening arts-based community development, arts industry, and folk and traditional arts, the Mississippi Arts Commission supports core institutions that provide public arts programming and build organizational capacity across the state.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations improving economic stability, workforce readiness, health, and disaster relief in Mississippi communities where O’Reilly Auto Parts operates may be eligible for project, operating, or capital support. O'Reilly Automotive Foundation supports programs serving underserved and underrepresented people, including hunger, homelessness, literacy, early childhood development, mental health, and domestic violence services across the U.S.

Nonprofit and governmental arts presenting organizations in Mississippi and the broader South Arts region can receive up to US $1,000 to support staff and guest artists’ professional development travel and training. South Arts funds conferences, festivals, workshops, virtual trainings, and planning visits, and encourages applications from and involving BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and disability-led or -serving organizations.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

Mississippi public agencies and 501(c)(3) or other nonprofit organizations preserving battlefields, viewsheds, and related historic structures can access funding through the National Trust for Historic Preservation; awards US $2,500 - US $10,000 support planning and preservation education. Eligible uses include professional expertise, organizational capacity building, and innovative public outreach to advance preservation efforts.

Rural public entities and nonprofit organizations in Mississippi can obtain funding to provide technical assistance, training, and infrastructure support for small rural businesses through USDA Rural Development. Grants from US $10,000 - US $500,000 can support activities like business counseling, leadership and entrepreneur training, feasibility studies, rural business incubators, and long-term strategic planning that may strengthen nonprofit professional capacity.

Nonprofit organizations helping disadvantaged people become self-reliant may be eligible for US $5,000 - US $250,000 to support social services, poverty alleviation, disability care, or humanitarian relief. Grants from Gupta Family Foundation help Mississippi and other eligible locations strengthen smaller, founder-led organizations with high impact and minimal overhead, including those addressing disaster relief and broad human and social services needs.