Best Transportation Grants in Mississippi

Norfolk Southern Foundation provides Mississippi transportation students with US $5,000 scholarships for vocational and trade education tied to the rail industry. Individuals enrolled in eligible post-secondary trade, community college, technical, or railway training programs in approved states may use funds for careers such as locomotive engineer, conductor, maintenance, welding, electrical, safety, or heavy equipment operation.

Municipal governments in Mississippi and other eligible Great Lakes and Southern states seeking federal funding for transportation, infrastructure, housing, health, education, workforce, technology, or economic development can apply for the National League of Cities’ free Federal Grant Navigation Program. Cities near or above 6,000 residents receive one-on-one assistance, data support, and peer cohorts to pursue ARPA and IIJA grants.

Mississippi public agencies and tribal governments planning surface transportation infrastructure projects can access funding through the US Department of Transportation’s BUILD program. This grant supports multi-modal, multi-jurisdictional projects with significant local or regional impact across the U.S. and territories, with awards up to US $25,000,000 for eligible public transportation and infrastructure initiatives.

Emergency and medical workers in Mississippi needing help affording behavioral health prescriptions, counseling, psychotherapy, or related transportation can receive up to US $2,000 in copay assistance. Focused on behavioral health support, the Healthwell Foundation invites eligible workers treated in the U.S. to apply; this may ease transportation costs tied to accessing care.

Individuals in the U.S. undergoing treatment for cancer-related behavioral health conditions can receive up to US $2,000 from the Healthwell Foundation to offset prescription copays, counseling, psychotherapy, and related transportation. This national assistance may benefit Mississippi patients facing travel and other cost barriers for behavioral health services tied to their cancer care.

The Smart Growth America Community Connectors Grant Program supports small and mid-sized cities in addressing divisive infrastructure caused by dangerous roads. With funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, this program aims to reconnect communities through temporary street safety projects while fostering skills and partnerships. Eligible teams must represent populations of 50,000 to 500,000 and include both government and community-based organizations. Priority will be given to projects benefiting low-income communities historically affected by disinvestment.

The Area Development Grant Program, managed by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), supports economic growth in Appalachia through investments in critical infrastructure and workforce development. Targeting 423 counties across 13 states, the program encourages local communities to collaborate with state governments to identify and implement impactful projects. Key focus areas include enhancing utilities, promoting entrepreneurship, and strengthening local leadership. This initiative aims to uplift the 26 million residents of Appalachia, fostering sustainable economic opportunities.

Elderly professional blues musicians in Mississippi needing help with transportation, medical care, or basic living expenses can receive emergency assistance through the Pinetop Assistance League. The Pinetop Perkins Foundation provides U.S. artists age 50+ with up to US $500, paying creditors directly for services like rides to appointments, home care, utilities, or burial costs.

Tyson Foods invites sponsorship proposals that reflect its core values and contribute to community welfare, particularly in Springdale, Arkansas, and Dakota Dunes, South Dakota. Proposals should demonstrate clear community benefits, visibility of the event, and outline how funds will be utilized effectively. Organizations are encouraged to apply if they align with Tyson's mission of integrity and stewardship, ensuring that funding can support primary objectives while considering tax-deductible options.

Mississippi transportation and history organizations can access funding through the William G Pomeroy Foundation to install historic markers at publicly accessible canals, bridges, tunnels, railroads, and aircraft sites. Eligible 501(c)(3)s, nonprofit academic institutions, and government entities across the U.S. must document pre-1945 transportation significance with primary sources and clear, contextual inscriptions.

Nonprofit organizations improving public transportation and mass transit in Mississippi can apply for Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund grants of US $5,000 - US $10,000. Grants support mobility, environmental conservation, and people-focused initiatives, and may benefit transit, safety, education, and community health projects that keep society moving forward.

Mississippi students majoring in transportation technology and continuing their studies next semester can receive scholarship support for higher education costs. Austin Community Foundation’s Eugene Frank Sommerlatte Endowment Fund offers US $3,000 awards to individuals in the U.S. who demonstrate financial need, academic achievement, and leadership with community involvement, which may benefit future public transportation and mass transit careers.

Nonprofit and research organizations improving public transportation and infrastructure in Mississippi and across the U.S. can seek funding for transportation policy research, data, and reform projects. With a mission to improve systems through evidence-based solutions, Arnold Ventures provides support for studies, policy development, and implementation models on cost, access, governance, and project delivery, with awards up to US $200,000.

Transportation agencies and local governments working on road safety, public transit, and pedestrian or bike infrastructure in Mississippi can seek competitive funding to plan or demonstrate safety action plans. The Oregon Department of Forestry supports planning and demonstration projects that prevent deaths and serious injuries for all roadway users through the federal Safe Streets and Roads for All program, with awards from US $100,000 - US $5,000,000.

Local and regional governments and other eligible entities seeking to implement roadway safety projects in Mississippi and across the U.S. can apply for the Safe Streets and Roads for All Implementation Grants, awarding US $2,500,000 - US $25,000,000 for infrastructure, planning, and operational initiatives. Administered under the SS4A program, these competitive grants support safer streets for all roadway users.

Public agencies and transportation entities in Mississippi seeking to deploy advanced transportation technologies can apply for the ATTAIN Competitive Grant Program, which offers up to US $12,000,000 to improve safety, mobility, and system performance. DOT Federal Highway Administration supports projects that enhance public transit, congestion management, and other core transportation infrastructure nationwide, including Mississippi.

The GM Corporate Giving Grants support U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations focused on STEM education and transportation initiatives. Applications are accepted from January to September, with a requirement to submit requests at least three months before the program’s start date. GM emphasizes charitable contributions in the communities where it operates, ensuring that organizations align with its values. The grant amount is not limited and is assessed based on the proposed program's merit and needs.

The FY26 Bus Safety, Accessibility, and Innovation Notice of Funding Opportunity offers up to $10 million for innovative projects aimed at enhancing bus safety and accessibility. Administered by the Federal Transit Administration, this competitive grant invites applications for the development of concepts that improve safety for operators and vulnerable road users, ensuring that public transportation is safer and more accessible for all passengers.

The PROTECT Competitive Grant Program aims to enhance the resilience of surface transportation systems, including highways and public transit, through innovative projects. With up to $787 million available from FYs 2024-2026, the program focuses on protecting transportation assets and communities, ensuring they can withstand challenges and recover quickly. This initiative also emphasizes the importance of coastal and natural infrastructure in safeguarding transportation networks. More details can be found in the full NOFO on Grants.gov.

AARP Foundation

AARP Foundation strengthens financial resilience for and with older adults by empowering individuals and improving systems.

AARP empowers people to choose how they live as they age. There are 125 million Americans who are 50 or older, and people want their money, health and happiness to last as long as they do. We are a wise friend and fierce defender, focusing on the priorities of older Americans.

Purpose Prize® from AARP

Honoring extraordinary people 50-plus who put their purpose into action.

Purpose is a powerful force for good. The Purpose Prize from AARP honors extraordinary older Americans who put their purpose into action to support AARP’s mission of empowering people to choose how they live as they age. Winners receive $75,000 and a year of organizational support from AARP to grow the impact of their nonprofits. Examples of organizational support include data and evaluation, governance and succession planning, fundraising strategy, and prospectus development.

The Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day Mini-Grant supports events that honor civil rights activist Ruby Bridges by encouraging students to walk to school and engage in discussions about activism, anti-racism, and anti-bullying. Grants of $500 or $1000 are available based on the number of students reached. This initiative aims to inspire positive changes within communities and promote meaningful dialogue among young people about social justice issues.

The Banfield Foundation's Disaster Relief Grants support nonprofit animal welfare organizations and government agencies affected by natural disasters. Since 2015, the foundation has provided resources to help pets in crisis, including medical supplies, food, and temporary shelter. Grants are also available for organizations assisting those impacted by disasters. Eligible applicants must have 501(c)(3) status and directly help animals and their owners in the U.S., ensuring that pets receive the care they need during emergencies.

The PEDIGREE Foundation offers Program Development Grants aimed at enhancing dog adoption rates by supporting shelters and rescues across the U.S. Established in 2008, the foundation prioritizes initiatives such as transport, matching, and foster programs. Funding is available to 501(c)(3) designated organizations committed to improving the quality of care for dogs and ultimately increasing their chances of adoption, ensuring that every dog finds a loving home.

The Petco Foundation offers grants aimed at animal welfare organizations, focusing on enhancing adoption and medical care initiatives. With a commitment to lifesaving programs, they invest in organizations that demonstrate accountability and significant impact in their communities. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations, municipal agencies, and SPCA/humane societies that provide sheltering services. The grant cycle allows for one proposal submission per year, ensuring support for those dedicated to improving the welfare of companion animals.

The Jason Debus Heigl Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations dedicated to animal welfare in the U.S. It aims to maximize the benefit to animals through education, spay and neuter initiatives, and positive advocacy. The foundation focuses on impactful programs, encouraging grants that align with their mission to end animal overpopulation and cruelty. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits, while individuals and political lobbying efforts are excluded from funding.