Best Gulfport Grants for Nonprofits in Mississippi

The Caesars Foundation supports community-focused organizations through monetary and in-kind donations, prioritizing strategic areas like social equity, climate action, and mental health. Eligible applicants include IRS-recognized nonprofits and educational institutions operating within the U.S. Requests must align with these focus areas to enhance community impact. Organizations that discriminate or operate outside the U.S. are ineligible. By fostering collaboration, the foundation aims to uplift vulnerable populations and promote sustainable practices.

The GCCF: Anthony Dartez Endowment Fund Grant supports non-profit organizations enhancing the quality of life for South Mississippi citizens. Established in 1995 in memory of Anthony Dartez, it provides funding for training and educational services for the physically and mentally challenged. With a mission to increase philanthropy, the Gulf Coast Community Foundation has distributed over $90 million to various charitable causes since its inception in 1989, benefiting local grassroots organizations.

The CenterPoint Energy Foundation aims to enhance community vitality through grants supporting affordable housing, environmental education, and workforce development. Focusing on low- to moderate-income populations, the Foundation prioritizes innovative programs that foster community connections and educational opportunities. By investing in both community vitality and education, they strive to create vibrant neighborhoods and empower individuals with the skills needed for success in today's workforce. Their commitment extends across Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio, and Texas.

The Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund provides grants to support communities in the U.S. and Canada where the company operates. Focused on affordable housing, education, environmental stewardship, and more, the fund emphasizes projects that meet local needs and demonstrate community support. Eligible organizations include nonprofits and educational institutions. Applications are accepted year-round with a deadline for 2025 on September 30. National initiatives related to working forests are funded by invitation only.

The Brinker International Charitable Giving Program focuses on giving back to communities through support for kids, hunger, and education. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501c(3) non-profits and submit requests at least six weeks prior to events. The program does not support individuals, political or religious organizations, or explicit discrimination policies. Funding is provided through monetary donations or in-kind contributions like dining certificates.

The Leo W. Seal Innovative Teacher Award, administered by the Gulf Coast Community Foundation, recognizes educators in select Mississippi counties for their innovative teaching projects. Grants of up to $2,000 are awarded to teachers who demonstrate creativity and leadership in enhancing student learning. Eligible applicants are public or private school educators in areas including Forrest, Hancock, and Harrison counties. This initiative aims to support impactful classroom projects that benefit students and improve teaching effectiveness.

The Emeril Lagasse Foundation offers Community Grants aimed at supporting 501c3 non-profit organizations that focus on culinary, nutrition, and arts education, with an emphasis on life skills development. Grants are available to organizations in communities where the foundation operates, including Greater New Orleans, Austin, and Southern California. Eligible applicants must demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity and align with the foundation's vision of empowering youth to reach their full potential.

The Penn National Gaming Foundation Grants support various community initiatives across North America, emphasizing education, health services, and cultural affairs. Launched post-Hurricane Katrina, the foundation aids local nonprofits, enhancing community development, public safety, and veteran support. The grants cater to organizations that address the needs of children, senior citizens, and disadvantaged populations, ensuring a broad impact in areas where Penn National Gaming operates. This commitment reflects the foundation's dedication to uplifting communities and fostering resilience.

The Coast Electric Community Trust Operation Round Up Grant, managed by the Gulf Coast Community Foundation, provides funding for charitable and educational purposes in Hancock, Harrison, and Pearl River counties. Grants of up to $10,000 are available to organizations that align with the Cooperative’s mission. This initiative supports community service, economic development, education, and environmental efforts, enhancing the quality of life for residents in South Mississippi.

The Jack A. & Gertrude W. Wilson Animal Welfare Fund, established by the Gulf Coast Community Foundation, supports local animal welfare programs in Mississippi. It provides grants to public charities that focus on the welfare of companion animals. Eligible organizations must be located in specific counties and can apply for funding for various programs, including spay and neuter initiatives and community education efforts. Grants are limited to 8% for administrative costs.

The Longleaf Landscape Stewardship Fund Grant, managed by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), provides funding for projects aimed at restoring and conserving longleaf pine and bottomland hardwood forests. With approximately $30 million available for 2024, grants range from $250,000 to $3,000,000. This initiative, supported by various federal and private entities, emphasizes the importance of ecological preservation and sustainable land management practices.

The Pat Santucci Education Fund, managed by the Gulf Coast Community Foundation, supports initiatives that enhance public education and assist educators, especially for the physically and mentally challenged, within six counties in South Mississippi. Non-profit organizations that improve the quality of life for local citizens are encouraged to apply. However, funding is not available for capital projects, operating endowments, political activities, individuals, or religious activities.

Mississippi Maternal Health Project

The Women’s Foundation of Mississippi is now accepting grant proposals for the Mississippi Maternal Health Project. We are seeking community-based, equity-centered strategies from nonprofit organizations that have a proven track record in maternal and infant health. These organizations will lead interventions in East Biloxi, Jackson, and Sunflower County, Mississippi. 

Funding Opportunity

WFM intends to award grants ranging from $75,000 to $100,000 each year for projects that will operate over three years. This request for proposals is open to nonprofit organizations located in Mississippi that provide services in East Biloxi, Jackson, and Sunflower County, Mississippi.

Submission Requirements

The Mississippi Maternal Health Project’s goal is to improve maternal and infant health by reducing maternal mortality, infant mortality, and preterm births through expanded access to comprehensive maternal health services and early interventions. 

We are prioritizing projects that clearly demonstrate measurable outcomes in maternal and infant health. These projects should be deeply rooted in the three service areas and trusted by women and families. We aim to serve populations with the greatest racial and geographic disparities. Additionally, we are committed to learning, data collection, and continuous improvement to inform statewide system changes. 

Proposals must address at least one or two of the following outcomes during the three-year grant cycle for consideration: 

• Expanded equitable access to quality care for 1,500 low-income and at-risk women, with at least 75% enrolled in health or support services during the first trimester. 
• Enhanced local capacity with 150 trained providers and sustained collaboration networks among healthcare and community partners. 
• Embed community voice and data-driven learning into statewide systems, culminating in a maternal health sustainability policy plan by 2028

Academy Sports + Outdoors, a leading sporting goods retailer, supports community initiatives by providing donations to registered 501(c)(3) organizations. Their focus is on promoting safety and responsibility in sports and outdoor activities. Proposals must foster community engagement and must not be affiliated with religious or political groups. Events should take place in areas with Academy stores, ensuring a positive local impact while encouraging active lifestyles and connection among community members.

The Ferguson Cares Grant is an essential aspect of Ferguson's Sustainability strategy, focusing on social challenges and community wellbeing. This grant supports nonprofit organizations in the U.S. dedicated to affordable housing, skilled trades workforce development, clean water access, and enhancing local economic quality of life. Ferguson aims to create lasting partnerships that drive positive impact within their operational regions, reflecting their commitment to social responsibility and community support.

Tides Foundation

Tides is a partner for justice in the social sector, working closely with doers and donors to build the power of historically excluded groups who face systemic barriers. We provide fiscal sponsorship, donor advised funds, impact investing, and a variety of grantmaking solutions to advance social justice and equity. 

Through Tides Foundation, we partner with individuals and families, foundations, corporations, and social change leaders to design and deliver social impact initiatives that shift decision-making power back to the communities we serve. Our mission is our North Star — and a beacon for those who share our commitment to social justice. Together, we work to shift resources and power to communities historically denied both, so they can create a just and equitable future.

Voter Mobilization & Civic Innovation Fund

This fund is designed for organizations that are deeply rooted in community, testing bold or emerging strategies, and able to adapt quickly to changing on-the-ground conditions. The Southern Voter Mobilization & Innovation Fund is a 12-36 month, election-cycle investment designed to support organizations that are: 

• Closest to communities facing the most barriers to political participation
• Testing bold, creative, or unproven civic engagement strategies
• Shifting power to local groups participating in civic engagement
• Responding rapidly to on-the-ground conditions during the 2026 midterms 

Tier 1: SPLC Priority Counties  

Vote Your Voice is most interested in boosting turnout amongst communities historically denied voting access. It has identified the following counties as priorities where turnout among sub-demographic groups is below the state-wide average (especially Black men). We intentionally did not include some counties in major metros areas because of our desire to increase voter engagement activity in other parts of the states.  

The Sparklight/Cable One Charitable Giving Fund supports local nonprofits and organizations focused on education, food insecurity, and community development. They prioritize impactful partnerships that strengthen communities. The fund welcomes various funding requests, including special projects and capital campaigns, while adhering to specific eligibility requirements such as tax-exempt status. However, they do not fund basic operating expenses, loans, or religious organizations for general support, ensuring that their contributions foster meaningful community growth.

The John T. & Lois "Sonny" Velkas Child Welfare Fund prioritizes initiatives that enhance the welfare of children in Hancock and Harrison counties. It supports community service, child welfare, education and youth programs, and health and wellness initiatives, aiming for impactful partnerships. Organizations are encouraged to align their proposals with the fund's goals, while noting that lobbying, fundraising events, and administrative costs are ineligible for funding. The fund seeks to foster meaningful community impacts.