Best Grants for Charter Schools in Mississippi

Mississippi K–12 public schools and 501(c)(3) public charities can seek funding for education, STEM, and environmental stewardship projects that enhance student learning and community quality of life. Vulcan Materials Company Foundation prioritizes programs in communities where its employees live and work, including initiatives that connect math and science to real-world applications and encourage employee involvement.

About the Community Foundation for Mississippi

We Are Better Together. We Are Mississippi.

Mississippi is one of the most charitable states in the nation. Our state is full of generous people who want their communities to be great places to live. Helping communities harness their philanthropic potential is what we do. We work alongside community leaders, philanthropists, and community partners to make meaningful and lasting change in our state. Because, truly, we are better together.

Friends of Andrew Bucci Fund: Art Supply Grant

The Friends of Andrew Bucci Fund’s 2026 Art Supply Grant cycle is now open. Mississippi art teachers may apply for grants of up to $500 to purchase supplies that support visual arts instruction for students in pre-K through 12th grade.

The fund was created to honor the memory of Andrew Bucci, one of Mississippi’s most celebrated visual artists. Grants help teachers provide hands-on opportunities for students to create and explore art using supplies such as paper, paint, paintbrushes, pencils, markers and clay.

K-12 schools, colleges, universities, and nonprofits in Mississippi and Louisiana can apply for the Brown Foundation’s SupportSTEM grants, with awards up to US $30,000 for curriculum implementation and STEM instruction support. Charter schools in Mississippi may be eligible for professional development, STEM kits, equipment, materials, conferences, transportation, and ongoing STEM programs that enrich K-12 curriculum.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW)

Our Mission: Empower Students to Thrive in an Evolving World

Our Philosophy for Education: We believe all students – beginning at a young age – need access to real-world, applied learning experiences that empower them to gain the skills they need to thrive in college, career, and beyond.

We believe teachers play an immeasurable role in empowering students, and our programs provide teachers with the support and resources they need to devote more time to inspiring students.

PLTW Engineering - New Program In Partnership With Ardagh Group

Ardagh Group has partnered with PLTW to support education in its local communities where Ardagh employees live and work. This partnership recognizes the critical role education, and access to education, plays in ensuring equal opportunities and in building successful, vibrant communities. It is expected that over the next 10 years, Ardagh sponsored education programs will benefit more than 500,000 PreK-12 students as well as delivering best-in-class teacher training to more than 5,000 teachers across 2,000 schools in Ardagh's U.S. communities.

Ardagh is a global supplier of sustainable packaging solutions with 16,000+ employees worldwide, and proud local employer.

Program Requirements

The purpose of this grant is to assist the grantee's implementation of the PLTW Engineering program. Grantee must offer the PLTW Engineering program for three academic years. Grantee must offer at least one PLTW Engineering course in the 2027-2028 academic year and must offer one additional course in the 2028-2029 academic year (two different courses in two years). Grantee may implement any PLTW Engineering courses of their choosing. Grantee must complete three years of grant reporting.

K-12 schools in Mississippi can receive funding for classroom-based service learning projects that connect curriculum to real community needs. The Joe W & Dorothy Dorsett Brown Foundation, in collaboration with STEM Library Lab, supports projects in any subject area that follow NYLC service learning standards and include partnerships with service organizations.

Mississippi K–12 Catholic school educators seeking graduate-level leadership training can access funding through Catholic Extension to join Loyola Marymount University’s Catholic School Leadership Academy. The one-year online certificate in Catholic School Administration builds mission effectiveness, operational management, and instructional leadership skills, with participants committing to two years of service and implementing a strategic school-improvement project.

Charter schools, other K–12 schools, libraries, colleges, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Mississippi can seek up to US $10,000 to support comprehensive family literacy programs, including adult education, children’s education, and parent–child learning time. Dollar General Literacy Foundation supports K–12 education and literacy initiatives for organizations within 15 miles of its stores.

Charter schools and K-12 education nonprofits in Mississippi offering services to children and families may be eligible for one-year grants supporting education, family services, and related needs. Focused on community well-being, MGM Resorts Foundation invites organizations serving MGM employee communities to apply for funding in areas like K-12 education, housing stability, food security, and health.

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.

Middle and high school science teachers in Mississippi and other U.S. locations can receive up to US $3,000 to improve chemical safety in their classrooms and labs. The American Chemical Society funds curriculum integration of safety, professional development, and infrastructure upgrades, which may benefit charter schools focused on stronger K-12 science safety practices.

Full-time preK–12 teachers designing their own professional learning experiences can use this fellowship to deepen instructional practice and impact student achievement, including those in Mississippi charter schools. With a mission to support teacher-led growth, Fund For Teachers provides U.S. educators with funding for individualized fellowships that translate into stronger classrooms and school communities.

K-12 teachers and youth educators in Mississippi can seek funding for insect-focused science projects and classroom activities. Entomological Society of America supports K-12 education by backing creative insect science programs, covering supplies, services, travel, and educator time, with awards up to US $2,500 across micro, regular, and large grant tiers.

Mississippi K–12 agricultural education programs run through county or state Farm Bureaus can seek funding to start or expand ongoing ag literacy projects. Focused on agricultural education, the American Farm Bureau Federation invites Farm Bureaus nationwide, including Mississippi, to apply for up to US $1,000 to build reusable educational resources and capacity.

Mississippi K–12 education organizations and schools developing STEM and biomedical science programs can access funding through the National Institutes of Health’s SEPA program to create innovative classroom or informal learning projects. Eligible initiatives include pre-K–12 curriculum, teacher support, and out-of-school STEM experiences that build quantitative and computational skills for pre-college students.

K–12 educators in Mississippi seeking agricultural literacy materials can apply for the Christina Sue Lilja Resource Grants, which provide US $100 in credit to purchase resources from the AFBFA store. With a mission to support agricultural education, American Farm Bureau Federation helps teachers bring accurate agriculture content into their classrooms; charter school educators may be eligible.

Nonprofit organizations providing K-12 education for Native American children living on reservations can apply for approximately US $77,000 in program support from the Ruth Danley and William Enoch Moore Fund. With a mission to advance charitable and educational purposes, it favors year-round, direct-service programs with measurable outcomes, which may benefit charter-related initiatives connected to Mississippi communities.

Mississippi higher-education faculty who mentor future K–12 and physical education professionals can be recognized for exemplary guidance, role modeling, and student engagement through SHAPE America’s Mentor of the Year Award. Eligible nominees must be current SHAPE America members for at least three years and full-time faculty, nominated by their chair, dean, supervisor, colleagues, or students.

Mississippi K–12 education organizations and youth programs can seek support for bluegrass music education initiatives serving students 21 and under. The Ibma Foundation provides flexible funding through the Bill Breen Bluegrass Youth Education Fund to help young people experience, learn, and play bluegrass, which may benefit charter schools integrating music into their curricula.

Charter schools and K–12 education nonprofits in Mississippi working on youth education, workforce development, or basic needs may be eligible for community grants supporting program delivery. Grants from OneAmerica Financial help organizations nationwide, with emphasis on Indianapolis and Maine, improve financial literacy, academic outcomes, food security, housing stability, and social service capacity.

Current SHAPE America members in Mississippi and nationwide can receive US $1,000 to support projects that expand opportunities for girls and women in sports, including K–12 and after-school programs. The Society of Health and Physical Educators’ NAGWS Legacy Award can help charter school staff fund research, leadership development, or new sports initiatives for female students.

With a mission to advance health and physical education, Society of Health and Physical Educators provides Mississippi K-12 educators and researchers with recognition for lifetime scholarly achievement in measurement and evaluation. Charter school professionals who are SHAPE America members and have a substantial, influential research record in this field may be nominated.

The Measurement and Evaluation Honor Award recognizes exceptional contributions by a SHAPE America professional towards the Measurement and Evaluation SIG's mission. This prestigious accolade celebrates those who advance health and physical education practices, inspiring educators to enhance student well-being. Eligibility requires current membership in SHAPE America and the Measurement and Evaluation SIG, ensuring that only dedicated professionals are honored. This award embodies the commitment to fostering excellence in educational environments, ultimately aiming to prepare all children to lead active, healthy lives.

The Measurement and Evaluation Graduate Student Award, offered by SHAPE America, aims to support graduate students specializing in psychomotor measurement and evaluation. This scholarship assists with professional expenses, ensuring candidates can focus on their studies. Eligible applicants must be current SHAPE America members and pursuing relevant master's or doctoral degrees. The award prioritizes those who have completed their first year of study, promoting excellence in health and physical education across the U.S.

The C4O Organizing Grant, offered by the National Education Association Staff Organization, supports collaborative strategic organizing projects. It provides resources for training, coaching, and workshops aimed at enhancing member engagement and addressing equity in education. Eligible projects include those that align with NEA Strategic Goals, fostering leadership among members on critical issues affecting their practice. This grant aims to empower educators and improve opportunities for all students.

The NEA Professional Excellence Grants aim to empower state and local affiliates by providing funding for innovative practices and resources that enhance the education profession. These grants support initiatives focused on student success, professional development, and the establishment of a quality educator workforce. Typical funding ranges from $3,000 to $25,000, enabling affiliates to implement programs that address specific learning needs and foster community partnerships.

The Local President Release Grant, offered by the National Education Association, aims to support local associations by providing financial assistance for the release of local presidents. This program facilitates critical leadership work, professional development, and member engagement within the community. Eligible local associations, including those offering part-time release, can apply to enhance their capacity without compromising existing programs. The initiative ultimately strengthens the effectiveness of local associations in achieving NEA's strategic priorities.

The NCUEA-NEA Urban Grants, funded by the National Education Association Staff Organization, aim to enhance membership growth through focused organizing proposals. These grants specifically support initiatives that promote density growth, bargaining readiness, and the development of new units. By prioritizing these areas, the program seeks to strengthen collective action and empower educators in their bargaining efforts.