Best Grants for Minorities in Mississippi

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Mississippi that support children, youth, education, or health and human services can seek monetary program funding through Costco Foundation. Grants may benefit groups serving minority communities when they address documented local needs, show measurable outcomes, collaborate with partners, and demonstrate a broad base of financial support and clear project budgets.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations developing innovative human and social services programs, including those serving minority communities in Mississippi, can seek support for new approaches to social problems. Creag Foundation considers invited proposals from smaller or evolving organizations that have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and are addressing existing or previously unaddressed societal issues.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving youth with education, health, development, or welfare programs in Mississippi and beyond can seek funding for direct services and enrichment. The Dan Paul Foundation supports initiatives such as early childhood development, child advocacy, homelessness and poverty relief, refugee enrichment, and environmental education, with awards up to US $15,000 that may benefit minority communities.

Early-stage independent nonprofits and impact-first, mission-driven for-profits tackling major social or environmental challenges can receive up to US $300,000 plus intensive capacity-building support from Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation. Organizations in Mississippi and beyond serving underserved or marginalized communities, with scalable, data-driven models and plans to reach at least 10,000 people, may be competitive.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

Educational institutions, government programs, and eligible 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations in Mississippi can seek funding for safety, education, and community development initiatives. Grants from State Farm Companies Foundation help U.S. communities with auto and home safety, disaster preparedness and recovery, affordable housing, job training, financial literacy, food insecurity, and K–16 education pathways.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) cultural institutions serving Mississippi communities can apply for William Randolph Hearst Foundation’s Culture Grant, with awards of More than US $100,000 for arts and science programming. Funding supports program, capital, and limited general or endowment needs, especially arts education, STEAM initiatives, and artist development that benefit large, diverse populations, including minority communities.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

Nonprofit organizations focused on health, education, or community services in Mississippi can apply for funding to expand equitable care and learning opportunities. Focused on healthcare access, food assistance, STEM education, and healthy lifestyles, Labcorp Charitable Foundation invites U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations serving minority and underserved communities to request support, with reviews held in March and September.

Nonprofits, social enterprises, schools, and public entities working on education, children’s health, or family economic stability for low-income urban youth in Mississippi and other eligible areas can seek project or scale-up support from the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation; awards are more than US $50,000 and must not exceed set budget percentages.

Nonprofit charities running humanitarian, educational, environmental, or arts initiatives can seek philanthropic support for high-quality projects in Mississippi and worldwide. Grants from La Roche help accredited charities deliver sustainable development, youth science education, community and environmental projects, and contemporary arts programs, which may include services or opportunities benefiting minority communities.

Mississippi organizations serving marginalized and minority communities through health, education, or humanitarian programs can access funding through Semnani Family Foundation. The foundation supports initiatives such as healthcare access, disaster relief, child and women’s health, literacy, and social services. U.S.-based work is part of its broader global focus on vulnerable populations.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving minority communities in Mississippi can use this funding for charitable, educational, scientific, or medical programs within the U.S. Grants from Sidney Stern Memorial Trust help soundly managed groups expand services that significantly benefit their target populations and contribute to general welfare, including equity-focused initiatives for racial and ethnic minorities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Mississippi can seek sponsorship support for programs advancing economic mobility, basic needs, workforce development, and community development. Bank of America Foundation also considers arts, culture, environment, sports, and diversity and inclusion initiatives, which may benefit groups serving minority communities and low- to moderate-income residents.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Mississippi working on community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding can apply for support through the Dudley T Dougherty Foundation. The foundation’s broad, inclusive mission means groups serving minority communities may be eligible for funding to advance equity, protect the environment, and strengthen local communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and qualified local government entities can seek funding for education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental programs in Mississippi communities near Georgia-Pacific facilities. Focused on strengthening GP communities, the Georgia-Pacific Foundation invites organizations within 30 miles of a GP manufacturing community to apply; minority-serving programs may be eligible.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Mississippi located within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office can seek funding for basic needs, youth enrichment, workforce readiness, and domestic violence safety programs. The TJX Foundation supports efforts that help vulnerable families and children, including minority communities, build better futures through targeted services and opportunities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries in Mississippi and nationwide can seek unrestricted funding for environmental and human services programs, including work serving minority communities. Grants from Lawrence Foundation help support general operating or project costs, with typical awards ranging from US $5,000 - US $10,000 and reasonable indirect costs allowed.

IRS-qualified nonprofit organizations in Mississippi can seek funding for community programs, education, arts, health facilities, environmental conservation, and services for youth, seniors, and people with disabilities. The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers US $1,000 - US $20,000 to U.S.-based groups, which may include organizations serving minority communities.

With a mission to strengthen communities, Ameriprise Financial provides Mississippi nonprofits addressing basic needs, community vitality, or volunteer-driven causes with competitive community grants. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations must serve clients in the U.S., show measurable outcomes and financial stability, and may be especially competitive if they engage Ameriprise volunteers or serve priority employee-center regions.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

With a mission to advance life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, Hansen Family Foundation provides Mississippi and other U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits with US $1,000 - US $10,000 for children’s services, education, humanitarian aid, animals, environment, and arts and culture. Minority-serving organizations that meet size and overhead limits may be competitive.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and aligned for-profits in Mississippi can seek funding to tell powerful stories about their work in preservation, education, or wellness. Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation’s Storytelling Grant supports communications that highlight impacts like environmental conservation, historic preservation, mental health, early education, and outdoor access, which may benefit groups serving minority communities.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving underserved and underrepresented communities through economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, or disaster relief may be eligible for project, operating, or capital support, including in Mississippi. O'Reilly Automotive Foundation supports programs addressing hunger, homelessness, poverty, mental health, literacy, job readiness, and related services that benefit local communities and do not discriminate.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Mississippi serving youth, families, or communities can apply for Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards, with grants of US $30,000 - US $350,000 for programs in education, housing, food security, and environmental stewardship. Organizations supporting minority communities may be especially well-positioned for this opportunity.

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.

Neighborhood Power Grant 

The VYV Neighborhood Power grant entails a swift and concentrated allocation of resources to a designated geographic area to attain immediate, quantifiable outcomes within that specific area before or immediately following a pivotal date.  

The grant is designed to be a short cycle, rapid response investments in esteemed neighborhood-based organizations and leaders who mobilize civic participation within a defined local footprint. These grants support small teams collaborating closely with the community to enhance turnout and engagement around pivotal civic events.  

The tiered structure ensures a “right need, right time” approach by matching funding to an organization’s specific capacity and geographic footprint. 

Tier 1: Surgical Focus

• The Target: Small, grassroots organizations or neighborhood civic associations. 
• The Logic: This is laser-focused on SPLC-priority precincts. These are majority-minority areas where voters of color have lower-than-average turnout and face structural barriers. 
• The Footprint: Designed for a highly localized reach of approximately 2,000 to 5,000 voters.