Best Grants for Preschools in Mississippi

The Agricultural Conservation Easement Program in Mississippi, managed by the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service, promotes environmental sustainability through Wetland Reserve Easements. This program supports migratory waterfowl and other wildlife, enhances water quality, and combats climate change. Eligible landowners can receive 100% funding for permanent easements and partial funding for restoration. These efforts not only protect biodiversity but also offer opportunities for scientific and recreational activities, ensuring the preservation of valuable wetland ecosystems.

The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) in Mississippi, administered by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, offers agricultural producers the opportunity to enhance their conservation practices and earn payments based on performance. By developing tailored conservation plans, the program supports landowners in achieving sustainable management goals, improving productivity, and increasing resilience against market and environmental challenges. Participants benefit from additional payments for adopting innovative practices that contribute to healthier ecosystems and land management.

The Dean William C. Flewellen Jr. Scholarship Fund, established by the Central Alabama Community Foundation in 1987, supports students attending Mississippi State University in the College of Business. This renewable scholarship is available to graduating seniors from specified counties with a minimum 3.0 GPA and an ACT score of 27. The fund exemplifies a commitment to educational advancement and community support, ensuring that local students have access to higher education opportunities.

About the Mississippi Humanities Council

The Mississippi Humanities Council is a private nonprofit corporation funded by Congress through the National Endowment for the Humanities to provide public programs in traditional liberal arts disciplines to serve nonprofit groups in Mississippi. The humanities are the study of history, literature, religion, languages, philosophy, and culture

Mission Statement

The Mississippi Humanities Council creates opportunities for Mississippians to learn about themselves and the larger world and enriches communities through civil conversations about our history and culture.

Mississippi Stories Grants

The Mississippi Stories Grant program, supported by the Mississippi Legislature and the Mississippi Department of Archives & History, is designed to help Mississippians share the stories that matter most to them and their communities. The Mississippi Stories program is rooted in the idea that some of our most meaningful history is found in the voices and lived experiences of everyday people.

This new grant program will support community projects to collect and share first-hand accounts of the lives, histories, and experiences of Mississippians. While such projects may include traditional oral history initiatives that will be professionally archived, these grants will also support Mississippi story-based projects that result in museum exhibits, online exhibits, podcasts, documentary films, or other media. While interviews remain central, the Mississippi Stories Grant encourages creative ways to bring these stories to life and make them accessible to the public.

By “Mississippi stories,” we mean personal narratives grounded in first-hand testimony and individual perspective, rather than interpretations or retellings of someone else’s experiences or history.

The Queer Mobilization Fund (QMF) supports community-led projects that advance Queer and Trans liberation, particularly for BIPOC individuals in the Southeastern US. Established in 2016, QMF prioritizes grassroots organizations with budgets under $300,000. The fund emphasizes rapid response funding and capacity building, aiming to empower marginalized communities often excluded from financial support. QMF does not fund groups outside the Southeast or for-profit activities, ensuring resources are directed towards those leading efforts for LGBTQ+ rights.

National Geographic Society: Request for Proposals

Award Overview

The National Geographic Society (NGS) is pleased to announce a Request for Proposals (RFP) for academic researchers and graduate students investigating topics related to geography education in select states and locations. Awards of up to $10,000 (for researchers) and $5,000 (for graduate students) are available to support research projects.

At NGS we spark curiosity, empower exploration, and inspire change. We fund inspiring changemakers around the world who use the power of science, exploration, education and storytelling to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world. 

We welcome submissions from researchers across disciplines but successful proposals must include research related to educational approaches or processes including but not limited to specific learning activities, learning outcomes, or educational tools that advance knowledge. Research that illuminates barriers and/or advances access for those farthest from opportunity is encouraged. 

Research proposals should generate new knowledge, and can either be new or scaled up versions of existing successful projects (e.g. evaluating a different group of learners or geographic area). 

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 2: Context-Dependent Areas

While we have identified priority counties based on data and historic investment patterns (Tier 1), we remain open to proposals serving other counties within the five Southern states.  

For work proposed outside of previously identified priority areas, we invite applicants to share:  

• Why this geography is urgent or strategically important at this moment 
• What gaps or opportunities exist that may not be reflected in traditional metrics 
• How this work complements- not duplicates of existing investments 

Friends of NRA

Friends of NRA is the National Rifle Association’s premier fundraising program, supporting the future of shooting sports. Since day one, Friends of NRA has been a 100% grassroots effort fueled by a united front to secure the Second Amendment and raise money for the shooting sports.

Committee volunteers are appointed to State Fund Committees to make recommendations for local grant funding in areas such as youth education, women-focused clinics, law enforcement training, hunter safety, range improvement, firearms and marksmanship training and safety. Recognizing the impact American youth has on the future of the shooting sports, State Fund Committees frequently recommend grants for youth programs, allocating the most significant portion of monies to this vital area.

Grant awards fund activities and support programs in the United States to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those in the shooting sports, and to educate the public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context.

Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program - Mississippi

The Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program provides supplies, equipment, and financial support to a variety of qualified groups and programs at the local level; geared towards youth, women, law enforcement, veterans, the disabled, and the general public, including:

• General shooting programs
• Competitive shooting
• Education, training and safety
• Hunting and conservation
• Community outreach
• Historical education

Grant funding must be used to further a charitable purpose as defined by the Internal Revenue Code under section 501(c)(3) and accompanying rules, regulations, and other IRS law and materials.

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.

Multi-Year Accelerator Grant

The Vote Your Voice Accelerator Infrastructure Fund is a multiyear investment in trusted, high-capacity, and deeply networked civic-engagement organizations across: Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi. This fund is designed to: 

• Stabilize and sustain the organizations carrying the long-term weight of democracy protection 
• Strengthen the connective tissue across state and regional ecosystems 
• Support innovation, adaptation, and emergent learning in shifting political conditions 
• Ensure frontline communities remain centered in voter engagement, protection, and shifting power to those historically denied it

The Tree Campus Higher Education Program, led by the National Arbor Day Foundation, empowers colleges to cultivate green spaces and enhance campus life. By fostering a commitment to tree planting, this initiative supports environmental health, energy conservation, and mental well-being for students and staff alike. Participating schools can achieve national recognition through their dedication to sustainable practices and community service projects, creating pride and a beautiful, livable campus.

The Carolyn L. Kuckein Student Research Fellowship, awarded by Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, supports first and second-year medical students conducting research over 2 to 12 months. With a total funding of $7,000, students can receive reimbursement for travel expenses up to $1,000 for presenting their findings at national conferences. Eligibility requires enrollment in schools with active AΩA chapters, while those taking a year off for research or holding a PhD are ineligible.

With support from Toyota Motor North America, the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) is pleased to announce $250,000 in grant funding to make public lands more accessible and enjoyable for people of all abilities. The 2026 grant program will focus on communities near Toyota Motor North America facilities and is restricted to 16 communities, as detailed below. 

Overview

Through the 2026 Driving Mobility and Accessibility on Public Lands grant, NEEF aims to:

• Increase the capacity of local organizations and government agencies to address mobility and accessibility considerations on public lands; and
• Improve the level of access, comfort, and enjoyment experienced by public lands visitors of all abilities, together with their families and friends.

The grant will provide up to $20,000 per grantee to increase physical or digital access, provide adaptive recreation equipment or programming, or perform accessibility assessments on public lands in communities near 16 Toyota Motor North America facilities.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW) offers grants for schools to implement the PLTW Computer Science program from 2025 to 2028. Schools must provide at least one PLTW course in the first year and two courses in the second year. The total grant is $14,000, covering participation fees and training costs. Eligible institutions include public, private, and charter schools located in the U.S., with special encouragement for those serving low-income or minority-majority populations.

RBC Foundation – USA aims to enhance community quality of life by supporting non-profit organizations that promote diversity and positive change. In 2023, it awarded over $2.8 million in grants, prioritizing youth programs for ages 15-29, arts access for diverse populations, and mental well-being initiatives. The foundation encourages sustainable projects that foster economic independence, providing critical support for education, mental health, and cultural enrichment, thereby making a significant impact across various communities.

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant opportunity for schools to implement the PLTW Engineering program for the 2025-2026 academic year and beyond. Eligible institutions include public, private, and charter schools located in the US. Grant recipients will receive funding to cover participation fees and training costs. Total funding amounts to $16,000, distributed over three years. Schools are encouraged to create pathways for students in engineering through this initiative.

Mississippi Department of Mental Health

The Mississippi Department of Mental Health is committed to making available a comprehensive system of services and supports so all Mississippians have access to the least restrictive and most appropriate level of services and supports that will meet their needs. Our system is person-centered and is built on the strengths of individuals and families while meeting their needs for special services. Services should be provided on a continuum of where the person is at that time and what their needs are.Inspiring hope, helping individuals on their road to recovery, and improving resiliency are key factors to the success of the people we serve.

Pregnant and Parenting Women and Men with Dependent Children (PPWMDC) Childcare Specialist Program

The Mississippi Department of Mental Health (MSDMH), Division of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Treatment Services (DADATS) is continuing a temporary pilot program to address the childcare needs of the Pregnant and Parenting Women and Men with Dependent Children (PPWMDC) Program.

One specific need is the educational and developmental needs of children of the clients who are in treatment. This grant continuation is designed to enhance the PPWMDC programs that may need assistance in this area. Each PPWMDC program will need to hire an Early Childhood Development childcare specialist for children (ages 2-5 years) of the mothers and or fathers who are in treatment. The temporary program is designed to allow the child to receive structured instruction, learning, and nurturing, while housed in a controlled and inviting setting. Being in this type of setting will enhance the child’s development and/or growth, which will alleviate idle time and the notion of baby-sitting the child or children.

The hired childcare specialist should have a minimum of 4 years of experience in the field of Early Childhood Development. 

The funding associated with this grant opportunity is meant to defray a proportion of operational costs for the service. 

Bureau of Behavioral Health FY27 Notice of Funding Opportunities

The Mississippi Department of Mental Health is now accepting applications for a series of competitive grants made available through funding appropriated to the agency.

State of Mississippi

Transitional Outreach Program (TOP)

The Department of Mental Health/Bureau of Community Mental Health Services is now accepting requests for proposals for state fiscal year 2027.

Please note that all grants are contingent on funding by the Mississippi State Legislature and/or the Federal Government. The submission of this application to the Department of Mental Health is not a guarantee of funding.

This application is eligible to all Mississippi Department of Mental Health (DMH) certified providers who are in good standing. However, DMH certification is not a guarantee of funding. All submitted proposals will be evaluated by a panel of reviewers using the posted competitive grant scoring rubric. Not all submitted proposals may be funded, but comprehensive feedback will be provided to all providers, particularly if their application was not funded for the current fiscal year. The funding associated with this grant opportunity is meant to defray a proportion of operational costs for the service. Unless otherwise directed, please submit your proposal for the same budgeted amount as last fiscal year. Multiple awards are available with a funding amount of $62,655.

The intent of the Transitional Outreach Program is to provide youth/young adults with SED/SMI and other high-risk factors, ages 14 -21 years, with the services and resources necessary to become independent and productively engaged in the community. The goals include, but aren’t limited to the following:

• Expand community capacity to serve transitional age youth with SED;
• Provide access to services/supports specific to this population. 
• Increase the target population’s ability to obtain independent living and interpersonal skills.
• Assist youth/young adults in achieving educational goals.
• Identify goals that include obtaining and maintaining gainful employment.
• Participate in youth team/council (SOC Youth Council if applicable, Open Up MS, etc.)

CSX Charitable Investments offers the Pride in Service Grants to support organizations that honor and assist military members and first responders. Focus areas include safety, mental health, community bridging, workforce development, and addressing food insecurity. Eligible organizations include those with 501(c)(3) status, government entities, and educational institutions. Grants aim to uplift communities and recognize the contributions of those who serve, while ensuring alignment with specific charitable criteria.

Jack’s Family Fund

At Jack’s Family Restaurants, we’ve always thought of ourselves as one big family — employees and guests alike. Giving back to the communities in which we do business is part of our DNA. That’s why we’ve established the Jack’s Family Fund.

We think of our guests as part of the Jack’s family, and we’ll be there in times of need. With your help, we can make a difference in people’s lives and support those we call family, friends, and neighbors.

Jack's Family Fund Grant

The Jack's Family Fund is a non-profit charitable organization established to provide emergency financial assistance to members of the communities that Jack’s Family Restaurants (JFR) serve. Fund grants are made to assist those who have temporarily found themselves in need, but under normal circumstances are self-sustaining.

Our grants assist with:

• Immediate, short- term needs of individuals who may be victims of disasters or other emergency hardship situations including floods, fires, riots, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes and similar large-scale events, or
• Emergency hardship caused by illness, death, accident, violent crime or other types of personal injury.
• Community 501(c)(3) organizations working to respond to these types of needs on a broad scale.

Types of expenses grants may be awarded for include (but are not limited to):

• funeral expenses
• past due utilities (electric, water, natural gas)
• past due rent/mortgage
• emergency housing

Grants from the Fund are not intended to replace personal or homeowners insurance, federal disaster relief or other types of aid, but rather to assist on an immediate and short-term basis when other sources of assistance are not available.

The Josh Turner Scholarship Fund for the Arts, established by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, empowers high school seniors from rural areas across ten southern states to pursue careers in music and the arts. This fund honors Josh Turner's journey in the music industry and aims to support students focusing on diverse opportunities within the music business, including performance, writing, and production, as well as various art disciplines.

The Bureau of Victim Assistance (BOVA) was established to provide statewide assistance to victims of crime. The journey through the justice system can be traumatic, especially for victims of crime. BOVA offers victims and their loved ones a single point of contact they can turn to before and after their offender is sentenced.

Victim Compensation

The Victim Compensation Program provides financial assistance to innocent victims of violent crime and their eligible family members. The Program helps to reduce the financial burden resulting from a violent crime by reimbursing eligible victims/family members for their crime-related expenses not covered by any other benefit source (insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, disability/death benefits, Workers’ Compensation, etc.). Limitations do apply. You can read more about this program here. View our Crime Victims’ Bill of Rights Victim Resources Insert Card here.

Eligible applicants may be reimbursed for crime related expenses associated with:

• medical/dental treatment
• rehabilitation
• mental health services
• lost wages
• loss of support (dependent[s] of homicide victim)
• tuition loss
• funeral costs
• limited transportation costs
• repair/replacement of exterior windows, doors, and locks damaged during a crime,
• domestic violence temporary housing and relocation
• crime scene cleanup

The Blake Coghlan Memorial Ag Scholarship is awarded to a graduating high school senior from Mississippi pursuing an Agriculture-related degree at a Mississippi institution. This scholarship honors Blake's passion for farming and aims to support young individuals with similar commitments. Blake was known for his dedication to agriculture, his warm personality, and his ability to uplift those around him. The scholarship seeks to inspire future generations to follow in his footsteps.

The Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation provides targeted grant funding to enhance health and well-being for Mississippians. Founded in 2004, it supports initiatives that improve health literacy, promote healthy lifestyles, and ensure access to quality healthcare. The Foundation prioritizes community and school programs, aiming to foster healthier environments and combat health disparities, regardless of age, race, or background. By empowering local organizations, it strives to create lasting change across the state.

Bureau of Behavioral Health FY27 Notice of Funding Opportunities

The Mississippi Department of Mental Health is now accepting applications for a series of competitive grants made available through funding appropriated to the agency.

Family (Parent/Caregiver) Peer Support Development and Program Maintenance Notice of Funding Opportunity FY 2027: Request for Proposals

The Parent/Caregiver Peer Support Program will need to be developed and maintained by the selected agency in alignment with national best practices and standards and approved by the MS Department of Mental Health.

(Certified) Peer Support Specialist Professional- Parent/Caregiver is a biological parent, adoptive parent, or relative caregiver with permanent legal custody who is raising or has raised a child with an emotional, social, behavioral, and /or substance use disability. The Specialist Professional provides support and guidance to parents/caregivers in navigating the child serving systems and advocating with them to help their child/youth.

The L.B. Research and Education Foundation Grant Program supports U.S.-based nonprofits focusing on innovative education and health solutions for underserved populations. Eligible organizations can apply by submitting a 400-word concept paper, and selected applicants may receive funding ranging from $10,000 to $75,000. The Foundation prioritizes projects that foster critical thinking and creativity, address health disparities, and encourage collaboration. There are no application deadlines, promoting year-round engagement.

The Mississippi Humanities Minigrants program, offered by the Mississippi Humanities Council, supports nonprofit organizations with grants of up to $2,500. Established to enhance public understanding of the humanities, the Council emphasizes accessibility for all Mississippians. Applications are accepted year-round, requiring submission at least four weeks before the proposed project begins. Eligible applicants include various nonprofit entities, educational institutions, and community organizations, while grants cannot be used for individual or for-profit projects.