Best Grants for the Arts in Mississippi

Entergy’s Open Grants Program aims to enhance community well-being through funding initiatives in arts, education, social services, and community improvement. The program prioritizes support for organizations that serve diverse populations, including children and low-income communities. Eligible entities must have 501(c)(3) status or equivalent nonprofit recognition. Applications should be submitted three months in advance, allowing ample time for review. Entergy focuses on projects that foster self-sufficiency and enrich local neighborhoods.

The First Horizon Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to enhancing communities in Northwest Mississippi by investing over $150 million in grants. The foundation focuses on key areas such as arts, education, environmental sustainability, financial literacy, and health services. It aims to strengthen community pillars by fostering leadership development, promoting financial knowledge, and supporting cultural enrichment to ensure a prosperous and sustainable future for all residents.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

The MAC Underserved Initiative Grant Program aims to enhance access to quality arts programming across all 82 counties in Mississippi. By identifying underserved areas that lack recent grants or services, the Mississippi Arts Commission facilitates outreach and support for local arts initiatives. This program not only promotes cultural engagement but also fosters community development and collaboration among various organizations, ensuring that all citizens can participate in diverse artistic experiences.

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.

The Phil Hardin Foundation Grant aims to enhance educational and life outcomes for children and youth in Mississippi, particularly in Meridian and Lauderdale County. The foundation prioritizes proposals that demonstrate a regional or statewide impact, focusing on areas like early childhood development, literacy, and equitable access to educational resources. It encourages collaboration among educational institutions and community organizations, fostering partnerships to improve educational quality and cultural enrichment across Mississippi.

South Arts, Inc. offers Professional Development Grants for Arts Organizations to enhance the skills and knowledge of Southern arts entities. These grants aim to support operational stability and growth, focusing on organizations with budgets of $500,000 or less. Eligible applicants include a range of arts organizations within South Arts' nine-state service area. The program emphasizes first-time opportunities and requires a dollar-for-dollar cash match, ensuring a commitment to professional development in the arts.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

The Building Fund for the Arts (BFA), managed by the Mississippi Arts Commission, aims to enhance arts facilities across Mississippi through repair, renovation, and expansion projects. The initiative is designed to support organizations that provide year-round arts programming, ensuring these facilities can serve as vital community access points for the arts. Eligible applicants include Mississippi-based non-profits and local government units, promoting a vibrant arts culture and increasing public engagement in the arts.

The Assisi Foundation of Memphis Grant supports nonprofit organizations in improving community health, education, social justice, cultural enrichment, and capacity building. Grants are available for organizations in specific Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi counties, with eligibility focused on tax-exempt entities. Applications are accepted quarterly, with specific deadlines for different focus areas. The foundation seeks innovative ideas that align with its philanthropic mission and encourages organizations to apply for funding that promotes positive community transformation.

The Southern Circuit Screening Partner Grant invites nonprofit, educational, or governmental organizations in the South Arts region to host screenings of independent documentaries. This initiative promotes diverse filmmakers, including those from historically marginalized communities. Partners engage audiences through strategic marketing and provide logistical support for filmmakers. The program emphasizes collaboration during film selection and aims to foster meaningful conversations about the art of filmmaking while making the events accessible to all community members.

South Arts, Inc. is offering Accessibility Grants of up to $2,500 to nonprofit organizations in the Southeast to enhance accessibility in arts programs for individuals with disabilities. The grants aim to foster inclusivity by supporting projects that engage disabled artists and audiences. Organizations must be located within the South Arts Service region and focus on the arts. Priority will be given to new applicants and those serving BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities, with a commitment to rural areas.

The Mississippi Humanities Council offers grants aimed at enhancing public engagement with the humanities. These grants support projects that foster community dialogue and participation, making humanities accessible to all Mississippians. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and educational institutions, while projects must be free and open to the public. Ineligible activities include those that involve for-profit entities or promote specific political views. This initiative emphasizes collaboration between humanities scholars and communities.

The Mississippi Humanities Oral History Grants support projects that document the experiences of Mississippians through oral history. Grants of $2,500 or less can be submitted anytime, while larger grants have deadlines in May and September. The Mississippi Humanities Council, a nonprofit organization, emphasizes accessibility and encourages grant recipients to collaborate with public archives for preservation. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and community groups, but individual and for-profit entities are excluded.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

The MAC Mini-Grants for Organizations provide vital funding to support professional development and capacity building for Mississippi-based arts organizations. Eligible applicants, including non-profit organizations and local government entities, can receive matching grants to engage professional artists for various activities like performances, workshops, and curriculum development. Priority is given to organizations in underserved areas and those led by BIPOC individuals. This initiative aims to enhance public engagement and appreciation for the arts statewide.

South Arts, Inc. offers Literary Arts Grants to support Southern independent publishers and small presses with funding up to $5,000. These grants aim to amplify contemporary literary arts and foster community engagement through projects like reading series and festivals. Eligible applicants must be based in the South Arts Region and demonstrate a commitment to advancing literary traditions. This initiative enhances access to the arts and promotes cultural vitality across the Southern states.

South Arts Inc. is offering Literary Arts Grants to support writers, independent publishers, and literary organizations focusing on contemporary literature in the Southern U.S. Grants of up to $5,000 will fund projects in poetry, fiction, and other genres. Eligible applicants must be full-time residents of the South Arts region. The initiative aims to amplify the literary traditions of the American South, fostering creativity and community engagement through diverse literary projects.

The America250 Public Art Grant, offered by the Mississippi Arts Commission, invites eligible applicants to celebrate Mississippi's rich history as part of the nation's 250th anniversary. With a total funding of $100,000 available for ten grants, the program supports public art projects that reflect themes such as 'We the People' and 'The Future of Mississippi.' Each grant provides $12,000, requiring a 1:1 cash match, encouraging community engagement and artistic expression statewide.

The America250 Public Art Grant invites Mississippi artists to celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary through public art. With a total funding of $100,000, ten applicants can receive grants of up to $8,000 for projects that honor Mississippi's stories. This grant promotes themes such as the American ideal, the significance of place, and envisioning the future of Mississippi. A 1:1 match is required, with at least 10% of the match being cash.

The Volunteer and Civic Engagement Mini-Grants program, managed by Volunteer Mississippi, aims to support diverse projects promoting community service. Eligible organizations, including nonprofits and public entities, can apply for funding between $1,500 and $10,000. Projects may involve mentoring, social justice advocacy, environmental restoration, and literacy initiatives. Applications are accepted until August 7, 2025, or until funds are depleted, making it crucial for interested parties to act promptly.

The MAC Project Grants support arts initiatives across Mississippi, empowering community-based groups to enhance cultural engagement. Funding is available for four key areas: Arts Based Community Development, Arts Education, Arts Industry, and Folk & Traditional Arts. These grants aim to foster community growth, improve educational opportunities, stabilize the arts sector, and promote traditional art forms, ensuring a vibrant cultural landscape in Mississippi.

The MAC Operating Grant supports arts-focused organizations in Mississippi, enabling them to cover essential expenses like salaries, marketing, and rent. These grants are tailored for nonprofits with a primary mission in the arts, encouraging them to maintain financial stability while enhancing community access to artistic programming. Eligible organizations must have been established for at least two years and demonstrate a commitment to arts development through diverse programs. This initiative aims to foster cultural growth and strengthen community ties through the arts.

Entergy’s Open Grants Program in Mississippi aims to enhance community well-being through support for arts, education, poverty solutions, and health initiatives. The program prioritizes requests from organizations with 501(c)(3) status and local projects that improve public access to the arts and promote self-sufficiency. Funding is not available for utility payments, political activities, or religious organizations. Preference is given to projects serving Entergy's customer areas, ensuring community-focused impact.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

The Professional Development and Artistic Planning Grants, offered by South Arts, support the professional growth of presenters, programmers, and curators in the Southern U.S. These grants facilitate travel to conferences, workshops, and other opportunities to enhance organizational capacity and program design. Emphasizing diversity and inclusion, South Arts encourages applications from organizations led by BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and disabled individuals. Funding covers travel, training, and related expenses, promoting equitable access to professional development.