Best Scouting Organization Grants in Mississippi

Mississippi 501(c)(3) nonprofits with three years of history and $100,000+ budgets can seek funding for youth development, job readiness, and community programs in areas where RBC Wealth Management operates. RBC Foundation USA supports initiatives building in-demand skills, improving inclusive prosperity, and advancing environmental sustainability, which may benefit scouting-related leadership and career-preparation activities.

Rural, community-based 501(c)(3) organizations in Mississippi and other Southeastern states using grassroots organizing for social, economic, or environmental justice can apply for the Hubert E. Sapp Regular Grant Cycle. Focused on youth leadership and broader justice issues, Southern Partners Fund offers general or project support to small-budget groups and project support to larger organizations.

High school seniors involved in leadership or athletics who plan to attend a four-year college outside Minnesota and neighboring states can receive scholarship support through CommunityGiving’s Ernest Morgan Memorial Scholarship. Students from eligible central Minnesota high schools pursuing higher education across the U.S., including Mississippi, may be awarded US $5,000 for college costs.

Who We Are

Buiding a stronger, More Vibrant Community

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

This scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior from a high school in Lackawanna County who demonstrates academic excellence, good citizenship, participation in athletics, and who is active in a faith or religious-based organization.

Who We Are

Buiding a stronger, More Vibrant Community

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

This scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior from a high school in Luzerne County who demonstrates academic excellence, good citizenship, participation in athletics, and who is active in a faith or religious-based organization.

Who We Are

Buiding a stronger, More Vibrant Community

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

This scholarship is awarded to a student who intends to pursue nursing or a related field of study at a college or university, and who demonstrates academic achievement, good citizenship, service to others, leadership, and financial need.

Youth-led climate justice and socio-environmental groups worldwide, including those in Mississippi, can apply for the Youth Climate Justice Fund to support organizing, advocacy, and community-based work. Grants from Climate Group offer up to US $40,000 for emerging or existing collectives focused on inclusive, non-partisan, and non-violent youth leadership and environmental justice efforts.

Graduate and undergraduate students focused on youth development and leadership can receive US $2,500 in scholarship support as emerging leaders. With a mission to uplift servant leaders, Marietta Kiwanis Foundation provides Cobb County, Georgia residents active in civic, nonprofit, educational, faith-based, arts, military, or justice organizations with funding that may benefit Mississippi scouting volunteers studying in Georgia.

Mississippi youth development and leadership groups can access funding through Community Foundation for Southwest Washington’s Maury and Betty Hull Endowed Scholarship, which supports higher education and career training. Graduates of Quillayute Valley or Cape Flattery school districts pursuing accredited colleges, universities, technical, or career schools may be eligible for awards starting at More than US $2,000.

Mississippi youth development and leadership organizations can access funding through Yellowstone Club Community Foundation for a summer outdoor adventure and service experience for one qualifying Big Sky high school student. Programs that work with student leaders, encourage volunteerism, and support teens passionate about the outdoors may be able to connect eligible students to this opportunity.

High school seniors, college, and non-traditional students pursuing criminal justice or first responder studies can receive scholarship support for 2- or 4-year U.S. programs. CommunityGiving provides Mississippi youth organizations and other groups focused on youth development and leadership with a scholarship opportunity their eligible members may use for higher education in public safety fields.

Young people ages 13 to 19 pursuing arts-focused summer enrichment can receive US $200 - US $800 to cover tuition, supplies, or related expenses through the Simple Gifts Fund, including youth in Mississippi who reside in the Berkshire Taconic region. Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation supports youth development and leadership through creative apprenticeships, internships, and arts exploration.

Nonprofit organizations running youth-focused programs and projects can apply for funding that primarily benefits large numbers of people in Whatcom County, including youth development and leadership activities. The Eleanor & Henry Jansen Foundation, supported by Chuckanut Health Foundation, considers project-based requests, occasionally overhead, and encourages applications with strong volunteer involvement and matching support.

Youth development and leadership organizations in Mississippi working with Native or Indigenous youth may be eligible to connect young people to the Center for Native American Youth’s national Champions for Change program. The Aspen Institute provides Indigenous youth ages 14–24 across the U.S. with leadership development, advocacy training, and a supportive peer network.

Youth-serving organizations and high schools in Mississippi focused on youth development and leadership may be eligible to participate in the Bezos Scholars Program, a yearlong leadership and civic engagement initiative. Bezos Family Foundation provides student-educator teams with leadership training, college advising, an Aspen Ideas Festival experience, and project funding of more than US $1,000 for youth-led community change projects.

Female high school seniors active in Girl Scouts and graduating from a Smith County, Texas school can receive US $1,000 for college expenses at any U.S. institution. East Texas Communities Foundation supports youth development and leadership, with awards usable for tuition, fees, room and board, and educational supplies; homeschool students may also qualify.

Mississippi youth development and STEM education nonprofits can access funding through AFL Global to support education, youth development, and adult life-enrichment programs. Grants back initiatives in STEM learning, healthy and engaged youth, and employment and self-sufficiency for adults, which may benefit scouting organizations running leadership or skills-based programs.

Students involved in youth leadership or community service in Mississippi can apply for Chick-fil-A’s Community Scholars awards of up to US $25,000 to support college, vocational, or graduate education. Eligible applicants are high school seniors, undergraduates, or graduate students in the U.S., Puerto Rico, or Canada who meet GPA and full-time enrollment requirements.

Nonprofit organizations running youth development, evangelism, or holistic ministry projects, including scouting-style programs in Mississippi, may be eligible for project-specific support. The Festus and Helen Stacy Foundation funds 501(c)(3) ministries worldwide, with priorities in South Florida, national-impact U.S. work, and emerging nations, focusing on leadership development, children and youth, and Christian media initiatives.

Youth-led community service projects in Mississippi can receive US $250 - US $1,000 to support volunteerism and youth leadership activities through Karma for Cara. With a mission to support young people, Karma for Cara provides students 18 and under with microgrants for creative, hands-on service projects, including those in scouting organizations.

Youth organizations in Mississippi that support bluegrass musicians age 21 and younger can seek funding to cover lessons, educational materials, instrument rental or purchase, workshops, and camps. Grants from IBMA Foundation help youth development and leadership programs that nurture young bluegrass musicians, with awards up to US $500 per applicant across the U.S.

Sports Matter Mission

We believe that sports change lives. In addition to physical and mental health benefits, sports have the power to change our perspectives, our character and our communities for the better. This core belief has guided DICK’S Sporting Goods and The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation since the beginning – but not everyone has the same access to play. Through grants and other support, The DICK’S Foundation Sports Matter Program helps under-resourced 501c3 organizations, schools and community teams across all 50 states provide opportunities for youth to play sports.

Why It Counts

• Low-Income Kids Play at Half the Rate of Wealthier Peers
• Participation in Team Sports has Declined 4% Since 2017
• One in Three Kids Can't Participate in the Sports They Want 
• Number of Kids Playing Multiple Sports Has Declined

Sports Matter Program

We Believe Every Kid Deserves a Chance to Play

The Sports Matter Program focuses on supporting youth sports in under-resourced communities.

All grant applications are made subject to review of the applying organization’s reputation and activities, and its agreement to comply with applicable terms and conditions. 

Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation

The Foundation was established in September 1977 by Dr. Arnold O. and Mrs. Mabel Beckman to give back to the scientific community.

“The mission of the Foundation is to support leading edge research, in the fields of chemistry and life sciences, broadly interpreted, and particularly to foster the invention of methods, instruments, and materials that open up new avenues of research and application in these sciences and related disciplines. My preference is to favor young investigators, new ideas, and a variety of projects rather than fund large, established ones of long duration.”

Current Foundation Initiatives

Today, the Foundation continues according to the vision laid out by Dr. and Mrs. Beckman:

• Supporting Young Scientists: through our annual grant programs, focused on the most promising young scientists
• Community Support activities: that promote science education and excellence in our local community
• Streamlined operations: so that we don't "spend money to give money away"

"Beckman Family" Awardee Community Support Grants

The Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation’s "Beckman Family" Awardee Community Support Grants are open to all current and former Foundation grant awardees and Executive Committee members, specifically from the Beckman Scholars Program, Arnold O. Beckman Postdoctoral Fellowship, Beckman Young Investigator, and Instrument Grants programs.

As a current or former Beckman awardee or Executive Committee member, if you are actively engaged as a volunteer or Board member in a youth STEM or STEAM organization in your local area, you may apply to this program for funding for a particular project with that organization.

Funding Priorities

Projects should be aligned with the Foundation’s aim of “supporting young scientists today for tomorrow’s breakthrough discoveries” and oriented toward achieving positive outcomes in at least one of the Foundation’s current funding priorities:

• Engaging youth in hands-on science and math activities to encourage curiosity and student-driven exploration and learning.
• Using technology to engage youth in STEM/STEAM.
• Promoting the Beckmans’ legacy of technology innovation and leadership amongst youth.

In addition, the following considerations should be addressed in a proposal for funding:

• Where possible, the Foundation’s contribution to a project or activity should help to build capacity within the nonprofit organization to continue the activity beyond the one-time grant.
• The Awardee/Executive Committee member should discuss how the program will increase access to STEM/STEAM opportunities for the target audience.
• The costs associated with the request should relate to a stand-alone STEM/STEAM project, event, or activity and not part of a broader program, event, or target audience outside the Awardee’s or Executive Committee member's local area.
• Youth registration to participate in the STEM/STEAM project, event, or activity should be open to all in the local area, when possible.

Process & Timeline

Grant funds are directly issued to the organization by the Foundation and include for acknowledgement an indication that the gift was made because their volunteer or Board member is a Beckman Awardee or Executive Committee member.

Requests must be submitted by the Beckman Awardee on behalf of a U.S. nonprofit 501(c)(3), or equivalent, organization exclusively serving youth in their local community. As a matter of policy, the Foundation does not provide grants to non-U.S. organizations or institutions. This program defines the terms “youth” and “youths” as individual(s) 17 years of age or younger.

Hispanic Heritage Foundation

Established by the White House in 1988, the Hispanic Heritage Foundation—a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization—continues to advance its mission through award winning programs that adapt to the needs, aspirations, and vision of our community while delivering a strong value proposition for the country.

HHF’s mission and programs have been recognized by The White House, US Congress, Fortune 500 Companies, US Army, other nonprofits, and even the Government of Mexico, in five areas of focus: education, workforce development, societal impact, and leadership, with culture serving as the cornerstone of its mission.

Youth Awards

The 28-year-old Youth Awards have recognized thousands of high school students from all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and Washington, D.C., for their achievements in the classroom, community, and focus on career paths in STEM fields, entrepreneurship, media, public service, and other categories.

Gold, Silver, and Bronze recipients are selected in each category and receive a one-time innovation grant to fund their college education or support a community service effort addressing a social issue. Additionally, one national awardee is selected in each category.

Once selected, recipients are celebrated in virtual ceremonies and become part of the LOFT (Leaders On Fast Track) Network, a collective of 300,000+ students and young professionals with access to mentors, resources, networking opportunities, workshops, symposia, summits, internships, and full-time positions with Fortune 500 companies.

Council of Independent Colleges (CIC)Founded in 1956, the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) is an association of nonprofit independent colleges and universities, state-based councils, and higher education affiliates that works to support college and university leadership, advance institutional excellence, and enhance public understanding of independent higher education’s contributions to society.

CIC is the major national organization that focuses on providing services to leaders of independent colleges and universities and state-based councils. CIC offers conferences, seminars, publications, and other programs and services that help institutions improve educational quality, administrative and financial performance, student outcomes, and institutional visibility.NetVUE Grants for Fostering Leadership for Communities of FaithThis grant program provides funding for institutions that are working to augment their support for students who are considering possible callings to leadership roles in communities of faith.

Grant funds should be used to develop or extend programming for students, and/or professional development for faculty members and staff, with the goal of connecting students to local faith communities and supporting them as they explore and discern their callings. Initiatives may be developed within or across a variety of academic departments and campus offices, and should involve leaders of one or more faith communities near campus. NetVUE Grants for Fostering Leadership for Communities of Faith may be requested in amounts ranging up to $60,000 for use over two years to develop new programs, or to strengthen existing programs, that support students as they consider vocations of leadership for communities of faith.

With a mission to strengthen communities, Ecolab Foundation provides Mississippi youth development and education nonprofits with up to US $500 annually through its Board Leadership Volunteer Grant. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations where an Ecolab employee or retiree serves on the board may receive support, which can benefit scouting organizations focused on youth leadership and development.

Youth Service America

Youth Service America believes that youth, communities, and our democracy thrive when we all work together for the common good. YSA is a leading global nonprofit that activates young people, ages 5-25, to find their voice, take action, and acquire powerful civic and 21st Century skills as they solve problems facing their communities. YSA supports its activation campaigns with grants, training and resources, and recognition programs for young people and their adult champions. Youth-led projects use Awareness, Service, Advocacy, and Philanthropy (ASAP) strategies to create social and environmental change.

Our vision is that youth participation in working together for the common good becomes the common expectation and common experience of all young people in America. Even though youth participation rates are at or near record-high levels, we’re still leaving 3 of every 4 young people out, and participation rates are even lower among youth from underserved low-income communities and communities of color.

We Serve to Remember 9/11 Day of Service Grants

YSA’s We Serve to Remember 9/11 Day of Service Grants are for organizations, schools, and youth changemakers ages 5-25 to lead service projects on or around September 11, 2026. Programming efforts should also honor and pay tribute to those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, their families, and those who rose in service in response to that tragedy.

This year, YSA will award up to 100 grants of $1,000 each. Grantees are required to engage at least 100 youth as volunteers in planning and implementing the service activities.

Reflecting on the spirit of togetherness that brought people together in the days, weeks, and months after September 11th, we are especially looking for ideas that bring together all members of the community.