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About the Scholarship
Melida Patterson was a dedicated volunteer and leader who became a vital part of the Boys and Girls Club of East Mississippi. She was recognized for her efforts and commitment to the mission of the club, which aimed to provide innovative and high-quality programs that empower young people to excel in school and lead productive lives. Melida was even named Volunteer of the Year and served as Chairman of the Board. Her family has now created a scholarship in her honor, which will be awarded to students who demonstrate both financial need and motivation to achieve their potential through higher education. This scholarship is a lasting tribute to Melida, who was a wonderful mother, wife, friend, and advocate, particularly for the less fortunate.
Application Requirements
Multiple scholarship opportunities are available to deserving students.
CFEM Excellence in Education Grant
The Excellence in Education Grant is to support worthy educational projects in any of the five counties we serve: Clarke, Kemper, Lauderdale, Neshoba, or Newton counties.
This grant was created in memory of Mr. Walter L. Smith, a dedicated business associate of Mr. Phil Hardin in the management of Hardin’s Bakeries Corporation. It is said that Mr. Smith showed a deep and abiding interest in the well-being of East Mississippi and its people.
CFEM Margaret Dulaney Arts Grant
Margaret Dulaney was a leader in the Meridian arts community who understood the value of the arts and worked tirelessly to share that passion with others.
Through the Margaret Dulaney Art Endowment, the Community Foundation of East Mississippi honors and celebrates the long-standing contributions Mrs. Dulaney made to our community through the arts.
Proposals will be accepted from nonprofit organizations and schools. Projects awarded are focused on enhancing new or existing art programs and activities in East Mississippi.
Community Foundation of East Mississippi
The Community Foundation of East Mississippi exists to make philanthropy simple, effective, and enduring. We serve as a trusted partner for donors seeking to leave a lasting legacy, nonprofits seeking sustainable funding, and communities striving to improve the quality of life. By connecting charitable resources with local needs, we work to create a vibrant, thriving East Mississippi today and for generations to come.
CFEM accepts, manages, and invests a wide range of charitable funds, including endowments and pass-through gifts. Earnings from these funds are used to make grants that strengthen nonprofit organizations, support community programs, and address emerging needs in Lauderdale, Kemper, Clarke, Newton, and Neshoba counties.
About the Scholarship
This scholarship is provided by Mike Couch and Jennifer Welch to offer an educational scholarship to a student entering a Technical or Trade School.
Community Foundation of East Mississippi Inc.
Community Foundation of East Mississippi awards grants through several competitive application processes each year. Our service area includes the following 5 counties in East Mississippi: Clarke, Kemper, Lauderdale, Neshoba and Newton.
Meridian Jaycee Leadership Grant
The Meridian Jaycees established this endowment to create a lasting legacy of commitment to this community, inspiring future leaders for generations to come.
The Jaycees hope that the grants from this endowment will spark creativity in the development of leadership and growth for the future of Meridian and East Mississippi. Grants will provide funds for leadership training, community development, and projects that contribute to a more positive image of Meridian and East Mississippi.
Charles Young Historic Preservation Grant
The Charles L. Young, Sr. Grant for Historic Preservation will be used to advance a sense of place (e.g., history, culture, achievement, etc.) within the Lauderdale County African-American community by supporting building renovations, capital improvements, and special projects.
Recognized as one of Mississippi’s and the South’s most outstanding businessmen, Representative Charles L. Young, Sr. received numerous community, state, and national awards for his outstanding service in business and politics. The Lauderdale Co. Human Relations Commission chose to honor Rep. Young’s legacy by establishing this endowment to guarantee that his name, as well as his accomplishments, would be remembered in our community for generations to come.
Gladys Carlisle Bowyer Animal Care Grant
The Gladys Carlisle Bowyer Animal Care Endowment offers grants to organizations that work to protect and care for pets and animals in Lauderdale County.
Sandra Welch Niehuss Foundation for Cancer Prevention and Treatment
The Sandra Welch Niehuss Endowment was set up in her memory by her family in 2007. The purpose of the fund is to support community education and awareness programs related to cancer.
Susan B. Herron/Lively Arts and Education Grant
Susan Herron was one of Meridian’s most active and dedicated cultural leaders during her lifetime. She served on the Board of Commissioners for the Mississippi Arts Commission and as president of the Meridian Arts Council and Meridian Little Theatre Guild. She was also an avid supporter of the Meridian Museum of Art, Meridian Community College Arts & Letters Series, and served as vice president of the Meridian Junior Auxiliary.
This endowment was established at the Community Foundation in honor of her memory. With gifts from many in this community, Susan Herron’s passion and enthusiasm for the arts will continue for years to come.
Requests can be for assisting with the start-up of new Arts and Education Programs, or the special one-time needs of existing programs, or supporting special Arts and Education opportunities.
Alfred and Luclie Rosenbaum Grant for General Charitable Purposes
Alfred and Lucile Rosenbaum were two people who loved this region. They possessed a hope and energy about the future for Meridian and East Mississippi. Mr. Rosenbaum pointed out, “We think we know what tomorrow will bring, but we never really do. It takes someone willing to make a difference first.”
The Alfred and Lucile Rosenbaum fund for General Charitable Purposes was established in November 2005 to meet the region’s ever-changing needs to “make that difference.”
MissionA catalyst for charitable giving where civic-minded individuals, families, and businesses achieve philanthropic goals. We bridge resources and needs to enhance the dynamic communities we serve.VisionCreating a legacy of enrichment that impacts generations to come.Core Values
The Grant Community Foundation of East Mississippi awards grants through several competitive application processes each year. (Cycle 1, Cycle 2, Cycle 3). You are able to apply in each grant cycle.
Community Foundation of East Mississippi
With over 40 years of dedicated service, the Community Foundation of East Mississippi (CFEM) is committed to fostering charitable giving that connects generous individuals, families, and businesses to meaningful causes.
Mission: A catalyst for charitable giving where civic-minded individuals, families, and businesses achieve philanthropic goals. We bridge resources and needs to enhance the dynamic communities we serve.
Grant Opportunities
Community Foundation of East Mississippi awards grants through several competitive application processes each year.
Our service area includes the following 5 counties in East Mississippi: Clarke, Kemper, Lauderdale, Neshoba and Newton.
To receive a grant from the Community Foundation of East Mississippi, all organizations must have the following information readily available. The Foundation may request these documents at any time during the application process and/or after receiving funds.
Lean on Me Suicide Awareness and Support Grant
The 2025 Lean on Me Jubilee event team are proud of the success of the Second Annual Lean on Me Jubilee, held September 27th, 2025. The event was a great time to connect with the community and each other to move the mission of Suicide Awareness, Prevention, and Support forward.
We are pleased to announce that the funds raised at the event will be returned to community partners through mini grants to support other non-profit organizations whose mission aligns with the mission of the Lean on Me Jubilee event team. All community non-profit organizations with programs for Suicide Awareness, Suicide Prevention, or Support for families affected by suicide are welcome to apply, but preference will be given to those who participated in making the Lean on Me Jubilee event a success.
What We Do
With over 40 years of heartfelt service, the Community Foundation of East Mississippi is dedicated to fostering charitable giving that connects generous individuals, families, and businesses to meaningful opportunities. We bridge resources and needs to uplift the dynamic communities we serve.
The Community Foundation of East Mississippi provides comprehensive management support for each endowment, investing it as part of our larger, professionally managed pool of funds. Our affiliates benefit from a diversified investment portfolio, cost-effective fees, administrative and technical expertise, and access to marketing resources, allowing local leaders to focus on growing assets and addressing community priorities.
Rhonda Sheppard Hawkins Grant
Rhonda Sheppard Hawkins had many titles in her lifetime: Wife, Mother, Daughter, Co-Worker. But of all the titles that described her, FRIEND reverberates the loudest.
The Rhonda Sheppard Hawkins Endowment was established by her friends and family to honor her memory by providing aid and assistance to cancer patients undergoing treatment.
NAFC Open Grant/Product Donation Applications
The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) is the only nonprofit 501c(3) organization whose mission is solely focused on the issues and needs of the medically underserved throughout the nation and the more than 1,400 Free and Charitable Clinics that serve them. The NAFC has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar and a 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator. Founded in 2001 and headquartered near Washington, D.C., the NAFC is working to ensure that the medically underserved have access to affordable quality healthcare and strives to be a national voice promoting quality healthcare for all. For more information about the NAFC, including how to become a member, please visit https://www.nafcclinics.org.
Medication Therapy Management (MTM) Initiative
The Medication Therapy Management (MTM) Initiative, supported by the McKesson Foundation and administered by the NAFC, aims to improve medication access, adherence, and patient understanding among uninsured and medically underserved populations. Individuals without health insurance often face significant barriers to obtaining prescription medications and receiving the counseling necessary to manage chronic conditions effectively. Through this initiative, NAFC will provide $30,000 grants to member free and charitable clinics and pharmacies to establish or expand Medication Therapy Management programs aligned with recommendations from the American Pharmacists Association. Funding will support activities such as staff certification in MTM, development of standardized protocols, and patient education to help individuals better understand their medications, manage side effects, and support overall treatment plans. By strengthening pharmacist-led care and improving communication between providers and patients, this initiative seeks to enhance medication adherence, improve chronic disease management, and advance better health outcomes for vulnerable patient populations.
NAFC Open Grant/Product Donation Applications
The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) is the only nonprofit 501c(3) organization whose mission is solely focused on the issues and needs of the medically underserved throughout the nation and the more than 1,400 Free and Charitable Clinics that serve them. The NAFC has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar and a 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator. Founded in 2001 and headquartered near Washington, D.C., the NAFC is working to ensure that the medically underserved have access to affordable quality healthcare and strives to be a national voice promoting quality healthcare for all. For more information about the NAFC, including how to become a member, please visit https://www.nafcclinics.org.
Healthcare Access Initiative
The Healthcare Access Initiative, supported by the McKesson Foundation and administered by the NAFC, aims to expand access to essential healthcare services for uninsured and medically underserved individuals. Free and charitable clinics and pharmacies play a critical role in ensuring that patients who fall outside traditional healthcare systems can receive timely, high-quality care. However, many clinics face barriers related to staffing, care coordination, technology, and patient outreach that limit their ability to meet growing community needs. Through this initiative, NAFC will provide $20,000 grants to member clinics and pharmacies to strengthen programs that increase access to primary care, specialty services, and preventive care. Funding will support innovative and practical approaches that reduce barriers to care, improve patient engagement, and expand the capacity of clinics to serve vulnerable populations.
Through the generosity of fundholders and donors, NCCF has awarded more than half a million dollars in scholarships to assist students in Northwest Connecticut with the cost of higher education.
NCCF awards more than $530,000 in scholarships a year.
Mary C. Dillon Scholarship
Academic Focus:
Award:
Established by the Dillon Family, this scholarship is awarded to a student whose primary residence is in Torrington and who pursues, or intends to pursue, a degree in nursing at an accredited university or college. Preference is given to applicants with a record of volunteering with the Red Cross or other health-related organizations. This scholarship is not financially need-based. (No FAFSA required)
Through the generosity of fundholders and donors, NCCF has awarded more than half a million dollars in scholarships to assist students in Northwest Connecticut with the cost of higher education.
NCCF awards more than $530,000 in scholarships a year.
SVNA Educational Enrichment Program Scholarship
Academic Focus:
Award Average:
Consistent with the SVNA’s mission to provide the best home health, hospice and preventative care, this scholarship supports health care professionals pursuing continued education in a health care field who reside in Canaan, Cornwall, Goshen, Kent, Norfolk, North Canaan, Salisbury, Sharon or Warren.
Through the generosity of fundholders and donors, NCCF has awarded more than half a million dollars in scholarships to assist students in Northwest Connecticut with the cost of higher education.
NCCF awards more than $530,000 in scholarships a year.
Patrick Dillon Scholarship
Academic Focus:
Award:
Established by the Dillon Family, this scholarship is awarded to a student whose primary residence is in Torrington, is either a first-generation immigrant to the United States or is the child of a first-generation immigrant, and who attends, or will attend, an accredited university or college. This scholarship is not financially need-based. (No FAFSA required)
Through the generosity of fundholders and donors, NCCF has awarded more than half a million dollars in scholarships to assist students in Northwest Connecticut with the cost of higher education.
NCCF awards more than $530,000 in scholarships a year.
Donald E. Heisinger Scholarship
Academic Focus:
Award:
Established by the Dillon Family, this scholarship is awarded to a student whose primary residence is in Torrington and who pursues, or intends to pursue, a degree in accounting, finance, or business at an accredited university or college. This scholarship is not financially need-based. (No FAFSA required)
Through the generosity of fundholders and donors, NCCF has awarded more than half a million dollars in scholarships to assist students in Northwest Connecticut with the cost of higher education.
NCCF awards more than $530,000 in scholarships a year.
Jane Bartlett Heisinger Scholarship
Academic Focus:
Award:
Established by the Dillon Family, this scholarship is awarded to a student whose primary residence is in Torrington and who pursues, or intends to pursue, a degree in nursing at an accredited university or college. Preference is given to applicants with a record of volunteering with the Red Cross or other health-related organization. (No FAFSA required)
Looking for Lauderdale County grants for nonprofits?
Read more about each grant below or start your 14-day free trial to see all Lauderdale County grants recommended for your specific programs in Mississippi.
What's the typical amount funded for Mississippi?
Grants are most commonly $94,687.
What's the total number of grants in Lauderdale County Grants for Nonprofits year over year?
In 2024, funders in Mississippi awarded a total of 8,599 grants.
Among all the Lauderdale County Grants for Nonprofits given out in Mississippi, the most popular focus areas that receive funding are Education, Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking Foundations, and Human Services.
1. Education
2. Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking Foundations
3. Human Services
How is funding for Lauderdale County Grants for Nonprofits changing over time?
Funding has increased by 2.35%.
How does grant funding vary by county?
Oktibbeha County, Hinds County, and Lafayette County receive the most funding.
| County | Total Grant Funding in 2024 |
|---|---|
| Oktibbeha County | $274,520,115 |
| Hinds County | $230,593,243 |
| Lafayette County | $93,085,023 |
| Harrison County | $41,719,363 |
| Madison County | $39,767,542 |