Looking for grants for 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations working in Lauderdale County, Mississippi? Find the perfect grant for your nonprofit on Instrumentl
9,000+
Available grants
$2.75B
Total funding
$5K
Median grant
Skip the search. Get matched with grants that fit your non-profit.
Smart recommendations based on your profile — in minutes.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Greater Salina Community Foundation
Our mission is to build permanent endowment funds and meet charitable community needs. The Foundation achieves its mission by:
Scholarship Program
The community foundation offers a wide variety of scholarships for students, provided by the generosity of local donors. Whether you are a high school senior, a current college student, or a non-traditional student we work with donors to help you take the next step in your education.
Florence Evelyn Westhoff Scholarship
For graduating high school seniors or a graduate from a Salina high school with connections to University United Methodist Church (UUMC), Salina, KS. Kansas Wesleyan University students may also apply.
Background
The Florence Evelyn Westhoff Scholarship was established to assist students with ties to the University United Methodist Church, Salina, KS.
Geographic Limitations
Renewals
Greater Salina Community Foundation
Our mission is to build permanent endowment funds and meet charitable community needs. The Foundation achieves its mission by:
Scholarship Program
The community foundation offers a wide variety of scholarships for students, provided by the generosity of local donors. Whether you are a high school senior, a current college student, or a non-traditional student we work with donors to help you take the next step in your education.
Frances E. Curtis NAACP Scholarship
For graduating high school seniors or a graduate from a high school located in Dickinson, Ottawa, or Saline Counties, with ties to NAACP-Salina
Background
The Frances E. Curtis NAACP Scholarship was established to assist students with ties to the NAACP-Salina.
Renewals
Greater Salina Community Foundation
Our mission is to build permanent endowment funds and meet charitable community needs. The Foundation achieves its mission by:
Scholarship Program
The community foundation offers a wide variety of scholarships for students, provided by the generosity of local donors. Whether you are a high school senior, a current college student, or a non-traditional student we work with donors to help you take the next step in your education.
Gayle & Evelyn Richmond Scholarship
For graduating high school seniors from a high school in Plainville, Stockton, Natoma, or Palco, KS.
Renewals
Scholarship recipients are eligible to apply for renewal by meeting the following criteria:
About
Paul Newman was born and raised in Ohio by parents who owned a successful sporting goods store. He enlisted in the Navy and completed his military service as a radioman/gunner in the Pacific during World War II. Seeing his father’s business ethic during the Great Depression and experiencing the war fueled his desire to help others in need.
In 1958, Paul made his acting debut on Broadway in “Picnic,” where he also met his future wife, Joanne Woodward. Paul started a successful race car driving career inspired by training for the film Winning. He went on to win second place in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the world’s oldest endurance race event. After years of acting and being recognized for his achievements on screen and stage, he received many accolades including an Oscar for Best Actor in The Color of Money.
Paul used his fame for good. He was dedicated to civil rights–attending the March on Washington in August 1963–women’s rights, and gay rights. He used his platform to advocate for equal pay for his female co-stars. He was a vocal political advocate committed to ending the nuclear arms race and determined to elect opponents of war and militarism. President Jimmy Carter appointed him to a United Nations General Assembly session on nuclear disarmament.
In 1982, Paul Newman and his friend Hotch founded a food company on a bit of a lark. They turned a profit selling salad dressing that first year, and did something truly radical when they decided to “give it all away” to good causes.
Paul established Newman’s Own Foundation to ensure the continuation of his philanthropic legacy after his passing. 40+ years since its founding, his first of its kind food company and its innovative business model are still going strong.
Garden Grants
Through Whole Foods Market’s Garden Grant program, schools turn outdoor spaces into powerful hands-on learning gardens that connect kids with food, spark their curiosity and support classroom curriculum.
Greater Salina Community Foundation
Our mission is to build permanent endowment funds and meet charitable community needs. The Foundation achieves its mission by:
Scholarship Program
The community foundation offers a wide variety of scholarships for students, provided by the generosity of local donors. Whether you are a high school senior, a current college student, or a non-traditional student we work with donors to help you take the next step in your education.
Jeanne B. Marts Scholarship
The Jeanne B. Marts Scholarship was established to provide assistance to Salina area students who are intending to major in elementary or secondary education.
Renewals
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 |