Best Emergency Preparedness Grants for Nonprofits in Mississippi

Mississippi Office of Homeland Security

Homeland Security is a concerted State and National effort to prevent terrorist attacks within the State, reduce our vulnerability to terrorism and or any disaster that may occur, minimize the damage, and recover from events that do occur. The Mississippi Office of Homeland Security was created through Executive Order 872 and repositioned under the authority of the Mississippi Department of Public Safety through Executive Order 916.

The mission of the Mississippi Office of Homeland Security (MOHS) is to partner with federal, state, and local emergency response personnel during both man-made and natural disasters, as well as working to prevent, protect, and respond to threats and/or acts of terrorism within our state. This office will act as the nexus for information sharing through its direction of the Mississippi Analysis and Information Center (MSAIC) and will lead efforts in "All Hazard" prevention, preparedness, and response by continuing to foster strong partnerships across professional response disciplines. MOHS will further the education of the Mississippi citizenry through awareness and outreach efforts. These efforts are accomplished through training, equipping, and informing the populace about the steps necessary to keep themselves and their communities vigilant and prepared.

Community Preparedness Grants

At times during specific years, the Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) may focus on a special emphasis area that is part of the National Priorities. This allows for the creation of funding for a special emphasis area such as election security, school safety, community preparedness, etc. During years that there may be a special emphasis, the MOHS will release a separate grant application for the HSGP application, to focus on a special emphasis area. These grant follow all the same regulation and processes, but may be solicited outside the regular application window (March-April).

Community Preparedness grants are issued out the local jurisdictions that are interested in creating or refreshing Citizen Emergency Response Teams (CERTS) for both adults and students. Also part of Community Preparedness grants are the opportunity to set up Neighborhood Watch programs. 

Mississippi 501(c)(3) nonprofits and houses of worship seeking security-related and physical security upgrades can apply for the Non-Profit Grant Program, with awards up to US $200,000 per site. Administered by the Mississippi Office of Homeland Security, this competitive program supports emergency preparedness, terrorism prevention, and all-hazards resilience for up to three separate sites.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving Mississippi and other Southern states can seek support for disaster relief, humanitarian aid, and related services. Focused on alleviating hardship, Robinson Foundation invites established charities (3+ years) to request single-year program funding, which may benefit emergency preparedness efforts alongside support for children and families, poverty relief, health, and veterans.

The McKesson Foundation Grant provides funding up to $25,000 for organizations focused on improving health outcomes in underserved communities. Established in 1943, the foundation prioritizes health equity through strategic partnerships aimed at reducing cancer burdens, preparing healthcare professionals, and enhancing crisis response efforts. Eligible applicants include national and local nonprofits targeting specific regions in the U.S. and Canada. The foundation emphasizes projects that align with its mission and demonstrate significant community impact.

The Public Health Laboratory Fellowship Program, supported by the Association of Public Health Laboratories, develops future public health scientists through experiential learning in laboratory science. Participants receive training aligned with core competencies and work on impactful projects in various focus areas such as bioinformatics, food safety, and infectious disease. With flexible terms and potential for extension, this fellowship ensures a robust foundation for a career in public health laboratory science.

Mississippi nonprofits providing emergency services, food, shelter, or disaster preparedness support can access funding through the Nailba Charitable Foundation to help people in need, especially children. U.S. human and social service organizations, including those focused on mental health, disabilities, or at-risk youth, may be eligible if their programs are nonsectarian and backed by a NAILBA member agency or corporate partner.

The IAF Research Fellowship Program, administered by the Social Science Research Council, aims to support rigorous research on community-led development in Latin America and the Caribbean. The fellowship provides a $20,000 stipend for twelve months, fostering innovative solutions to pressing issues such as economic opportunity, migration, and social inclusion. Researchers are encouraged to explore how community-led models can create lasting impacts and respond to global trends, enhancing local resilience and development.

International Paper Grants focus on community engagement, emphasizing education, hunger relief, health & wellness, and disaster relief. They support nonprofit organizations that demonstrate good financial standing and effective management. Eligible organizations must operate in areas where International Paper has facilities. The foundation prioritizes local needs, particularly critical and environmental issues, while encouraging employee involvement. Ineligible entities include private foundations and those without a local presence. Applications are accepted through mid-September in the U.S. and Canada.

The Japan – U.S. Global Partnership Grant Program aims to foster collaborative projects addressing global issues through partnerships between Japanese and American organizations. It focuses on policy-oriented research and dialogue among diverse professionals, including academia and grassroots practitioners. Key thematic areas include resilience, inclusivity, and advancements in science and technology. Projects outside these themes may also be eligible if aligned with grant goals, covering topics like climate change, public health, and digital transformation.

The Zendesk Tech for Good Impact Awards support nonprofits by providing them with essential software, grants, and pro bono assistance to enhance their impact on vulnerable populations. The program aims to foster community connections, promote resilience during crises, and create career pathways in technology. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a commitment to utilizing technology in their services, enhancing their ability to support beneficiaries effectively. This initiative empowers nonprofits to leverage technology for greater social good.

Nonprofit and public entities working on disaster preparedness, recovery, and economic revitalization in Mississippi can access funding through the Economic Development Administration’s FY25 Disaster Supplemental program. This U.S. Department of Commerce opportunity offers up to US $50,000,000 for readiness, implementation, and industry transformation projects responding to 2023–2024 natural disasters and strengthening long-term community resilience.

Mobile healthcare programs planning or operating emergency preparedness activities in Mississippi can use this grant to strengthen disaster readiness. Mobile Healthcare Association provides Mississippi disaster preparedness efforts with up to US $10,000 for planning, staff training, simulations, vehicle and equipment readiness, and continuity-of-care protocols for weather-related emergencies like hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and tornadoes.

State, local, and tribal governments in Mississippi can apply for the Emergency Management Performance Grant to support disaster preparedness planning, training, exercises, and emergency management personnel salaries. This DHS/FEMA-funded program, administered by the Rhode Island Office of Accounts and Control, offers US $825,152 - US $24,392,241 to strengthen all-hazards emergency management capabilities.

State and local agencies and similar public entities in Mississippi seeking to acquire land for outdoor recreation and disaster resilience may be eligible for the Readiness and Recreation Initiative, a program of the National Park Service. Grants from the National Park Service help support projects in REPI Partnership Opportunity Areas or Sentinel Landscapes, with awards from US $250,000 - US $3,000,000 on a dollar-for-dollar match basis.

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 Motorola Solutions Foundation Grant supports organizations that enhance safety and community well-being, focusing on underrepresented populations. With over $100 million in donations, the foundation prioritizes technology and engineering education, first responder programming, and blended initiatives. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)(3) organizations or school districts in the U.S. The foundation seeks partnerships that demonstrate strong financial health and data-driven evaluation methods, aiming to create safer cities and thriving communities.

The McKesson Foundation Grant provides funding above $25,000 to support health equity initiatives across North America. Founded in 1943, its mission focuses on removing barriers to quality healthcare for vulnerable communities. The foundation prioritizes projects that align with strategic pillars: reducing cancer burdens, preparing the healthcare workforce, and enhancing crisis response. Eligible organizations include national and local nonprofits. Funding is limited to specific regions and assessed based on demonstrated need and expected impact.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and local government agencies seeking backup power solutions to maintain essential services during emergencies can apply for US $300,000 in funding, including those serving Mississippi-like disaster preparedness needs. Focused on disaster preparedness and basic human needs, Hillman Family Foundations supports projects that keep food, shelter, safety, and heating/cooling available when power fails.

The Fiscal Year 2026 Flood Mitigation Assistance program aims to enhance flood mitigation funding delivery, focusing on the needs of disaster survivors. This federal initiative, managed by FEMA, provides essential funds to states, territories, and local governments to mitigate flood risks and reduce repetitive damage to properties insured under the National Flood Insurance Program. The program supports various activities designed to lower the financial exposure of the NFIP while promoting community resilience against flooding.

The PROTECT Competitive Grant Program aims to enhance the resilience of surface transportation systems, including highways and public transit, through innovative projects. With up to $787 million available from FYs 2024-2026, the program focuses on protecting transportation assets and communities, ensuring they can withstand challenges and recover quickly. This initiative also emphasizes the importance of coastal and natural infrastructure in safeguarding transportation networks. More details can be found in the full NOFO on Grants.gov.

The National Leadership Grants for Libraries (NLG-L) program, funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, aims to enhance library services across the nation. By supporting projects that promote adult reading, health and financial literacy, and effective use of new technologies, this initiative fosters community prosperity and builds partnerships among libraries, archives, and museums. The grants ensure that libraries can respond effectively to public needs and enhance their contributions to education and information access.

VCA Charities is dedicated to enhancing pet ownership by offering Disaster Relief Grants to support animal welfare organizations impacted by natural disasters. These grants provide funding for essential veterinary care, pet supplies, temporary shelter, and transportation costs for rescued animals. Prioritizing immediate relief, VCA Charities also assesses preparedness requests at year-end. The program aims to alleviate the suffering of pets and ensure they remain in loving homes during crises, addressing both urgent and long-term needs in affected communities.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

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 Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.