Best Grants for Children in Mississippi

Mississippi youth-serving 501(c)(3) and other eligible public charities working to improve children’s health and wellness can access funding through the Bower Foundation for innovative health initiatives. Projects may address healthy lifestyles for children, health care access, physical fitness, health policy, or End Stage Renal Disease, with a required Grant Concept Summary preceding full applications.

Mississippi youth and children’s nonprofits focused on education, health, or human and social services can seek monetary program support through Costco Foundation’s charitable contributions. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations, request cash only, and serve communities where Costco operates, with applications reviewed on factors like documented community need, measurable outcomes, and collaborative, broadly supported projects.

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

Nonprofit organizations serving children and youth in Mississippi can seek funding for arts, youth services, healthy families, poverty solutions, and community improvement projects through the Entergy Charitable Foundation. With a mission to strengthen communities, Entergy Charitable Foundation provides support to eligible 501(c) entities and similar public institutions, with priority for specific counties and an April 1 deadline for Mississippi requests.

Nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations using technology to address youth-focused education, economic opportunity, or crisis response in Mississippi and beyond can seek Global Impact Cash Grants, up to US $100,000. Grants from Cisco Systems Foundation help programs serving mostly economically underserved children and youth, including work in educational access, STEM education, job readiness, food security, and climate resilience.

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.

Youth-serving 501(c)(3) cultural institutions in Mississippi with audited expenses over $2 million can apply for the William Randolph Hearst Foundation’s Culture Grant, awarding more than US $100,000 for arts and science programming. Eligible nonprofits include museums, theaters, symphonies, ballets, and arts education or STEAM programs that engage children and demonstrate measurable, lasting impact.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

Mississippi 501(c)(3) public charities and government agencies can seek funding for educational programs benefiting children and youth, especially in Meridian, Lauderdale County, and Jackson. With a mission to improve educational and life outcomes, Phil Hardin Foundation supports early childhood development, literacy, teacher quality, school leadership, equitable access, arts enrichment, and community or statewide capacity-building initiatives that can be replicated across communities.

Mississippi youth-serving and child-focused organizations supporting health, education, or humanitarian needs can access funding through Semnani Family Foundation for programs aiding marginalized and vulnerable children. Grants may benefit initiatives in children’s health, disabilities, literacy, and related human and social services as part of the foundation’s broader global and U.S. work.

Mississippi 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving youth and families can seek sponsorship support for programs in basic needs, workforce education, community development, arts, environment, and inclusion. Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s U.S. sponsorships may benefit children’s initiatives that preserve neighborhoods, address hunger and shelter, or build 21st-century job skills.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits running youth or children’s programs, including those in Mississippi, can seek US $1,000 - US $20,000 to support education, skills training, cultural, and community-based services. The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation supports museums, schools, clinics, and other organizations where relatively small grants can make a significant impact.

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving children, youth, and families in Mississippi communities where Penn National Gaming operates can apply for grants supporting youth services, education, human services, health, and community development programs. Organizations in Hancock, Harrison, and Tunica counties may be especially well-positioned for funding that benefits local children and families.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

Nonprofit organizations, schools, CBOs, NGOs, and religious organizations running youth summer camps in Mississippi can apply for the Brown Foundation’s Summer Camp Program to support camp operations. Overnight and special-needs camps, or programs emphasizing STEM, math instruction, and academic enrichment to reduce summer learning loss, are especially encouraged to apply.

Nonprofit organizations serving children and families in Mississippi can apply for MGM Resorts Foundation’s Community Grant Fund to support direct services such as K–12 education, family services, food security, health and wellness, homelessness, and affordable housing. Eligible agencies must serve people in MGM Resorts employee communities and comply with the foundation’s diversity and inclusion policies.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving children and youth, including those in Mississippi, can apply for Hansen Family Foundation grants of US $1,000 - US $10,000 to support programs that advance life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Funding may support youth services, education, basic needs, humanitarian aid, and related initiatives worldwide, subject to budget and overhead limits.

Youth- and family-serving nonprofits in Mississippi can seek funding for arts and culture, healthy families, social services, and community improvement programs that benefit children and families. Grants from Entergy Charitable Foundation help organizations such as 501(c)(3)s, schools, hospitals, governments, and qualifying veterans or volunteer fire departments strengthen local communities where Entergy operates.

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.

Youth-serving organizations in Mississippi can receive funding to educate children about hunting, fishing, conservation, and related safety. The Mississippi Department of Wildlife Fisheries and Parks supports programs that focus on youth education, recruitment, or retention in these outdoor activities, which may benefit groups running children’s environmental, recreation, or safety initiatives.

Youth-serving 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Mississippi can apply for Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards, offering US $30,000 - US $350,000 for programs benefiting children and families. Eligible projects include youth education and leadership, housing and family services, food access and hunger relief, and environmental or community initiatives that engage or support young people.

Grants support Mississippi youth services by helping substance use treatment providers add early childhood childcare specialists for children ages 2–5. Grants from Mississippi Department of Mental Health help cover a portion of operational costs so PPWMDC programs can offer structured instruction, learning, and nurturing environments for clients’ dependent children during treatment.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and government entities serving children and youth in Northwest Mississippi can apply for grants of US $100 - US $20,000 to support health and education programs. Grants from Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi help Mississippi youth services advance early childhood education, technology in education, place-based learning, civic engagement, and community development in eligible counties.

Nonprofit organizations in Mississippi that lead strong, replicable community partnerships may apply for Mutual of America Foundation’s national Community Partnership Award, recognizing collaborations that address significant social issues. Child- and youth-serving organizations with impactful cross-sector partnerships may be especially competitive among U.S. applicants.

Mississippi 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving children, families, or community spaces can apply for Community Impact Project Grants to support placemaking, youth services, literacy, health access, or collaborative community partnerships. Community Foundation for Mississippi provides up to US $5,000 for project-based work across its 22-county service area, prioritizing efforts showing strong community support.