Best Grants for Community Service Projects in Mississippi

The Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation provides targeted grant funding to enhance health and well-being for Mississippians. Founded in 2004, it supports initiatives that improve health literacy, promote healthy lifestyles, and ensure access to quality healthcare. The Foundation prioritizes community and school programs, aiming to foster healthier environments and combat health disparities, regardless of age, race, or background. By empowering local organizations, it strives to create lasting change across the state.

The Community Facilities Grant Program in Mississippi offers essential funding for developing community facilities in rural areas. This program supports projects aimed at enhancing local services, including healthcare, education, and public safety. Funds can cover construction, equipment, and related expenses, with a focus on low-interest loans and grants. Priority is given to small, low-income communities. Eligible borrowers include public bodies and non-profits, ensuring vital resources are available to improve rural living conditions.

Entergy’s Open Grants Program aims to enhance community well-being through funding initiatives in arts, education, social services, and community improvement. The program prioritizes support for organizations that serve diverse populations, including children and low-income communities. Eligible entities must have 501(c)(3) status or equivalent nonprofit recognition. Applications should be submitted three months in advance, allowing ample time for review. Entergy focuses on projects that foster self-sufficiency and enrich local neighborhoods.

The MAC Underserved Initiative Grant Program aims to enhance access to quality arts programming across all 82 counties in Mississippi. By identifying underserved areas that lack recent grants or services, the Mississippi Arts Commission facilitates outreach and support for local arts initiatives. This program not only promotes cultural engagement but also fosters community development and collaboration among various organizations, ensuring that all citizens can participate in diverse artistic experiences.

South Arts, Inc. offers Professional Development Grants for Arts Organizations to enhance the skills and knowledge of Southern arts entities. These grants aim to support operational stability and growth, focusing on organizations with budgets of $500,000 or less. Eligible applicants include a range of arts organizations within South Arts' nine-state service area. The program emphasizes first-time opportunities and requires a dollar-for-dollar cash match, ensuring a commitment to professional development in the arts.

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 WKKF Grant, offered by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, is dedicated to fostering a future where every child and family thrives. With a focus on nurturing early education, accessible healthcare, and equitable food systems, this grant supports initiatives that empower communities across the U.S. and parts of Mexico and Haiti. Organizations meeting IRS regulations and being legal entities, particularly 501(c)(3) nonprofits, are encouraged to apply for funding to create lasting impacts in their communities.

The Penn National Gaming Foundation Grants support various community initiatives across North America, emphasizing education, health services, and cultural affairs. Launched post-Hurricane Katrina, the foundation aids local nonprofits, enhancing community development, public safety, and veteran support. The grants cater to organizations that address the needs of children, senior citizens, and disadvantaged populations, ensuring a broad impact in areas where Penn National Gaming operates. This commitment reflects the foundation's dedication to uplifting communities and fostering resilience.

All In Credit Union, founded in 1966, has evolved from a small financial institution to a full-service credit union serving over 197,000 members across Alabama, Florida, and Mississippi. With a commitment to community support, they have contributed nearly $2 million to local charities since 2018 and awarded significant scholarships. The annual All In Grant Program offers essential funding to 501(c)(3) organizations to enhance community services, reflecting their dedication to making a positive impact in the areas they serve.

The Assisi Foundation of Memphis Grant supports nonprofit organizations in improving community health, education, social justice, cultural enrichment, and capacity building. Grants are available for organizations in specific Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi counties, with eligibility focused on tax-exempt entities. Applications are accepted quarterly, with specific deadlines for different focus areas. The foundation seeks innovative ideas that align with its philanthropic mission and encourages organizations to apply for funding that promotes positive community transformation.

The Volunteer and Civic Engagement Mini-Grants program, managed by Volunteer Mississippi, aims to support diverse projects promoting community service. Eligible organizations, including nonprofits and public entities, can apply for funding between $1,500 and $10,000. Projects may involve mentoring, social justice advocacy, environmental restoration, and literacy initiatives. Applications are accepted until August 7, 2025, or until funds are depleted, making it crucial for interested parties to act promptly.

South Arts, Inc. is offering Accessibility Grants of up to $2,500 to nonprofit organizations in the Southeast to enhance accessibility in arts programs for individuals with disabilities. The grants aim to foster inclusivity by supporting projects that engage disabled artists and audiences. Organizations must be located within the South Arts Service region and focus on the arts. Priority will be given to new applicants and those serving BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities, with a commitment to rural areas.

The Community Foundation of Greater Memphis offers Nonprofit Capacity Building Grants to enhance the organizational health of nonprofits in the Mid-South. These one-time financial grants, averaging $15,000 with a total of $210,000 available, are for projects that improve governance and management, rather than direct programming. Organizations must raise matching funds dollar-for-dollar to leverage additional resources. Eligibility requires a reviewed profile on LIVEGIVEmidsouth.org and meeting specific operational criteria.

The Leo W. Seal Innovative Teacher Award, administered by the Gulf Coast Community Foundation, recognizes educators in select Mississippi counties for their innovative teaching projects. Grants of up to $2,000 are awarded to teachers who demonstrate creativity and leadership in enhancing student learning. Eligible applicants are public or private school educators in areas including Forrest, Hancock, and Harrison counties. This initiative aims to support impactful classroom projects that benefit students and improve teaching effectiveness.

The MAC Mini-Grants for Organizations provide vital funding to support professional development and capacity building for Mississippi-based arts organizations. Eligible applicants, including non-profit organizations and local government entities, can receive matching grants to engage professional artists for various activities like performances, workshops, and curriculum development. Priority is given to organizations in underserved areas and those led by BIPOC individuals. This initiative aims to enhance public engagement and appreciation for the arts statewide.

The Tree Campus Higher Education Program, led by the National Arbor Day Foundation, empowers colleges to cultivate green spaces and enhance campus life. By fostering a commitment to tree planting, this initiative supports environmental health, energy conservation, and mental well-being for students and staff alike. Participating schools can achieve national recognition through their dedication to sustainable practices and community service projects, creating pride and a beautiful, livable campus.

The NRA Foundation offers financial support through its Grant Program, aimed at projects that promote firearms safety, shooting sports education, and research for improved marksmanship techniques. Eligible applicants include IRS-recognized entities and government bodies. The foundation does not fund commercial ventures, administrative costs, or projects requiring NRA membership. Grants support educational programs related to firearms and public safety, fostering community engagement in shooting sports and hunting safety.

The National Sea Grant Law Center is inviting proposals for the Coastal Resilience Program to research laws and policies addressing coastal resilience challenges such as sea level rise and flooding. With a funding cap of $150,000 over two years, this initiative aims to assess the effectiveness of existing policies and promote informed decision-making in coastal management. Up to two projects will be selected for funding, supporting innovative solutions to enhance community resilience against environmental threats.

The Dean William C. Flewellen Jr. Scholarship Fund, established by the Central Alabama Community Foundation in 1987, supports students attending Mississippi State University in the College of Business. This renewable scholarship is available to graduating seniors from specified counties with a minimum 3.0 GPA and an ACT score of 27. The fund exemplifies a commitment to educational advancement and community support, ensuring that local students have access to higher education opportunities.

The MAC Project Grants support arts initiatives across Mississippi, empowering community-based groups to enhance cultural engagement. Funding is available for four key areas: Arts Based Community Development, Arts Education, Arts Industry, and Folk & Traditional Arts. These grants aim to foster community growth, improve educational opportunities, stabilize the arts sector, and promote traditional art forms, ensuring a vibrant cultural landscape in Mississippi.

Mississippi Arts Commission

The Mississippi Arts Commission was established in 1968 by the Mississippi Legislature as the official grants-making and service agency for the arts in the state. MAC provides financial and technical assistance for arts programming to arts organizations and educational institutions throughout Mississippi. Funded annually by the Mississippi Legislature, the National Endowment for the Arts and private funds, MAC uses this support to carry forth its mission and continues to act as a core and essential function of government.

Folk Arts Apprenticeship

The Folk Arts Apprenticeship program helps to ensure the survival, development and continued evolution of community-based traditional art forms found throughout Mississippi. The program allows master traditional artists to pass along their unique skills to promising novice artists that work in their art form. The master artist works with the apprentice on a one-on-one basis over an agreed upon period of time to teach specific aspects of the tradition.

Who is a master artist?

A master artist is a skilled and experienced practitioner of a traditional art form. The master artist acts as a mentor and teacher to the apprentice.

Who is an apprentice?

An apprentice is an emerging traditional artist who has an established skill set and seeks to enhance their knowledge and understanding of their art form through one-on-one instruction.

Many types of traditional artists can benefit from this program. Some examples of artists who have received Apprenticeship grants in the past include boat builders, quilters, old-time fiddlers, traditional potters, basket makers, and blues guitarists. The program is focused on supporting forms of creative expression that have been an important part of community life for many years and that are passed on informally rather than taught through formal classes. Please consult with the Folk and Traditional Arts Program Director to see if your art form qualifies for this program.

MAC also accepts Apprenticeship applications from foodways practitioners. MAC recognizes the creativity and cultural significance of foodways to the history and identity of Mississippians. The program honors foodways artists who make dishes that are directly related to the soil and climate of the state, or to the ethnic and regional heritage of their families or communities. Whether you are frying fish, rolling dough, stuffing tamales or canning figs (or something in between), MAC encourages you to share your expertise by participating in the Apprenticeship program. Before applying, please consult with the Folk and Traditional Arts Program Director to see if your foodways tradition qualifies for this program.

The master artist and apprentice work together to determine the budget for their project. The majority of the grant funds (80 percent or more – $2,400) should be set aside for the master artist’s teaching fee. The remaining amount can be used to purchase supplies (only expendable items, not permanent equipment) and for mileage incurred by the apprentice (this should be estimated using the State of Mississippi’s current mileage reimbursement rate.

Please note: MAC will provide reasonable accommodations for those individuals who are unable to access the online grant system. Paper applications are available upon request at least two weeks ahead of the application deadline.

Folk Arts Apprenticeship Showcase Requirement

Each apprenticeship team that is awarded a grant will be required to participate in MAC’s annual Folk Arts Apprenticeship Showcase near the end of the grant period. This showcase is a public program that highlights the work of the apprenticeship teams. The program has both online and in-person components and is developed in consultation with MAC staff and the participating artists.

The MAC Operating Grant supports arts-focused organizations in Mississippi, enabling them to cover essential expenses like salaries, marketing, and rent. These grants are tailored for nonprofits with a primary mission in the arts, encouraging them to maintain financial stability while enhancing community access to artistic programming. Eligible organizations must have been established for at least two years and demonstrate a commitment to arts development through diverse programs. This initiative aims to foster cultural growth and strengthen community ties through the arts.

Entergy’s Open Grants Program in Mississippi aims to enhance community well-being through support for arts, education, poverty solutions, and health initiatives. The program prioritizes requests from organizations with 501(c)(3) status and local projects that improve public access to the arts and promote self-sufficiency. Funding is not available for utility payments, political activities, or religious organizations. Preference is given to projects serving Entergy's customer areas, ensuring community-focused impact.

The JWDDBF Service Learning Program, administered by the Joe W & Dorothy Dorsett Brown Foundation, supports K-12 schools in Louisiana and Mississippi. This initiative encourages students to engage with their communities through service learning projects that connect academic curriculum with real-world problems. By providing funding, the program enhances students' critical thinking, collaboration, and empathy while fostering positive relationships between schools and communities. The Principal’s Award also incentivizes schools to participate in these enriching experiences.

Delta Workforce Grant Program

The Delta Workforce Grant Program (DWP) is an initiative designed to build long-term community capacity and increase economic competitiveness by providing grants to support workforce training and education programs throughout the lower Mississippi River Delta and Alabama Black Belt regions.

DWP supports projects and initiatives that create a more vibrant economic future for the Delta region by expanding opportunities to recruit, train, and retain a diverse and local workforce; aligning workforce and economic development strategies; creating sustainable talent pipelines; establishing or enhancing locally/regionally significant sector-based partnerships; and supporting enhanced workforce productivity through investments in innovative programming or services.