Best Grants for International Development in Mississippi

501(c)(3) and similar tax-exempt organizations providing education, human services, health, or cultural programs in the greater Chicago area can apply for McGraw Foundation support. The foundation offers US $2,000 - US $10,000 for general operating, projects, or occasional capital needs, which may benefit Mississippi-based international development groups partnering with Chicago organizations.

Agricultural producers, non-industrial private forest owners, Tribes, and water management entities in Mississippi can apply for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program to fund conservation practices on working lands. This USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service program offers technical and financial assistance for soil health, water and air quality, wildlife habitat, and climate-resilient agriculture projects.

Graduate students researching drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can receive US $3,000 to advance projects with actionable outcomes for the water industry. Focused on water-related research, the American Water Works Association’s Dr. Philip C. Singer Scholarship may benefit students in Mississippi working on international development or clean water initiatives.

Nonprofit charities, public education institutions, and government entities serving eligible Weyerhaeuser communities in Mississippi can seek funding for housing, education, environmental stewardship, human services, and related programs. Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund supports local projects that address important community needs and demonstrate strong leadership, broad impact, and measurable results; awards are typically more than US $1,000.

Nonprofit organizations supporting women and children through humanitarian aid, education, employment readiness, and related services in Mississippi can apply for funding to build self-sufficiency and resilience. The Father's Table Foundation provides up to US $750,000 for projects such as homelessness services, food security, microfinance, child welfare, health care, and disaster relief, including internationally focused work.

Mississippi nonprofits and eligible educational or religious organizations offering non-discriminatory social services can access funding and in-kind support through Caesars Foundation. Mississippi international development groups working on social equity, education, food security, climate resilience, housing, or mental health may be eligible if their U.S.-based programs align with Caesars’ strategic community impact areas.

Undergraduate-focused higher education institutions in Mississippi conducting biomedical research can apply for NIH Academic Research Enhancement Awards to support small-scale research projects and student research experiences. US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health offers up to US $375,000 for eligible institutions that have historically received limited NIH funding and award baccalaureate science degrees.

Early-career research scientists at low- or middle-income country academic or research institutions conducting clinical trials in global health fields can receive approximately US $140,000 in career development support. Grants from the National Institutes of Health help Mississippi-based partners collaborating internationally on health-focused development projects connect with emerging global leaders in LMIC settings.

Early-career research scientists in low- or middle-income countries can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award from the National Institutes of Health, with approximately US $140,000 for mentored health research and career development. Mississippi-based partners collaborating with eligible LMIC faculty on international development and global health priorities may benefit from this support.

Agricultural producers and landowners in Mississippi can apply for the Conservation Stewardship Program to improve land management and conservation on working lands. This USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service program provides annual payments to enhance soil health, water quality, wildlife habitat, and overall environmental stewardship, which may benefit organizations engaged in international development-related agriculture and resource management work.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations can seek funding for education-focused programs, youth initiatives, arts and culture, community services, and related efforts in Mississippi and other U.S. regions. Focused on education and youth, John Ben Snow Memorial Trust offers US $5,000 - US $20,000, with preference for new or enhanced programs and short-term, one-time support.

Organizations planning congresses, events, or similar health-related initiatives in Mississippi can seek sponsorship funding for activities that offer reasonable marketing or recognition benefits in return. Biogen Foundation considers a wide range of neurological and related disease areas, reviewing proposals based on topic alignment, event details, and geographic location; requests must be submitted 50 days before funding decisions are needed.

Private landowners and Indian tribes in Mississippi can apply for the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Agricultural Conservation Easement Program to place agricultural and wetland areas under conservation easements and support restoration activities. This program may benefit organizations and partners engaged in international development-related conservation, habitat restoration, and sustainable land and water management work.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on regenerative agriculture, climate justice, healthy food access, or environmental health can receive US $5,000 - US $50,000 in general operating support, including groups based in Mississippi. Focused on grassroots, community-rooted efforts, Clif Family Foundation prioritizes U.S. organizations advancing people-centered, locally driven solutions that address underfunded needs.

Nonprofit organizations providing direct human services in Mississippi can seek one-year grants for community programs such as affordable housing, workforce development, K–12 education, family services, food security, health, homelessness, senior support, and veteran services. Focused on these areas, MGM Resorts Foundation invites agencies serving regions where its employees live and work to apply.

Mississippi international development organizations can access funding through the William and Helen Thomas Charitable Trust to support education, environmental conservation, medical needs, and services for underprivileged communities. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) public charities, with grants also supporting assistance for the poor, including Appalachian communities, and vulnerable or orphaned children.

Students pursuing natural resource–related degrees in fields like ecology, forestry, hydrology, or environmental education can receive scholarship support while residing in select northeastern Illinois counties. With a mission to support education, the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois provides this Soil and Water Stewardship Scholarship, which may benefit those interested in international development–adjacent environmental careers.

Free and charitable clinics in Mississippi that are NAFC members can apply for the NAFC Healthcare Services Expansion Fund, with awards of US $30,000 - US $50,000 to launch or expand clinical programs for underserved patients. Funding from the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics can support services like behavioral health, women’s health, telehealth, chronic disease management, and mobile or outreach-based care.

Research institutions organizing agriculture, forestry, food, or fisheries conferences can apply for event sponsorship to share innovative science and policy insights, including events involving Mississippi-based stakeholders. With a mission to strengthen scientific knowledge, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development provides support for international conferences, workshops, and symposia held in participating member countries.

The RNRF Planning and Small Grants program provides funding up to $50,000 to support projects that enhance collaboration among community partners in addressing critical environmental issues. Eligible applicants must be 501c3 organizations in the U.S. and demonstrate multidisciplinary cooperation. Projects should align with RNRF's mission and focus areas, including air quality, biodiversity, and renewable energy. The initiative aims to create sustainable and impactful outcomes by bridging research and practical implementation.

The RNRF Implementation/Collaboration Grants support innovative projects that enhance collaboration among stakeholders to address critical challenges in environmental, social, and economic systems. Offering up to $200,000 for initiatives lasting 12 months or more, these grants aim to implement evidence-based practices and facilitate multidisciplinary teamwork. Eligible applicants must be from 501c3 organizations in the U.S., ensuring alignment with RNRF's mission and focus areas, fostering sustainable and impactful outcomes.

RBC Foundation – USA aims to enhance community quality of life by supporting non-profit organizations that promote diversity and positive change. In 2023, it awarded over $2.8 million in grants, prioritizing youth programs for ages 15-29, arts access for diverse populations, and mental well-being initiatives. The foundation encourages sustainable projects that foster economic independence, providing critical support for education, mental health, and cultural enrichment, thereby making a significant impact across various communities.

The Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund, established by the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, has distributed over $16.3 million in grants since 1999. It supports charitable organizations and local governments in eleven Oregon counties, as well as Native American initiatives across the U.S. The fund prioritizes education, health, public safety, addiction prevention, housing, arts, and environmental preservation, ensuring the Tribe's commitment to community support and cultural heritage.

The Stantec Community Engagement Grant is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in communities where Stantec operates. Focused on arts, education, environment, and health and wellness, the grant supports initiatives that foster sustainable development and responsible practices. Organizations seeking funding must align with Stantec's values, emphasizing ethical practices and community impact. Preference is given to projects located near Stantec offices, ensuring a more significant local impact through their contributions.

The FY26 Defense Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (DEPSCoR) aims to enhance research capabilities in eligible states by increasing the number of university researchers and institutions conducting relevant science and engineering research. Sponsored by the Department of Defense, this program will fund multiyear awards to promote research aligned with national security needs. Applications require a multi-stage submission process, emphasizing early registration and timely proposal submissions.

Sanofi Philanthropic Donations support non-profit organizations aligned with Health Equity, STEM Education Equity, and Local Communities. Applications are accepted year-round, with a review process of 8 to 16 weeks. The initiative focuses on improving healthcare access, fostering innovation, and addressing social determinants of health. Sanofi emphasizes collaboration and sustainable solutions, advocating for equal opportunities in health and education, and nurturing future talent to tackle medical challenges.

South Arts Inc

Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, South Arts is a nonprofit regional arts organization empowering artists, organizations, and communities, and increasing access to arts and culture.

In partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the State Arts Agencies of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee — with additional funding from other public and private donors such as the Doris Duke Foundation, the Ford Foundation, and Mellon Foundation — South Arts supports artists and organizations through a rich and responsive portfolio of grants, fellowships, and programs. Why? Because South Arts believes that the arts elevate the region, increasing connectedness and inspiring meaningful change in the process.

Our mission: Advancing Southern vitality through the arts.

Arts in Community Grants

Program Description

Arts in Community Grants are designed to support deeper engagements between Southern communities and artists. Through these grants supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, we aim to increase access to the arts, expand audiences for artists, and broaden our reach. Eligible projects require a Southern artist/company visiting another Southern state for public activities, offering access to arts programming by professional artists. Funding supports Southern film directors, traditional artists, visual artists, performing artists, or writers:

• film (documentary, fiction, experimental, and animation),
• traditional arts (music, dance, storytelling, and visual arts/crafts),
• visual arts (crafts, drawing, experimental, painting, photography, sculpture, and mixed media),
• performing arts (theater, music, opera, musical theater, and dance), and
• literary arts (fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry).

Projects require an artist or artist ensemble and a host or partner organization. Project must include at least two in-person or live, virtual public activities – both a public presentation (a film screening, performance, reading, or exhibition) and an educational/community engagement activity (a workshop, demonstration, lecture, facilitated discussion, or master class). The grant requires a dollar-for-dollar cash match.