Best Grants for International Development in Mississippi

The Levin Family Foundation Grant supports nonprofits focused on critical issues in Montgomery County, Ohio, such as the opiate epidemic, human trafficking, anti-bullying, and suicide prevention. Established in 1996, the foundation has invested over $12 million globally, emphasizing projects that align with its mission. Eligible organizations must be IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt. Priority is given to initiatives in the Greater Dayton Area, fostering positive community impact.

Lilly Foundation

To extend Lilly’s charitable reach and impact, the Eli Lilly and Company Foundation (Lilly Foundation) was established in 1968 and is supported by donations from Eli Lilly and Company.

The Foundation is a tax-exempt, private foundation supporting programs that align with its philanthropic priorities.

Grantmaking Approach

The Lilly Foundation’s work is guided by a charitable vision of a world where every person has an opportunity to live their healthiest life. Through grantmaking focused on Lilly Foundation’s charitable vision, grants can serve as a catalyst for closing gaps and empowering individuals and communities to thrive.

All proposals should demonstrate clear alignment with at least one focus area and include charitable outcomes that are measurable and consistent with the Foundation’s long-term charitable goals.

Global Health, K-12 STEM Education and Economic Mobility Grant

Focus Areas

Global Health

Lilly Foundation, through its charitable grants, aims to support permissible charitable efforts to improve access to quality healthcare for resource-limited communities in low- and lower-middleincome countries (L/LMICs) and in the United States. Strengthening access to care is essential for enhancing community well-being and supporting economic stability in resource-limited settings.

The Global Health focus area aims to close gaps in quality healthcare by supporting charitable solutions that improve access, bring care closer to where people live, and address the high burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in resource-limited settings. To the extent permissible, the Foundation prioritizes charitable efforts related to cardiometabolic health in resource-limited settings.

K-12 STEM Education

The K-12 STEM Education focus area aims to close the gaps for students from low-income communities by supporting programs that foster new pathways and pipelines to STEM education through focused K-12 efforts, concentrating on the critical middle school years. The Foundation’s K-12 STEM Education grants are focused on initiatives that benefit Marion County, Indiana.

Economic Mobility

The Economic Mobility focus area supports charitable and educational programs that strengthen workforce readiness, postsecondary and skills-based educational pathways, and housing stability to promote long-term prosperity. This support is focused on Marion County, Indiana, with the goal of improving economic opportunity for low-income communities and advancing community well-being.

The Looking Out Foundation Grant supports social justice and humanitarian initiatives, having donated nearly $6 million to various causes globally. With an average donation of $25 per campaign, it aids organizations focused on disaster relief, racial justice, and support for marginalized communities. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt public charities under Section 501(c)(3). The foundation prioritizes diverse funding sources and encourages organizations to adapt to changing needs, with grant allocations ranging from $5,000 to $25,000.

The Kosciuszko Foundation offers Tuition Scholarships for American students of Polish descent pursuing graduate studies in the U.S. Scholarships can provide up to $12,000 for full-time studies, including master's and Ph.D. programs. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal residents with Polish heritage and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. This program aims to foster educational exchanges and cultural understanding between the U.S. and Poland, supporting various fields of study.

The Bower Foundation Grant supports innovative strategies to enhance the health of Mississippians through various initiatives. Organizations seeking funding must submit a Grant Concept Summary for consideration. The foundation focuses on improving healthcare access, promoting healthy lifestyles among children, developing innovative health policies, and addressing End Stage Renal Disease. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt organizations and those committed to enhancing health in Mississippi.

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 Doree Taylor Charitable Foundation supports charitable organizations focused on basic provisions for underserved populations, humane care of animals, health care services, public media, and environmental initiatives. The foundation prioritizes organizations in Boothbay Harbor, Southport, and Brunswick, and encourages requests for general operating support, program support, and capital projects, while maintaining a focus on the impact of their services.

The Sachs Family Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life for economically and educationally disadvantaged individuals and families. The Foundation supports self-sustaining charitable organizations focusing on economic and educational opportunities, particularly in low-income communities in the U.S. and developing countries. Grants are available for various initiatives, including education, housing, and job training, with a keen interest in programs that demonstrate clear potential for sustainability.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

Competitive AmeriCorps Grants

Summary Statement

This is a funding opportunity for Institutions of higher education; local governments, school districts; nonprofit organizations; State Service Commissions; States and US Territories; Indian Tribes; and public health departments to apply for AmeriCorps members to strengthen communities through service.

Purpose of AmeriCorps State and National Funding

AmeriCorps improves lives, strengthens communities, and fosters civic engagement through service and volunteering. AmeriCorps brings people together to tackle some of the country’s most pressing challenges through national service and volunteerism. AmeriCorps members serve with organizations dedicated to the improvement of communities and those serving.

AmeriCorps grants are awarded to eligible organizations that engage AmeriCorps members in evidence-based or evidence-informed interventions to strengthen communities. An AmeriCorps member is a person who does community service through AmeriCorps.

Members may receive a living allowance and other benefits. After successful completion of their service, members earn a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award they can use to pay for higher education expenses or apply to qualified student loans.

The AmeriCorps Mississippi - FY2025 Formula AmeriCorps Grants provide funding opportunities aimed at various entities including educational institutions, local governments, and non-profit organizations. These grants enable applicants to engage AmeriCorps members to enhance community service efforts. New applicants who do not currently manage AmeriCorps State & National Funding may qualify for a Planning Grant, with exceptions requiring a formal request. This initiative supports community strengthening through dedicated service.

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.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

Lane-Ware Graduate Nursing Scholarship 

Mrs. Irma Brinkley Lane and Dr. Sarah Mazique Ware are retired nurses with greater than 35 years’ experience each. They met in the undergraduate nursing program at Alcorn State University and have worked together and kept in touch over the years. Lane and Ware value community service. They have been, and continue to be, involved in the health promotion and maintenance within their local and regional communities.

In light of the contemporary health care milieu, Lane and Ware also value the mental health of individuals, families, and communities. They recognize the increasing need for clinicians and scholars to embrace the psycho-social needs of others. The mental health impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the growing attention to death and dying are challenges that need the attention of advance practice nurses.

Lane and Ware believe that much is to be known and done about the mental health care climate in our country. Advance practice nurses are in a pivotal position to study and influence the mental health outcomes of those persons impacted by contemporary health crises. Many will be affected for years to come. Lane and Ware created this scholarship to recognize and support advance practice nurses who advocate for the mental well-being of individuals, groups, and families in Mississippi communities.

Bureau of Behavioral Health FY27 Notice of Funding Opportunities

The Mississippi Department of Mental Health is now accepting applications for a series of competitive grants made available through funding appropriated to the agency.

Pregnant and Parenting Women and Men with Dependent Children Childcare Specialist Program

Cost Reimbursement

The Department of Mental Health, Bureau of Behavioral Health/ Division of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Treatment Services is now accepting funding proposals for the state fiscal year 2027. This proposal application is eligible to all Mississippi Department of Mental Health (DMH) certified PPWDC providers who are in good standing. However, DMH certification is not a guarantee of funding. All submitted proposals will be evaluated by a panel of reviewers using the posted competitive grant scoring rubric. Not all submitted proposals may be funded, but comprehensive feedback will be provided to all providers, particularly if their application was not funded for the current fiscal year.

The funding associated with this grant opportunity is meant to defray a proportion of operational costs for the service.

Grant Description

The Mississippi Department of Mental Health (MSDMH), Division of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Treatment Services (DADATS) is continuing a temporary pilot program to address the childcare needs of the Pregnant and Parenting Women and Men with Dependent Children (PPWMDC) Program.

One specific need is the educational and developmental needs of children of the clients who are in treatment. This grant continuation is designed to enhance the PPWMDC programs that may need assistance in this area. Each PPWMDC program will need to hire an Early Childhood Development childcare specialist for children (ages 2-5 years) of the mothers and or fathers who are in treatment. The temporary program is designed to allow the child to receive structured instruction, learning, and nurturing, while housed in a controlled and inviting setting. Being in this type of setting will enhance the child’s development and/or growth, which will alleviate idle time and the notion of baby-sitting the child or children.

The hired childcare specialist should have a minimum of 4 years of experience in the field of Early Childhood Development. The annual salary for the childcare specialist is $50,000 per year. FY26 marks the fourth year of this extraordinary pilot program.

Purpose of SUPTRS Funding

The Substance Use Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Services Block Grant (formerly Substance Abuse Block Grant) exists to assist Mississippians in accessing services which would otherwise be unavailable due to an inability to pay. According to the DMH Operational Standards Rule 10.7.B.1, the agency cannot turn away individuals based on inability to pay. Since SUD has historically been a non-reimbursable service for third party billing, these funds are to be used as a source of compensation to the agency who serves these individuals.

The Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation's Healthy School Awards program acknowledges public K-12 schools that implement health-promoting policies and programs. Schools that encourage healthy eating, physical activity, and wellness initiatives among students and staff can apply for grants of up to $50,000. The initiative aims to foster healthy school environments that enhance student well-being and academic performance, ultimately contributing to a healthier Mississippi.

The External Collaborative Research (ECR) program by Boehringer Ingelheim invites academic and community scientists to propose collaborative studies aimed at protocol development and result publication. This program offers potential drug and financial support, excluding direct salary for the Principal Investigator. Budgets must represent fair market value and will be negotiated further. Research interests span therapeutic areas including Cardio-Renal-Metabolic, Mental Health, Dermatology, and Oncology, encouraging innovative solutions to unmet medical needs.

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 Postdoctoral Grant Program at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health aims to support the growth and professional development of postdoctoral trainees, fellows, and associates. With funding up to $20,000 for one year, recipients can engage in independent research projects, attend workshops, or cover open-access publication fees. This initiative enhances research capacity and promotes health equity in Wisconsin, addressing critical health challenges while fostering career advancement in the medical field.

What does this program do?

It provides loans and grants to Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs) to:

• To help microenterprises startup and growth through a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund.
• Provide training and technical assistance to microloan borrowers and micro entrepreneurs.

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.

The NPN’s Southern Artists for Social Change Grant offers $75,000 project grants to BIPOC artists and culture bearers in Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi, fostering social change through civic practice. This initiative aims to empower communities by supporting collaborations that address local challenges, envision futures centered on racial justice, and enhance artistic practices. Launched in 2020, it has funded 28 transformative projects, promoting equity and justice in the arts across the region.

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.

SITKA Ecosystem Grants support projects that enhance ecosystems and promote conservation efforts. These grants encourage both grassroots initiatives and larger organizational projects, aiming to improve habitat restoration, biodiversity, and the hunting experience. With funding ranging from $3,000 to $20,000, applicants must be 18 years or older and have relevant experience. The review process is ongoing, and projects should emphasize collaboration and measurable impacts on environmental goals, benefiting both society and ecosystems.

Catholic Extension's Enhancing Pastoral and Social Ministry Grants aim to empower the church to broaden its outreach and foster societal transformation through targeted pastoral and social initiatives. This program supports specific elements of the church's ministerial efforts, including funding for catechetical resources, marriage and family ministries, and social outreach for vulnerable populations. By investing in these areas, Catholic Extension seeks to enhance the church's role in communities, especially following disasters.

The NRCS' Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program for FY 2026 aims to combat the environmental and agricultural threats posed by invasive feral swine. With over $3.4 billion in annual damage attributed to these species, the program seeks to mitigate their impact on ecosystems and human health. Funded by the USDA, this initiative targets states with high feral swine populations, emphasizing collaborative efforts with State Technical Committees to implement effective control measures.

The Norfolk Southern In-Kind Donation Grant supports organizations seeking physical donations of materials that align with their focus areas, including safety, sustainability, workforce development, and thriving communities. This grant is available year-round, with no application deadline. Recipients must be located within Norfolk Southern territory and are encouraged to apply for resources that will enhance their community projects and initiatives, fostering growth and resilience.