Best Grants for New Nonprofits in Mississippi

New and established 501(c)(3) and 509(a) organizations in the greater Chicago area can seek McGraw Foundation support for education, human services, conservation, health, and cultural programs. Grants, typically US $2,000 - US $10,000, may fund general operations, specific projects, or occasional capital needs, which may benefit Mississippi-focused partners with relevant collaborations.

Agricultural producers, non-industrial private forest landowners, Tribes, and other 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-smart agriculture, which new nonprofits involved in land or water management may access.

Graduate students conducting research in 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 environmental research, the American Water Works Association opportunity may benefit those connected with new Mississippi nonprofits working in these areas.

Mississippi 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public education institutions, and government entities serving a Weyerhaeuser community can seek funding for local community programs. Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund supports initiatives in areas like affordable housing, education and youth development, environmental stewardship, human services, civic and cultural growth, workforce development, and diversity, equity and inclusion, with awards of more than US $1,000.

New and established nonprofits serving women, children, and families with humanitarian, education, or self-sufficiency programs in Mississippi can access funding through The Father's Table Foundation. The foundation provides up to US $750,000 for projects such as homelessness services, job readiness, child welfare, food security, clean water, health care, and disaster relief that build long-term resilience.

Mississippi educational institutions and 501(c)(3) charities working in Caesars’ eligible counties can seek monetary or in-kind support for community-focused programs. Mississippi new nonprofits addressing social equity, education, food security, climate action, housing, homelessness, workforce development, or mental health may be eligible through The Caesars Foundation’s regional and property giving program in the U.S.

Undergraduate-focused higher education institutions in Mississippi conducting small-scale biomedical research can apply for funding to support student research experiences and strengthen their research environment. The National Institutes of Health offers up to US $375,000 for institutions that award baccalaureate science degrees and have historically received limited NIH support, which may benefit newer nonprofits operating as eligible colleges or universities.

Early-career clinical and health researchers at academic or research institutions in low- or middle-income countries can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award to support mentored research and career development. Grants from the National Institutes of Health help Mississippi partners engaging with eligible LMIC investigators build long-term global health research collaborations, with approximately US $140,000 in support.

Early-career health researchers at academic or research institutions in eligible low- or middle-income countries can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award from the National Institutes of Health, with awards of approximately US $140,000 for mentored career development and research. Mississippi-based nonprofits partnering with LMIC investigators may be involved in collaborative projects.

Agricultural producers and landowners in Mississippi can apply for the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Conservation Stewardship Program to support conservation practices on working lands. This program provides annual payments to enhance soil health, water quality, wildlife habitat, and overall environmental stewardship, which may benefit new nonprofits partnering with farms or ranches on conservation projects.

New 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering education, youth, arts, or community programs in Mississippi may be eligible for grants of US $5,000 - US $20,000. Focused on educational opportunity and disadvantaged populations, the John Ben Snow Memorial Trust prioritizes new or enhanced programs, short-term bridge funding, matching grants, and last-dollar capital support across its program areas.

Mississippi organizations planning health-related congresses, events, or initiatives that offer tangible sponsorship benefits may be eligible for Biogen Foundation support. Biogen provides corporate sponsorships for programs focused on areas like neurological diseases, dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, lupus, ALS, and related scientific fields, which can help new nonprofits build visibility and programming capacity.

Eligible private landowners and Indian tribes in Mississippi can apply for the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Agricultural Conservation Easement Program, which funds wetland restoration and long-term conservation easements. This program may benefit conservation-focused nonprofits partnering with landowners on agriculture, habitat restoration, farmland preservation, and water resource management projects.

New 501(c)(3) nonprofits and fiscally sponsored groups in Mississippi working on environmental conservation, sustainable agriculture, or healthy food access can seek general operating support through the Clif Family Foundation’s Open Call, with awards of US $5,000 - US $50,000. Priority goes to grassroots U.S. organizations with strong community ties and budgets under $8 million.

Nonprofit organizations serving people in Mississippi with housing, food security, education, workforce development, or related human services may be eligible for one-year project support. Focused on community well-being, MGM Resorts Foundation invites agencies addressing homelessness, health and wellness, seniors, or veterans and military families in its Mississippi service regions to apply.

Mississippi 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing education, environmental conservation, medical care, or basic human services can access funding through the William and Helen Thomas Charitable Trust. Organizations serving needy students, protecting natural environments, aiding people with arthritis, blindness, or diabetes, or assisting impoverished or orphaned children in Mississippi and other eligible regions may be considered.

Students pursuing natural resource and environmental studies in Mississippi can receive scholarship support for full-time enrollment in accredited two- or four-year colleges through the Soil and Water Stewardship Scholarship from the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois. Eligible applicants must be focused on fields like conservation, ecology, hydrology, forestry, or related environmental disciplines.

Free and charitable clinics in Mississippi that are NAFC members in good standing can apply for the NAFC Healthcare Services Expansion Fund; awards US $30,000 - US $50,000 for launching or expanding clinical services. Funding can support programs like behavioral health, women’s health, telehealth, chronic disease management, mobile clinics, and other patient care initiatives.

Research institutions planning agriculture, forestry, fisheries, or food-related conferences and workshops in OECD Co-operative Research Programme member countries can seek funding to support these events. With a mission to strengthen scientific knowledge for sustainable natural resource use, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development provides support that Mississippi-based or affiliated researchers may leverage for eligible international events.

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.