Best Grants for Preschools in Mississippi

The JWDDBF: SupportSTEM Grant Program aims to enhance STEM education in K-12 schools in Louisiana and Mississippi by funding innovative curriculum implementation and instructional support. Eligible applicants include K-12 schools, universities, and non-profits with three years of operation. Grants can be requested for amounts up to $20,000, covering essentials like professional development, STEM kits, and ongoing programs. However, funds will not support capital projects or one-time events.

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.

The Ernest Morgan Memorial Scholarship, managed by CommunityGiving, supports central Minnesota student athletes and leaders to pursue higher education outside their home states. This scholarship aims to expand students' horizons and experiences, with a total award of $5,000 available. Open to high school seniors from specific schools, applicants are encouraged to apply online and demonstrate their leadership or athletic skills. This initiative enhances educational opportunities and fosters personal growth among local youth.

CSX Charitable Investments offers the Pride in Service Grants to support organizations that honor and assist military members and first responders. Focus areas include safety, mental health, community bridging, workforce development, and addressing food insecurity. Eligible organizations include those with 501(c)(3) status, government entities, and educational institutions. Grants aim to uplift communities and recognize the contributions of those who serve, while ensuring alignment with specific charitable criteria.

The Joe W. and Dorothy Dorsett Brown Foundation's Summer Camp Program aims to support overnight camps for children with special needs, particularly those unable to attend other camps. The program prioritizes STEM education and seeks to mitigate summer learning loss through high-quality instruction and academic enrichment. Only camps located in Louisiana or Mississippi are eligible, and applicants must be non-profit organizations operating for at least three years.

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 Southern SARE: Producer Grant supports farmers in conducting their own research projects to develop sustainable agricultural practices. Established in 1994, the program aims to enhance farmer profitability, promote responsible land use, and improve community quality of life. By focusing on areas like organic agriculture, sustainable marketing, and alternative crops, the grant empowers farmers to address production challenges and share valuable insights with others in the farming community, fostering a culture of sustainability and innovation.

The Dogs for Joy Grant, funded by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, supports the integration of trained facility dogs in pediatric hospitals. These dogs provide emotional support, help children cope with medical procedures, and enhance overall well-being. The program aims to increase the presence of in-residence dogs, as research highlights their positive impact on reducing anxiety and improving patient outcomes. Grants typically cover multi-year funding, promoting innovative animal-assisted therapy approaches in healthcare settings.

The Southern SARE: On-Farm Research Grant supports agricultural professionals in collaborating with farmers to conduct innovative on-farm research projects focused on sustainable agriculture. This initiative emphasizes building strong relationships between researchers and farmers while addressing agricultural production challenges. By fostering new practices in production and marketing, it aims to enhance sustainability in the agricultural sector, thereby benefiting local communities and the environment.

Southern SARE offers Graduate Student Grants to support Master’s and PhD students engaged in sustainable agriculture research. This initiative encourages impactful research across various topics, including production, marketing, and social sciences. By providing funding opportunities, Southern SARE aims to foster the next generation of researchers committed to advancing sustainable agricultural practices throughout the Southern region.

The Dunkin' Joyful Spaces Grant supports children's hospitals and community health centers in creating joyful environments for pediatric patients. Launched in 2022, this initiative helps fund play areas, healing gardens, and other kid-friendly spaces, enhancing the hospital experience. Grants typically range from $25,000 to $65,000 annually, with a maximum of $150,000 over three years. This opportunity encourages creativity in designing spaces that provide comfort and joy to children and their families during hospital stays.

The Dunkin’ Prom Grant, provided by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, aims to bring joy to teenage patients unable to attend their own prom due to illness. By funding hospitals to host prom-like events, the program ensures these patients experience this significant milestone. Grants typically range from $20,000 to $50,000, supporting the creation of memorable events with themes, food, entertainment, and formal wear for the teens, making a positive impact in their lives.

The Connecting Joy Grant, provided by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, aims to enhance the hospital experience for children battling illness through engaging gaming programs. This initiative supports children's hospitals and nonprofits by funding equipment, staffing, and connectivity, ensuring children can enjoy gaming at their bedside. With grants ranging from $25,000 to $150,000, the program focuses on offering joy and distraction, helping young patients cope with their hospital stays while facilitating connections with peers.

Cultural Sustainability, a collaborative initiative by The Wallace Foundation and U.S. Regional Arts Organizations, aims to support arts organizations rooted in communities of color with annual expenses below $500,000. This program promotes equity and inclusion while studying how these organizations define their well-being. With grants totaling over $1.14 million available, the initiative seeks to empower underrepresented communities and enhance their cultural contributions, ultimately fostering a more inclusive arts landscape.

Mississippi State Department of Health

Mississippi's State Board of Health was established in 1877, and became the Mississippi State Department of Health in 1982.

Mission: The Mississippi State Department of Health's mission is to protect and advance the health, well-being and safety of everyone in Mississippi.

Telehealth Hub Connectivity, Equipment & Education Grant Program

Purpose

The State of Mississippi, through the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH), invites Eligible Providers (defined as Mississippi-located hospitals, physician practices (including solo practitioners), rural health clinics, federally qualified health centers, local health departments, Native American Sovereign Tribe healthcare facilities, certified community behavioral health clinics, substance use disorder facilities, dental care services, and licensed long-term care facilities located in rural areas or servicing rural populations) to apply for funding through the Telehealth Hud Connectivity, Equipment & Education Grant Program (TCE).

TCE is part of the State’s Rural Health Transformation Plan (the Plan) and is funded under the Cooperative Agreement with the Federal Rural Health Transformation Program (RHT Program).

TCE Goal

Provide funding to entities to support necessary enhancements to increase telehealth visits across rural and underserved communities to reduce barriers, expand access to specialty care, and improve preventive care. This will be accomplished by increasing the number of telehealth hubs across the State, improving connectivity, and encouraging higher utilization among patients. 

The Southern SARE: Professional Development Grants support educational initiatives for agricultural professionals, enhancing outreach and training efforts directly benefiting farmers and ranchers. These grants fund diverse training activities, including workshops and farm tours, aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture through effective participatory methods. Projects are encouraged to involve multi-disciplinary partnerships and the participation of land-grant institutions, ensuring a comprehensive approach to agricultural education. Priority is given to projects with budgets under $80,000, fostering a broad array of impactful initiatives.

The Garden Club of America Award in Coastal Wetlands Studies supports graduate students engaged in coastal wetlands research. Established through the Rockefeller Environmental Education Fund, this scholarship promotes conservation by funding field work in tidal and nontidal wetlands across coastal states, including the Great Lakes. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in a U.S. graduate program and can propose their own wetlands study. The award aims to foster environmental education and scientific inquiry in this vital ecosystem.

The NCAA Division II Degree Completion Award provides financial assistance to student-athletes who have exhausted their athletics eligibility, enabling them to complete their first undergraduate degree. Since its inception in 2001, nearly $9 million has supported approximately 1,875 athletes, with a remarkable 90 percent graduation rate among recipients. The award covers tuition costs up to $15,000 for remaining credits and may be used in the summer term or short terms surrounding the final undergraduate year.

Mississippi Office of Homeland Security

Homeland Security is a concerted State and National effort to prevent terrorist attacks within the State, reduce our vulnerability to terrorism and or any disaster that may occur, minimize the damage, and recover from events that do occur. The Mississippi Office of Homeland Security was created through Executive Order 872 and repositioned under the authority of the Mississippi Department of Public Safety through Executive Order 916.

The mission of the Mississippi Office of Homeland Security (MOHS) is to partner with federal, state, and local emergency response personnel during both man-made and natural disasters, as well as working to prevent, protect, and respond to threats and/or acts of terrorism within our state. This office will act as the nexus for information sharing through its direction of the Mississippi Analysis and Information Center (MSAIC) and will lead efforts in "All Hazard" prevention, preparedness, and response by continuing to foster strong partnerships across professional response disciplines. MOHS will further the education of the Mississippi citizenry through awareness and outreach efforts. These efforts are accomplished through training, equipping, and informing the populace about the steps necessary to keep themselves and their communities vigilant and prepared.

School Safety Grant

At times during specific years, the Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) may focus on a special emphasis area that is part of the National Priorities. This allows for the creation of funding for a special emphasis area such as election security, school safety, community preparedness, etc. During years that there may be a special emphasis, the MOHS will release a separate grant application for the HSGP application, to focus on a special emphasis area. These grant follow all the same regulation and processes, but may be solicited outside the regular application window (March-April).

School Safety grants are provided as part of enhancing safety and security for our schools. These grants could be used for physical enhancement, cybersecurity, and terrorism related equipment. 

The LGBTQ Fund of Mississippi aims to create a safe and inclusive environment for LGBTQ Mississippians, focusing on eliminating discrimination and isolation. Funding is available for initiatives that support planning, research, and operations addressing the needs of underserved LGBTQ communities, including people of color, youth, seniors, and rural residents. Special consideration is given to programs that foster faith and acceptance, as well as those specifically aiding transgender and gender non-conforming individuals.

The Teaching Artist Roster connects professional artists and arts educators with schools and community organizations, fostering the integration of the arts into educational settings. Through mini-grants from the Mississippi Arts Commission, these artists can conduct workshops, presentations, and residencies. The program aims to enhance arts learning opportunities, align with educational standards, and support ongoing arts education, thereby enriching the cultural landscape of Mississippi.

The MAC Mini-Grants for Individuals program offers reimbursement grants for professional artists in Mississippi to support their development through training, conferences, and workshops. It also covers promotional materials and art supplies. Priority is given to first-time applicants and those from underserved counties. Grantees must initially cover expenses and will receive reimbursement upon submitting their final reports and documentation.

The California Casualty Thomas R. Brown Athletics Grant aims to support public middle and high school sports programs facing funding challenges due to budget cuts. Established by California Casualty, this grant provides financial assistance for purchasing equipment and covering travel costs for competitions. Eligible applicants must be active employees of public schools and members of affiliated education associations. Awards cannot be used for individual student recognition or fundraising projects.

The DGLF Youth Literacy Grants, established by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, aim to enhance literacy among underperforming students in K-12. Organizations such as schools and libraries can apply for funding to implement or expand literacy programs, purchase necessary materials, and acquire technology. With over $159 million awarded to date, the foundation supports efforts that provide equitable education opportunities, ensuring every child has the chance to learn and succeed, regardless of their background.

The Gridiron Veterans Scholarship, provided by the Bob Woodruff Foundation, offers essential financial support for military veterans and first responders. This initiative focuses on wellness, rehabilitation, and recovery programs, ensuring participants can access mental health services, physical therapy, and holistic resources. The foundation prioritizes those facing emotional and physical challenges, empowering them to overcome barriers and improve their quality of life through customized, evidence-based support.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

About MDWFP

Mississippi's legislative leadership recognized the need for wildlife conservation in our state and founded the Mississippi Game and Fish Commission in 1932. Since then, the Agency has been the state's premier conservation organization.

In 1989, the Bureau of Parks and Recreation merged with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife Conservation to form the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP). The MDWFP is a large state agency charged by state statute to conserve, develop, and protect Mississippi's natural resources and provide continuing outdoor recreation opportunities.

Land and Water Conservation Fund Program

The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) program was established by the LWCF Act of 1965. Federal funds are appropriated by Congress through the Department of Interior and administered on the federal level by National Park Service (NPS) and on the state level by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, Outdoor Recreational Grants division.

The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) program was established to stimulate a nationwide action program to assist in preserving, developing, and assuring to all citizens of the United States, of present and future generations, such quality and quantity of outdoor recreation resources as may be available. The program provides matching grants to States, and through the States to local units of government, for the acquisition and development of public outdoor recreation sites and facilities. Funding for the program is provided largely from Outer Continental Shelf mineral receipts, with additional income from the Motorboat Fuels Tax, recreation user fees, and through the sales of federal surplus property. Federal LWCF obligations have been matched by state and local contributions, for a total recreation investment of over $6 billion dollars.

How are projects funded?

• The LWCF program requires a fifty percent match by the project sponsor. This match can include cash, in-kind services, and donations of land/material/services.
• The composition of the sponsor's matching share must be approved by the ORG staff. Only costs and donations incurred during the project period are eligible for reimbursement. The appraised value of land donated for the project area can be used as all or part of the matching share for development.
• Title to a donation of or "fee simple purchase" of park land cannot be transferred to the sponsor prior to project approval by National Park Service.

What can be funded?

In order for an application to be considered, it must be a viable project (e.g., ballfield, soccer field, splash park, etc.). Applications for support facilities only do not qualify. Projects can be a combination of both.

• Acquisition: Acquisition-only projects can be submitted but will be ranked low in the ratings. According to NPS guidelines, land that is acquired must be developed.
• Development: Physical facilities such as sports and play fields, tennis courts, picnic facilities, etc.
• Acquisition/Development: Land acquired by donation or negotiated purchase followed by development of facilities on that land.