Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in Mississippi

Small 501(c)(3) and similar tax-exempt organizations in Mississippi working in education, human services, conservation, health, or cultural programs can apply for McGraw Foundation support; awards range from US $2,000 - US $10,000. Funding may cover general operations, specific projects, or occasional capital needs and may benefit a wide variety of community-focused initiatives.

Agricultural producers, non‑industrial private forest owners, Tribes, and water management entities in Mississippi can apply for USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service support to implement conservation practices on working lands. Funding helps address soil health, water and air quality, wildlife habitat, and climate resilience, which may benefit small nonprofits managing farms, forests, or environmental projects.

Graduate students conducting research in drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can receive US $3,000 through the Dr. Philip C. Singer Scholarship. Focused on water industry challenges, American Water Works Association invites applicants whose work may ultimately benefit small nonprofits and communities in Mississippi and beyond.

Mississippi 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public agencies, and qualified charities serving Weyerhaeuser communities can seek funding for affordable housing, education, youth development, environmental stewardship, and human services projects. Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund supports local initiatives with more than US $1,000, prioritizing programs that meet key community needs and demonstrate strong leadership, sustainability, and measurable impact.

Mississippi small nonprofits supporting women, children, and families through humanitarian aid, education, and self-sufficiency programs can access funding through The Father's Table Foundation, with awards up to US $750,000. U.S.-based organizations working on homelessness, food security, health care, microfinance, anti-trafficking, or disaster relief may be eligible for highly selective, relationship-driven grants.

Mississippi small nonprofits and educational institutions working in areas like social equity, education, food security, climate action, or mental health can access funding through The Caesars Foundation via its regional and property giving program. Eligible 501(c)(3) charities, public charities, and qualifying religious organizations must operate U.S.-based programs, including those serving Mississippi communities such as Harrison and Tunica counties.

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

Early-career medical and health research scientists at academic or research institutions in eligible low- and middle-income countries can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award to support intensive, mentored research careers. Grants from the National Institutes of Health help Mississippi partners collaborating with LMIC investigators advance clinical and public health research over three to five years, with awards of approximately US $140,000.

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 maintain and enhance activities that improve soil health, water quality, wildlife habitat, and overall environmental stewardship, which may benefit small nonprofits partnering with local farms or ranches.

Early-career health researchers at academic or research institutions in eligible low- or middle-income countries, including Mississippi-linked LMIC collaborators, can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award from the National Institutes of Health; awards approximately US $140,000 to support 3–5 years of mentored research and career development on locally relevant health priorities.

Small 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on education, youth, arts, or community initiatives in Mississippi and other U.S. regions can apply for grants from the John Ben Snow Memorial Trust. Awards of US $5,000 - US $20,000 support new or enhanced programs, short-term bridge funding, matching grants, and final dollars for capital campaigns.

Small nonprofits and other organizations in Mississippi planning health-related congresses, events, or initiatives can seek sponsorship that provides Biogen Foundation with tangible benefits like exhibits or recognition. Biogen considers a wide range of neurological and related disease areas, and funding decisions depend on event details, alignment with interests, and geographic location.

Eligible 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 lands under conservation easements. This program funds permanent or term easements and associated restoration costs, which may benefit small nonprofits partnering on habitat, water quality, or farmland preservation projects.

Small 501(c)(3) nonprofits, including those in Mississippi, can seek US $5,000 - US $50,000 in general operating support for grassroots work in regenerative agriculture, food systems, climate justice, and healthy environments. Focused on community-centered change, Clif Family Foundation prioritizes U.S.-based groups with strong local ties and budgets under $8 million.

Small Mississippi nonprofits providing direct services to individuals and families may be eligible for one-year grants supporting housing, food security, health, education, and related human services. Focused on community well-being, MGM Resorts Foundation invites organizations serving people in Mississippi regions where its employees live and work to apply through local Community Grant Councils.

Mississippi 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in education, environmental protection, medical needs, or services for underprivileged and vulnerable children can access funding through the William and Helen Thomas Charitable Trust. Grants primarily support needy students, environmental preservation, arthritis, blindness and diabetes care, and assistance for impoverished communities, including those in Appalachia and other select U.S. locations.

Students pursuing natural resource–related degrees in Mississippi and beyond can receive scholarship support to attend accredited two- or four-year colleges. With a mission to support higher education in environmental and natural resource fields, Community Foundation of Northern Illinois provides funding for studies such as ecology, forestry, hydrology, soil science, conservation, and related disciplines.

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

Research institutions and scientists planning agriculture, food, forestry, or fisheries conferences or workshops in OECD Co-operative Research Programme member countries, including Mississippi-based organizers partnering abroad, can apply for event sponsorship. With a mission to strengthen scientific knowledge, OECD supports international events that share innovative research and inform policy makers, industry, and academia on sustainable natural resource use.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.