Best Higher Education Grants in Mississippi

Mississippi higher education institutions, nonprofit organizations, and public agencies in eligible Appalachian counties can seek funding for critical infrastructure and workforce or business development projects. Mississippi colleges and universities with projects in areas like broadband, water and wastewater systems, transportation, entrepreneurship, or worker training can access funding through Appalachian Regional Commission’s Area Development Program.

Costco Foundation provides Mississippi higher education nonprofits and other 501(c)(3) organizations with monetary support for programs serving children, education, and health and human services. Eligible applicants must demonstrate community need, measurable outcomes, collaboration, and a broad base of financial support; applications are typically reviewed within 4–6 weeks.

Higher education and other 501(c)(3) organizations in Mississippi focused on STEM education and digital literacy can seek support for programs, projects, and events that build tech skills and workforce readiness. C Spire Wireless Foundation prioritizes STEM initiatives that enhance professional skills, technology education, and broadband access, with preference for organizations based in its regional service area.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

Higher education institutions and other eligible education-focused organizations in Mississippi can access funding for safety, community development, and education initiatives through State Farm Companies Foundation’s Good Neighbor Citizenship company grants. Grants from State Farm Companies Foundation help higher education programs, K–12 academic performance and STEM, and college and career pathways, as well as related community safety and development efforts across the U.S.

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.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

Higher education institutions and other nonprofits in underserved Mississippi counties can seek funding to expand arts access and participation through the Mississippi Arts Commission’s Underserved Initiative. Colleges, universities, libraries, and community organizations in Amite, Clarke, Itawamba, Jefferson Davis, Tishomingo, and Winston counties may be eligible for support and on-site grant guidance.

Nonprofit organizations and public institutions in Mississippi can receive up to US $2,500 for public humanities programs from Mississippi Humanities Council, including projects in literature, history, philosophy, and related social sciences. Colleges, universities, museums, libraries, and community or cultural organizations may be eligible for these flexible minigrants supporting higher education and community engagement activities.

Mississippi 501(c)(3) public charities and governmental agencies can seek funding for educational programs, especially those improving outcomes for children and youth. With a mission to strengthen education, Phil Hardin Foundation provides Mississippi higher education institutions and partners with support for early childhood, literacy, teacher quality, school leadership, equity, arts, and community capacity-building initiatives, including projects with regional or statewide impact.

Grants support U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations for charitable, scientific, medical, and educational programs, which can include higher education efforts in Mississippi. Grants from Sidney Stern Memorial Trust help soundly managed nonprofits deliver broad-impact services that materially benefit their target populations and contribute to the general welfare within the U.S.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) arts organizations, government units, higher education institutions, and tribal communities in Mississippi can receive US $500 - US $2,500 to make arts programs more accessible for people with disabilities. South Arts funding can cover accessibility services, staff training, website upgrades, and modest facilities enhancements like signage and Braille plaques.

Mississippi higher education institutions, public bodies, community-based nonprofits, and Federally Recognized Tribes in rural areas can use this program to build, purchase, or improve essential community facilities and equipment. USDA Rural Development offers grants, low-interest loans, or combinations for projects such as educational facilities, public safety buildings, and community support services in communities under 20,000 residents.

Higher education institutions and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Mississippi communities near Georgia-Pacific facilities can seek funding for education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental programs. Focused on strengthening GP communities, the Georgia-Pacific Foundation supports projects that enhance long-term well-being and sustainability where the company operates.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

IRS-qualified nonprofit organizations in Mississippi working in higher education and related community programs can seek US $1,000 - US $20,000 to support post-secondary education initiatives, training, and facilities. The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation also considers museums, cultural programs, youth and senior services, disability services, environmental efforts, and other community-based projects across the U.S.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

Higher education institutions and other 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Mississippi can receive US $1,500 - US $10,000 to run short-term volunteer and civic engagement projects. With a mission to expand community service, Volunteer Mississippi provides funding for activities like mentoring, literacy, community arts, environmental restoration, and projects addressing food insecurity, poverty, and homelessness, plus related facilities, supplies, advertising, and volunteer training costs.

Mississippi 501(c)(3) nonprofits and local government units can seek project support for arts-based community development, arts education, arts industry, and folk and traditional arts initiatives. Focused on expanding arts activities statewide, the Mississippi Arts Commission’s Project Grants may benefit higher education institutions and programs that meet these criteria and goals.

Mississippi 501(c)(3) arts organizations can use this grant for general operating expenses such as salaries, marketing, rent, insurance, and artistic fees. Focused on strengthening arts-based community development, arts industry, and folk and traditional arts, the Mississippi Arts Commission invites eligible institutions to support programs that enrich communities and expand access to the arts.

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.

Mississippi higher education institutions and other rural public or nonprofit entities can use these USDA Rural Development grants to support small rural businesses through training, technical assistance, and community economic development projects. Funding may cover facilities, equipment, revolving loan funds, business incubators, and long-term strategic planning in eligible rural areas across the state.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.