Best Seed Grants for Nonprofits in Mississippi

The AAUW Community Action Grants provide up to $75,000 to support nonprofits and educational institutions that empower girls in grades K–12 to succeed in STEM fields. By fostering hands-on learning, mentorship, and family involvement, these grants aim to build confidence and skills among girls, especially those from underrepresented communities. AAUW believes that immersive STEM environments and relatable role models can inspire lasting interest and help close the gender gap in leadership and careers.

The Paul & Barbara Bond College Scholarship, offered by the Erie Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Erie City’s Public schools. Eligible students must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree in any field. In 2023, the foundation awarded over $800,000 in scholarships to more than 500 deserving students, reinforcing its commitment to enhancing educational opportunities in the community.

The John G. Blakesley Mathematical Excellence Scholarship is awarded annually to an exceptional eighth-grade student in Elkhart County. This four-year scholarship, totaling $5,000, supports higher education expenses and is funded by local businessman John Blakesley, who aims to empower future generations. Candidates are nominated by their schools and must demonstrate outstanding character, leadership, and a commitment to learning, reflecting the values cherished by Mr. Blakesley.

The BHS Writing Achievement: Mark Metcalf Award, sponsored by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, offers a $500 scholarship to Beatrice High School graduating seniors who demonstrate a strong commitment to writing. Established in 1987, the Foundation supports educational opportunities through an Endowment Fund and awards over $55,000 annually in scholarships. This award is designed for students who excel in writing and need financial assistance for higher education.

The Kris Campbell “Any Dream Will Do” Scholarship Fund offers a one-time $500 award to a Prairie Heights High School senior. Eligible students should have participated in the school drama club for at least two years or excelled in English, pursuing a related major in college. The scholarship supports students aiming for a Bachelor’s degree at any accredited institution, awarded upon proof of enrollment.

The BHS Class of 1961 Scholarship, managed by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, offers a $700 award to a graduating senior from Beatrice High School. This scholarship prioritizes students in the top 40% of their class, demonstrating financial need and exemplary personal ethics. Recipients must provide a Student Aid Report from FAFSA, ensuring assistance for tuition and related expenses. The Foundation, established in 1987, aims to enhance educational opportunities within the Beatrice School District.

The Don Linn Scholarship, offered by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, provides $700 to a graduating senior from Beatrice High School. Established in 1987, the Foundation supports educational opportunities in the district and awards over $55,000 annually in scholarships. Candidates are selected based on academic merit and financial need, with preference given to those who may struggle to pursue higher education. Applicants must submit their FAFSA Student Aid Report to qualify.

Dennis Van der Meer Tennis Foundation

A 2021 International Tennis Hall of Famer, Dennis was the founder of the Professional Tennis Registry Foundation (PTR Foundation), now called Dennis Van der Meer Tennis Foundation, Professional Tennis Registry (PTR), and the Van Der Meer Tennis University.

Dennis Van der Meer Tennis Foundation is a nonprofit organization exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Dennis Van der Meer Tennis Foundation provides support to deserving individuals and organizations globally. The foundation is also focused on bringing tennis within reach to countless people worldwide.

Natural Disaster Relief Request

The Foundation stands with tennis professionals affected by the devastating hurricanes and other natural disasters in the U.S. in 2024. If you are a tennis pro facing hardships due to recent storms, we are here to help you get back on your feet. Our assistance program provides relief and resources specifically for tennis professionals affected by these events. Together, we can rebuild stronger.

The Dean Madison Basketball Scholarship, established by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, awards a $500 scholarship to a senior basketball player from Beatrice High School who plans to pursue higher education. This scholarship emphasizes leadership, hustle, and sportsmanship, both on and off the court. The Foundation, established in 1987, manages a $3.8 million endowment to support educational opportunities, providing over $55,000 annually in scholarships to deserving students.

The AJO Forever Scholarship, awarded by the Erie Community Foundation, supports well-rounded high school students who engage in various activities, including community service and part-time work. Applicants must plan to pursue a nursing degree and submit an essay detailing their motivations, along with a letter of recommendation. In 2023, the foundation allocated over $800,000 in scholarships to help more than 500 deserving students achieve their educational goals.

The Craft Research Fund Grant, initiated in 2005, is a key program supporting scholarly craft research in the U.S. It funds researchers and curators exploring craft history and theory, with a focus on projects that reveal new insights into craft practices, relationships between hand-made and digital technologies, and global contexts for American craft. The grant aims to encourage innovation and interdisciplinary approaches in the field, while prioritizing applications from underrepresented populations.

The Henry, Neil and Alison Scholarship, established by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, offers a $2,500 award to a graduating senior from Beatrice High School. Eligible students must have participated in track and field during their junior and senior years, possess a minimum ACT composite score of 21, and demonstrate good citizenship. Selection criteria favor well-rounded involvement in extracurricular activities. The Foundation, founded in 1987, supports educational opportunities with over $55,000 awarded annually in scholarships.

The NIH Stroke Clinical Trials Network (StrokeNet) aims to enhance stroke treatment through regional clinical enrollment coordinating centers (RCCs). Supported by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), this initiative promotes collaboration for clinical trials that focus on acute stroke treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation. While applications are not currently being solicited, this notice serves to prepare potential applicants for future opportunities in advancing stroke care.

The Teagle Foundation's Knowledge for Freedom initiative aims to empower underserved high school students through transformative experiences in the humanities. Grants ranging from $100,000 to $300,000 over 36 months support programs that foster civic responsibility and personal purpose. Colleges can also apply for planning grants of $10,000 to $25,000 to develop tailored programs. The initiative emphasizes intensive summer seminars led by faculty, with continued support for college applications and civic engagement.

The AHA Career Development Award supports early-career healthcare professionals to explore innovative research questions and pilot studies. With a budget of $77,000 per year, this award aims to enhance research skills, provide mentorship, and prepare awardees for successful scientific careers. Eligible applicants must hold a doctoral degree and commit at least 10% effort to the award. The program emphasizes mentorship from experienced investigators, ensuring a structured path towards independence in research.

The Rich Huntsman Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Muskingum County Community Foundation, aims to support high school seniors from the Muskingum Valley League or Muskingum County who have actively participated in bowling. Eligible applicants must demonstrate ongoing involvement in the sport during their senior year. This scholarship reflects the foundation's commitment to enhancing community quality of life through education and sports engagement.

Grants for Research About Urban Communication Issues

Since our launch in 2005, the Urban Communication Foundation has provided awards and grants to dozens of distinguished scholars, researchers, and journalists to recognize and support provocative work that contributes in significant ways to the discourse around urban communication issues.

While most of our recipients hail from academia and journalism, we also encourage submissions from other practitioners whose work will lend new insights into the discipline, raise broader awareness of related socio-political, economic, and cultural concerns, or influence public policy.

Gene Burd Grant for Research in Urban Journalism Studies

The Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication has partnered with the Urban Communication Foundation to create the Gene Burd Grant for Research in Urban Journalism Studies. The purpose of this annual grant is to stimulate research that explains, enlightens, inspires, and improves the practice and study of journalism and communication in order to advance our understanding of journalism in urban environments.

The Ben Wilken Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, awards $2,000 to a high school senior enrolled in JROTC with a minimum GPA of 2.5. Eligible students must provide a transcript, personal essay, and details of community service and school involvement. This scholarship aims to support students pursuing higher education at accredited institutions, reinforcing the foundation's commitment to fostering educational opportunities in Missouri.

The Community Foundation of the Ozarks offers the Alternative Education Scholarship, providing a $1,000 grant to graduating high school seniors currently in foster care or experiencing homelessness. This scholarship is renewable for up to three years, aimed at students maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.0 and enrolled in at least 12 credit hours at an accredited institution. Applicants must submit a transcript, personal essay, and a letter of recommendation to qualify.

The Community Foundation of the Ozarks' American Patriot Scholarship offers a $5,000 grant to high school seniors or undergraduates with a parent or grandparent who is an honorably discharged veteran or active-duty military personnel. This renewable scholarship requires a minimum GPA of 3.0, enrollment in at least 12 credit hours, and a commitment to attend an accredited institution. Applicants must submit a transcript, FAFSA-SAI form, essay, letter of recommendation, and a description of community service involvement.

The Foster Care Scholarship, administered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, offers a $1,000 grant to graduating high school seniors or undergraduate students who have been in foster care and have not been adopted. Applicants must be enrolling in an accredited two-year, four-year, or vocational school and are required to submit a transcript, personal essay, and letter of recommendation. This initiative aims to support the educational pursuits of youths from challenging backgrounds.

The Hearld and Marge Ambler Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, provides two $6,000 awards to undergraduate students in their third, fourth, or fifth year pursuing a Business major, with a preference for Accounting. Applicants must maintain a GPA of 2.75, demonstrate financial need, and be employed while studying at an accredited four-year institution in Missouri or a contiguous state. Required application materials include a transcript, essay, letter of recommendation, and a summary of community service.

The Henry J. and Lucille J. Straus Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, provides twelve renewable scholarships of $6,000 each for high school seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.2. Eligible students must enroll in a four-year accredited private college and demonstrate financial need via FAFSA. Requirements include a transcript, an essay on community service, and a letter of recommendation highlighting the applicant's character and commitment to diversity and inclusivity.

The Barrows Family Scholarship Fund, established in 2014 by the Boreal Waters Community Foundation, honors the memories of Frank L. Barrows and his son, Frank II. This scholarship supports graduates of Rock Ridge High School, ensuring they have the opportunity to pursue higher education. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need, maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and plan to attend a college or technical school immediately after graduation, fostering dreams and community development.

The Lowell Teachers Scholarships, offered by Harvard University, allow middle and high school teachers to enroll in one Extension School course per term at half the tuition cost. This initiative promotes professional development by making Harvard's rigorous academic programs accessible to educators. Limited scholarships are available, encouraging early application. Note that these scholarships cannot be used for summer courses or combined with other financial aid, ensuring focused support for teachers dedicated to enhancing their skills.

The Bobo Kochevar Scholarship Fund, under the Boreal Waters Community Foundation, aims to support Rockridge High School graduates pursuing post-secondary education. This fund empowers students to achieve their academic goals in vocational, technical, or four-year college programs, fostering community development across northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. By investing in the education of local youth, the scholarship contributes to vibrant, sustainable communities and supports initiatives that enhance educational opportunities and cultural preservation.

The Leonard-Litz Foundation's LGBTQ+ Advocacy Fund Grant aims to empower LGBTQ+ individuals by funding organizations that advocate for their rights and well-being. With a focus on health, wellness, and racial justice, the fund supports projects that require significant investment for impactful change. Prioritizing partnerships that serve vulnerable communities, including people of color and transgender individuals, this grant fosters equality and addresses systemic inequalities faced by LGBTQ+ people, especially in the northeast U.S.