Best Small Grants for Nonprofits in Mississippi

Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation

Vision: We envision a vibrant, prosperous northern Chautauqua community, rich in opportunity today and tomorrow.

Our Mission

To realize our vision we focus on:

• strategic and responsive grant making
• encouraging local philanthropy and building permanent endowments for the future
• actively serving as a community leader and partner for the benefit and enrichment in our community.

Scholarships

Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation proudly manages over 200 individual scholarship funds,

St. Joseph School Scholarship

The St. Joseph School Scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior who resides in northern Chautauqua County, and intends to pursue a career teaching children with special needs.

Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation

Vision: We envision a vibrant, prosperous northern Chautauqua community, rich in opportunity today and tomorrow.

Our Mission

To realize our vision we focus on:

• strategic and responsive grant making
• encouraging local philanthropy and building permanent endowments for the future
• actively serving as a community leader and partner for the benefit and enrichment in our community.

Scholarships

Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation proudly manages over 200 individual scholarship funds,

Timothy Ryan Memorial Scholarship

The Timothy Ryan Memorial Scholarship Fund provides scholarships to students who exemplify characteristics exhibited by Timothy during his brief life: loving, caring, generous, family-oriented, genuine, sincere, and humorous.

The Warren A. Morrow Memorial Scholarship, offered by Veridian Credit Union, supports high school seniors and post-high school students pursuing post-secondary education at accredited institutions. To qualify, applicants must be members in good standing at a credit union affiliated with the Iowa Credit Union League. This scholarship aims to foster financial success and educational advancement, ensuring that students can achieve their academic goals without financial barriers.

Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation

Vision: We envision a vibrant, prosperous northern Chautauqua community, rich in opportunity today and tomorrow.

Our Mission

To realize our vision we focus on:

• strategic and responsive grant making
• encouraging local philanthropy and building permanent endowments for the future
• actively serving as a community leader and partner for the benefit and enrichment in our community.

Scholarships

Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation proudly manages over 200 individual scholarship funds,

Roger Testrake Memorial Scholarship

The Roger Testrake Memorial Scholarship benefits students residing in Ripley, NY who plan on continuing their education after high school and have a relative who has served in the military.

Roger Testrake was instrumental in building a monument in Ripley to honor all veterans. This scholarship was renamed to honor him for all his perseverance, dedication and hard work on behalf of the Ripley Veterans Roll of Honor Organization. 

The Robert E. Gross Award for Excellence in Pediatric Research and Achievement, presented by the American Pediatric Surgical Association, honors an individual whose significant contributions have transformed pediatric surgery practices. This prestigious award recognizes enduring changes in clinical management that are widely accepted by pediatric surgeons as standard. Nominations are required for this award, which showcases the commitment of APSA to advancing surgical care for children through advocacy and education.

The Veridian Credit Union Scholarship offers four $2,500 awards to high school seniors and four $2,500 awards to post-secondary students enrolled in accredited programs. To qualify, applicants must be the primary owner of a Veridian Credit Union account in good standing. This initiative, managed by the Iowa Credit Union Foundation, supports educational advancement and aims to foster financial success among its members.

The nccPA Health Foundation's Mental Health - Community Outreach Grant supports innovative PA-led projects aimed at improving mental health awareness and reducing stigma in communities. With funding up to $2,500, this grant encourages collaboration among PAs, PA students, and organizations to address the mental health needs of vulnerable populations. Applications are accepted year-round, promoting ongoing community engagement and systemic change through education, prevention, and treatment initiatives.

The nccPA Health Foundation's Oral Health - Community Outreach Grant offers up to $2,500 for PA-led initiatives that enhance oral health awareness and treatment. Open to certified PAs, PA students, and organizations, this grant aims to empower applicants to bridge healthcare gaps in oral health. Applications are accepted year-round, promoting continuous engagement in advancing community health. This initiative highlights the vital role of PAs in enhancing access to oral healthcare services.

The APAF: Jeanne Spurlock, M.D. Minority Fellowship Achievement Award, established in 1999, acknowledges the significant contributions of former fellows of the Minority Fellowships to the psychiatry profession and the minority community. This award promotes continued engagement in the fellowship program while honoring Dr. Jeanne Spurlock, the program's founder. It aims to enhance psychiatric education, improve access to quality care, and support the professional needs of its members, fostering collaboration in mental health fields.

The Rare Disease Endpoint Advancement Pilot Program, initiated by the FDA, aims to enhance the development of novel efficacy endpoints for drugs addressing rare diseases. This initiative encourages collaboration between sponsors and the FDA throughout the endpoint development process. By fostering innovation through guidance and public workshops, the program seeks to equip FDA staff and improve evaluation methods for rare disease therapies. The pilot program is set to run until September 30, 2027, providing vital support for drug development in this area.

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

Comptaro, Elden, Lewis Combined Scholarship Funds

The William C. Comptaro Educational Fund, the Laura E. Elden Educational Trust and the Frances L. Lewis Memorial Scholarship Fund were created at The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide scholarships to graduating high school seniors who are residents of Allegheny County, PA planning on pursuing post-secondary education.

Award Type: Single Year Award

The Fordney Foundation Grant supports talented individuals in dance, aiming to foster professional careers and enhance community engagement in dance sports. Established in 2002, the foundation offers financial assistance to young dancers (ages 6-25) and promotes ballroom dancing across diverse ethnic backgrounds. Its DanceStart Program aids families in supporting their children's dance education at competitive levels, emphasizing the importance of physical conditioning and personal expression through this art form.

The Larson-Veneklasen Outdoor Education Scholarship, established by Ken Larson and Diane Veneklasen, supports Tri-Cities residents pursuing outdoor educational experiences. Inspired by the Outward Bound philosophy, it aims to foster character development and self-discovery through adventure. Applicants can access multiple foundation scholarships with a single application. Required documents include transcripts and any additional materials specified for specific scholarships. Notably, financial need is not a priority, and high school seniors are not restricted from applying.

The nccPA Health Foundation offers the Oral Health - Research Integration Grant to support PAs in integrating oral health into their curriculum or clinical practice. With grants of up to $3,000 available, this initiative aims to enhance the skills and knowledge of PAs, ensuring that oral health is recognized as a critical component of overall health care. Applications are accepted year-round, encouraging innovative strategies to improve access and reduce disparities in oral health.

The Scott and Isabelle Black Fellowship at Harvard Kennedy School supports students in two-year degree programs focused on addressing societal issues such as homelessness, poverty, and education. Awarded based on merit and financial need, this fellowship aims to cultivate future leaders in government and nonprofit sectors. It encourages studies that explore the causes and solutions to problems affecting vulnerable populations, ensuring that graduates are equipped to make a meaningful impact in their communities.

The Distinguished Service Award, presented by the American Pediatric Surgical Association (APSA), recognizes individuals for their lifetime commitment and significant contributions to pediatric surgery. This prestigious honor highlights a nominee's wide-ranging impact on the field and their dedication to advancing surgical care for children. Nominations are vital, as the frequency of the award is determined by the APSA Board, ensuring that exemplary service is celebrated appropriately.

The Dr. Anita L. Pinc Memorial Scholarship, administered by the Quad Cities Community Foundation, provides financial assistance up to $1,000 to female students pursuing a medical degree in the U.S. Applicants must be enrolled in a medical school and have ties to Scott County, Iowa, or Rock Island County, Illinois. This renewable scholarship supports students committed to practicing medicine in the Quad Cities region, helping to foster local healthcare professionals.

The Washington Red Raspberry Commission offers research grants to support the advancement of red raspberry cultivation. These grants focus on innovative farming practices, pest management, and cultivar development, aimed at enhancing grower productivity and sustainability. Proposals are evaluated based on their potential impact on the industry, with an emphasis on practical applications. The commission invites researchers from various backgrounds to contribute, ensuring a diverse range of solutions for the challenges faced by raspberry growers.

The HKS American Service Fellowship provides full scholarships and stipends for mid-career public service leaders to pursue a one-year Mid-Career Master in Public Administration at Harvard Kennedy School. Targeting U.S. military veterans, public employees, and alumni of service programs, this fellowship emphasizes skill development and community impact. Participants learn from esteemed faculty and engage with a network of changemakers, equipping themselves to address pressing societal challenges and enhance their leadership capabilities.

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences Special Student Scholarship at Harvard supports Bachelor of Liberal Arts candidates who are admitted as Special Students. This scholarship, awarded by the Extension School, covers tuition for one undergraduate course per term, provided it aligns with the student's field of study and isn't available in the Extension School curriculum. Recipients are selected based on financial need and academic merit, requiring a minimum GPA of 3.33.

Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area seeks to ensure that our community thrives today, tomorrow, and forever by building our Community’s Endowment to support high impact charitable projects, helping donors achieve their charitable goals, and leading and partnering in community-level initiatives.

Scholarships

CFHZ awards over $1 million in scholarships each year for students to attend schools of higher education throughout the nation. Our scholarships are possible thanks to the generosity of donors who invest in our community’s future by furthering the education of others.

All Holland/Zeeland area individuals interested in post-secondary education are encouraged to apply for CFHZ scholarships.

The Foundation proudly administers over 100 scholarships, each with unique eligibility criteria that must be met before a candidate can be considered.

DeLong and Brower, P.C. Scholarship

• Graduating senior, graduating early college student, or college freshman or sophomore who attends/attended public, private, or home school in the primary service area of the Community Foundation
• Enrolling/enrolled in a 2 or 4-year degree program at an accredited post-secondary school (including vocational/technical school) within the United States
• Financial need (must submit the page of the FAFSA Submission Summary showing the Student Aid Index amount)
• GPA of 3.0 or greater
• Planning to study accounting, finance, or economics
• Potentially renewable for one additional year

The Wm. Wrigley's Foundation Scholarship, offered by the United Negro College Fund, supports undergraduate students enrolled in UNCF member schools for the 2025-2026 academic year. This scholarship provides up to $5,000 based on verified financial need. Eligible candidates must be majoring in specific fields such as engineering, business, or computer science, and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5. This initiative reinforces the commitment to enhancing minority education and fostering future leaders.

Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area seeks to ensure that our community thrives today, tomorrow, and forever by building our Community’s Endowment to support high impact charitable projects, helping donors achieve their charitable goals, and leading and partnering in community-level initiatives.

Scholarships

CFHZ awards over $1 million in scholarships each year for students to attend schools of higher education throughout the nation. Our scholarships are possible thanks to the generosity of donors who invest in our community’s future by furthering the education of others.

All Holland/Zeeland area individuals interested in post-secondary education are encouraged to apply for CFHZ scholarships.

The Foundation proudly administers over 100 scholarships, each with unique eligibility criteria that must be met before a candidate can be considered.

Franz Family International Adoption Scholarship

• Graduating senior who attends public, private, or home school in the primary service area of the Community Foundation
• Accepted into a 2 or 4-year degree program at an accredited post-secondary school (including vocational/technical school) within the United States
• Financial need, a consideration (encouraged to submit the page of the FAFSA Submission Summary showing the Student Aid Index amount)
• From a family with an internationally adopted child or children (applicants do not have to be adopted themselves but must have at least one sibling who is internationally adopted)

Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area seeks to ensure that our community thrives today, tomorrow, and forever by building our Community’s Endowment to support high impact charitable projects, helping donors achieve their charitable goals, and leading and partnering in community-level initiatives.

Scholarships

CFHZ awards over $1 million in scholarships each year for students to attend schools of higher education throughout the nation. Our scholarships are possible thanks to the generosity of donors who invest in our community’s future by furthering the education of others.

All Holland/Zeeland area individuals interested in post-secondary education are encouraged to apply for CFHZ scholarships.

The Foundation proudly administers over 100 scholarships, each with unique eligibility criteria that must be met before a candidate can be considered.

Franz Family Scholarship for Families Impacted by Cancer

• Graduating senior who attends public, private, or home school in the primary service area of the Community Foundation
• Accepted into a 2 or 4-year degree program at an accredited post-secondary school (including vocational/technical school) within the United States
• Financial need, a consideration (encouraged to submit the page of the FAFSA Submission Summary showing the Student Aid Index amount)
• A cancer patient or survivor; or a sibling or child of a cancer patient, survivor, or victim

The UNCF General Scholarship, offered by the United Negro College Fund, provides essential financial support to students enrolled full-time at one of 37 UNCF Member Institutions for the 2024-2025 academic year. This scholarship aims to enhance access to higher education for minority students, helping them thrive and graduate. The application process is designed to create a pool of eligible candidates for various scholarship opportunities, emphasizing the importance of education and community engagement.

The Renee Starks Steed Memorial Scholarship, offered by the United Negro College Fund, supports HBCU students majoring in fashion-related fields. Aimed at sophomores, juniors, and seniors, it emphasizes academic excellence with a minimum GPA of 3.0. This need-based scholarship fosters diversity, prioritizing students of color, and is part of UNCF's broader mission to enhance educational opportunities for underrepresented communities. Applications for the 2025-2026 academic year are now open.

The WITH Foundation's upcoming RFP cycle opens on July 1, 2026, with decisions from the previous cycle made in February 2026. The foundation aims to improve healthcare for adults with developmental disabilities, emphasizing dignity and comprehensive care. Grants of up to $150,000 are available, with research-focused projects eligible for up to $250,000. Priority is given to applicants with 501(c)(3) status, addressing specific needs in healthcare delivery and advocating for systemic change.