Best Smith County Grants for Nonprofits in Mississippi

Stark Community FoundationStark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties. In 2025, more than $1,000,000 was awarded to local students to help them achieve their educational dreams.Aaron Seesan Memorial Scholarship FundThe Aaron Seesan Memorial Scholarship Fund was established to assist graduating seniors from Massillon Washington High School or Stark County high schools who have been accepted by or will attend a two-year or four-year college/university, a post-high school technical education program, or nursing school. Criteria is based on: 3.0 minimum GPA, demonstration of outstanding involvement in extracurricular school activities, and community service activities outside of school. Personal interview required.Renewable Scholarship: No

Rapid Response Grants 

Emergency funding after mass tragedies.

In the wake of tragic mass events, such as shooting, speed matters. Our Rapid Response Grants provide expedited funding to victims and their families when time is of the essence. These grants ensure that families aren’t left waiting for critical support when they need it most.

• Awarded swiftly after mass casualty events
• Designed to provide urgent, compassionate support in crisis situations

Hope Grant Program

Direct support for individuals and families.

The Hope Grant program offers one-time, expedited financial assistance to individuals and families impacted by a heinous or violent crime within the last 12–18 months. Hope Grants are designed to meet urgent and emergency needs, helping victims begin to rebuild their lives after unimaginable loss.

• Grants provide practical, immediate financial relief in the wake of tragedy.
• Available for victims of crimes such as homicide, rape, trafficking, and violent crimes against children.

Stark Community FoundationStark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties. In 2025, more than $1,000,000 was awarded to local students to help them achieve their educational dreams.The Canton Advertising Federation Endowment for Creative Enrichment FundThe Canton Advertising Federation Endowment for Creative Enrichment Fund assists graduating high school seniors or current college students majoring in advertising, graphic design, communication or related fields. Applicants must reside in Stark County.Renewable Scholarship: Yes

Stark Community FoundationStark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties. In 2025, more than $1,000,000 was awarded to local students to help them achieve their educational dreams.Adrienne O’Neill Scholarship FundThe Adrienne O’Neill Scholarship Fund was established to assist students who are the first generation in their family to attend college. Applicant must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5, demonstrate financial need and intend to utilize this scholarship as the “last dollars” after all aid/scholarships have been awarded.Renewable Scholarship: Yes

The Society of Interventional Radiology Foundation

SIR Foundation is a scientific foundation dedicated to fostering research in interventional radiology for the purposes of advancing scientific knowledge, increasing the number of skilled investigators, and developing innovative therapies that lead to improved patient care and quality of life. The foundation is committed to fostering the development and enhancement of innovative, minimally invasive, image-guided therapies from inception to mature clinical application and to conduct educational programs in the service of its mission.

Giving Circle for the Advancement of Women (GCAW) Award

Provide career development opportunities for women in interventional radiology. GCAW is dedicated to engaging all generations of women in interventional radiology through the power of community philanthropy.

Our Story

Since 1963 when Stark Community Foundation was formed, hundreds of thousands of people’s lives have been changed through the power of philanthropy.

Over the years, the role of the Foundation has grown from a simple grantmaker to a community leader seeking long-term solutions to diverse community challenges.

The Virginia C. Jack and Ralph L. Jack Scholarship Fund

The Virginia C. Jack and Ralph L. Jack Scholarship Fund was established to assist students who are residents of Stark County; admitted to technical school, college or university, or school of nursing (full or part-time); traditional or non-traditional students accepted. Applicants must have attained a GPA of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale and demonstrate financial need.

The Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Research Centers are offering supplemental funding for Special Interest Projects (SIPs) aimed at enhancing public health practices. These projects will focus on innovative health promotion and disease prevention strategies to mitigate leading health risks in the U.S. The initiative supports ten specific SIPs, including studies on cancer care, alcohol use reduction, and emergency preparedness, thereby fostering research that translates into real-world health improvements.

This funding opportunity aims to establish a U.S. network for active surveillance of pediatric acute respiratory illnesses and gastroenteritis. The initiative will focus on respiratory and enteric viruses, assessing the effectiveness of prevention products such as vaccines. Recipients will follow CDC protocols to enroll patients and confirm viral infections, ultimately reducing hospitalizations and enhancing public health strategies for children's healthcare.

The US Flu Vaccine Effectiveness (VE) Network aims to enhance the effectiveness of vaccines against influenza and other respiratory pathogens, which are significant contributors to morbidity and mortality. This funding opportunity invites proposals for surveillance studies, including annual VE assessments, acute respiratory illness tracking, household transmission research, and immunogenicity studies. Applicants can apply for either Component A or B, with the option to include additional components based on their primary selection.

The INCLUDE Project aims to enhance the health and quality of life for individuals with Down syndrome by generating comprehensive genomic and multi-omics data. This initiative encourages applicants to submit samples to NIH-supported resources, facilitating the exploration of molecular mechanisms related to health conditions associated with Down syndrome. The data will be shared via the INCLUDE Data Hub, promoting collaboration within the research community, though no direct funding is available to applicants.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is set to release a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) aimed at advancing informatics technologies for cancer research. This initiative will support the development of tools that enhance data acquisition, management, and analysis throughout the cancer continuum. By focusing on technologies with proven impact, the NOFO seeks to optimize and sustain resources critical for cancer biology, diagnosis, treatment, and epidemiology.

The National Network of STI Clinical Prevention Training Centers (NNPTC) aims to enhance the education and training of clinicians and disease intervention professionals in STI patient care. This initiative focuses on improving the ability of healthcare providers and systems to effectively diagnose, manage, and counsel individuals at risk for STIs, ultimately reducing morbidity and enhancing public health outcomes on both local and national levels.

The Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program, initiated by the Drug-Free Communities Act of 1997, aims to bolster community coalitions dedicated to preventing youth substance use. Funded by the US HHS's Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), this program focuses on collaboration among various stakeholders, including government and non-profit entities, to effectively reduce substance abuse among youth and promote protective factors within communities.

Stark Community Foundation

Since 1963, Stark Community Foundation has been helping individuals, families, businesses and nonprofits like you support the causes you care about.

In addition to personalized donor services, we manage a competitive grantmaking program and award grants to address local needs. Today, the Foundation stewards over 1,000 charitable funds totaling $485 million in assets and has granted more than $300 million to nonprofits in our community and beyond.

Scholarships

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties.

The Louise Nader Khourey Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Louise Nader Khourey Memorial Scholarship Fund assists graduating high school seniors planning careers in foreign language education OR senior-level undergraduate or graduate foreign language students who have met the criteria for student teaching in a licensure program. 

This scholarship is renewable.

The Foundation awards scholarships to nontraditional students, students who are not graduating from high school this academic year, who are continuing their education through degree or certificate programs, seminars, workshops, or customized training. The application is open throughout the year, and applications are reviewed and determined on a quarterly basis. 

Catherine Pratt Memorial Scholarship

Awarded current college students, who are enrolled in Nursing.

Stark Community Foundation

Since 1963, Stark Community Foundation has been helping individuals, families, businesses and nonprofits like you support the causes you care about.

In addition to personalized donor services, we manage a competitive grantmaking program and award grants to address local needs. Today, the Foundation stewards over 1,000 charitable funds totaling $485 million in assets and has granted more than $300 million to nonprofits in our community and beyond.

Scholarships

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties.

The Charles E. Feiock Advised Charitable Scholarship Fund

The Charles E. Feiock Advised Charitable Scholarship Fund assists students who have graduated from a public, private, or charter school located in Monroe County, Ohio. 

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties. In 2025, more than $1,000,000 was awarded to local students to help them achieve their educational dreams.

The Don and Madalyn Sickafoose Educational Trust Fund

The Don and Madalyn Sickafoose Educational Trust Fund was established to assist students residing in southeastern Stark County, northwestern Carroll County and northern Tuscarawas County.

Amount:

• Varies. Minimum $500.

Renewable:

• Yes

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties. In 2025, more than $1,000,000 was awarded to local students to help them achieve their educational dreams.

The Cole Eriksson Parker Eagle Scout Scholarship Fund

The Cole Eriksson Parker Eagle Scout Scholarship Fund was established to provide scholarships to high school graduates or graduating seniors who are Buckeye Council, Scouting of America, Canton, OH, Eagle Scouts.

Amount:

• Varies. Minimum $500.

Renewable:

• Yes

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties. In 2025, more than $1,000,000 was awarded to local students to help them achieve their educational dreams.

The Clark H. and Louise A. Criss Charitable Fund

The Clark H. and Louise A. Criss Charitable Fund was established to assist Stark County, OH high school graduates attending a two or four year university, college, or technical school. 

Amount:

• Varies. Minimum $500.

Renewable:

• Yes

The NIOSH Exploratory/Developmental Grant Program (R21) aims to enhance understanding of occupational diseases and injuries. It focuses on identifying risks, developing prevention strategies, and translating scientific discoveries into effective measures. Applicants are encouraged to describe the health burdens addressed, outline research activities, and demonstrate potential impacts on occupational safety. This initiative supports innovative concepts, model systems, and technologies that can significantly improve workplace health outcomes.

The Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education (THCGME) Program aims to equip residents with the skills to deliver exceptional healthcare, especially in rural and underserved areas. By funding the training of residents in HRSA-supported primary care residency programs, it fosters a diverse healthcare workforce capable of meeting the needs of various populations. This initiative not only enhances the quality of care but also strengthens community health systems.

This funding opportunity aims to enhance a web-based ordering portal for distributing 1.5 million HIV and STI self-tests to high-burden communities. By optimizing access to these self-tests, the initiative seeks to raise awareness, prevent new infections, and improve the health outcomes of users, thereby contributing to better overall public health and wellbeing.

This funding opportunity aims to enhance the global response to rabies through innovative, cost-effective tools. The initiative focuses on reducing human rabies cases and advancing canine rabies elimination, particularly in high-burden regions. Research areas include tracking vaccination efforts, managing rabies exposure investigations, improving laboratory systems, and assessing the economic impact of interventions. Ultimately, it seeks to develop strategies that protect public health and ensure the sustainability of rabies-free status in the U.S.

The CDC's Comprehensive Suicide Prevention Program for States aims to enhance public health approaches to suicide prevention across the U.S. By targeting high-risk groups, such as veterans and rural populations, the program utilizes data to identify prevention areas, assess existing programs, and implement evidence-based strategies. Key outcomes include improved partner engagement and a measurable reduction in suicide rates. This initiative allows potential applicants to prepare by reviewing relevant data and forming strategic partnerships ahead of future opportunities.

The Statewide Perinatal Quality Collaboratives initiative aims to enhance the health of pregnant and postpartum women and their newborns through quality improvement strategies. Funded by the CDC, the program encompasses two components: state-based Perinatal Quality Collaboratives and a National Network coordinating center. Key strategies include strengthening data systems and fostering partnerships to improve healthcare services and outcomes. Ultimately, this initiative seeks to implement successful quality improvement initiatives that ensure better coordination and health outcomes for mothers and newborns across the United States.