Mississippi Grants

This award recognizes and rewards Mississippi landowners who implement outstanding conservation practices to enhance soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat on their agricultural or forest lands.

This program honors individuals and organizations in Mississippi that have made significant contributions to the arts, celebrating their artistic excellence and impact on the state's cultural heritage.

This program provides financial assistance to eligible business owners in downtown Ocean Springs for improving the appearance and condition of their commercial building facades to boost tourism and support local businesses.

This program provides funding to organizations in Mississippi that support underserved LGBTQ communities, including people of color, youth, seniors, and transgender individuals, to help them live safely and openly.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations, schools, and libraries in Lafayette County, Mississippi, for programs that improve health, education, financial stability, and address basic needs in the community.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for conservation projects in Mississippi, focusing on outreach, education, and technical assistance to help socially disadvantaged and beginning farmers adopt sustainable agricultural practices.

This program provides funding for community projects that promote the cultural heritage of the Mississippi Hills region through education, preservation, and development initiatives.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Mississippi to support projects that improve economic security and health for women and girls, particularly in underserved communities.

This program provides financial support to festivals, events, and organizations that attract out-of-town visitors to Vicksburg, boosting local tourism and economic growth.

This grant provides funding to organizations and projects that enhance Vicksburg's appeal as a tourist destination, supporting local initiatives that promote tourism and boost the economy.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in the Mississippi Delta that are working to improve maternal and infant health outcomes and promote child development for children from birth to age three.

The Yazoo County Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) is accepting applications for the Tourism Grant. Donor Name: Yazoo County Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) State: Mississippi County: Yazoo County (MS) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The goal of the Yazoo County Convention & Visitors Bureau’s grant program is to increase the tourism-related offerings in Yazoo County for visitors and to continue to increase the number and quality of visitors to area each and every year. The reimbursements and expertise received by grant-approved organizations from the CVB can not only mean success for an event, site, attraction or project, but it can also mean growth, which in the long run means growth for all businesses in Yazoo County.  The Yazoo County CVB offers two types of grants. The first and probably most popular type is for Advertising & Promotion of an event, site, or attraction. The second is for Preservation/Enhancement, which includes the repair or improvement of tourism-related sites, and for placement of historical or cultural markers. The first type of assistance available is for Advertising & Promotion: This type of assistance targets markets outside of immediate area (over a 100-mile radius or out-of-state). Your organization must purchase paid advertising (such as magazine, newspaper, radio and television ads and billboards); printed brochures and calendars of events; and put together public relations kits for your event. Entertainment, labor, t-shirts, and other clothing items are not eligible for consideration. Your organization will be reimbursed for the purchases once deemed all qualifications are met and proof of bills paid by your organization. The second type of assistance available is for Historical/Cultural Enhancement: The primary purpose of this type of assistance is for the repair and /or improvement of tourism or tourism-related sites and for the placement of historical and/or cultural markers (such as Blues trail, Freedom trail markers, and other markers for historic preservation). This type of assistance is not for bricks and mortar projects. The Convention and Visitors Bureau will not provide this type of assistance for salaries or operating/administrative expenses. They will also give priority to projects for which the requesting organization is providing some of the funding necessary and/or has obtained additional funding from other sources. Proof of other funding sources may be requested by the Bureau, and may have to be presented before a decision is made.  Funding Information You may submit an application for only one type of assistance during the fiscal year; with a maximum request of $10,000. Project Period October 1, 2024 – September 30, 2025. Requirements For the most part, requirements for grants are very simple, and include: Project must help the Yazoo County CVB to meet goal of increased visitor traffic, Yazoo County CVB must be recognized as a sponsor in all of your advertising, the exact proofs of your advertisements and press releases should be submitted to the CVB for approval prior to release, a final report and requests for reimbursement must be submitted no more than 60 days after completion of your project, and your project must have an established bank account in order to receive reimbursements. In some circumstances, the requirements can be a bit more complicated, and suggest that you take the time to read and fully understand the application before applying. They are happy to answer any questions you may have. They hope it is understood that requirements are in no way intended to discourage or limit your organization in applying for or receiving a grant. The first responsibility is to the taxpayers, whose contributions fund grant program. It is imperative that they have a set of checks and balances in place to ensure grant funds are used appropriately and in a way that benefits Yazoo County’s tourism goals. For more information, visit CVB.

VisitHATTIESBURG’s Tourism Grant Program (TGP) is an annual allocation designed to enhance visitor and tourism promotion efforts in Hattiesburg. Donor Name: VisitHATTIESBURG State: Mississippi County: Forrest County (MS), Lamar County (MS) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/05/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: TGP provides funds for marketing and other qualified expenses for projects/events that fulfill VisitHATTIESBURG’S mission and, ultimately, increase overnight travel to Hattiesburg. Eligible applicants for funding include an organization/event/project whose objective is to promote Hattiesburg’s tourism industry to out-of-town visitors by generating overnight travel and economic stimulus to the city. The target audience should be outside the immediate Hattiesburg area (over 50- mile radius or out-of-state).  Qualifying entities may be attractions, associations, organizations, or governmental agencies which promote their event, products, and/or services to visitors from outside the area. Qualified grant projects must be held in Hattiesburg and should be classified in one of the following categories:  Festival / Event  Attraction / Public Use Facility Museums, historical buildings, meeting space, sporting facilities, etc. Other organizations / associations with a primary objective of promoting tourism in Hattiesburg. TGP funds may be used for a variety of expenses, including traditional and digital advertising, brochures and signage, event or exhibit production costs, and marketing and promotional activities. Disallowable expenses include utilities, general operating expenses, administrative expenses (including salaries, travel, meal and lodging), loan payments, personal benefits, cash awards, expenses not directly related to the approved project, and any illegal activities. Eligibility Requirements Applicants should fulfill the following requirements:  The project for which grant funds are requested must be primarily located within Hattiesburg (includes Forrest and Lamar Counties).  Projects should promote Hattiesburg as a destination by highlighting local lodging, dining, shopping, and attractions.  The proposed project must comply with all applicable laws, permits, licenses and regulations.  Each project must maintain financial records to document the use of TGP funds. These records should be filed and made available for inspection by VisitHATTIESBURG for a period of not less than three (3) years.  If funding is granted, the current VisitHATTIESBURG logo and/or TGP badge must be included on all collateral, advertisement, digital media, and signage in relation to the funded project. In addition, a hyperlinked VisitHATTIESBURG logo must be placed on the project website upon grant selection and remain for a period of no less than 12 consecutive months.  In cases where sponsorship packages are available, a sponsorship equivalent to the dollar amount of TGP funds awarded must be provided to VisitHATTIESBURG. This information should be included in application submissions.  Grants for individual organizations cannot exceed $5,000 in a Fiscal Year (October 1 – September 30).  An organization receiving TGP funding is responsible for paying all applicable taxes.  Additional guidelines may be required on an individual project basis and will be outlined in the TGP award letter and agreement. For more information, visit VisitHATTIESBURG.

The Mississippi Arts Commission (MAC) is seeking Letters of Intent for its Building Fund for the Arts (BFA) Program to support the repair, renovation, expansion or construction of facilities that serve as sites for year-round arts programming in their communities. Donor Name: Mississippi Arts Commission State: Mississippi County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline:  07/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: MAC is focused on maximizing the impact of existing facilities through repair and expansion projects as well as increasing the number of facilities that can serve as points of public access to the arts for Mississippi residents. Funding Information MAC will offer BFA applicants the option to apply for between $25,000 to $500,000 to support their building proposal. Eligibility Criteria Organizations applying for a BFA grant must be: a Mississippi-based non-profit organization with IRS 501c3 non-profit status OR a unit of local government (county or municipal). State agencies or other state entities are not eligible to apply; in good standing with MAC. The organization must not have any outstanding reports or unresolved issues related to past or current grants from the agency; either the owners of the building/land for which they are requesting funds or doing so with demonstrated support from the owner(s). The sale of the property must be finalized by the time the project is scheduled to begin; an art-based organization, with the majority of their work focused on providing year-round arts programming to the local community. Cultural organizations with a primary mission outside of the arts, such as history or science museums, are not eligible to apply; requesting funding for a facility that has been or will be used for arts programming. For more information, visit MAC.

The Children’s Foundation of Mississippi (CFM) is offering up to 10 small planning grants to establish local Early Childhood Councils (ECCs). Donor Name: Children’s Foundation of Mississippi (CFM) State: Mississippi County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/28/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The purpose of an Early Childhood Council (or committee) is to invite community leaders from all industries interested in improving conditions for children ages 0-5 and families in their neighborhoods, cities, and counties. Early Childhood Council Goals Communities that want to build a committee with a focus on one or more of the following areas should apply: Work to expand and deepen civic engagement with policymakers on children’s issues identified in their communities Support or advocate for policies and programming that continue to expand state funding for high‐quality public Pre‐K in Mississippi Serve as a facilitator and connector to build partnerships with existing non-profits/programming with established track records such as Excel By 5; Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, Parents Campaign Research and Education Fund, United Ways, Reach Out and Read, Mind in the Making/VROOM, Resource and Referral Centers, etc. Implement unique early childhood programs or resources in areas with a lack thereof Determine what programs or services are not currently in their communities but need to be accessed. Funding Information Assist grants of $2000. Eligibility Criteria These grants will be made to agencies or organizations that want to lead the community in determining needs and promoting the advancement of early childhood programming in their local communities. The planning grants will be awarded to local, community-based entities in two categories: Groups that are currently meeting, formally or informally, to address early care and education needs at the local level (whether it is within a municipality or across a county) Communities that do not currently have groups working on early care and education needs but want to explore more possibilities for children in their communities/counties are also encouraged to apply for the planning grants Non-profit organizations, community-based groups, educational institutions, and other relevant entities are eligible to apply. For more information, visit CFM.

The LGBTQ Grant Program award grants to support planning, research, and general operations that address priority needs of LGBTQ Mississippians as they strive to live safely, openly and without alienation, isolation, prejudice and/or discrimination. Donor Name: LGBTQ Fund of Mississippi State: Mississippi County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 06/28/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The LGBTQ Grant Program, which receives resources from a Fund held at the Community Foundation for Mississippi, provides resources that align with and support the vision, mission, and beliefs defined by the Advisory Board of The LGBTQ Fund of Mississippi. Special attention will be paid to the following:  proposals that demonstrate a commitment to addressing the needs of LGBTQ communities that have been most demonstrably underserved, including but not limited to, communities of color, youth, seniors, and persons in rural communities;  intersectional programs addressing faith and acceptance; and  efforts serving transgender and gender non-conforming persons.  Geographic Area Applicants must be in Mississippi or provide services that have a positive direct impact on Mississippi’s LGBTQ population. Eligibility Criteria Applicants for grants from the LGBTQ Fund of Mississippi include the following:  nonprofit organizations with current tax-exempt status under Section 501c3 of the IRS code that are in compliance with the Mississippi Secretary of State’s charity registration, fee payment, audit (if required), and reporting requirements; units of local government (including schools school districts, public-private partnerships, and quasi-governmental entities);  research centers (independent and those associated with universities);  public and private institutions of higher learning; and  federally recognized Indian tribes. For more information, visit LGBTQ Fund of Mississippi.

Mini-Grants for Community Impact are offered to bolster local initiatives in Choctaw, Lowndes, Noxubee, Oktibbeha, Webster, and/or Winston Counties. Donor Name: United Way of the Golden Triangle Region State: Mississippi County: Choctaw County (MS), Lowndes County (MS), Noxubee County (MS), Oktibbeha County (MS), Webster County (MS), Winston County (MS) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/09/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: This agreement is based on the mutual beliefs of both the United Way of the Golden Triangle Region and the participating organization that: The goal of meeting the human needs of the people of Choctaw, Lowndes, Noxubee, Oktibbeha, Webster, and Winston Counties demands the united efforts of all segments of the commuity. Human services planning, community-wide fundraising and the allocation of funds based upon citizens’ review of services are the most effective and efficient means of meeting the human needs of the community. Clear understanding and mutual acceptance of the respective roles of the United Way of the Golden Triangle Region and the participating organization are essential to their joint effort to meet the human needs of the aforementioned counties. Funding Information The awarded amount ranges from $500 to $1,500, with a maximum of $1,500 per entity (non-profit, organization, program, business, or community group). Funds cannot be allocated towards salaries, reimbursements, matching funds, capital campaigns, operational expenses, consulting fees, or lobbying. Instead, they must be directed towards fulfilling a specific community need. Criteria This application welcomes registered 501(c)3 non-profits, organizations, businesses, programs, or community groups committed to advancing Education, Health, Financial Stability, Children/Family, and/or Disaster relief in this region. For more information, visit United Way of the Golden Triangle Region.

The Mississippi Council on Developmental Disabilities is accepting Innovative Quality of Life Grant applications for Fiscal Year 2025 (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025). Maximum funding amount for each grant is $25,000. MSCDD expects to fund five or more new grants. Deadline for the application is June 5, 2024 at noon. Eligibility and more details are stated in the application. Applications should address one or more of the following expected outcomes from the current state plan: Developing and Strengthening Self-Advocacy and Leadership Developing or Improving Approaches to Services and Systems Meeting Other Needs of People with Developmental Disabilities and Families Planning of the Future Care for Aging Adults with Developmental Disabilities

This program provides financial assistance to small business and commercial property owners in Jackson, Mississippi, to improve the appearance of their buildings and attract more customers and investors.

Mini-Grants for Community Impact are offered to bolster local initiatives in Choctaw, Lowndes, Noxubee, Oktibbeha, Webster, and/or Winston Counties. Donor Name: United Way of the Golden Triangle Region State: Mississippi County: Choctaw County (MS), Lowndes County (MS), Noxubee County (MS), Oktibbeha County (MS), Webster County (MS), Winston County (MS) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline:  08/09/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: This application welcomes registered 501(c)3 non-profits, organizations, businesses, programs, or community groups committed to advancing Education, Health, Financial Stability, Children/Family, and/or Disaster relief in this region. This agreement is based on the mutual beliefs of both the United Way of the Golden Triangle Region and the participating organization that: The goal of meeting the human needs of the people of Choctaw, Lowndes, Noxubee, Oktibbeha, Webster, and Winston Counties demands the united efforts of all segments of the commuity. Human services planning, community-wide fundraising and the allocation of funds based upon citizens’ review of services are the most effective and efficient means of meeting the human needs of the community. Clear understanding and mutual acceptance of the respective roles of the United Way of the Golden Triangle Region and the participating organization are essential to their joint effort to meet the human needs of the aforementioned counties. Funding Information The awarded amount ranges from $500 to $1,500, with a maximum of $1,500 per entity (non-profit, organization, program, business, or community group). For more information, visit United Way of the Golden Triangle Region.