Best Technology Grants in Mississippi

Municipal governments in Mississippi and other eligible Great Lakes and Southern states seeking federal technology, infrastructure, housing, or related funding can apply for the National League of Cities’ free Federal Grant Navigation Program. This pilot offers one-on-one support, data collection assistance, and peer cohorts to help cities compete successfully for ARPA and IIJA grants, including technology access and digital literacy projects.

The Career Development Grants, offered by the American Association of University Women (AAUW), support women with bachelor's degrees seeking to advance or change careers, particularly in high-growth STEM fields. These grants fund post-bachelor's coursework, including master's degrees or certifications, at accredited institutions. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to their educational pursuits and meet specific eligibility criteria, such as being enrolled in accredited programs that promote women's participation in underrepresented fields.

Nonprofit organizations running cybersecurity or AI workforce development programs for underrepresented learners can apply for support, including those in Mississippi and other eligible countries. With a mission to power human progress, Kyndryl Charitable Foundation provides technology-focused nonprofits with funding and partnership opportunities that advance future-forward education, climate action, and an inclusive economy.

Local churches can receive up to US $500 for stewardship, technology, or leadership development projects, including AV and digital tools that support worship and discipleship, through this national program open to Kentucky Conference congregations. Grants from the Kentucky Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church may benefit Mississippi ministries modeling similar technology access and digital literacy efforts.

BIPOC- and disabled-led nonprofits, fiscally sponsored projects, and qualifying for-profits in the U.S. and territories, including Mississippi, can seek technology access and disability justice funding from Borealis Philanthropy’s DIF x Tech Fund; awards US $25,000 - US $70,000 for projects at the intersection of disability rights, justice, and technology. Organizations must have budgets under $1 million and comply with federal nondiscrimination laws.

Students pursuing medicine, science, technology, engineering, or mathematics degrees who graduated from a Hawaii high school may be eligible for support that can benefit technology-focused education, including those now studying in Mississippi. Hawai'i Community Foundation provides U.S. STEM students with funding through the Otto & Aegun Hensens Educational Fund, prioritizing Hawaii residents with financial need and strong academic standing.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charities and eligible government units can seek funding for technology access and digital literacy projects in Mississippi communities through Sparklight’s Charitable Giving Fund. Grants support special projects and capital campaigns that expand programs or infrastructure, and may benefit organizations also addressing education, food insecurity, or broader community development where Sparklight operates.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations focused on STEM education and digital literacy in Mississippi can seek funding for technology, workforce development, and professional skills programs. With a mission to inspire excellence and transform communities, C Spire Wireless Foundation provides grants that prioritize tech education and broadband-related initiatives across its regional service area.

501(c)(3) organizations focused on STEM education, digital literacy, technology, and workforce development can apply for funding from C Spire Wireless Foundation, including groups in Mississippi. With a mission to transform communities through technology, the foundation supports projects that strengthen tech education, build a stronger workforce, and expand reliable broadband access, favoring organizations based in its region.

Undergraduate students in NOAA-related STEM and social science fields at accredited U.S. colleges and universities, including those from Mississippi, can apply for the Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship, which provides up to US $40,000 for tuition and a paid internship. Focused on oceanic, atmospheric, environmental, and technology disciplines, NOAA invites eligible students to gain hands-on research and policy experience.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and fiscally sponsored groups in Mississippi can receive funding for technology access, digital literacy, and technology education and training through Affirm Cares. The funder supports U.S. initiatives in K–12 coding, bootcamps, and workforce development, as well as related community programs like financial literacy, housing insecurity, and civic engagement.

Mississippi technology access and digital literacy organizations in eligible rural areas can access funding through USDA Rural Development’s Community Connect Grants to build broadband infrastructure and community centers. Awards of US $100,000 - US $5,000,000 support new high-speed internet service, free access for critical community facilities, and public computer access points that advance equity, markets, and climate resilience.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) ministries using media or technology for evangelism, leadership development, or holistic outreach, including those serving Mississippi, may be eligible for project-based support. The Festus and Helen Stacy Foundation funds Christian initiatives worldwide, with priorities in evangelism, leadership, holistic ministries, Christian media, stewardship, and children and youth programs.

OpenAI provides Mississippi technology access and digital literacy nonprofits with unrestricted support to explore how AI can strengthen community services, arts, and local information. Eligible applicants are U.S.-based 501(c)(3) community organizations or select regranting institutions with primarily U.S.-focused operations and small to mid-sized budgets that are trusted by, and co-creating with, their communities.

Nonprofit and community organizations in Mississippi working on science, education, creativity, or technology access and digital literacy can seek support for programs, events, or experimental initiatives. Promega provides U.S. and Canada-based groups with corporate giving that may benefit technology access and digital literacy efforts alongside broader science and educational enrichment work.

Nonprofits and for-profit organizations focused on technology access, digital literacy, and future workers in Mississippi can apply for the Future of Work Accelerator, which provides US $100,000 in funding plus HP technology and solutions. Grants from Hewlett Packard Enterprise Foundation help U.S. organizations serving youth, on-demand workers, and small businesses scale their impact through a six-month virtual capacity-building program.

Researchers and research institutions in Mississippi studying K-12 education and technology use can apply for Arnold Ventures’ Causal Research on the Impacts of Cell Phone Policies in K-12 Schools. Funding supports rigorous RCTs or quasi-experimental studies on academic, behavioral, and mental health outcomes, which may benefit technology access and digital literacy efforts nationwide.

Nonprofit Internet Society Chapters carrying out digital access and online safety projects in Mississippi and beyond can apply for Beyond the Net grants from the Internet Society Foundation, with awards up to US $35,000. Funding supports community-centered connectivity, affordable and reliable Internet access, online trust and safety, and advocacy for an open, trustworthy Internet.

TechAccess: AI-Ready America is a nationwide initiative aimed at enhancing AI readiness across the U.S. by fostering collaboration and resource sharing. It targets businesses, organizations, and individuals, ensuring widespread access to AI tools and knowledge. The program includes State Coordination Hubs to connect stakeholders, a National Lead for collaboration, and AI-Ready Catalyst Award Competitions to drive innovative solutions. This comprehensive approach seeks to prepare all sectors for an AI-driven economy, benefiting Americans through practical implementation and workforce development.

The Bernie Smillie Memorial Scholarship was established in 2010, in memory of Freeland resident and business owner Bernie Smillie. Bernie passed away in 2000, due to complications from a lung transplant he had received in 1994. In 2005, family and friends of Bernie established the Bernie Smillie Memorial Golf Outing. Proceeds of this outing has helped to promote organ donor support and awareness and establish this scholarship fund.

Bernie Smillie Memorial Scholarship - Michigan Resident

Evaluation Criteria

• Financial need (20)
• Work experience (20)
• Overall involvement at work, school and community activities (20)
• Career goals as demonstrated in essay (20)
• Letters of recommendation

Women of Colors Scholarship

Women of Colors (WOC) was founded in 1993 by a group of women that believed it would take a cooperative effort of women of all nationalities, ages and socioeconomic status to address issues plaguing the Saginaw Community. The founders believed that women should take a more active role in addressing issues of crime, blight and poverty. WOC began by providing support, community outreach services and facilitating discussions within the community. WOC’s mission promotes multi-cultural diversity and enhances community relations in Saginaw County by performing community service, mentoring youth, and collaborating with other organizations.

The Women of Colors Scholarship will be awarded each year to a Great Empowering Motivational Sessions (GEMS) member that is an area high school senior actively involved in efforts to empower young women and in activities that address issues affecting young women in the Saginaw Community. If no GEMS members are high school seniors, applications will be accepted from non-GEMS applicants.

The Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (TBCP) aims to enhance broadband access and adoption on Tribal lands, supporting initiatives for remote learning, telework, and telehealth. Administered by NTIA, this program provides vital funding to eligible entities under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. This funding is crucial for fostering digital inclusion and improving connectivity in underserved Tribal communities.

The Native Entities Grant Program, initiated by NTIA under the Digital Equity Act of 2021, aims to support Indian Tribes, Alaska Native entities, and Native Hawaiian organizations. This program streamlines funding through a unified application for two significant initiatives: the State Digital Equity Capacity Grant and the Digital Equity Competitive Grant. By focusing on reducing administrative burdens, it enhances access to digital resources and equity in underserved communities.

This initiative aims to enhance clinical and public health outcomes through innovative digital health interventions. It supports research on the development and effectiveness of tools designed for underserved settings, leveraging new technologies and analytics. By fostering collaborations between U.S. and low- and middle-income country researchers, the program emphasizes reciprocal innovation to tackle common health challenges, ultimately maximizing benefits for diverse populations.

The International Research Scientist Development Award (IRSDA) supports U.S. postdoctoral researchers and junior faculty to engage in mentored research and career development in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This initiative promotes collaboration with local researchers, enhancing understanding of the research environment and strengthening international networks. Recipients are expected to spend significant time at LMIC sites, ultimately aiming to develop competitive NIH research proposals and become leaders in global health.

The Lewis-Houghton Civics and Democracy Initiative, under the Teaching with Primary Sources program, aims to empower organizations in the U.S. and its territories to create innovative projects that leverage digitized primary sources from the Library of Congress. This initiative, named after Reps. Lewis and Houghton, promotes education in civics, democracy, and history, fostering critical thinking and literacy among students. Grants will be awarded based on the proposal's alignment with these educational goals, enhancing community engagement.

Grant Guidelines

To advance its mission to build a responsible and equitable technology ecosystem, the Kapor Foundation makes strategic grants across three focus areas: (1) Computing Education, (2) Innovation, and (3) Governance.

Within each focus area, we fund research on critical topics at the intersection of racial equity and tech, capacity-building that strengthens coalitions and movement-building infrastructure, and policy advocacy that drives systemic change.

Funding Priorities

We fund organizations and initiatives aligned with our core focus areas:

Given advances in Al, a new vision of education is urgently needed — one that ensures students are equipped with the technical skills to build emerging technologies and the critical skills to navigate their socio-technical implications. We fund computing education initiatives across K-12, postsecondary, and alternative pathways that expand computing participation at scale, shift policy to ensure equitable access, and expand the pipeline of educators prepared to teach computing.

2. 

Al is being designed, developed, and deployed rapidly, yet the communities most affected by its impacts are largely excluded from its creation and subsequent economic benefits. We support organizations and individuals that build responsible Al technologies, leverage technology to close gaps in access and opportunity, and invest in initiatives and coalitions that advance responsible Al in the entrepreneurship and venture capital ecosystems.

3.

As Al adoption accelerates, bolder approaches to regulation are necessary to protect marginalized communities from technological harm, expand economic opportunity, and ensure the benefits of technology reach everyone. We support efforts that build awareness of key policy issues, develop policy agendas, and mobilize coalitions.

For 2026, our priority advocacy areas are: 1) computing education, 2) algorithmic bias, 3) Al safeguards for children, 4) data center development, and 5) surveillance and civil rights.