Best Neshoba County Grants for Nonprofits in Mississippi

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

Alfred and Luclie Rosenbaum Grant for General Charitable Purposes

Alfred and Lucile Rosenbaum were two people who loved this region. They possessed a hope and energy about the future for Meridian and East Mississippi. Mr. Rosenbaum pointed out, “We think we know what tomorrow will bring, but we never really do. It takes someone willing to make a difference first.”

The Alfred and Lucile Rosenbaum fund for General Charitable Purposes was established in November 2005 to meet the region’s ever-changing needs to “make that difference.”

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

What We Do

With over 40 years of heartfelt service, the Community Foundation of East Mississippi is dedicated to fostering charitable giving that connects generous individuals, families, and businesses to meaningful opportunities. We bridge resources and needs to uplift the dynamic communities we serve.

The Community Foundation of East Mississippi provides comprehensive management support for each endowment, investing it as part of our larger, professionally managed pool of funds. Our affiliates benefit from a diversified investment portfolio, cost-effective fees, administrative and technical expertise, and access to marketing resources, allowing local leaders to focus on growing assets and addressing community priorities.

Rhonda Sheppard Hawkins Grant

Rhonda Sheppard Hawkins had many titles in her lifetime: Wife, Mother, Daughter, Co-Worker. But of all the titles that described her, FRIEND reverberates the loudest.

The Rhonda Sheppard Hawkins Endowment was established by her friends and family to honor her memory by providing aid and assistance to cancer patients undergoing treatment.

Sandra Welch Niehuss Foundation for Cancer Prevention and Treatment

The Sandra Welch Niehuss Endowment was set up in her memory by her family in 2007. The purpose of the fund is to support community education and awareness programs related to cancer.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

CFEM Margaret Dulaney Arts Grant

Margaret Dulaney was a leader in the Meridian arts community who understood the value of the arts and worked tirelessly to share that passion with others.

Through the Margaret Dulaney Art Endowment, the Community Foundation of East Mississippi honors and celebrates the long-standing contributions Mrs. Dulaney made to our community through the arts.

Proposals will be accepted from nonprofit organizations and schools. Projects awarded are focused on enhancing new or existing art programs and activities in East Mississippi.

Community Foundation of East Mississippi

The Community Foundation of East Mississippi exists to make philanthropy simple, effective, and enduring. We serve as a trusted partner for donors seeking to leave a lasting legacy, nonprofits seeking sustainable funding, and communities striving to improve the quality of life. By connecting charitable resources with local needs, we work to create a vibrant, thriving East Mississippi today and for generations to come.

CFEM accepts, manages, and invests a wide range of charitable funds, including endowments and pass-through gifts. Earnings from these funds are used to make grants that strengthen nonprofit organizations, support community programs, and address emerging needs in Lauderdale, Kemper, Clarke, Newton, and Neshoba counties.

About the Scholarship

This scholarship is provided by Mike Couch and Jennifer Welch to offer an educational scholarship to a student entering a Technical or Trade School.

Susan B. Herron/Lively Arts and Education Grant

Susan Herron was one of Meridian’s most active and dedicated cultural leaders during her lifetime. She served on the Board of Commissioners for the Mississippi Arts Commission and as president of the Meridian Arts Council and Meridian Little Theatre Guild. She was also an avid supporter of the Meridian Museum of Art, Meridian Community College Arts & Letters Series, and served as vice president of the Meridian Junior Auxiliary.

This endowment was established at the Community Foundation in honor of her memory. With gifts from many in this community, Susan Herron’s passion and enthusiasm for the arts will continue for years to come.

Requests can be for assisting with the start-up of new Arts and Education Programs, or the special one-time needs of existing programs, or supporting special Arts and Education opportunities.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.