January 2025

CFM Scholarship Applications Now Open!

The 2025 scholarship season is upon us!

The Community Foundation for Mississippi is proud to offer several scholarship opportunities for high school and college-age students across the state. Whether you're planning your next step or continuing your education, we have funds that want to help you achieve your goals!

Open scholarships:

- Blake Coghlan Memorial Ag Scholarship: For high school seniors from Mississippi intending to study Agriculture or Agriculture-related degree at a Mississippi 4-year or 2-year institution

- JXN Water Scholarship: For high school seniors attending a public school in Hinds County interested in pursuing a degree in STEM

- Booker T. Jones Scholarship: For students who graduate from MINACT-run Job Corps programs and plan to enroll at a college or university

- Samuel “Eric” Storm Memorial Scholarship: For students pursuing an advanced degree in Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, or Speech Therapy

- Anthony “Tony” Gobar Juvenile Justice Scholarship Fund: For a full-time junior or senior at a public university in Mississippi or at Southern University in Louisiana majoring in criminal justice, political science or counseling

- Woodward Hinds Education Foundation Calling Panther Award: Awarded to motivated high school seniors at Hazelhurst and Crystal Springs High Schools who complete the FAFSA and the Mississippi Aid Application

A Legacy of No Limits: Bettye Smith Brown Memorial Scholarship Empowers Vicksburg's Youth

Bettye Smith Brown was a woman who knew no limits, always pushing her daughter to achieve their dreams through education. After her passing in the fall of 2020, her daughters Adrienne and Fayedra knew her work was unfinished.

To honor her unwavering dedication to learning, the sisters have established the Bettye Smith Brown Memorial Scholarship at the Community Foundation for Mississippi to benefit students in Vicksburg and Warren County.

From Physical Therapy to Scholarship Legacy: The Life and Impact of Samuel "Eric" Storm

Eric Storm’s life was defined by service to others, building a career in physical therapy and creating a lasting impact on his Genesis Physical Therapy Group patients and community. After his passing, the Samuel "Eric" Storm Memorial Scholarship Fund was created at CFM to support students pursuing physical, occupational, or speech therapy. 

The scholarship is now open for its first year of applications. The deadline to apply is March 31, 2025.

Endow Mississippi Renews for the Year

New year, new Endow Mississippi tax credits! Did you know that through this program, Mississippians can receive a 25% tax credit for gifts to permanent endowments at qualified community foundations? Learn how you can take advantage of this great opportunity at endowms.org.

Grants From Other Sources

This list is a shared resource. For inquiries about each grant, CFM recommends contacting the grantmaking organization listed for more information.

Statewide Grants

Apex Clean Energy's Soul City Solar Community Grant program supports educators, entrepreneurs, and changemakers in the community of Hinds County. The program includes four program areas with grants falling between $1,000 and $10,000, but may be larger or smaller depending on the quality of the application and identified community needs. Priority will be given to proposals that benefit Hinds County residents in and around the Soul City Solar project area. The deadline to apply is February 28. Learn more here.

Mississippi Arts Commission's annual grants open on February 1. The deadline to apply is March 1. This includes Project Grants for individual and organizations, Operating Grants, Artist Fellowships, Folk Arts Apprenticeship, Whole Schools. Learn more here.

Mississippi Humanities Council grants program seeks to fund projects that stimulate meaningful community dialogue, attract diverse audiences, are participatory and engaging, and apply the humanities to our everyday lives. Grants may be used to support public humanities programs, exhibits, the planning of larger projects, and the development of original productions in film, television, radio, podcasts, or online resources. Grants of $2,500 or less are considered minigrants. There are no deadlines for minigrants, though applications must be received at least four weeks via their online portal before the program or proposed grant period begins. Learn more here.

National Grants



T-Mobile is investing $25M in 500 rural towns over 5 years to jumpstart projects and build stronger communities. Rural communities can apply for up to $50,000 for a Hometown Grant to bring their community idea to life. Twenty five grants are awarded each quarter. Learn more here.