United Way of Southeast Mississippi (United Way SEMS) offers two funding opportunities to eligible non-profits, community groups and organizations serving populations in Forrest, Lamar, Marion and Perry counties. Grants are available for projects and programs that are improving lives through education, economic mobility, or healthy living, specifically those that are meeting goals and outcomes outlined in United Way SEMS's strategic plan. View United Way SEMS's goals.
Partner Agency Grant - Exclusive to current UWSEMS Agencies
United Way SEMS Partner Agency funds are utilized to address specific community needs in the areas of health, economic mobility, education, and support services. Funding is applicable to established and specific programs operated by high-performing nonprofit organizations. Applications are typically available on an annual basis for funds ranging from $5,000 to $50,000.
Who can apply for a Partner Agency Grant?
In order to be eligible to receive United Way SEMS funding, the applying agency must meet the following criteria:
- Provide services to Forrest, Lamar, Marion, and/or Perry counties
- Be a registered charity and incorporated
- Have a volunteer board of directors or advisory council
- Been in operation for at least (1) year
Note: Due to limited funding and other factors, only current UWSEMS Partner Agencies can reapply for funding over the next two years (2023-25); applications are not open to external agencies at this time.
Initiative Grant
United Way of Southeast Mississippi offers small initiative grants (up to $5,000) to nonprofit organizations or community groups conducting projects to benefit a nonprofit organization. The nonprofit organization must be located in Forrest, Lamar, Marion or Perry county and projects must address a community need in the area of health, education, and/or economic mobility. Projects addressing needs directly related to United Way of Southeast Mississippi's goals will be prioritized for funding. These funds are restricted to one-time expenses or short-term projects and not designed for ongoing program expenses, event sponsorship, or capital campaigns. Applications will be reviewed by the Community Impact Executive Committee in the last week of each quarter (June, September, December and March). A nonprofit organization can only receive one approved initiative grant per fiscal year (April-March).
Click here to log-in and access the Initiative Grant Application.