Community Development Grant

Overview:
Small development grants designed to support one-time expenses or short-term projects that benefit nonprofit organizations in the region.

Geographic Scope

• Forrest, Lamar, Marion, and Perry counties, Mississippi

Focus Areas

• Youth Opportunity
• Healthy Community
• Financial Security

Eligible Applicants

• Nonprofit organizations or community groups
• Proposed projects must benefit a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
• Organization must be registered as a charity with the MS Secretary of State

Eligibility Requirements

• Projects must align with United Way SEMS mission by addressing needs in youth opportunity, healthy community, and/or financial security
• Requests must serve a population located within Forrest, Lamar, Marion and/or Perry counties
• Funds must be used within 12 months of grant receipt
• A nonprofit organization can only receive one approved grant per fiscal year (April-March)

Funding Restrictions

• NOT for: Ongoing program expenses, event sponsorship, or capital campaigns
• FOR: One-time expenses or short-term projects only

Reporting Requirements

• Status report required within 6 months of grant receipt
• Final impact report required at end of 12-month grant cycle

Review Timeline

• Applications reviewed by Community Impact Executive Committee at the beginning of each quarter: July, October, January, and April
• Next deadlines (estimated based on quarterly review): July 2026, October 2026, January 2027, April 2027

Contact

• Amy Lyon
• Email: amy@unitedwaysems.org
• Phone: 601-475-0218

Application Process

Step 1: Account Setup

• LOGIN if you already have a user name and password
• CREATE AN ACCOUNT if you are a new user (an email will be sent to you)
• RESET YOUR PASSWORD if needed

Step 2: Complete Application

• All applicants are required to have an account to complete and submit their application
• You can "save a draft" and return to complete your submission
• Keep your user name and password handy

Step 3: Submit Application

• Submit your completed application through the online portal
• Be sure to log out once you have saved your draft or submitted your application

Important Instructions

• Incomplete applications will not be accepted
• Do not leave any blanks
• All required fields must be completed

Application Deadlines

• Applications reviewed at the beginning of each quarter (July, October, January, and April)