An Overview of the Community Foundation of East Mississippi’s Grantmaking

Several community foundations located throughout Mississippi address the needs of local communities in the state. One of them is the Community Foundation of East Mississippi, based in Meridian.

Here are the most important things to know about CFEM so you can approach this funder for a grant.

It funds in five counties

CFEM is a tax-exempt public charity that aims to improve the quality of life for people living in eastern Mississippi. Its grantmaking spans five counties: Lauderdale, Kemper, Neshoba, Newton and Clarke. Recent grantees were located in the communities of Meridian, Flowood, Decatur, Philadelphia and Houma.

Available funding opportunities

The foundation provides a list of grant opportunities currently accepting applications on its website. For example, it offers the Ava & Cooper’s Journey Through Autism Grant to help families with children diagnosed with autism, and the Excellence in Education Grant to support educational projects. The First Responders Benevolence Grant backs first responders in Lauderdale County, the Margaret Dulaney Arts Grant supports nonprofits and schools with innovative ideas to bring art to local communities, and the Susan B. Herron/Lively Arts Grant supports the arts through funding for nonprofits, schools and government entities.

The foundation website's Impact page has information about other funds. CFEM's website also lists over two dozen scholarships that are currently accepting applications.

How CFEM funds

CFEM takes a broad approach and supports nearly any type of nonprofit within its five-county region. Grants often support nonprofits working in community and economic development, education, children and youth, the arts, animals, health, social services, and historic preservation. The foundation encourages collaboration and partnerships that combine the efforts of corporate and private foundations, businesses, nonprofits, civic groups and agencies at the local, state and federal levels.

In a recent year, the foundation reported over $10 million in total assets and awarded more than $1.1 million in grants. The typical grant range is between $5,000 and $50,000, and most grants are for general operating support. Recent grantees include the Town of Hickory, Wesley House Community Center, United Way of East Mississippi and the Junior Auxiliary of Meridian.

Applying for a grant

Organizations can apply for CFEM grants through an online portal after creating an account on the funder's website. There is a separate portal link for grant and scholarship applications. CFEM is an accessible funder that grantseekers can reach by phone, email and mail.

Learn more about this funder in IP’s profile of the Community Foundation of East Mississippi, which is included in our Mississippi grantmaking guide.

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