GivHer Circle Grant

The GivHer Circle Grant is administered by the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community Foundation, a regional philanthropic organization established in 1989 as a 501(c)(3) entity. The foundation plays a central role in supporting charitable initiatives across six counties in South Mississippi, including George, Hancock, Harrison, Jackson, Pearl River, and Stone. Through its management of over 120 funds and more than $110 million invested in the region, the foundation connects donors with nonprofit organizations working to improve community well-being. The GivHer Circle Fund is one such initiative, designed to support local nonprofit organizations through targeted grantmaking. The primary purpose of the GivHer Circle Grant is to provide financial support to nonprofit organizations that deliver impactful programs within the foundation’s six-county service area. Priority is given to projects that focus on child welfare, education, and health, although other community-benefiting initiatives may also be considered if they align with the fund’s broader mission. The grant is intended to be transformational, encouraging applicants to propose ambitious, well-defined projects that demonstrate measurable outcomes and long-term sustainability. Funding for this opportunity is available in amounts up to 20000 dollars per award. Applicants are expected to request funding that aligns with the full scope of their proposed project, as requests below the maximum amount may be viewed unfavorably based on guidance in the program’s frequently asked questions. Funds are disbursed in full upon award and must be expended within a twelve-month period, with funding becoming available on November 1 following the award announcement in October. Projects must demonstrate the ability to fully utilize the awarded funds within this timeframe and provide clear plans for continuation if the program extends beyond the grant period. Eligibility for the GivHer Circle Grant is limited to nonprofit organizations that serve residents within the six specified counties. Applicants must be able to demonstrate valid 501(c)(3) status and must have a minimum of three years of operational history to ensure organizational stability and capacity. Only one application per organization is permitted per cycle, and organizations that receive funding must wait two full grant cycles before reapplying. Collaborative applications are allowed under a lead agency model, where one qualified nonprofit assumes full responsibility for grant administration and reporting while partner organizations contribute through defined roles and documented commitments. The application process is conducted through an online grant portal and requires detailed organizational and programmatic information. Applicants must complete sections including project description, goals and objectives, organizational background, and budget details. Required uploads include an IRS determination letter confirming 501(c)(3) status and financial documentation such as audited financial statements or current financials. Additional elements include listing board members, describing evaluation methods, and identifying other funding sources. If partnerships are involved, letters of commitment from partner organizations must also be submitted. The application requires verification of accuracy by an authorized representative prior to submission. Applications are reviewed through a structured evaluation process conducted by the GivHer Circle Advisory Committee. Criteria include clarity and completeness of the proposal, alignment with focus areas, feasibility of completing the project within the twelve-month timeframe, and the organization’s demonstrated capacity and sustainability. Finalists may be selected based on these criteria and presented to GivHer Circle members, who ultimately determine grant recipients. Common reasons for rejection include incomplete financial documentation, lack of clarity in project design, or failure to meet geographic or eligibility requirements. The grant operates on an annual cycle, with application submissions typically accepted between mid-July and mid-August. Organizations may reapply in subsequent years if not selected, while awarded organizations must observe a waiting period before reapplying. The foundation provides contact support through its Grants Director for questions related to the application process. Overall, the GivHer Circle Grant represents a competitive funding opportunity aimed at supporting impactful, community-driven initiatives across South Mississippi.

Request full funding amount; ensure financial documents are complete; clearly define project scope and outcomes; demonstrate ability to complete within 12 months; align with child welfare education or health priorities