The Mississippi Humanities Council is proud to announce the launch of the Mississippi Stories Grant, a new funding opportunity to help communities across the state preserve, share, and celebrate the voices and lived experiences of Mississippians. The program is supported by the Mississippi Legislature through the Mississippi Department of Archives and History (MDAH).
The Mississippi Stories Grant expands on the long-standing Mississippi Oral History Program. Rooted in the idea that some of our state’s most meaningful history is found in the stories of everyday people, the new grant program will support projects that collect and share firsthand accounts of Mississippi life.
“The grant’s title, ‘Mississippi Stories,’ highlights the importance of personal narratives grounded in firsthand testimony and individual perspective,” explains MHC Assistant Director Carol Andersen. “Rather than interpretations or retellings of someone else’s experiences, the goal of the program is to preserve authentic voices and make them accessible to the public in engaging and meaningful ways.”
Mississippi Stories Grants encourage organizations to collect and share personal narratives through a variety of public formats. In addition traditional oral history projects, grants may also support museum exhibits, online exhibitions, podcasts, documentary films, digital storytelling projects, and other media that bring firsthand experiences to life.
“Since the National Endowment for the Humanities has refused to release more than half of our Congressional-approved funding, we had to make several difficult but necessary decisions,” said MHC Executive Director Stuart Rockoff. “We had to pause our regular grants program, but these state funds will allow MHC to continue helping Mississippi organizations preserve and share our important stories as we wait for our full federal funding to be restored.”
All stories and materials produced through Mississippi Stories Grants, whether presented physically or digitally, will be made available to the public at no cost.
Grants of up to $5,000 will be awarded three times each year with deadlines of: September 15, January 15, and May 1.
To celebrate the launch of the program, no cost-share will be required for Mississippi Stories grants during 2026 and 2027.
Grants are available to Mississippi-based nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and local governmental organizations. Applicants must be organized for nonprofit purposes, though incorporation or federal tax-exempt status is not required.
Join MHC staff for a free informational webinar on Wednesday, August 5, at 10 a.m. about the grant program, application process, and tips for submitting a strong proposal. Registration is live, and a recording will be available for everyone who can’t attend live or wants to rewatch. The grant guidelines are already available, so you can review them before the webinar and come ready with questions.
Visit mshumanities.org to learn more about the Mississippi Stories Grant and sign up for the webinar.