Active Grants
Every grant we award is a step toward removing barriers, supporting learners, and building a stronger future for Mississippi through education.
Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi • $50,000
This grant is on behalf of eligible organizations in the 18 identified Mississippi Delta counties and works to create regional partnerships and scale college access opportunities for high school students in the Delta.
Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi • $445,398
To expand access to rigorous STEM coursework, otherwise not available in rural, low-income schools, and raise student achievement throughout the state of Mississippi, particularly the Delta region.
Foundation for Mississippi History • $25,000
To create and build an endowment to fund school visits for Mississippi K-12 students to visit The Two Mississippi Museums.
Propel Education Forum • $2,152,000
To serve as the coordinating organization for the work needed to reach the State’s Ascent to 55% Postsecondary Attainment Goal.
Childrens Foundation of Mississippi • $49,971
To help determine needed supports for youth eligible to participate in the FAITH ACT scholarship program.
Mississippi State University Foundation on behalf of the MSU College of Forest Resources • $50,000
To provide personnel support for diversity programming, recruiting and retention.
Propel (formerly Public) Education Forum • $1,000,000
To identify a Mississippi-based organization to coordinate the work needed for the State to reach the Ascent to 55% statewide attainment goal.
Strada (Roadtrip Nation) • $250,000
To produce and distribute high-quality audiovisual digital assets, highlighting and informing rural Mississippi students and influencers of state-based educational and career opportunities.
The Parent's Campaign (TPCREF) General Operating • $100,000
To ensure a P-12 system that prepares Mississippi children to exit secondary school with the skills needed to thrive in college and/or career.
Alliance for Higher Education in Prison, as Fiscal Sponsor for 2025 Funders Collaborative • $5,000
To build a coordinated, national network of funders who are committed to investing in the long-term success of Higher Education in Prison programs.
Refill Jackson Initiative • $20,000
To impart workforce skills for disconnected young adults to prepare for self- and family-sustaining jobs while completing needed environmental projects in low-income Jackson neighborhoods.
Roadtrip Nation
In 2024, WHEF awarded a $250,000 grant to Roadtrip Nation, a nationally recognized nonprofit that inspires people to define their own paths through storytelling and career exploration. The grant supports the creation of a Mississippi-focused Skills Navigator—a digital career exploration hub that blends Roadtrip Nation’s Emmy-nominated video content with local workforce data and educational opportunities.
Launched in collaboration with Ascent to 55%, the Mississippi Economic Council, and Strada Education Network, the Mississippi Skills Navigator helps learners and career-seekers identify their skills, explore in-demand careers, and connect with training opportunities across the state. The platform features short films and interviews with Mississippi professionals in diverse fields, making career pathways both visible and attainable.
The project is also laying the groundwork for a future Mississippi road trip and full-length documentary, bringing national attention to the state’s opportunities while giving local learners a chance to see themselves in meaningful, family-sustaining careers. By expanding access to relatable role models and actionable resources, the Roadtrip Nation partnership strengthens Mississippi’s workforce pipeline and advances the state’s Ascent to 55% attainment goal.