Page 101 - South Mississippi Living - October, 2025

They’re excited about some grants that will be open through October 31. Those include the grants listed below.
Jack A. and Gertrude W. Wilson Animal Welfare Fund
Grants of up to $15,000 will be awarded to support a wide range of animal welfare causes throughout South Mississippi. This Fund has made an incredible difference in the lives of residents and their pets through programs such as FIXED for Life, now in
its second year. Since its establishment in 2001, the Wilson Fund has awarded more than $1.3 million in grants to animal welfare organizations in the lower six counties.
Anthony Dartez Endowment Fund
This grant supports organizations and educators working to improve the lives of individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities, with a focus on education and training. Grants are up to $2,000.
Mary and Gene Levens Excellence in Teaching Grant
Open to teachers in the Long Beach Public School System and St. Vincent DePaul Elementary School, this $1,000 grant helps fund classroom supplies, materials, technology and experiences that benefit students.
Pat Santucci Education Fund
This grant provides up to $2,000 in support
of projects that make a lasting impact on public education, educators and special education in the counties of Harrison, Hancock, Jackson, Stone, Pearl River and George.
Rotary Club of Gulfport Scholarship FIXED for Life program
Another popular grant is Coast Electric Operation Round Up, which is made possible through voluntary contributions from Coast Electric members. To date, more than $1.8 million in grants have been awarded through the Coast Electric Community Trust Fund to help charitable organizations.
The GivHer Circle Fund supports projects that focus on child welfare, education and health in the six counties. The first $20,000 GivHer Circle Grant was awarded to Elijah’s Closet in 2024, and another $20,000 grant will be awarded this October, with plans to grow the impact in the future.
Education is one of GCCF’s key focus areas. Support for teachers has come through the Leo W. Seal Innovative Teacher Grants, made possible by Hancock Whitney’s Leo W. Seal Innovative Teacher Awards Fund. Grants have also strengthened teaching at Lighthouse Academy for Dyslexia in Jackson County; advanced workforce training through the Mississippi Coding Academy in Biloxi; and supported children’s welfare through CASA programs in Hancock, Stone and Harrison counties.
GCCF also awards scholarships through several funds to help students achieve their educational and career goals.
The Stone County Community Fund, GCCF’s first affiliate, demonstrates how giving can be focused within a specific community.
11975 Seaway Rd., # B150, Gulfport 228.897.4841 | www.mgccf.org
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