Links and Resources

The Mesothelioma Veterans Center
https://www.mesotheliomaveterans.org/veterans/
We provide educational resources, treatment options, and support tools for veterans diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases. 

The Mesothelioma Veterans Center, an advocacy organization dedicated to helping veterans exposed to asbestos during their service. I came across Gulfport Merchants Chamber of Commerce while searching for organizations that provide support for those in their community.

Every branch of the Armed Forces relied on asbestos for decades. As a result, U.S. veterans account for 33% of all mesothelioma diagnoses. We offer free resources that are reviewed by certified oncologists and provide detailed information about mesothelioma and its impacts.

Efforts to Address Poverty and Hunger Funded
ELCA Domestic Hunger Grants
ELCA World Hunger is a ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). ELCA World Hunger's Domestic Hunger Grants accompany congregations and their partners throughout the United States and the Caribbean as they draw on the strengths of communities to address local issues such as food security, clean water, housing, job readiness, human rights, policy change, leadership development, and more. Together, these ministries are part of a comprehensive approach to breaking the cycle of poverty and hunger—for good. Grant applicants must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and be able to demonstrate an established relationship with an ELCA congregation.

Visit the ELCA website to review the funding guidelines. 

 K-12 STEM Projects Supported
Toshiba America Foundation
The Toshiba America Foundation is dedicated to promoting quality science and mathematics education in our nation's K-12 schools. The Foundation provides grants through the following two initiatives: Grants for Grades K-5 of up to $1,000 are provided to teachers in public or private schools to help them bring innovative projects into their classrooms. The application deadline is October 1, annually. Grants for Grades 6-12 are provided to teachers who have an idea for making science and mathematics more fun for their students. Requests for grants of up to $5,000 may be submitted throughout the year and are reviewed quarterly. The annual application deadlines for large grants of $5,000 or more are May 1 and November 1, annually. Visit the Foundation's website for details about each of the grant programs. 

Program Supports Good Food Choices for Low-Income Consumers
Department of Agriculture
The Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program supports projects to increase the purchase of fruits and vegetables among low-income consumers participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by providing incentives at the point of purchase. Priority is given to projects that use direct-to-consumer sales marketing; provide locally or regionally produced fruits and vegetables; have demonstrated the ability to provide services to underserved or economically distressed communities; coordinate with multiple stakeholders, such as farm organizations, nutrition education programs, cooperative extension services, public health departments, private and public health insurance agencies, cooperative grocers, grocery associations, and community-based and non-governmental organizations; offer supplemental services in high-need communities, including online ordering, transportation between home and store, and delivery services; and include food retailers that are open for extended hours and most or all days of the year.

Grants Promote Contemporary Visual Arts
The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts
The purpose of the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts is the advancement of the visual arts. The Foundation fosters innovative artistic expression and the creative process through its support of cultural organizations that, in turn, support artists and their work. Grants are provided for curatorial programs at museums, artists’ organizations, and other cultural institutions to originate innovative and scholarly presentations of contemporary visual arts. Projects may include exhibitions, catalogues, artists’ residencies, and other relevant activities. Proposals that highlight women, artists of color, and under-represented practitioners are encouraged. The Foundation has designated one of its grants, The Wynn Kramarsky Freedom of Artistic Expression Award, to recognize the work of organizations with a deep-seated commitment to defending the First Amendment rights of artists.

Visit the Foundation’s website to review the grant guidelines. 

Creative Placemaking Efforts Funded
National Endowment for the Arts
Our Town is a creative placemaking grants program that supports projects that integrate arts, culture, and design activities into efforts to strengthen communities by advancing local economic, physical, or social outcomes.