Singing River Electric – Neighbors Helping Neighbors Community Grants

Community Grants Supporting Education, Civic, Community, and Economic Development Projects

Singing River Electric’s Neighbors Helping Neighbors Community Grants support nonprofit organizations working to strengthen communities within the cooperative’s service territory in Alabama and Mississippi. Grants are awarded three times per year and support projects in education, civic and community development, and economic development.

Organization: Singing River Electric
Support Type: Community grants
Geographic Focus: Singing River Electric service area in Alabama and Mississippi, including Mobile County, Alabama, and Harrison, Jackson, George, and Wayne counties in Mississippi
Deadline: May 8, 2026, close of business

About the Funder

Singing River Electric Cooperative is a nonprofit electric utility serving members in parts of Alabama and Mississippi. Its service area includes Mobile County, Alabama, as well as Harrison, Jackson, George, and Wayne counties in Mississippi.

Through its Neighbors Helping Neighbors Community Grants program, Singing River Electric helps merge its community support efforts with the work of local organizations serving residents across its service area. The idea of “neighbors helping neighbors” grew out of the cooperative’s experience after Hurricane Georges, when Singing River Electric witnessed neighbors helping one another in times of need.

Since the program began in 2001, grant funds have supported local needs such as playground equipment, car seats, computers, literacy materials, and other community-focused projects.

What This Program Supports

Neighbors Helping Neighbors Community Grants support nonprofit projects that benefit communities within Singing River Electric’s service territory.

Eligible focus areas include:

Education
Civic development
Community development
Economic development

Singing River Electric favors proposals that address a well-defined community need and can demonstrate clear local benefit.

Eligible Support Types

Project support
Equipment or materials tied to a defined project
Community improvement projects
Educational and civic development initiatives
Economic development projects

Eligibility & Requirements

Eligible applicants must:

Be nonprofit organizations
Be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code
Serve communities within Singing River Electric’s service territory, including Mobile County, AL, and Harrison, Jackson, George, and Wayne counties in MS
Submit a project proposal of three pages or fewer
Provide required supporting documentation, including an IRS tax determination letter and project budget

Preference is given to organizations located within Singing River Electric’s service area.

Ineligible or Discouraged Requests

Singing River Electric discourages requests for:

Disposable items such as brochures or other paper materials
Travel
Training
Salaries
Scholarships
Giveaway items
Intangible items
General operating expenses
Requests intended to redistribute funds

Funding Amounts

Two to three grants of up to $2,500 each are awarded three times per year, in January, May, and September.

Singing River Electric will fund a maximum value equal to eight grants in a calendar year.

Timeline & Review

📅 Application Deadline: September 11, 2026, close of business
📅 Notification: Approximately one month after the application deadline
📅 Funding Use Requirement: Grant funds must be spent on the selected project within six months of receiving the grant check

Applications are accepted year-round. If not funded immediately, applications remain on file and active for the next two grant application periods, if applicable, or until the timeline of the request has expired.

Application / Request Process

Applicants must submit a proposal letter of three pages or fewer that includes:

Organization name, location, contact name, and contact information
Brief description of the organization, including mission, history, accomplishments, and population served
Requested amount and specific use of funds
Percentage of the total project need that would be met by the Singing River Electric NHN Grant
Description of project goals and the need being addressed
Identification of target recipients and who will benefit
Timeline of activities
Qualifications of the project leader
Evaluation plan
Detailed project budget and other funding sources
Vendor quotes for requested items
IRS tax determination letter
Information about any Singing River Electric employee involvement or past partnerships
Supporting letter or approval statement from the head of the school or organization

Applications may be submitted by email or mail.

Email: chisholm@singingriver.com

Mail:
Stephanie Chisholm
Singing River Electric NHN Community Grant Program
P.O. Box 767
Lucedale, MS 39452-0767

Apply / Learn More:
➡️ https://singingriver.com/my-community/neighbors-helping-neighbors-community-grants/#grants

Recognition Requirement

By accepting a grant, the organization agrees to recognize Singing River Electric as a supporter in advertising and promotions related to the project. Singing River Electric also reserves the right to publicize supported projects.

Why This Opportunity Is a Good Fit

This opportunity is a strong fit for nonprofit organizations that:

Serve communities in Singing River Electric’s Alabama or Mississippi service territory
Are located in or serve Mobile County, AL, or Harrison, Jackson, George, or Wayne counties in MS
Have a specific project need of up to $2,500
Work in education, civic development, community development, or economic development
Can provide a clear project budget and timeline
Can spend grant funds within six months
Have a well-defined local community benefit

The Neighbors Helping Neighbors Community Grants program is best suited for local nonprofits seeking modest, project-based support for practical community improvements in communities served by Singing River Electric.

New to corporate grant fundraising?

Read our Corporate Grants for Nonprofits: Ultimate Guide to learn how corporate funding works.

Corporate Grants Guide Notes

Review Type: Three times per year
Application Deadline: September 11, 2026
Typical Grant Range: Up to $2,500
Best Suited For: Local nonprofits in Singing River Electric’s Alabama and Mississippi service territory
Geographic Focus: Mobile County, AL; Harrison, Jackson, George, and Wayne counties, MS
Relationship Required: Not required, but applicants may include information about Singing River Electric employee involvement or past partnerships