Kudos and cash applaud top teachers, fund original learning projects
Applications for 2026 Leo W. Seal Innovative Teacher Grants are now available online at https://www.mgccf.org/grants. The application deadline is September 30, 2025.
Certified K-12 teachers at public and private schools in the eight Mississippi counties with Hancock Whitney locations — Forrest, Hancock, Harrison, Jackson, Jefferson Davis, Lamar, Madison, and Pearl River — are eligible to apply.
Funded by Hancock Whitney and administered by the Gulf Coast Community Foundation (GCCF), the Seal grants recognize up to 10 outstanding teachers with individual one-time grants of up to $2,000 for creative teaching proposals enhancing students’ learning experiences and supporting Mississippi educational requirements.
The awards also pay tribute to the community commitment and leadership of Leo W. Seal, Sr., the bank’s president from 1932 until his death in 1963, and his son, the late Leo W. Seal, Jr., the company’s chief executive for 45 years.
Hancock Whitney and GCCF will recognize 2026 grant recipients and present grants at an awards luncheon during the first quarter of 2026.
How to Apply
To apply for 2026 Seal grants, teachers submit full project proposals by the September 30, 2025, deadline, detailing how their projects can enhance students’ educational experiences while supporting state curriculum. The application timeline facilitates funding to activate winning projects for the spring 2026 academic schedule.
GCCF coordinates the selection of grant recipients by an independent committee of business, community, and educational representatives not affiliated with Hancock Whitney.
To read about last year’s winners, visit the hancockwhitney.com newsroom at Hancock Whitney, GCCF Award 10 Leo Seal Teacher Grants for 2025.
About Hancock Whitney
Since the late 1800s, Hancock Whitney has embodied core values of Honor & Integrity, Strength & Stability, Commitment to Service, Teamwork, and Personal Responsibility. Hancock Whitney offices and financial centers in Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Texas offer comprehensive financial products and services, including traditional and online banking; commercial and small business banking; private banking; trust and investment services; healthcare banking; and mortgage services. The company also operates combined loan and deposit production offices in the greater metropolitan areas of Nashville, Tennessee and Atlanta, Georgia. More information is available at www.hancockwhitney.com.
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