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Awards, money available for making Mississippi education better
For More Information
Paul Maxwell, Senior Communications Officer
800.448.8812 or paul.maxwell@hancockwhitney.com
GULFPORT, Miss.—Certified K-12 teachers at public and private schools in Forrest, Hancock, Harrison, Jackson, Jefferson Davis, Lamar, Madison, and Pearl River counties in Mississippi can now apply online for 2027 Leo W. Seal Innovative Teacher Grants at https://www.mgccf.org/grants.
The application deadline is September 30, 2026.
Established in 1994 and first presented in 1996, the Leo W. Seal Innovative Teacher Grants recognize up to 10 outstanding Mississippi educators and fund creative teaching projects in the eight Mississippi counties in which Hancock Whitney has locations.
Seal grant winners receive one-time grants of up to $2,000 for educational initiatives that enhance students’ learning experiences, complement classroom learning, and help uphold 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 funds the Seal awards, and the Gulf Coast Community Foundation (GCCF) administers the program. Hancock Whitney and GCCF will recognize 2027 grant recipients and present grants at an awards luncheon during the first quarter of 2027.
How to Apply
To apply for 2027 Seal grants, teachers submit full project proposals online by the September 30, 2026, deadline, detailing how their projects can enrich students’ learning while supporting state curriculum. The application timeline facilitates funding to activate winning projects for the spring 2027 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 Leo Seal Teacher Grants for 2026.
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.