The city of Ocean Springs, Mississippi was one of the many communities along the Gulf Coast heavily damaged by Hurricane Katrina. Due to the storm surge and high winds, thousands of homes were lost or severely damaged, most of which were not covered by flood insurance. The community also lost many jobs. Many of the things that make Ocean Springs so unique were damaged or destroyed - including beautiful beaches and parks, arts and culture, recreation facilities, and historic neighborhoods.

However, Ocean Springs was spared the wholesale devastation of some of its sister cities. Schools, public safety facilities and the downtown-shopping district were left salvageable or mostly intact. The city has water, sewer, electricity, and basic services. Ocean Springs is ready to recover and is poised to be an anchor for the rest of the Coast as it rebuilds.

Total Grants Awarded >>> $196,662

To that end, the Rebuild Ocean Springs Fund, an Advised Fund, was established with the Foundation for the Mid South. The fund has two primary purposes:

• Humanitarian assistance to individuals.
  A portion of the funds raised will be distributed to individuals to help rebuild their homes and lives. A committee of FMS employees and volunteers will review applications and make the grant awards.
• Rebuilding public infrastructure and key institutions.
  A portion of the funds raised will be utilized to help rebuild neighborhoods and town centers, recruit businesses, and invest in parks, green space, arts and culture, childcare, health and social services. In order for individuals to recover and thrive, there must be homes, businesses, services and amenities for them to depend upon.

AVAILABLE NOW!
Applications are currently being accepted. Download both the Grant Cover Sheet and the Grant Guidelines and follow the directions to apply for a grant from the Rebuild Ocean Springs Fund:

>>>Grant Cover Sheet (required)
>>>Grant Guidelines (required)

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More information availabel at:
>>>Rebuild Ocean Springs Website

HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

This program area will assist individuals in rebuilding their homes and lives. This program area will utilize case managers who will help each family develop a long-term recovery plan of its own. Resources such as FEMA grants, private donations and volunteer work crews will be used to help.

Many local governments, churches, and voluntary organizations from across the country have made long-term commitments to Ocean Springs and to its citizens to help them rebuild. This program area will help coordinate and deploy these resources.

REBUILD OCEAN SPRINGS PROGRAM

This program area will make grants to local nonprofits and government entities to help rebuild the community facilities and infrastructure that residents rely upon. Grants will be made in the following categories:

1. Designing and planning to rebuild neighborhoods and town centers. These funds can be used for planning, engineering and architectural services. The goal is to have neighborhoods and town centers that are attractive, environmentally sensitive, and more capable of withstanding future storms. Special attention will be given to low and moderate income housing design.
2. Rebuilding the local economy. Funds may be granted to develop the tourism economy or other key sectors. This will be done in conjunction with the local Chamber of Commerce and the Jackson County Economic Development Foundation
3. Rebuilding the physical infrastructure. This will include beaches, parks, bike paths, piers, and other public areas
4. Rebuilding the arts and culture sector.
5. recruiting and supporting key services to assist the workforce in returning to the job place. This will help support the health, mental health, childcare, and senior citizens services required by the citizens of Ocean Springs as they return to work.

Tax deductible contributions can be made online at the link above, or they can be sent to:

Rebuild Ocean Springs Fund
Foundation for the Mid South
134 East Amite Street
Jackson, MS 39201

Make checks payable to the
FMS / Rebuild Ocean Springs Fund

To donate by phone, call 1-888-355-8168
after hours 1-601-355-8167

For more information on the application process, please contact:
Denise Ellis, Grants Officer
Foundation for the Mid South

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