Generated by All in One SEO v4.9.10, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site.

# Foundation for the MidSouth

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://fndmidsouth.org/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [News](https://fndmidsouth.org/news/)
- [Seven Storytellers, Changing Narratives: Announcing the 2026 Delta Story Project Cohort](https://fndmidsouth.org/2026-delta-story-cohort-announcement/) - This summer, the Foundation for the Mid South is making a bold investment in the stories that define who we are. Through the Delta Story Project — a Cultural Ambassador initiative created in partnership with Mississippi Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation (TRHT) and supported by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation — seven Mississippi artists, storytellers, and
- [Who Gets to Be a Philanthropist? How Giving Circles Are Helping Communities Recognize the Power They Already Have](https://fndmidsouth.org/who-gets-to-be-a-philanthropist-how-giving-circles-are-helping-communities-recognize-the-power-they-already-have/) - Rethinking Philanthropy When most people hear the word philanthropy, they think of major donors, large foundations, and million-dollar gifts. Cassio Batteast sees something different. "I think a lot of times people look at philanthropy and think you have to have millions of dollars or hundreds of thousands of dollars," said Batteast, Vice President of Programs
- [Beyond Delivery: The Long Road Home for Mississippi Mothers](https://fndmidsouth.org/beyond-delivery-the-long-road-home-for-mississippi-mothers/) - By the time many Mississippi mothers make it home from the hospital, the casseroles have cooled, the balloons have sagged, and the calls and text messages have slowed to a trickle. Then comes the hard part. The sleepless nights. The anxiety. The swelling that will not go down. The headaches that linger a little too
- [The Teachers Are Already Here. Now We Build the Pathways.](https://fndmidsouth.org/the-teachers-are-already-here-now-we-build-the-pathways/) - Across the Mid South, something important is taking shape. It is not driven by a single program or a single initiative. It is a shift in how communities are thinking about teachers, where they come from, and how they are supported. For years, the conversation has centered on shortages. Vacancies. Gaps that feel difficult to
- [How Expanding Education Opportunities Is Transforming the Mid-South](https://fndmidsouth.org/mid-south-education-opportunities/) - In the Mid-South, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Louisiana, education isn’t just about schools. It’s about what kind of future people have access to.For a lot of communities in this region, the challenges are real and ongoing. Schools are often underfunded, resources can be limited, and not every student has the same level of support or opportunity.
- [Gun Violence Is More Than a Crime Issue. It Is a Public Health Crisis.](https://fndmidsouth.org/gun-violence-is-more-than-a-crime-issue-it-is-a-public-health-crisis/) - When people talk about gun violence, the conversation often starts in the same place: crime, courts, arrests, policing. But that framing only tells part of the story. It leaves out the anxiety a student carries into the classroom after another lockdown drill. It leaves out the mother who sits through years of court proceedings and
- [Foundation for the Mid South Launches Delta Story Project to Support Mississippi Storytellers   ](https://fndmidsouth.org/foundation-for-the-mid-south-launches-delta-story-project-to-support-mississippi-storytellers/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Ebonee Johnikin Foundation for the Mid South (601) 319-3888 ejohnikin@fndmidsouth.org Jackson, Miss. – The Foundation for the Mid South (FMS), in partnership with Mississippi Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation (TRHT) and with support from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, has announced the launch of The Delta Story Project, a new cultural ambassador
- [The Ground Was Never Empty: How Black leadership shaped the Mid South and why the work continues.](https://fndmidsouth.org/the-ground-was-never-empty-how-black-leadership-shaped-the-mid-south-and-why-the-work-continues/) - Before there were strategic plans and grant cycles, there were people who simply refused to accept the way things were. In the Mississippi Delta, a woman built a school when access to education was rationed. In Jackson, a doctor turned an abandoned mall into a center for community health. Across the region, leaders quietly, and
- [What Does Progress Look Like?  Leaders Define the Long Road to Racial Healing](https://fndmidsouth.org/what-does-progress-look-like-leaders-define-the-long-road-to-racial-healing/) - In Mississippi, conversations about racial healing often begin with urgency. But sustainable change begins with a harder question. What does progress actually look like? Not in theory. Not in headlines. Not in momentary momentum. For leaders engaged in Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation work across the state, progress is neither abstract nor sentimental. It is
- [On MLK Day, Mississippi’s Young People Served Their Communities and Faced History Together ](https://fndmidsouth.org/on-mlk-day-mississippis-young-people-served-their-communities-and-faced-history-together/) - On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, as many Mississippians enjoyed a long weekend, young people across the state chose a different rhythm for the day. They spent the morning cleaning public spaces and working together across Jackson, then gathered inside the Two Mississippi Museums to listen to someone who lived the civil rights struggle most of them had
- [Foundation for the Mid South Leads MLK Day of Service and Launches New TRHT Cohort During National Day of Racial Healing](https://fndmidsouth.org/foundation-for-the-mid-south-leads-mlk-day-of-service-and-launches-new-trht-cohort-during-national-day-of-racial-healing/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 21, 2026 Contact: Ebonee Johnikin Foundation for the Mid South (601) 319-3888 ejohnikin@fndmidsouth.org Foundation for the Mid South Leads MLK Day of Service and Launches New TRHT Cohort During National Day of Racial Healing JACKSON, Miss. – Youth leaders and community members across Mississippi gathered for two days of service, dialogue,
- [From Reflection to Responsibility: Inside Mississippi’s National Day of Racial Healing ](https://fndmidsouth.org/from-reflection-to-responsibility-inside-mississippis-national-day-of-racial-healing/) - By midmorning, round tables filled the auditorium inside the Two Mississippi Museums. Conversations moved easily at first, then gradually quieted as attention settled toward the front of the room, where a small stage had been arranged for panelists and facilitators. The setting encouraged proximity. People sat facing one another, close enough to talk, close enough to listen. Mississippi’s National
- [Culture Is the Work: Building a Mission-Aligned Workplace at FMS](https://fndmidsouth.org/the-culture-that-sustains-us-reflections-from-a-tenured-employee-at-the-foundation-for-the-mid-south/) - After more than two decades of working at the Foundation for the Mid South, I’ve come to understand that culture isn’t just about the events we plan, the policies we write, or the goals we set; it’s about how we show up for one another day after day. I’ve had the unique opportunity to serve
- [The Future We Are Building: Inside the Foundation for the Mid South’s 2025 to 2030 Strategic Plan ](https://fndmidsouth.org/the-future-we-are-building-inside-the-foundation-for-the-mid-souths-2025-to-2030-strategic-plan/) - The Foundation for the Mid South recently gathered its leadership to unveil a new blueprint for the region. The webinar, titled “The Future We Are Building,” was presented as more than a routine announcement. Instead, it carried the tone of a pivotal moment for a region that has long carried the weight of deep and persistent inequities. “We
- [A New Era for the Mid South: Inside the Foundation’s 35th Anniversary Celebration and the Future Taking Shape](https://fndmidsouth.org/a-new-era-for-the-mid-south-inside-the-foundations-35th-anniversary-celebration-and-the-future-taking-shape/) - Guests paused as they stepped into the Craig H. Neilsen Auditorium at the Two Mississippi Museums, taking in the teal light, the music rising from Stevie J’s guitar, and the warm buzz of conversations unfolding across the room. One attendee smiled as she looked around and said, “This already feels special.” It was the Foundation
- [The Weight We Carry: Mississippi’s Health Crisis Is Rooted in Systems, Not Personal Choices ](https://fndmidsouth.org/the-weight-we-carry-mississippis-health-crisis-is-rooted-in-systems-not-personal-choices/) - Mississippi’s health challenges are often framed as individual struggles. Eat better. Exercise more. Manage your stress. But for many families across the state, these messages ring hollow. They do not address the lack of access to care, the weight of chronic stress, the gaps in postpartum coverage, or the environments that make healthy living almost
- [Foundation for the Mid South Marks 35 Years of Regional Impact and Unveils Strategic Vision for the Future](https://fndmidsouth.org/foundation-for-the-mid-south-marks-35-years-of-regional-impact-and-unveils-strategic-vision-for-the-future/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: Friday, October 31, 2025 Contact: Ebonee Johnikin, Communications Director Foundation for the Mid South ejohnikin@fndmidsouth.org | 601-319-3888 Celebration at the Two Mississippi Museums honors Dr. Ivye Allen and introduces a five-year plan for advancing opportunity across the Mid South JACKSON, Miss. – The Foundation for the Mid South (FMS) celebrated 35
- [Bridging the Gap: Why We Must Invest More in Middle School Education ](https://fndmidsouth.org/bridging-the-gap-why-we-must-invest-more-in-middle-school-education/) - By George Stewart, Education Program Officer, Foundation for the Mid South The Critical Role of Middle School Middle school represents a vital juncture in a child’s educational journey, serving as the bridge between the foundational years of elementary education and the more specialized focus of high school. As an education program officer based in Jackson,
- [Raising the Bar for Mississippi’s Students](https://fndmidsouth.org/raising-the-bar-for-mississippis-students/) - By Ebonee Johnikin, Communications Director, Foundation for the Mid South In Coahoma County, a teacher might be rewarded with something as simple as a free drink at a local restaurant. It’s part of the Big Apple Campaign—a grassroots effort to remind educators that their work matters in a region where vacancies number in the hundreds
- [Racial Healing Is More Than a Moment: Reflections from the Field](https://fndmidsouth.org/racial-healing-is-more-than-a-moment-reflections-from-the-field/) - By Derykah Watts, Social Justice Coordinator, Foundation for the Mid South The world feels more divided than ever along lines of race, religion, and politics. Watching the news can be overwhelming. Most evenings, I make myself sit through a one-hour broadcast, and by the end, I’m drained and wondering why I even bother keeping a
- [Moving Mississippians Forward: Jobs, Dreams, and Second Chances in Jackson and the Delta](https://fndmidsouth.org/moving-mississippians-forward-jobs-dreams-and-second-chances-in-jackson-and-the-delta/) - By Ebonee Johnikin, Communications Director, Foundation for the Mid South Jackson and the Mississippi Delta are no strangers to tough odds. Generations of families have weathered poverty, limited job opportunities, and a stubborn lack of resources. But this fall, the Foundation for the Mid South (FMS) is putting serious muscle behind a new effort to
- [Foundation for the Mid South Awards $550,000 to 11 Organizations to Move Mississippians Forward Through Employment](https://fndmidsouth.org/foundation-for-the-mid-south-awards-550000-to-11-organizations-to-move-mississippians-forward-through-employment/) - Jackson, MS – September 15, 2025 – The Foundation for the Mid South (FMS) announced today it has awarded $550,000 to 11 community organizations across Mississippi as part of its Moving Mississippians Forward Through Employment Initiative. The initiative is supported by the Foundation for the Mid South and funded through the W.K. Kellogg Foundation Workforce
- [Pathways to Progress: Economic Mobility in the Delta](https://fndmidsouth.org/pathways-to-progress-economic-mobility-in-the-delta/) - By Ebonee Johnikin, Communications Director, Foundation for the Mid South Economic mobility is not just about wages or job titles. It is about whether families can climb the ladder, build security, and pass opportunity on to the next generation. In the Mid South, those questions loom large. This summer, the Foundation for the Mid South
- [Mentorship, Mission, and the Next Generation](https://fndmidsouth.org/mentorship-mission-and-the-next-generation/) - Full Circle Futures Series – Post 3 By Ebonee Johnikin, Communications Director, Foundation for the Mid South Welcome to Full Circle Futures, a blog series from the Foundation for the Mid South that celebrates the power of mentorship, growth, and investing in the next generation. In this final installment, we zoom out from individual stories
- [Behind the Internships: What FMS Interns Are Learning About Impact](https://fndmidsouth.org/behind-the-internships-what-fms-interns-are-learning-about-impact/) - By Ebonee Johnikin, Communications Director, Foundation for the Mid South Full Circle Futures Series – Post 2 Welcome to Full Circle Futures, a blog series from the Foundation for the Mid South that celebrates the power of mentorship, growth, and investing in the next generation. In this second installment, we step behind the scenes with
- [Belief in Action: The Foundation for the Mid South’s GEAR UP Legacy in the Mississippi Delta](https://fndmidsouth.org/belief-in-action-the-foundation-for-the-mid-souths-gear-up-legacy-in-the-mississippi-delta/) - By Ebonee Johnikin, Communications Director, Foundation for the Mid South Preparing young people for life beyond high school requires more than information. It requires commitment. It requires trust. And most of all, it requires people who consistently show up with the belief that every student deserves a chance to succeed. That belief guided the Foundation
- [From Classroom to Colleague: A Full Circle Story at the Foundation for the Mid South](https://fndmidsouth.org/from-classroom-to-colleague-a-full-circle-story-at-the-foundation-for-the-mid-south/) - By Ebonee Johnikin, Communications Director, Foundation for the Mid South Full Circle Futures Series – Post 1 Welcome to Full Circle Futures, a new blog series from the Foundation for the Mid South that celebrates the power of mentorship, growth, and investing in the next generation. We begin with a special full circle moment between
- [Working to Lift up Health, Education and the Economy](https://fndmidsouth.org/working-to-lift-up-health-education-and-the-economy/) - People thriving with their health and financial security is in the best interest of the community at large. Mississippi, Louisiana and Arkansas have an estimated population of about 10.6 million, only three percent of the nation’s population of 340 million. But those three states represent about 30 percent of the poverty in the U.S., said
- [Q&A with Neshoba Youth Coalition’s, Leroy Clemons on the Role of Young Leaders in Mississippi’s Racial Healing](https://fndmidsouth.org/q-and-a-with-leroy-clemons/) - In celebration of MLK Day and National Day for Racial Healing, the Foundation for the Mid-South’s Mississippi’s Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation Alliance (TRHT) hosted a two-day series of events to bringing racial healing efforts to the forefront. The Neshoba Youth Coalition helped engage dozens of youth to celebrate the importance of community healing. Leroy Clemons is Executive Director of the Neshoba Youth Coalition, a Mississippi based community organization for young leaders.
- [Here’s How FMS Inspired Hope During a Two-Day Celebration of Racial Healing](https://fndmidsouth.org/fms-inspired-hope-during-racial-healing-events/) - The Foundation for the Mid-South’s Mississippi Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation (TRHT) Alliance brought together young people from all over the state for a special two-day celebration of racial healing. In recognition of Martin Luther King Jr. Day (January 20), and National Day of Racial Healing (January 21), 65 young leaders took the initiative for The Foundation for the Mid-South’s Mississippi Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation (TRHT) Alliance brought together young people from all over the state for a special two-day celebration of racial healing.
- [Young People Drive Community Engagement During 2025 National Day of Racial Healing and MLK Day Of Service Events in Jackson, Miss.](https://fndmidsouth.org/young-people-drive-community-engagement-during-2025-national-day-of-racial-healing-and-mlk-day-of-service-events-in-jackson-miss/) - Events organized by the Mississippi Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation Alliance included a youth poetry slam, a film screening of Bootjack & Red, and a panel discussion featuring local Civil Rights Activist Rev. Dr. John Perkins. Jackson, MS – In recognition of the 2025 National Day of Racial Healing, the Mississippi’s Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation
- [Building Bridges: How the Mississippi TRHT Alliance is Advancing Racial Healing and Equity](https://fndmidsouth.org/building-bridges-how-the-mississippi-trht-alliance-is-advancing-racial-healing-and-equity/) - Mississippi Edition on MPB Think Radio Host: Desiree Frazier Download and listen to the audio interview. Desiree Frazier: This is Mississippi edition on MPB Think Radio. I'm Desiree Frazier. The political and cultural divide can seem deeper than ever, and a new report from the Mississippi TRHT Alliance is looking at how to bridge those
- [One Community: Lessons From Mississippians Working Toward Racial Healing](https://fndmidsouth.org/one-community-lessons-on-mississippians-working-toward-racial-healing/) - This summer, one of the Foundation’s partners, Mission Mississippi brought together locals from all walks of life for open, honest dialogue about the drivers and solutions to racial divisions. Communities across the Mississippi gathered to talk about how the role of race plays in local economies, how churches advocate for or against racial issues, and
- [New FMS Report Sheds Light on Mississippi's Racial Healing and Community Solutions](https://fndmidsouth.org/new-fms-report-sheds-light-on-mississippis-racial-healing-and-community-solutions/) - November 6, 2024 – The Mississippi Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation (TRHT) Alliance, an initiative of the Foundation for the Mid South, has released a new report detailing community insights and solutions on racial and cultural divides. Through a series of open and honest community convenings on racial healing, the Alliance gathered perspectives from
- [Building School Culture Around Teacher Excellence](https://fndmidsouth.org/building-a-school-culture-around-teacher-excellence-boost-student-performance-in-holmes-county-mississippi/) - With the Mississippi Delta GEAR UP Partnership and Teachella, FMS leans into building community around teacher excellence Jennifer Wilson, the Superintendent of the Holmes County Consolidated School District (HCCSD), knew turning around the schools’ rankings would be tough. She was the third Superintendent in about five years and only assumed the role after schools in
- [Mississippi Delta GEAR UP Partnership Celebrates Holmes County School District's Rankings Increase](https://fndmidsouth.org/mississippi-delta-gear-up-partnership-celebrates-holmes-county-school-districts-rankings-increase/) - Mississippi’s Delta GEAR UP partnership is managed by the Foundation for the Mid South, alongside partners Casey Family Programs, Delta State University and the Woodward Hines Education Foundation. October 14 — The Holmes County Consolidated School District (HCCSD) and the Mississippi Delta GEAR UP Partnership celebrate the school district’s rising performance on the state’s Mississippi
- [Foundation for the Mid South Sponsors State-Wide Listening Tour to Lift Up the Lived-Challenges of Mississippians](https://fndmidsouth.org/foundation-for-the-mid-south-sponsors-state-wide-listening-tour-to-lift-up-the-lived-challenges-of-mississippians/) - October 14, 2024 — The Foundation for the Mid South, a major philanthropic leader building community solutions in the South, announces sponsorship of a statewide listening tour spotlighting real stories and lived-challenges of Mississippi families. Alongside partner the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), the inaugural Mississippi Truth, Poverty and Democracy Tour will run from October
- [6 Changemaker Organizations Selected to Spearhead Mississippi Truth Racial Healing & Transformation Initiative](https://fndmidsouth.org/6-changemaker-organizations-selected-to-spearhead-mississippi-truth-racial-healing-transformation-initiative/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 16, 2023 Grant Partners Jackson State University, Millsaps College, Mission Mississippi, the Neshoba Youth Coalition, Tougaloo College, and The Alluvial Collective to Spearhead Mississippi’s Truth Racial Healing and Transformation Initiative Where Speaking Openly about the Roots of Racial Inequality and Racial Healing Can Build Powerful Coalitions for Change. Launch of the
- [Two Mississippi Museums Making A Difference](https://fndmidsouth.org/two-mississippi-museums-making-a-difference/) - Black History Month kicks off with the Mid South Foundation and Two Mississippi Museums free admissions day, honoring its role as a place of truth and reconciliation Few Mississippians believed that two new museums would paint an honest picture of the state’s history. “There was a lot of skepticism, especially in the black community about
- [Black Women Giving Circles Enriching Charity](https://fndmidsouth.org/black-women-giving-circles-enriching-charity/) - ‘We Exist to Shift the Narrative in Philanthropy’: Geaux Girl Giving Founder Ciara Coleman A burgeoning model of philanthropy brews in the heart of New Orleans. The change is not driven by political leaders or corporate titans but by Black women determined to author a new chapter in the charitable giving playbook. Giving Circles, which
- [Giving Rural Workers Homegrown Transportation Choices](https://fndmidsouth.org/giving-rural-workers-homegrown-transportation-choices/) - Innovative “Boss Lady” understands transportation is just the first step in helping people get and keep good jobs “What does your transportation look like? Do you have a workforce transportation plan?” According to Pam Chatman, founder and CEO in the transportation field, it’s a typical ask from major companies considering relocating jobs to Mississippi. “And
- [Starting Up a College-Bound School Culture](https://fndmidsouth.org/starting-up-a-college-bound-school-culture/) - GEAR UP district liaison Susie Williams and Superintendent Jessie King open up college pathways for middle schoolers in Mississippi’s Leland School District. Middle school students at Leland School Park (LSP) achieved a remarkable one-hundred percent pass rate in eighth-grade Algebra. In a high school course often considered a gateway to opportunities in the booming science
- [Foundation for the Mid South Sponsors Expansion of Groundbreaking Criminal Justice Reform Initiative](https://fndmidsouth.org/foundation-for-the-mid-south-sponsors-expansion-of-groundbreaking-criminal-justice-reform-initiative/) - FMS collaboration with Mississippi Justice Fund to boost neighborhood violence prevention and link criminal justice reforms to economic development. A virtual panel featuring Mississippi’s top reform advocates highlighted the members of The Fund and delved into Fwd.us report on the economic costs. Jackson, MS – Alongside partners the Southern Poverty Law Center, the Public Welfare Foundation, Just Trust, the Annie E. Casey Foundation, and Fwd.us,
- [New Resources on Leadership And Advocacy Share Learnings From Hurricane Recovery](https://fndmidsouth.org/new-resources-on-leadership-and-advocacy-share-learnings-from-hurricane-recovery/) - In the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita five years ago, the Foundation for the Mid South saw a strategic niche where we could add value to long-term recovery efforts: helping to strengthen leadership and advocacy efforts within communities. The storms provided a tipping point where leadership and policy makers had to quickly move beyond
- [The Endless Feast – Whitton, Arkansas](https://fndmidsouth.org/the-endless-feast-whitton-arkansas/) - The Endless Feast brings together local farmers, food artisans, food lovers and star chefs, to explore the connection between the land and the food on our plates. Episodes feature dinners staged in beautiful outdoor locations, from farm fields to vineyards to urban community gardens. The movement to eat locally and sustainably remains in its nascent
- [Foundation for the Mid South’s Response to COVID-19 Coronavirus](https://fndmidsouth.org/foundation-for-the-mid-souths-response-to-covid-19-coronavirus/) - Like most of you, the Foundation has been closely monitoring developments related to the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus), which was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020. We are emphasizing the importance of following guidelines and recommendations provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO)
- [The Foundation leads Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation (TRHT) efforts in Mississippi](https://fndmidsouth.org/the-foundation-leads-truth-racial-healing-and-transformation-trht-efforts-in-mississippi/) - The Foundation for the Mid South in partnership with the WK Kellogg Foundation is currently leading an effort to engage organizations and individuals in our community visioning and planning grant around Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation (TRHT). Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation (TRHT) is a comprehensive, national, and community-based process to plan for and bring
- [MDHS Offers Water Bill Assistance to Mississippi Families](https://fndmidsouth.org/mdhs-offers-water-bill-assistance-to-mississippi-families/) - The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for households across the state of Mississippi. From high unemployment rates to business closures, Mississippi households have faced a myriad of challenges that may affect their financial stability. For low-income households, the challenges created by the pandemic have been especially difficult to overcome and have led to some
- [Foundation for the Mid South Re-Launches Updated Reentry Resource Guide to Support Mississippi Families](https://fndmidsouth.org/foundation-for-the-mid-south-re-launches-updated-reentry-resource-guide-to-support-mississippi-families/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 17, 2023 Contact: Kate Hansen, press@fwd.us As Second Chance Month Kicks Off, The Foundation for the Mid South Re-Launches Updated Reentry Resource Guide to Support Mississippi Families and Formerly Incarcerated People Resource Guide updates include resources for educational services, employment opportunities, mental health and substance abuse treatment, legal services, and much more.
- [Free Admission Day at Two Mississippi Museums Sponsored by the Foundation for the Mid South](https://fndmidsouth.org/free-admission-day-at-two-mississippi-museums-sponsored-by-the-foundation-for-the-mid-south/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 26, 2023 In honor of the National Day of Racial Healing, the Two Mississippi Museums—Mississippi Civil Rights Museum and Museum of Mississippi History—will have free admission on Thursday, February 1. Free admission is made possible by the Foundation for the Mid South. The National Day of Racial Healing is hosted annually by the W.K. Kellogg
- [Greek Life at the University of Louisiana Monroe Spotlights Kenneth Tramble](https://fndmidsouth.org/greek-life-at-the-university-of-louisiana-monroe-spotlights-kenneth-tramble/) - We’re thrilled that our very own board member and past grantee, Kenneth Tramble, was spotlighted by the University of Louisiana Monroe’s National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC)! Here’s the post from Greek Life at the University of Louisiana Monroe’s Facebook page: Our tenth spotlight of the month is Kenneth Tramble, who is the founder of Deputies Making a
- [Giving Tuesday to Honor 30 Years of Service!](https://fndmidsouth.org/giving-tuesday-to-honor-30-years-of-service/) - The Foundation for the Mid South is excited to participate in Giving Tuesday this year to honor our 30 years of service to communities across Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi! The past two years have been an adjustment, but because of amazing supporters like you we have been able to remain committed to our mission and
- [Meet our latest round of grantees!](https://fndmidsouth.org/meet-our-latest-round-of-grantees/) - COVID RELIEF PRIORITY FUNDING Tri-State Initiatives Andrew Goodman Foundation The Andrew Goodman Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Cohort is building a network of young, Black, civic leaders who are tackling major issues, like voter suppression, and mobilizing their campuses and communities by connecting social justice issues to voting and civic engagement. The HBCU Cohort currently brings together 25
- [Happy Holiday Season from Foundation for the Mid South!](https://fndmidsouth.org/happy-holiday-season-from-foundation-for-the-mid-south/) - Sending our warmest thoughts and best wishes for A Wonderful Holiday Season and a Successful and Glorious Happy New Year!
- [Public Allies Serve Food, Fun to Jackson Homeless](https://fndmidsouth.org/public-allies-serve-food-fun-to-jackson-homeless/) - This year’s Public Allies MS 2017-2018 cohort coordinated a team service project, which entailed a day of service and fellowship to those lacking secure and stable housing in the Downtown Jackson area. The Allies provided Dinner at the Park via Bandit’s Place Mobile & Catering, along with music, tons of fun, and games. Recognizing that members of the
- [Meet Kristopher Thigpen](https://fndmidsouth.org/meet-kristopher-thigpen/) - Intern at Springboard to Opportunities at the Village Apartments Site in Jackson, MS, with Community Specialist Amanda Lucas “I mainly work with kids during the after-school program at Springboard, but I also am in charge of Boys Lit, which is a part of LitWorld where we try to teach kids the importance of literature and
- [Meet Silas Delaware](https://fndmidsouth.org/meet-silas-delaware/) - Intern at United Way of the Capital Area “I like the networking possibilities present during my service. It not only helps with my responsibilities, but also gives light to what advocacy is and how much of it is present throughout non-profits in Missississippi.
- [Meet William Rhodes](https://fndmidsouth.org/meet-william-rhodes/) - Intern at the Center for Social Entrepreneurship “I will be working with them on housing development and re-launching their website and social media accounts. I love it so far; it’s a welcoming environment with some amazing people leading.”
- [Meet Barrett Higginbotham](https://fndmidsouth.org/meet-barrett-higginbotham/) - Intern at Springboard to Opportunities in the Northwood Village community. “I am responsible for the mentorship and educational support of the community’s children. I help with school assignments, plan engaging, community building events, and I am currently implementing two supplemental nutrition programs that provide food for the children.” Since joining the Springboard team, I have
- [Meet Jada Bass](https://fndmidsouth.org/meet-jada-bass/) - Community Specialist of Commonwealth Intern at Springboard to Opportunities. “I work underneath the Community Specialist of Commonwealth, Valeria Haley, and Senior Community Specialist of Lincoln Gardens, Parthenia Fields. So as Community Specialists, they are responsible for being a physical form of help to the residents within the communities. While the Community Specialists assist the adults
- [Meet Valencia Wilson](https://fndmidsouth.org/meet-valencia-wilson/) - Intern at Foundation for the Mid South. “I conduct research on assets and resources relative to community development and workforce solutions in Jackson, Mississippi, and the Delta regions of Arkansas and Louisiana. “Since beginning my journey as a Public Allies Mississippi intern at the Foundation, I have learned the importance of developing and cultivating professional relationships, networking with advocates and
- [Public Allies Mississippi Interns Inspired to Help Their Community](https://fndmidsouth.org/public-allies-mississippi-interns-inspired-to-help-their-community/) - The 2017-2018 Public Allies Mississippi cohort has been busy. The now seven-member cohort, working in Jackson and in Oxford, meets alternating Fridays at the Foundation for the Mid South office in Jackson to reflect as a group on the work they do in their separate offices. Some interns work directly with children; others help plan
- [Foundation for the Mid South Announces 2017-2018 Public Allies Mississippi Interns](https://fndmidsouth.org/foundation-for-the-mid-south-announces-2017-2018-public-allies-mississippi-interns/) - The Foundation for the Mid South has selected eleven native Mississippians to join the 2017-2018 cohort of Public Allies Mississippi. Brandy Nichols, Jada Bass, Kristopher Thigpen, Silas Delaware III, and Deonte Cheeks, all from Jackson, William Rhodes and Christina Rhodes, of Tupelo, Barrett Higginbotham, of Starkville, Sahbryn Price, of Pearl, Valencia J. Wilson, of Brandon,
- [Hurricane Harvey Relief + Recovery Fund](https://fndmidsouth.org/hurricane-harvey-relief-recovery-fund/) - As both Hurricane and Tropical Storm Harvey continue to wreak havoc on the region, the Foundation for the Mid South’s Relief and Recovery Fund allows us to respond to vulnerable populations affected by the storm, both now and in the aftermath. Recovery from Harvey’s damage will be a long difficult process, and the Foundation for
- [Become a Public Ally!](https://fndmidsouth.org/become-a-public-ally/) - Public Allies is a national movement committed to advancing social justice and equity by engaging and activating the leadership capacities of our young people. Since 1992, we have helped thousands of underrepresented young leaders serve our country, get on successful pathways to higher education and careers, and bring communities together to work for the common good. We
- [Loaned Executives in the Rebuilding of New Orleans](https://fndmidsouth.org/loaned-executives-in-the-rebuilding-of-new-orleans/) - The Loaned Executives: Financing loaned executives for the City of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina to provide specific expertise and to institutionalize systems and processes geared toward long-term sustainability.
- [Grantee Spotlight: Gulf Coast Women’s Center for Nonviolence](https://fndmidsouth.org/grantee-spotlight-gulf-coast-womens-center-for-nonviolence/) - After Hurricane Katrina, the Foundation provided operations funding to help the Center expand its services to women and children and to help it meets its budget challenges due to declining federal and state support as well as lost revenue from local sources affected by the hurricane. The Center’s approach is comprehensive and aimed at ensuring
- [Foundation For The Mid South Model Cited By Navy Secretary For Proposed Gulf Oil Spill Recovery Nonprofit](https://fndmidsouth.org/foundation-for-the-mid-south-model-cited-by-navy-secretary-for-proposed-gulf-oil-spill-recovery-nonprofit/) - Navy Secretary Ray Mabus recently recommended Congress use a share of BP fines for restoring the Gulf Coast, specifically environmental, economic, and health impacts stemming from the oil spill. Mabus released his report to Congress on the effects of BP’s oil in the Gulf of Mexico. Mabus cited the Foundation for the Mid South as a model of
- [Hope Credit Union CEO Bill Bynum and HOPE won the sixth annual John P. McNulty Prize](https://fndmidsouth.org/hope-credit-union-ceo-bill-bynum-and-hope-won-the-sixth-annual-john-p-mcnulty-prize/) - PRESS RLEASE The Aspen Institute and the McNulty FoundationannouncedHope Credit Union CEO Bill Bynum and HOPEwon the sixth annual John P. McNulty Prize (Jackson, MS – October 22, 2013) The McNulty Prize recognizes the spirit of innovation and excellence of private sector leaders who use entrepreneurship to address important global social issues. The $100,000 prize is given
- [The Endless Feast- Greenwood, Mississip](https://fndmidsouth.org/the-endless-feast-greenwood-mississip/) - The Endless Feast brings together local farmers, food artisans, food lovers and star chefs, to explore the connection between the land and the food on our plates. Episodes feature dinners staged in beautiful outdoor locations, from farm fields to vineyards to urban community gardens. Chef Taylor Bowen Ricketts brings the Mississippi Delta community together for
- [The Endless Feast- New Orleans, Louisiana](https://fndmidsouth.org/the-endless-feast-new-orleans-louisiana/) - The Endless Feast brings together local farmers, food artisans, food lovers and star chefs, to explore the connection between the land and the food on our plates. Episodes feature dinners staged in beautiful outdoor locations, from farm fields to vineyards to urban community gardens. An all-star cast of award-winning chefs, including Susan Spicer, Donald Link
- [VITA Sites Help Families Achieve Financial Security](https://fndmidsouth.org/vita-sites-help-families-achieve-financial-security/) - The Foundation for the Mid South believes that resources, such as free Volunteer Income Tax Assistance or VITA sites, help low- to moderate-income families keep and earn more money. Learn about how two of our grantees are increasing the number of families accessing free tax preparation and the Earned Income Tax Credit.
- [Helping Families Make Good Financial Decisions](https://fndmidsouth.org/helping-families-make-good-financial-decisions/) - Thomas and Tisha Arnold of Helena, Arkansas, are quick to tell people that they invested in their family’s future by purchasing a home and building equity and wealth. The Arnolds enrolled in Southern Good Faith Fund’s Asset Builders program and started financial education classes to prepare them for homeownership. Programs like this are growing steadily
- [Wealth Building Priority](https://fndmidsouth.org/wealth-building-priority/) - The Foundation for the Mid South’s Wealth Building efforts enable families to build financial security in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi.
- [Improving the Financial Future of Youth](https://fndmidsouth.org/improving-the-financial-future-of-youth/) - The Foundation for the Mid South partners with programs in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi that help families build financial security. One of our efforts is aimed at strengthening youth’s financial knowledge, so that they learn early on how to save and grow their money.
- [Graduating Financially Savvy Students](https://fndmidsouth.org/graduating-financially-savvy-students/) - It is never too early to develop good financial habits. To ensure youth increase their understanding of money and finance, a grant to the Mississippi Council on Economic Education helped train teachers in 13 Mississippi school districts how to use their financial curriculum in the classroom. Youth develop good money-management skills and receive rigorous instruction
- [The Foundation Is Offering Financial LIteracy Training](https://fndmidsouth.org/the-foundation-is-offering-financial-literacy-training/) - The Foundation for the Mid South believes that building wealth requires increased access to effective financial programs and information. In response to research indicating that teachers are one of the most targeted groups for alternative financial services, such as check cashers, car title loan or payday loan advance businesses. The Foundation has engaged with licensed
- [Students Volunteer to Help Residents Make the Ends Meet](https://fndmidsouth.org/students-volunteer-to-help-residents-make-the-ends-meet/) - In East Iberville, Louisiana, local residents come to the high school and the Belfair Baptist Church to have their taxes prepared for free—by students. Each tax season, over 20 high school students, trained by the Rural School and Community Trust and certified by the IRS, assist hundreds of people with their taxes. Kiwandria Frazier was one
- [New Report On The Status Of EITC In The Mid South](https://fndmidsouth.org/new-report-on-the-status-of-eitc-in-the-mid-south/) - The Foundation for the Mid South published, Earned Income Tax Credit: Working Hands Getting a Hand Up, to share information on the federal and (in some areas) state tax credit. The document encourages the region’s use of this valuable anti-poverty tool to help working, low-income people keep more of their earnings. You will learn more
- [Are You Eligible For EITC?](https://fndmidsouth.org/are-you-eligible-for-eitc/)
- [Healthy, Wealthy, Wise & Money Smart](https://fndmidsouth.org/healthy-wealthy-wise-money-smart/)
- [How Do You Apply For EITC](https://fndmidsouth.org/how-do-you-apply-for-eitc/)
- [Financial First Aid Tool Ki](https://fndmidsouth.org/financial-first-aid-tool-ki/) - To Access The Financial First Aid Tool Kit Click Here.
- [Are You Ready for a Financial Emergency?](https://fndmidsouth.org/are-you-ready-for-a-financial-emergency/) - Hosted by: Financial Preparedness: Are You Ready for a Financial Emergency? Make Plans to Join Us At:The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff – Sylvester Early Auditorium of Henderson Young Hall – 1200 University Drive – Pine Bluff, AR Wednesday, November 12, 2014 | 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.In an effort to encourage students and the community to be financially
- [Wealth_Bulding_Did_You_Know_Facts](https://fndmidsouth.org/wealth_bulding_did_you_know_facts/) - The Foundation For The Mid South and The Center For Responsible Living suggest Options to Costly Financial Services. Download The Fact Card here.
- [From Around The Region – EITC](https://fndmidsouth.org/from-around-the-region-eitc/)
- [Jackson, MS -Youth Media Internships](https://fndmidsouth.org/jackson-ms-youth-media-internships/) - Increasing College & Career-Readiness through Media InternshipsIn the Mid South, one of the biggest hurdles facing youth is a lack of college and career readiness. When students are well-prepared and encouraged to pursue a higher education or career, they gain a more solid footing for their financial future, bolster the local economy, and begin to
- [Financial Literacy: Laying the Foundation for a Secure Financial Future](https://fndmidsouth.org/financial-literacy-laying-the-foundation-for-a-secure-financial-future/) - Financial Literacy: Laying the Foundation for a Secure Financial FutureGetting Money Smart in the Mid SouthIn order to grow savings, acquire assets and build wealth, people must have a solid foundation of financial education. In Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi, lack of access to financial information and training is large barrier for individuals and communities alike.
- [Financial Education For Arkansas Teachers and Students](https://fndmidsouth.org/financial-education-for-arkansas-teachers-and-students/) - A strong foundation of financial literacy gives students the knowledge and skills they need for a lifetime of economic stability.In Arkansas, there is a serious need for this kind of early financial education. According to a financial capability survey from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FIRNA), Arkansas ranked in the bottom five of three out
- [Sharing Together, Growing Together](https://fndmidsouth.org/sharing-together-growing-together/) - Good things come in all shapes and sizes, and in different flavors, too. Sometimes, good things can occur when and where you least expect them, like through an unexpected connection or a partnership.Just like troops across the nation, Troops 30093 and 33150 of the Girl Scouts Heart of the South meet regularly in Leflore County,
- [Community Of Opportunity – Leflore County, Mississippi](https://fndmidsouth.org/community-of-opportunity-leflore-county-mississippi/) - Community of Opportunities is a comprehensive community development initiative of the Foundation for the Mid South. The initiative works with residents to help them identify community issues and work collaboratively to develop solutions.
- [Foundation Featured on MPB’s “Mississippi Edition”](https://fndmidsouth.org/foundation-featured-on-mpbs-mississippi-edition/) - Making Mississippi’s communities better, one community at a time. Mississippi Public Broadcasting’s interviewed Cris Crothers, Communications Director on “Mississippi Edition” about the Foundation for the Mid South’s approach to community development and our Community of Opportunities work in Leflore County, Mississippi.
- [Getting on Track to a Tasty Career](https://fndmidsouth.org/getting-on-track-to-a-tasty-career/) - Twenty-year-old Brandon loves to cook. Not only does the young man enjoy preparing tasty dishes, it turns out that he is exceptionally good at it. Employed as a pantry chef by the renowned Café Adelaide in the Loews Hotel in New Orleans, in only one year, Brandon is moving up in the organization of 200
- [Gratee Spotlight: St. Francis County CDC](https://fndmidsouth.org/gratee-spotlight-st-francis-county-cdc/) - It is the mission of the St. Francis County CDC to make Forrest City, Arkansas, and St. Francis County a place where more people choose to live and work. A long-time partner with the Foundation for the Mid South, the CDC is building new housing and providing homeownership opportunities to improve the quality of life
- [Strong Jobs, Strong Communities](https://fndmidsouth.org/strong-jobs-strong-communities/) - NOVA Workforce Institute of Northeast Louisiana:Strong Jobs, Strong CommunitiesNOVA is changing lives in northeast Louisiana, one job at a time. NOVA, a Foundation for the Mid South community development grantee from 2012 to 2013, is an initiative that listens to the needs of the community and works to find solutions. As a long-term way to strengthen
- [Delta Healthcare A Pathway to Prosperity](https://fndmidsouth.org/delta-healthcare-a-pathway-to-prosperity/) - Community Development remains one of the Foundation’s top priorities. Through investing in The Mississippi Office of Nursing Workforce and The Delta Workforce Funding Collaborative, FMS has been able to give the Delta healthcare workers a much need boost. The Foundation’s strategic partnerships with regional healthcare providers and Mississippi’s institutions of higher learning, strengthens partnerships between
- [Community Development – Bridge Podcast Episode 2](https://fndmidsouth.org/community-development-bridge-podcast-episode-2/) - Bridge Podcast Ep.2Building the Creative and Cultural Economy Click here to listen.
- [Putting “Community” at the forefront of Community Center](https://fndmidsouth.org/putting-community-at-the-forefront-of-community-center/) - Nothing unifies a community like understanding; understanding one another, understanding the importance of health and learning and understanding the value of place.One place that provides the space for different levels of community understanding is the Jones Center in Springdale, Arkansas, which offers residents fitness activities and health education classes, as well as language classes, health
- [Collaboration Yields Community Vision and Marketing Plan](https://fndmidsouth.org/collaboration-yields-community-vision-and-marketing-plan/) - Sometimes Progress Requires a Leap of FaithWhen Bill Crump received similar emails from different organizations in the small Delta community of Greenwood, Mississippi, he thought there should be a more effective way to share information. “We’re all working toward the same goals,“ said Crump about six local organizations which include the Chamber of Commerce, Mainstreet
- [First Statewide Reentry Guide](https://fndmidsouth.org/first-statewide-reentry-guide/) - Foundation for the Mid South Releases First Statewide Reentry GuideFoundation for the Mid South is proud to release the Mississippi Reentry Guide, a collaboration with local leaders and the Mississippi Reentry Council. This resource guide is available in print or online at www.msreentryguide.com. The guide connects ex-offenders with services and agencies that support successful transitions back
- [GO YOUTH: Reinforcing Education and Career Pathways for Youth in Greenville, MS](https://fndmidsouth.org/go-youth-reinforcing-education-and-career-pathways-for-youth-in-greenville-ms/) - GO YOUTH: Reinforcing Education and Career Pathways for Youth in Greenville, MSIn the United States, there are an estimated 6.7 million young people who are out of work and out of school, called “opportunity youth.” In Washington County, Mississippi, home to the city of Greenville, there are an estimated 3,000 of these opportunity youth —
- [Jobs For Mississippi Graduates](https://fndmidsouth.org/jobs-for-mississippi-graduates/) - Jobs For Mississippi Graduates Delta Workforce Funding CollaborativeThe Delta Workforce Funding Collaborative, led by the Foundation for the Mid South, consists of South Delta Planning & Development District, Tri-County Workforce Alliance, Mississippi Department of Employment Security, Mississippi Economic Policy Center, and the State Board of Community and Junior Colleges. Recently the collaborative supported Jobs for Mississippi
- [Manufacturing Training Connects Qualified Job Seekers & Employers](https://fndmidsouth.org/manufacturing-training-connects-qualified-job-seekers-employers/) - Manufacturing Training Connects Qualified Job Seekers & Employers When employers in thriving industries can connect with a highly trained and skilled workforce, sustainable community development has the opportunity to take root and grow.The Foundation for the Mid South is collaborating with public and private partners in the Mississippi Delta region to facilitate these essential connections,
- [Mississippi:Statewide Reentry Guide](https://fndmidsouth.org/mississippistatewide-reentry-guide/) - Foundation for the Mid South is proud to release the Mississippi Reentry Guide, a collaboration with local leaders and the Mississippi Reentry Council. This resource guide is available in print or online at www.msreentryguide.com. The guide connects ex-offenders with services and agencies that support successful transitions back to their communities. The Mississippi Reentry Guide is for:•
- [My Brother’s Keeper](https://fndmidsouth.org/my-brothers-keeper/) - The Foundation for the Mid South commends President Obama and his administration for making a pledge to improve the lives of males of color. “My Brother’s Keeper” is a federal initiative dedicated to collaborating with public and private partners to develop strategies that raise awareness, support innovative programs, and improve the outcomes of males of
- [GET ON THE GRID](https://fndmidsouth.org/get-on-the-grid/) - Get on the Grid — A New Resource for Energy and Manufacturing Careers in MississippiThe Mississippi Energy Institute has launched Get on the Grid, a web-based resource designed to connect young people to training programs in energy and advanced manufacturing industries.Foundation for the Mid South supported this initiative with funds to increase the awareness of living
- [2015 Investor Committee Award For Exemplary Effort To Accomplish Systems Change](https://fndmidsouth.org/2015-investor-committee-award-for-exemplary-effort-to-accomplish-systems-change/) - 2015 Investor Committee Award For Exemplary Effort To Accomplish Systems Change Awarded To The Foundation For The Mid South And Partner The Delta Workforce Funding CollaborativeThe National Fund for Workforce Solutions has selected the Mississippi Delta Workforce Funding Collaborative, which is led by the Foundation for the Mid South, as a recipient of the 2015
- [“Securing A Better Future: A Portrait Of Female Students In Mississippi’s Community Colleges.”](https://fndmidsouth.org/securing-a-better-future-a-portrait-of-female-students-in-mississippis-community-colleges/) - “Securing a Better Future: A Portrait of Female Students in Mississippi’s Community Colleges.”The Women’s Foundation of Mississippi recently released a new report on the state of women in the Mississippi community college system: “Securing a Better Future: A Portrait of Female Students in Mississippi’s Community Colleges.” Foundation for the Mid South funded this work, along
- [Foundation Receives Grant For Reducing Health Disparities And Tackling Structural Racism](https://fndmidsouth.org/foundation-receives-grant-for-reducing-health-disparities-and-tackling-structural-racism/) - Download the press releaseThe Foundation for the Mid South recently announced its receipt of a grant that will expand its work to promote health and well–being in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. The Foundation for the Mid South is one of 119 organizations awarded a grant by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation through its America Healing Initiative.
- [Leveraging Federal Dollars for Family Well-being](https://fndmidsouth.org/leveraging-federal-dollars-for-family-well-being/) - The Foundation for the Mid South and state agencies in Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi are working together to ensure that the three states bring nearly $4 million in additional federal funding to Mid South programs focused on improving the well-being of children and families. Through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home
- [Health and Wellness Priority](https://fndmidsouth.org/health-and-wellness-priority/) - The Foundation for the Mid South’s Health and Wellness efforts empower people to improve their physical and mental health.
- [Better Health Through Technology](https://fndmidsouth.org/better-health-through-technology/) - In the South, distance can be an obstacle. Towns may be miles apart, making it difficult for residents to access information and services. In the Mid South, for example, a lack of adequate healthcare manpower requires many residents to travel to seek care. If one lives in a rural area, accessibility can become even more
- [Bridge POD Cast – Healthy Southern Cities Summit](https://fndmidsouth.org/bridge-pod-cast-healthy-southern-cities-summit/) - Healthy Southern Cities Summit – Jackson, Mississippi – Podcast – Eposide 1Municipal leaders taking the lead to improve community health. Click here to play.
- [19 Mayors from the Mid South Meet to Curb Childhood Obesity](https://fndmidsouth.org/19-mayors-from-the-mid-south-meet-to-curb-childhood-obesity/) - On November 16th and 17th, the Foundation for the Mid South and the National League of Cities (NLC) hosted mayors from 19 cities and towns in Mississippi, Arkansas, and Louisiana at the King Edward Hotel in Jackson to focus on reducing childhood obesity in their communities. The Municipal Leadership for Healthy Southern Cities project,which is
- [Opportunity For Small Town Mayors To Improve Community Health](https://fndmidsouth.org/opportunity-for-small-town-mayors-to-improve-community-health/) - Invitation to Small Town Mayors to Join Initiative to Curb Childhood Obesity and Improve Community Health Foundation for the Mid South and the National League of Cities invite the mayors of small communities (with populations up to 35,000) from Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi to apply and participate in an initiative focused on improving community health
- [Cultural Workers Matter](https://fndmidsouth.org/cultural-workers-matter/) - The Mid South is known the world over for its contribution of talent to literature, art, sports and music. And while the region is just beginning to understand how this rich culture can improve its economy, many of those working in the cultural industry—musicians, artists, and those in the restaurant business–are low-wage and seasonal employees
- [Community Leadership Focuses on Improving Access to Healthy Food](https://fndmidsouth.org/community-leadership-focuses-on-improving-access-to-healthy-food/) - A while back, the last grocery store in Itta Bena, Mississippi, closed, making it difficult for 1,800 residents to get fresh fruits and vegetables. The closure of the Big Star Supermarket forced people, like Ruthie, to drive 11 miles to the nearest Walmart to buy food. “You really have to plan your meals or otherwise
- [Healthy Southern Cities: State Highlight: Arkansas](https://fndmidsouth.org/healthy-southern-cities-state-highlight-arkansas/) - Healthy Southern Cities: State Highlight: ArkansasCity of Clarendon, Arkansas The City of Clarendon, Arkansas lead by Mayor James Stinson III, has identified new and exciting ways to promote physical activity and have a healthy impact in their community. The city added exercise stations and detailed directions to their existing walking trails. These efforts have enhanced
- [Tackling Diabetes in Rural Communities](https://fndmidsouth.org/tackling-diabetes-in-rural-communities/) - About 1 million people in the Mid South—10% of the population—have been diagnosed with diabetes, with another 3 million considered pre-diabetic. The estimated annual cost of diabetes in the U.S. is $174 billion; diabetes’ price tag in our three states is roughly $6 billion. Unless the trend is reversed, experts suggest that 1 in 3
- [Municipal Leaders Taking the Lead to Improve Community Health](https://fndmidsouth.org/municipal-leaders-taking-the-lead-to-improve-community-health/) - Creating a healthy Mid South is a comprehensive effort, and calls for the involvement of healthcare systems, health professional and residents they serve. Municipal leaders may not be the first to come to mind as resources for promoting health and well-being, but the Foundation is learning how they can play key roles in creating local
- [Expanding Health Services to First-Time Mothers](https://fndmidsouth.org/expanding-health-services-to-first-time-mothers/) - Our region continually ranks at the bottom of many health indicators in the nation, including low birthweight babies and infant mortality. Unfortunately, the needs in the region are greater than our states’ abilities to meet them. Nationally recognized as an effective model to improve the outcomes of children and families, the Nurse-Family Partnerships program is
- [Candid Conversations About Mental Health](https://fndmidsouth.org/candid-conversations-about-mental-health/) - Candid Conversations About Mental HealthThe Mid South Region’s Outcomes of the Text, Talk, and Act Initiative The Text, Talk, and Act event was a nation-wide discussion on mental health designed to engaged youth and young adults using technology that is ubiquitous to their everyday lives. The foundation utilized this platform to engage past and new community
- [Grantee Spotlight: The City of Little Rock Love Your School Initiative](https://fndmidsouth.org/grantee-spotlight-the-city-of-little-rock-love-your-school-initiative/)
- [MHAP “ACCESS” Handbook](https://fndmidsouth.org/mhap-access-handbook/) - MHAP’s “Access” Handbook.Click BelowSee how the Marketplace is impacting Mississippians
- [Little Rock, Arkansas – Creating a Healthy Southern City](https://fndmidsouth.org/little-rock-arkansas-creating-a-healthy-southern-city/) - CITY OF LITTLE ROCK WINS GRANT AWARDSTO SUPPORT CHILDHOOD OBESITY PREVENTION INITIATIVES The United States Conference of Mayors (USCM) announced the winners of the 2014 Childhood Obesity Prevention Awards, during its 82nd Winter Meeting held in Washington, D.C. The awards went to cities with outstanding programs that encourage healthy weight through balanced diet choices and
- [Grantee Spotlight: Growing a Healthy Community In Okolona, MS](https://fndmidsouth.org/grantee-spotlight-growing-a-healthy-community-in-okolona-ms/) - As part of the Foundation for the Mid South’s dedication to health and wellness, we have partnered with the city of Okolona, Mississippi to promote healthy lifestyles and decrease childhood obesity and the diseases that spring from it. The city of Okolona is tucked away in Chickasaw County in northeastern Mississippi and is home to
- [Healthy Southern Cities: State Highlight: Louisiana](https://fndmidsouth.org/healthy-southern-cities-state-highlight-louisiana/) - Healthy Southern Cities: State Highlight: LouisianaCity of Patterson, Louisiana Mayor Rodney Grogan’s personal decision to adopt healthier lifestyle practices was an inspiration to the residents and the foundation for establishing healthy goals for the City of Patterson, Louisiana. The city developed and implemented a Strategic Obesity Prevention Plan, which consisted of building community awareness, requiring
- [Dwanda Moore – Program Officer, Health & Wellness: Highlighted in Southeastern Council on Philanthropy’s “CONNECTION”](https://fndmidsouth.org/dwanda-moore-program-officer-health-wellness-highlighted-in-southeastern-council-on-philanthropys-connection/) - Dwanda MooreProgram Officer, Health & WellnessFoundation for the Mid SouthHighlighted inSoutheastern Council on Philantrophy’s “CONNECTIONS” Dwanda Moore serves as the Health and Wellness Program Officer at the Foundation for the Mid South. She has been with the Foundation since 2000, where she spent almost 10 years providing administrative support to the team as the Office
- [Affordable Care Act Deadline Approaching March 31](https://fndmidsouth.org/affordable-care-act-deadline-approaching-march-31/) - Affordable Care Act Deadline Approaching March 31Open enrollment for 2014 health insurance coverage under the Affordable Care Act is closing in just a few days, on March 31. Under the new law, most uninsured Americans need to purchase a health insurance plan or face a penalty. More than 4 million people have signed up for
- [Healthy Southern Cities: State Highlight: Mississipp](https://fndmidsouth.org/healthy-southern-cities-state-highlight-mississipp/) - Healthy Southern Cities: Highlight: MississippiColdwater, Mississippi Nestled close to Memphis Tennessee, the City of Coldwater lead by Mayor Jessie J. Edwards wanted to see a positive change in the health of their community. Residents organized and developed a strategic plan for their city, which resulted in two community gardens. These gardens provide more than 200
- [Philanthropy Begins On Main Street](https://fndmidsouth.org/philanthropy-begins-on-main-street/) - Philanthropy Begins On Main StreetThe Foundation for the Mid South is committed to improving the health of individuals and communities throughout Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. By collaborating with municipalities, the Foundation invests in entire communities to promote healthy behaviors, such as exercising and nutritious eating. In addition, we strive to increase access to healthcare services.
- [Formerly at risk of failing district rises two levels to receive successful rating by the state](https://fndmidsouth.org/formerly-at-risk-of-failing-district-rises-two-levels-to-receive-successful-rating-by-the-state/) - After consecutive years of receiving an “At risk of failing” rating, the Leflore County School District faced the possibility of a state takeover. Quality educators were hard to come by and administrators were at their wit’s end as to how to reverse the trend. The schools and their leadership needed a solution.That need brought the
- [Males of Color: Investing in Two Louisiana Cities](https://fndmidsouth.org/males-of-color-investing-in-two-louisiana-cities/) - The challenges facing males of color across the Mid South have created monumental disparities in comparison to other groups over the decades. Males of color are too often left without quality education and guidance to move them towards achievement in higher education and career preparation. Combined, these issues entrap males of color and their families
- [Ensuring High-Quality Education in the Classroom](https://fndmidsouth.org/ensuring-high-quality-education-in-the-classroom/) - Defabian is an 8 year-old elementary student in Leflore County, Mississippi. He loves sports—mostly football and baseball—and he is an active member of the Boy Scouts. Defabian started the school year making D’s and F’s and showed little interest in participating in the classroom, particularly during reading lessons. His teacher, Tonya Buford, noted his withdrawal
- [Greenwood Public School District Poised to Improve Student Academic Success](https://fndmidsouth.org/greenwood-public-school-district-poised-to-improve-student-academic-success/) - The Foundation for the Mid South is investing in improving the academic success of the students of today and tomorrow in the Greenwood Public School District. The Foundation is supporting the district with a $1.5 million grant over three years to expand master teacher/administrator professional development activities. The goals of the grant are to: Improve the
- [Students Get Up Close and Personal with the Civil Rights Movement](https://fndmidsouth.org/students-get-up-close-and-personal-with-the-civil-rights-movement/) - “To be honest, I didn’t know the Freedom Riders existed,” said Tegi Jenkins, an 18-year-old nursing major at the University of Southern Mississippi. Now, she can tell you all about them. Tegi, a nursing student at the University of Southern Mississippi, experienced a firsthand account of the Freedom Riders’ noncompliance. As a result of a
- [Males Of Color: Cultivating Leaders for Today And Tomorrow](https://fndmidsouth.org/males-of-color-cultivating-leaders-for-today-and-tomorrow/) - The goal of our education work is to help students achieve academic success. As we move deeper into the 21st century, post secondary education is essential to meet shifting demands. The national high school graduation rate is 78.2%. In the mid south states graduations rates are lower than the national average-Mississippi 63.8%, Louisiana 68.8%, and Arkansas
- [Center for Family Life’s Fusion Program](https://fndmidsouth.org/center-for-family-lifes-fusion-program/) - The Foundation for the Mid South supported an innovative summer program aimed at keepting male students interested in education by using math and science. The goal is to get students to do better in school, graduate, and earn good incomes.
- [Using Math and Science to Keep Students on the Path to Graduation](https://fndmidsouth.org/using-math-and-science-to-keep-students-on-the-path-to-graduation/) - Math gets a bad rap. It doesn’t seem as glamorous as a foreign language, and some say it’s even more boring than History. And its sister, Science, isn’t seen much better. But one organization, Fusion, is working to show kids that Math and Science can be fun, even downright exciting.Fusion started as a free science
- [Education Priority](https://fndmidsouth.org/education-priority/) - The Foundation for the MId South works to ensure students in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi reach academic success through high-quality education.
- [Males of Color](https://fndmidsouth.org/males-of-color/) - The challenges facing males of color across the Mid South have created monumental disparities in comparison to other groups over the decades. Males of color are too often left without quality education and guidance to move them towards achievement in higher education and career preparation. Combined, these issues entrap males of color and their families

## Pages

- [Home](https://fndmidsouth.org/) - Discover how the Foundation for the Mid South is improving lives in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi through education, health, and economic opportunities. Join us in making a difference.
- [Join](https://fndmidsouth.org/join/) - Become a part of the Foundation for the Mid South's mission to improve communities. Join us in making a difference across Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi.
- [Staff](https://fndmidsouth.org/staff/) - Meet the team of professionals at the Foundation for the Mid South who are dedicated to improving lives across the region.
- [Giving Circle](https://fndmidsouth.org/giving-circle/) - A New Way to Give, Built by Community. The Foundation for the Mid South is supporting giving circles—bringing people together to pool resources, support local organizations, and invest in the communities they care about most. SHOW YOUR INTEREST What is a Giving Circle? A Giving Circle is a group of people who come together to
- [Social](https://fndmidsouth.org/social/) - Foundation for the Mid South Investing in People. Strengthening Communities. Transforming the Mid South. Our Website Career Opportunities Giving Circle Newsroom and Media Sign up for our newsletter
- [Truth Racial Healing and Transformation Alliance](https://fndmidsouth.org/ms-truth-racial-healing-and-transformation-alliance/) - Foundation For The Mid South Why Racial Healing in Mississippi? Many Mississippians express a desire to take action to improve race relations.The Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation (TRHT) initiative in Mississippi, supported by the Foundation for the Mid-South, promotes racial healing through a focus on narrative change, storytelling, relationship building and economic transformation.At the heart
- [Careers](https://fndmidsouth.org/careers/) - Careers Career Opportunities at the Foundation for the Mid South Welcome to the career opportunities page of the Foundation for the Mid South, where we are dedicated to fostering growth and talent in our vibrant communities. We invite you to explore current job openings and consider joining our team of passionate professionals committed to making
- [35 Years of Impact](https://fndmidsouth.org/35-years-of-impact/) - FMS celebrates 35 years of impact. Since 1990, the Foundation for the Mid South has united people, and investments to strengthen communities across the region.
- [Board](https://fndmidsouth.org/board/) - Meet the dedicated Board of Directors guiding the Foundation for the Mid South in its mission to improve communities across the region.
- [About](https://fndmidsouth.org/about/) - Learn more about the Foundation for the Mid South's mission to enhance education, health, and economic outcomes across the Mid South region.
- [Contact](https://fndmidsouth.org/contact/) - Get in touch with the Foundation for the Mid South to learn more about our programs or to collaborate on community initiatives.
- [Contact Submitted](https://fndmidsouth.org/contact-submitted/) - Message Received Thanks for reaching out. We'll be in touch. For immediate support, please contact us at the information below. Location134 East Amite Street Jackson, MS 39201-2101 Telephone601.355.8167 Fax601.355.6499
- [Educational Opportunities](https://fndmidsouth.org/educational-opportunities/) - PRIORITY Education Opportunities Our investments focus on college readiness and equipping students and adults with essential 21st-century skills. Through partnerships with organizations like the Mississippi Delta GEAR UP program, Delta State University, and the Woodward Hinds Education Foundation, we work to enhance high school graduation rates, college preparedness, and life outcomes. Our initiatives include innovative
- [Grants](https://fndmidsouth.org/grants/) - Learn about the grant opportunities provided by the Foundation for the Mid South to support community development projects in the region.
- [Request a Grant](https://fndmidsouth.org/request-a-grant/) - Learn how to request a grant from the Foundation for the Mid South to support your community development project in the region.
- [Economic Opportunities](https://fndmidsouth.org/economic-opportunities/) - Priorities Economic Opportunities FMS invests in economic opportunities that empower residents to achieve financial security and grow wealth by connecting them to thriving industries and innovative programs. Highlight FMS’s key focus areas: Workforce Development, Small Business Support, and Justice Reform as drivers of economic growth. PRIORITY Workforce Development Program The Foundation for the Mid South
- [Economic Opportunities-old](https://fndmidsouth.org/economic-opportunities-old-01272025/) - Discover how the Foundation for the Mid South fosters economic growth through initiatives that create jobs and improve financial security in the region.
- [Educational Opportunities-old](https://fndmidsouth.org/educational-opportunities-old-01272025/) - Learn how the Foundation for the Mid South is enhancing education to increase high school graduation rates and college preparedness in the region.
- [Education Opportunities-old](https://fndmidsouth.org/education-opportunities-old-01272025/) - Foundation For The Mid South Education Opportunities Our investments focus on college readiness and creating opportunities for students and adults to build skills for a 21st century workplace.We partner with individuals and organizations committed to improving high school graduation rates, college preparedness and life outcomes of students.The Mississippi Delta GEAR UP partnership with Delta State
- [Foundation For The Mid South Virtual Session](https://fndmidsouth.org/foundation-for-the-mid-souths-virtual-session/) - WEBINAR The Foundation for the Mid South’s #SouthernTalk Virtual Session Watch The Webinar Summary Our first #SouthernTalk session is titled Mississippi Unchained: Galvanizing Around Justice Reform’s $3 Billion Economic Promise is inspired by the recent Fwd.us report Criminal Justice Reform Can Strengthen Mississippi’s Economy and Workforce, which delves into criminal justice reforms that can empower residents to take
- [From Listening to Power: A Virtual Talk on Mississippi’s Elevation Through Racial Healing](https://fndmidsouth.org/from-listening-to-power-a-virtual-talk-on-mississippis-elevation-through-racial-healing/) - WEBINAR From Listening to Power: A Virtual Talk on Mississippi’s Elevation Through Racial Healing Watch The Webinar Summary Grant Partners Jackson State University, Millsaps College, Mission Mississippi, the Neshoba Youth Coalition, Tougaloo College, and The Alluvial Collective to Spearhead Mississippi’s Truth Racial Healing and Transformation Initiative Where Speaking Openly about the Roots of Racial Inequality
- [Growing Coalitions of Change: Reflections on Mississippi’s Vision for Embracing Racial Healing](https://fndmidsouth.org/growing-coalitions-of-change-reflections-on-mississippis-vision-for-embracing-racial-healing/) - WEBINAR Growing Coalitions of Change: Reflections on Mississippi’s Vision for Embracing Racial Healing Watch The Webinar Summary The panel will reflect on efforts by The Mississippi Truth, Racial Healing and transformation Alliance to convene Mississippians for honest conversations about race, fostering racial healing and facilitating collaborations with community organizations, local governments, educational institutions, and businesses
- [Healthy Opportunities](https://fndmidsouth.org/healthy-opportunities/) - Explore initiatives by the Foundation for the Mid South that promote better health outcomes and access to care across the region.
- [Communities](https://fndmidsouth.org/communities/) - Explore how the Foundation for the Mid South strengthens communities through initiatives in education, health, and economic development.
- [Resources](https://fndmidsouth.org/resources/) - Access valuable resources and tools provided by the Foundation for the Mid South to support your community development initiatives.
- [Financials](https://fndmidsouth.org/financials/) - Review the Foundation for the Mid South’s financials to understand how your support is making a difference across Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi.

## 3D FlipBook

- [FMS Strategic Plan 2025-2030](https://fndmidsouth.org/3d-flip-book/fms-strategic-plan-2025-2030/)

## Elementor Header & Footer Builder

- [Header](https://fndmidsouth.org/elementor-hf/header/) - Home About Board Staff Contact Join Communities Careers Priorities Educational Opportunities Economic Opportunities Healthy Opportunities Giving Circle Truth Racial Healing and Transformation Alliance Newsroom and Media Center Grants Request A Grant Resources 35 Years of Impact DONATE Home About Board Staff Contact Join Communities Careers Priorities Educational Opportunities Economic Opportunities Healthy Opportunities Giving Circle Truth
- [Footer](https://fndmidsouth.org/elementor-hf/footer/) - About Us Purpose People Investors & Partners Contact Us Employment Services Purpose People Investors & Partners Contact Us Employment Challenges Purpose People Investors & Partners Contact Us Employment Solutions Purpose People Investors & Partners Contact Us Employment Learning Purpose People Investors & Partners Contact Us Employment Facebook-f Twitter © 2024 Fndmidsouth Privacy Policy Terms &

## Categories

- [Uncategorized](https://fndmidsouth.org/category/uncategorized/)
- [Education](https://fndmidsouth.org/category/education/)
- [Wealth Building](https://fndmidsouth.org/category/wealth-building/)
- [Community Development](https://fndmidsouth.org/category/community-development/)
- [Landing](https://fndmidsouth.org/category/landing/)
- [Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation](https://fndmidsouth.org/category/truth-racial-healing-transformation/)

## Tags

- [In The News](https://fndmidsouth.org/tag/in-the-news/)
- [Reports](https://fndmidsouth.org/tag/reports/)
- [Mid-South Education](https://fndmidsouth.org/tag/mid-south-education/)
- [Workforce Development](https://fndmidsouth.org/tag/workforce-development/)
- [Education Equity](https://fndmidsouth.org/tag/education-equity/)
- [Community Investment](https://fndmidsouth.org/tag/community-investment/)
- [Economic Mobility](https://fndmidsouth.org/tag/economic-mobility/)
- [Student Success](https://fndmidsouth.org/tag/student-success/)