July 2023

Join us for From Crisis to Rebuilding on August 8!

The Community Foundation for Mississippi is hosting a conversation with Rich Harwood about the findings of the Jackson Reset report, Civic Virus: Why Polarization is a Misdiagnosis, and the proactive steps we can take to rebuild, recover and create a hopeful path forward.

Jackson, along with all communities across the U.S., are facing deep challenges in ensuring that communities work for all. Many people are losing hope. But there are practical steps we can take to catalyze and build positive change. This presentation will draw on Rich Harwood's national work and his work here in Jackson, including recent interviews the Institute did with 25 Jackson community leaders. This event is free, but please RSVP.

Grantee Spotlight: Crystal Springs Skatepark Now Open

What began as a science project is now a fully functioning skatepark reality, thanks to the hard work of Chance Mohawk and Grant Finch and the Crystal Springs community. The young skateboarders conceived the idea of building a skate park two years ago as part of their environmental science project.

“Our hypothesis was that if we went in front of the city and presented our idea of what we wanted to do and how we planned to do it, they would say yes,” Mohawk told WLBT. “And what do you know? They did!”

After getting approval from the city, the pair faced their next challenge: Funding.

In November 2021, the Community Foundation for Mississippi supported the idea, giving a $5,000 grant to help the two get the project off the ground.

The University Press of Mississippi announces the Mississippi Natural Heritage Publishing Initiative through the UPM New Horizons Fund at CFM

The Mississippi Natural Heritage Publishing Initiative supports the publication of books that celebrate the rich diversity of natural life in Mississippi, seeking to educate the public on the value of our natural heritage, and the importance of conserving these resources for future generations. Funded through the University Press of Mississippi New Horizons Fund at the Community Foundation for Mississippi and established with the support of individuals and partner Wildlife Mississippi, the Initiative is dedicated to the publication of new books on Mississippi’s natural history, conservation, and public outreach.

Data dive with mySidewalk

At CFM, we use data to drive strategic decisions and create meaningful, measurable change in the communities we serve. By accessing data, we are finding valuable insights and building powerful data stories.

Special thanks to our data partner mySidewalk for sitting down with CFM's Sophie McNeil Wolf to see how data has helped the foundation find better insights and tell stronger stories.

Local Grants

The Community Foundation for Mississippi's John and Lucy Shackelford Fund grant application is now online! John and Lucy Shackelford recognized that the Community Foundation for Mississippi was a place with deep roots in the community and represented an opportunity to grow their impact for years to come. Through grants from their fund, their legacy of giving continues to be seen throughout the capital city, particularly centered in downtown Jackson. Applicants must be charitable organizations or government entities who are located within, or whose request directly serves downtown Jackson, Mississippi. Learn more here.

The LGBTQ Fund of Mississippi at the Community Foundation for Mississippi's 2023 grant cycle deadline is August 1, 2023. Informed by learning from the Needs Assessment, grants are where the LGBTQ Fund of Mississippi at the Community Foundation for Mississippi transforms donations into action, pooling funds to support organizations across Mississippi that are improving things for LGBTQ Mississippians. Funding is available to support planning, research, and general operations that address priority needs of LGBTQ Mississippians as they strive to live safely, openly and without alienation, isolation, prejudice and/or discrimination. If you have any questions about the entry process, please contact Sammy Moon by email at sammy.moon@alliancems.org or 443-562-6363. Learn more and apply here.

Volunteer Mississippi is also offering Volunteer and Civic Engagement Mini-Grants between $1,500-5,000 for projects taking place between July 1 and December 1, 2023 to support projects related to civic engagement. The grant is open to nonprofits in Mississippi and local government entities and must engage 10 or more volunteers. Find out more here. 

National Grant

Preserving Black Churches is a project of the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Annual grants from Preserving Black Churches are intended to preserve historic Black houses of worship—either with active congregations and non-active congregations—and advance ongoing preservation activities while strengthening capacity for historic congregations, and preservation and community organizations to steward, manage, and better utilize their historic structures.

Grants from Preserving Black Churches will range from $50,000 to $200,000. Applicants may apply for one of five categories: Capital Project, Endowment and Financial Sustainability, Organizational Capacity and Operations, Programming and Interpretation, or Project Planning. Applications are due August 23, 2023. Learn more here.