March 2025

Thank you for joining us for Giving Forward!

Thank you to all who attended Giving Forward: CFM’s Annual Celebration of Impact! If you couldn't make it, a recording of the presentation is now available online here (or click the image above). This event brought together fundholders, donors, and community partners to celebrate the transformative impact of giving in central and southwest Mississippi. 

Attendees received updates on the Community Foundation for Mississippi’s grants, investments, and community initiatives, along with an economic market forecast from the Atlanta Consulting Group (ACG). Through meaningful conversations and insights, we explored how philanthropy continues to drive lasting change—for good, forever.

CFM Awards $1M Shackelford Fund Grant to Advance Margaret Ann Crigler Park Project

The Community Foundation for Mississippi recently announced a $1 million grant from the John and Lucy Shackelford Fund at the Community Foundation for Mississippi to support the creation of Margaret Ann Crigler Park in downtown Jackson. Adjacent to the Two Mississippi Museums, this future green space will feature native landscaping, an outdoor stage, and a play area—enhancing downtown and connecting to the Museum Trail.

This investment continues the Shackelfords’ legacy of supporting history and public spaces that bring communities together, fostering reflection, engagement, and a stronger sense of place in our capital city.

JXN Water Scholarship on WLBT's Studio 3

CFM President and CEO Jane Alexander and JXN Water Third-Party Administrator Ted Henefin recently spent time on WLBT's Studio 3 program sharing about the JXN Water Scholarship at the Community Foundation for Mississippi. Click here to view the segment just after the 9:00 mark.

Since its inception, the scholarship has awarded $10,000 in funding to four students pursuing degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), with a focus on water and wastewater management.

This year, four additional Hinds County students will be awarded $2,500 each to support their education at Jackson State University or Hinds Community College. The deadline to apply is April 15, 2025.

Deadlines approaching for CFM scholarships!

The Community Foundation for Mississippi is proud to offer several scholarship opportunities for high school and college-age students across the state. Whether you're planning your next step or continuing your education, we have funds that want to help you achieve your goals!

Open scholarships:

- Blake Coghlan Memorial Ag Scholarship: For high school seniors from Mississippi intending to study Agriculture or Agriculture-related degree at a Mississippi 4-year or 2-year institution

- JXN Water Scholarship: For high school seniors attending a public school in Hinds County interested in pursuing a degree in STEM

- Booker T. Jones Scholarship: For students who graduate from MINACT-run Job Corps programs and plan to enroll at a college or university

- Samuel “Eric” Storm Memorial Scholarship: For students pursuing an advanced degree in Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, or Speech Therapy

- Anthony “Tony” Gobar Juvenile Justice Scholarship Fund: For a full-time junior or senior at a public university in Mississippi or at Southern University in Louisiana majoring in criminal justice, political science or counseling

- Woodward Hinds Education Foundation Calling Panther Award: Awarded to motivated high school seniors at Hazelhurst and Crystal Springs High Schools who complete the FAFSA and the Mississippi Aid Application

Grants From Other Sources

This list is a shared resource. For inquiries about each grant, CFM recommends contacting the grantmaking organization listed for more information.

Statewide Grants

Mississippi Humanities Council grants program seeks to fund projects that stimulate meaningful community dialogue, attract diverse audiences, are participatory and engaging, and apply the humanities to our everyday lives. Grants may be used to support public humanities programs, exhibits, the planning of larger projects, and the development of original productions in film, television, radio, podcasts, or online resources. Grants of $2,500 or less are considered minigrants. There are no deadlines for minigrants, though applications must be received at least four weeks via their online portal before the program or proposed grant period begins. Learn more here.

National Grants



T-Mobile is investing $25M in 500 rural towns over 5 years to jumpstart projects and build stronger communities. Rural communities can apply for up to $50,000 for a Hometown Grant to bring their community idea to life. Twenty five grants are awarded each quarter. Learn more here.