Foundation for the Mid South

10/31/2025

Yesterday we came together for a night full of music, laughter, and honoring 35 years of advancing opportunity in the midsouth.

Thank you to our incredible guests and sponsors for helping us mark this significant milestone.
W.K. Kellogg Foundation Woodward Hines Education Foundation Casey Family Programs

10/28/2025

“What drew me in and keeps me here is people. I’ve always been amazed at the way individuals get up in the midst of difficult situations and somehow keep going. That kind of resilience requires motivation. I came into this work because I wanted to be part of that fight. I wanted to help people and communities move ahead, not just get by.”

— Gregory Johnson, President & CEO, Foundation for the Mid South

Featured in Forbes Nonprofit Council’s article, “20 Nonprofit Leaders Share What Keeps Them in the Nonprofit Industry,” Greg Johnson reflects on the power of resilience and purpose that fuels his leadership.



At the Foundation for the Mid South, that same spirit drives everything we do: investing in people, strengthening communities, and advancing opportunity across Mississippi, Arkansas, and Louisiana.



Because when people move ahead, the entire region moves forward.



Read the full article: https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesnonprofitcouncil/2025/09/02/20-nonprofit-leaders-share-what-keeps-them-in-the-nonprofit-industry/

10/24/2025

Since 1990, our community has been at the heart of everything we do.


From Arkansas to Louisiana to Mississippi, your trust, resilience, and commitment to progress have fueled our mission.

Next Friday, join us for an evening of celebration at our 35th Anniversary Gala, honoring the history of FMS’s impact with music, dancing, and joy. Together, we’ll keep building a stronger, more equitable future for the region we call home.

RSVP by Oct. 27 to Ebonee Johnikin at: info@fndmidsouth.org

10/23/2025

We’re live in 1 hour!

The Weight We Carry begins at 12 PM CST

A live discussion exploring the connection between Obesity, Mental Health, and Maternal Wellness in Mississippi.

Tune in on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/events/theweightwecarry7387152795000283136/theater/

Whitney Hunter-Batteast Astria Goolsby Jameshyia S. Ballard

10/21/2025

With a 24.4% chronic student absentee rate in the Mid South, education success begins at home!

Research shows that students who have engaged families are 2 times more likely to earn a higher grade in that specific subject.

Dr. Shequite Johnson from MS Valley State University examines how community and family engagement is critical for successful outcomes in classrooms.

Join the conversation: https://youtu.be/KvQZGGo24MQ

10/20/2025

We all carry something—stress, expectations, or the weight of caring for others. In Mississippi, that weight often shows up in our health, our hearts, and our homes.

Join the Foundation for the Mid South for The Weight We Carry, a live virtual conversation exploring how obesity, mental health, and maternal wellness are deeply connected—and what it takes to create a healthier, more compassionate Mississippi.



Thursday, October 23, 2025

12 p.m. CST / 1 p.m. EST

Streaming live on LinkedIn



You’ll hear from health leaders and advocates who are reshaping how we think about wellness—body, mind, and community.







Link will be live on Thursday.

10/17/2025

For 35 years, we’ve stood together to create opportunity, strengthen communities, and shape brighter futures across the Mid South.

This milestone isn’t just our story. It’s yours.

One Family. One Mission. One Foundation.

Join us as we celebrate 35 years of progress and the promise of what’s ahead.

RSVP by October 27 to Ebonee Johnikin at info@fndmidsouth.org

10/16/2025

Join us to celebrate 35 years of impact!

For three and a half decades, the Foundation for the Mid South has worked alongside partners, educators, and change makers to build opportunity and advance equity across our region.

Now we’re coming together for one unforgettable evening to honor our journey, recognize the people who make it possible, and celebrate what’s next.

- Gourmet dinner by Chef Nick Wallace
- Live jazz from Stevie J & The Blues Band
- DJ & dancing to close the night

Location & Date : Two Mississippi Museums | October 30 | 5 PM

RSVP by October 27 → Ebonee Johnikin at info@fndmidsouth.org

Let’s celebrate this milestone together.

10/15/2025

NEO Philanthropy’s Economic Mobility and Opportunity (EMO) Fund is offering $2.3 million in grants to support research and data projects that advance economic mobility and opportunity across the U.S.

Eligible nonprofits can apply under two categories:
Sustainability & Capacity Building – strengthen and sustain ongoing research and data projects
Innovation & Imagination – pilot bold ideas that reimagine economic mobility and opportunity
Letter of Interest Deadline: October 31, 2025
Grants Range: $100K–$300K

Learn more and apply: https://neophilanthropy.org/economic-mobility-and-opportunity-fund-opens-new-grant-application/

NEO Philanthropy’s Economic Mobility and Opportunity Fund invites applications in support of research and data across economic mobility and opportunity.    The EMO Fund announces a $2.3 million opportunity for organizations focused on research and data in support of advancing economic mobility ...

10/14/2025

Building wealth starts with access. Individual Development Accounts (IDAs) make it possible.

These matched savings accounts help individuals reach milestones such as:

- Purchasing a first home

- Launching a small business

- Paying for higher education

Through IDAs, families can grow savings, build financial confidence, and take meaningful steps toward long-term economic mobility.

Learn more about how IDAs expand pathways to prosperity. Watch our Progress in Action: Economic Mobility webinar to hear insights from experts and community partners driving change across the region.

https://youtu.be/IOXqbR691Aw?si=HVylOVmrTMCT7BvV

10/10/2025

For 35 years, the Foundation for the Mid South has worked alongside communities across Mississippi, Arkansas, and Louisiana to strengthen people, institutions, and systems that create lasting change.

As we look back, we honor the people and partnerships that have shaped progress across the Mid South. Together, we’re building opportunity and advancing equity for generations to come.