Foundation for the Mid South

04/17/2026

In a recent Forbes Nonprofit Council article, Gregory Johnson, President & CEO of the Foundation for the Mid South, emphasizes that clarifying organizational priorities at the beginning of the year is essential for nonprofit effectiveness!

Mr. Johnson explains that this practice creates space to focus on what the work requires now rather than what is carried over from the year before. That intentional pause strengthens decision making, sharpens organizational focus, and helps define what meaningful progress should look like over time.

Read the full article: https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesnonprofitcouncil/2026/01/12/19-smart-moves-to-set-your-nonprofit-up-for-new-year-success/

04/16/2026

When systems are designed to advantage some and disadvantage others, the harm is not always visible to those who benefit from them. Over time those systems become normalized but for those impacted the consequences are severe and long lasting.

These effects also compound across generations shaping access to opportunity deepening poverty and reinforcing inequities that are difficult to undo.

This is why change must be structural, not just individual.

Watch the full webinar to learn more about solutions and what real systems change looks like: https://youtu.be/iFhZ7Cx_L3k?si=dKf-3yTX47hrvza-

04/14/2026

A new Mississippi Today series, supported by the Foundation for the Mid South, explores how partnerships across the Delta are expanding access to jobs, training, and opportunity.

Through real stories and regional collaboration, the series highlights both the barriers and the solutions shaping a stronger workforce future.

Explore the full series to see how these efforts are creating pathways to sustainable careers across the Delta:

1. https://mississippitoday.org/2026/02/13/delta-area-organizations-partner-to-provide-resources-and-improve-regions-workforce/

2. https://mississippitoday.org/2026/02/20/challenging-work-hours-transportation-and-child-care-continue-to-be-workforce-barriers-in-the-delta/

3. https://mississippitoday.org/2026/02/27/certifications-open-doors-to-life-changing-careers-no-degree-needed/

04/10/2026

Youth voices shouldn’t just be included in conversations on gun violence they should be at the center!

The Mid South youth are the ones experiencing lockdown drills, navigating fear on campuses, and living with the long term impact of today’s policies. Their voices deserve more than a seat at the table, they deserve real power in shaping decisions.

Youth panels work, but we must equip young people with the tools to advocate, lead, and actively shape the policies that impact their lives, Because when youth understand how to use their voices real change begins.

Watch the full webinar to hear more powerful insights: https://youtu.be/1MexRl2Q7jA?si=914BkPUdVEH5cqsv

04/09/2026

The Delta Story Project Application is now LIVE until April 13th!


This six-month Cultural Ambassador program will support 4–6 creatives in the Mississippi Delta and Jackson, MS with $2,500–$7,500 grants to create a public storytelling project advancing truth-telling, racial healing, and narrative change.

Disciplines Include:

-Journalism and writing
-Film and video
-Photography
-Podcasting and audio storytelling
-Visual and digital arts


Apply here: https://tinyurl.com/jc889man
Info Session (Playback): https://youtu.be/YWJ3YpKAJd0?si=cNekyQgxhVxtZ_XG

Applications close: April 13, 2026.

04/07/2026

Applications are LIVE through April 13!

If you’re a Mississippi or Delta-based creative, this fellowship is for you. Selected participants will receive $2,500–$7,500 to create a public-facing art piece centered on truth, racial healing, and transformation (TRHT) values.

Eligible disciplines include:

-Journalism and writing
-Film and video
-Photography
-Podcasting and audio storytelling
-Visual and digital arts

Don't wait, Apply here: https://tinyurl.com/jc889man

Want to learn more? Join our Delta Story Project info session for details on eligibility, application tips, and more: https://youtu.be/YWJ3YpKAJd0

The Foundation for the Mid South, in partnership with the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and Mississippi TRHT, supports cultural professionals advancing narrative change across the Mississippi Delta and Jackson through the Delta Story Project Fellowship.

Thinking about applying?

Join us next Thursday for a live virtual info session covering everything you need to know — from eligibility requirements to application tips — and get your questions answered in real time.

Thursday, March 26 at 12 PM (CT)

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/gDt2AhXzSPul6SoIHpyJ5Q

Can’t attend? Register anyway to receive the recording.

04/03/2026

In a recent Forbes Nonprofit Council article, Gregory Johnson, President & CEO of the Foundation for the Mid South, shares insight on using data to bring nonprofit impact to life.

He highlights the importance of showing the stories behind the numbers so communities can understand real-world impact. By connecting data to lived experiences, organizations can foster trust, engagement, and long-term commitment to their mission.

Read the full article: https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesnonprofitcouncil/2025/12/09/18-emerging-digital-nonprofit-trends-to-watch/

04/02/2026

What does it take to reimagine high-quality teaching?

Strong educator pipelines are essential to building equitable schools and thriving communities. Grow Your Own programs are creating new pathways into the profession while addressing inequities in the educator workforce.

On April 23, the Foundation for the Mid South brings together leaders and educators to explore how community-driven solutions are expanding access to teaching and strengthening representation in schools.

This conversation will center on:
• Expanding pathways into the profession
• Supporting aspiring educators
• Advancing community-led approaches to build a more inclusive and effective workforce

Featuring Jasmine Cleark, Dr. Adrienne White Hudson, Haley Scott, and George Stewart

April 23, 2026
12 PM CST | 1 PM EST
Streaming live on LinkedIn

Because strengthening education starts with investing in those who teach.

03/31/2026

Openness is key to reducing gun violence. It starts with honest conversations about lived experiences, the root causes of violence, and how fi****ms enter our communities.

As emphasized in the webinar Gun Violence as a Public Health Crisis, real progress begins with acknowledging the full scope of the issue. Gun deaths arise from multiple causes including homicide, su***de, and accidental shootings, each demanding targeted prevention strategies.

Breakdown of gun deaths:

60% are homicides
36% are su***des
1.5% are accidental shootings

Watch the full discussion here: https://youtu.be/1MexRl2Q7jA?si=s8mejmUjW20T5Oli

03/27/2026

UPDATE: This event has been postponed. We appreciate your interest and will share a new date soon.

Join us Thursday, April 2 at 5:00 PM at the Annie M. Strong Center (114 Penny Circle, Sunflower, MS) for the Sunflower Community Listening Session — an interactive conversation with municipal officials, nonprofit leaders, and community members.

This session is designed to center community voices, discuss local needs and opportunities, and guide future investments and partnerships in Sunflower, MS. Your perspective matters. Be part of the dialogue and help create community-led solutions.

Point of Contact: Alderwoman Jaquana Haley Williams

03/27/2026

In a recent Forbes Nonprofit Council article, Gregory Johnson, President & CEO of the Foundation for the Mid South, shares insight on building stronger connections through communication.

He emphasizes the importance of creating newsletters that foster genuine relationships, not just share updates. By keeping communication personal, authentic, and transparent, organizations can help supporters see their impact and turn awareness into long-term commitment.

Read the full article: https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesnonprofitcouncil/2025/12/03/16-strategies-for-turning-nonprofit-newsletter-readers-into-lifelong-supporters/

03/26/2026

You’ve heard it here from Mississippi’s own, Rita Brent

The Delta Story Project Fellowship is awarding $2,500–$7,500 to 4–6 cultural artists to create public-facing, Delta-centered projects aligned with Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation (TRHT) values. Each project reflects real stories, shaped by those who know the Delta best.

Are you a Mississippi/Delta-affiliated artist? Well, this fellowship is for you!

Application is LIVE: March 3 – April 13
Apply here: https://tinyurl.com/jc889man