Foundation for the Mid South

Foundation for the Mid South The Foundation for the Mid South is a regional foundation dedicated to improving lives and expanding knowledge in Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi.

Wishing you and yours a happy holiday season and all the best for the New Year!
12/23/2025

Wishing you and yours a happy holiday season and all the best for the New Year!

For nonprofit leaders, the holidays are a great moment to show appreciation for the teams who make the mission possible....
12/22/2025

For nonprofit leaders, the holidays are a great moment to show appreciation for the teams who make the mission possible.

In a recent Forbes Nonprofit Council article, Gregory Johnson, President and CEO of the Foundation for the Mid South, highlights the importance of getting personal during the holidays, noting that taking time to genuinely thank your team helps people feel seen and valued beyond the season

Read the full article here:

https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesnonprofitcouncil/2025/10/29/nonprofit-leaders-how-to-show-the-whole-team-theyre-appreciated/





The Foundation for the Mid South’s work is about connecting people to opportunities and ensuring communities have access...
12/19/2025

The Foundation for the Mid South’s work is about connecting people to opportunities and ensuring communities have access to the resources they need to move forward.

FMS Education Program Officer George Stewart shared:

“It means making an impact. It means connecting people to opportunities and resources they may not otherwise have. We help fill gaps and provide opportunities where none may exist.”

This perspective reflects how our work shows up across Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi every day.

Included in FMS’s new strategic plan, economic development and wealth building go beyond education to create lasting opp...
12/18/2025

Included in FMS’s new strategic plan, economic development and wealth building go beyond education to create lasting opportunity for families.

Through investments in workforce training and small business support, the plan aims to increase affordable housing by 20%, reduce unemployment by 5%, and grow family emergency savings by 30%.

By expanding access to small business development resources, FMS is working toward a 15% increase in successful minority owned businesses, recognizing that true economic progress strengthens every part of family life.

Watch more here: https://youtu.be/fmtVS8WBGx0?si=ualIegNJwRhFbB-L

12/16/2025

Now that’s the way to celebrate 35 years!

The Foundation for the Mid South marked 35 years of dedicated work improving lives across the Mid South with an unforgettable evening full of music, laughter, and community. This milestone celebration was a moment to honor everyone who has made this journey possible, including our staff, volunteers, partners, and you!

Special thanks to our incredible partners, sponsors, and team members. Without your dedication, collaboration, and support, none of this would have been possible. Here is to the next 35 years of impact, growth, and community building.

Sponsors: W.K. Kellogg Foundation Casey Family Programs Woodward Hines Education Foundation

Emcee: Jasmine Adams

Partners & Vendors: Events by Brandon Casey Nick Wallace

Tune in here: https://youtu.be/58fXgOjLyYg?si=Hih1XNXJK9Dl-InB

During our 35th anniversary celebration, staff reflections highlighted the moments and projects that stand out as defini...
12/12/2025

During our 35th anniversary celebration, staff reflections highlighted the moments and projects that stand out as defining examples of our impact.

FMS VP for Programs, Cassio Batteast, shared: “Increased student and parent survey participation, strengthened communication between districts and communities, the expansion of student opportunities, and meaningful professional development for teachers,” a few powerful examples.

Cassio’s words reflect the action behind our mission and reinforce our dedication to improving lives in the Mid South.

Social media plays a role in how nonprofits build understanding and trust, but only when it is used with purpose.In a re...
12/12/2025

Social media plays a role in how nonprofits build understanding and trust, but only when it is used with purpose.

In a recent Forbes Nonprofit Council article, Gregory Johnson, President & CEO of the Foundation for the Mid South, discusses why nonprofit content should be mission-driven and intentional, helping audiences better understand why the work matters.

Read the full article here:

https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesnonprofitcouncil/2025/10/15/15-social-media-strategies-to-avoid-as-a-nonprofit-and-what-to-do-instead/





To create a seamless education pipeline, FMS is investing in strengthening middle school education.This approach not onl...
12/09/2025

To create a seamless education pipeline, FMS is investing in strengthening middle school education.

This approach not only prepares students for high school matriculation but also helps them thrive in their future academic and career paths.

Read more from George Stewart, FMS Education Program Officer, as he explains the critical role of middle school education and how FMS is leading the charge: https://fndmidsouth.org/bridging-the-gap-why-we-must-invest-more-in-middle-school-education/

The TRHT framework is built on five core pillars that help communities heal and thrive. Narrative Change: reshaping the ...
12/05/2025

The TRHT framework is built on five core pillars that help communities heal and thrive.

Narrative Change: reshaping the stories we tell

Racial Healing and Relationship Building: creating spaces for connection

Law: examining policies that reinforce inequity

Separation: addressing the divides within our communities

Economy: highlighting disparities in wealth and opportunity

Each pillar touches a different part of how racism shows up in our communities. Together, they offer a path toward a more connected and equitable future.



Which pillar has the greatest impact in your community?



Share your thoughts below.



During our 35th anniversary celebration, staff reflections highlighted how FMS’s values of equity, collaboration, and co...
12/04/2025

During our 35th anniversary celebration, staff reflections highlighted how FMS’s values of equity, collaboration, and community show up in our daily work. FMS Social Justice Program Associate, Derykah Watts, shared, “I see those values come to life almost every time we start something new or bring forward an idea. The Foundation is full of great ideas, and the first question is always, ‘Who can we work with to make this happen?’”

Derykah's words reflect the heart of FMS’s values: when communities, partners, and leaders come together, meaningful and lasting change becomes possible across the Mid South.

The Department of Labor makes the issue clear: women with families need a minimum salary of $35K to stay out of poverty,...
12/02/2025

The Department of Labor makes the issue clear: women with families need a minimum salary of $35K to stay out of poverty, yet traditional career pathways do not always make that achievable.

The solution is expanding access to non-traditional career opportunities, offering flexible upskilling, and ensuring that women have the support systems needed to thrive.

In the Mid South, we are committed to advancing these efforts by providing resources, training, and pathways that help women secure the sustainable incomes and benefits they deserve.

Hear more about our collective work to expand economic opportunity here: https://youtu.be/IOXqbR691Aw?si=RwprFCdbIm0UlC5j

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The Foundation for the Mid South was proud to help sponsor The Goodness Project’s Thanksgiving Outreach! This family-fri...
11/28/2025

The Foundation for the Mid South was proud to help sponsor The Goodness Project’s Thanksgiving Outreach! This family-friendly autumn carnival brought the community together with free meals to take home, fun activities for kids, and a joyful session of encouragement and gratitude. We’re thankful to support an event that uplifts families across Jackson.

For more information on the goodness project, visit: www.thegoodnessproject.com

Address

134 E Amite Street
Jackson, MS
39201

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 4pm

Telephone

(601) 355-8167

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Our Story

Foundation for the Mid South is in the business of improving lives in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. The Mid South is home to 30% of the nation’s poverty, which has eroded the well-being of our communities, education and health systems, as well as financial security. These deficiencies--if left unhindered--will continue to grow and deny further opportunities to better conditions for families today and future generations.

The Foundation for the Mid South was established to bring together the public and private sectors and focus their resources on increasing social and economic opportunity. Our approach is straightforward and long term: enable communities to develop solutions to better conditions and improve lives.

The Foundation for the Mid South focuses on strengthening four priorities that, we believe, are the bedrock for prosperous communities and a strong region.

Our Education work supports efforts that help students succeed academically—by strengthening traditional education systems and programs and community institutions serving students.