The Foundation for the Mid South is a regional foundation dedicated to improving lives and expanding knowledge in Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi.
03/13/2026
When conversations about racial healing begin with urgency, real progress looks like measurable change, stronger relationships across communities, and systems that create more equitable opportunities for all.
When faced with urgency, what does real progress look like to you? Share your thoughts below.
03/12/2026
One in eight women experience postpartum depressive symptoms—but more than 56% never receive care. - Whitney Batteast, Pickles & Popsicles,Inc
Postpartum mental health remains a critical issue for mothers across the region. Many women face barriers such as limited healthcare coverage, lack of access to providers, and other social determinants of health that prevent them from receiving the care they need during the first year after childbirth. FMS aims to help address these gaps by supporting community initiatives that raise awareness, expand access to postpartum care, and strengthen support systems for mothers and families.
Deep and sustained community transformation doesn’t happen by chance—it happens through relationships. Real progress begins when we learn to navigate our differences, our histories, our pain, and our cultural and political divides.
The Foundation for the Mid South prioritizes Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation (TRHT) as a pathway to meaningful progress in our communities. By acknowledging our shared history and learning to navigate our differences, we can cultivate the trust needed for communities to truly flourish.
Today we celebrate the people who make the work possible. On Employee Appreciation Day, we recognize the dedication, passion, and commitment of our team members who continue to serve communities across the Mid South. Your work, creativity, and care help drive meaningful impact every day.
Thank you for all that you do!
03/05/2026
The Delta Story Project Application is now LIVE!
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.
The Foundation for the Mid South, in partnership with the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and Mississippi TRHT, introduces The Delta Story Project — an open call opportunity supporting 4–6 cultural professionals whose work advances TRHT and narrative change in the Mississippi Delta and Jackson, Mississippi.
Selected Cultural Ambassadors will receive awards ranging from $2,500 to $7,500 to support the creation of one public-facing, Delta-centered project aligned with TRHT values.
True transformation begins with connection, healing, and a shared vision for the community we want to build. This powerful conversation explores a holistic approach that balances truth and healing, reflection and relationship, to address both interpersonal and systemic challenges.
Hear from Susan Womack as she discusses confronting systems that divide us — and why understanding their roots is essential to creating lasting change.
The Foundation for the Mid South, in partnership with W.K. Kellogg Foundation and Mississippi TRHT, are launching The Delta Story Project — awarding $2,500–$7,500 grants to support Delta-centered art and storytelling that advances truth-telling and racial healing.
Stay tuned for more information!
02/27/2026
In a recent Forbes Nonprofit Council article, Gregory Johnson, President & CEO of the Foundation for the Mid South, shares insight on how nonprofits can recession-proof their organizations.
His perspective emphasizes building financial resilience, strengthening partnerships, and staying mission-focused during economic uncertainty. Sustainable impact, he notes, requires preparation, adaptability, and strong community relationships.
2026 marks the Centennial Black History Month — 100 years of honoring the history, achievements, and enduring contributions of Black Americans.
This Centennial Black History Month, the Foundation for the Mid South asked community leaders the importance of celebrating Black History.
This conversation is important because Black history is not confined to February — it is ongoing. When we reflect on the trailblazers who paved the way, we gain a deeper understanding of the resilience, vision, and responsibility it takes to continue that legacy.
Featuring insights from:
Rhea Bishop, Director at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation
Ciara Coleman, NEO Foundation and Geaux Girl Giving
02/24/2026
What if we treated gun violence the way we treat other public health crises?
Gun violence impacts physical health, mental well-being, economic stability, and community trust. And like other public health challenges, it is preventable.
On March 19, the Foundation for the Mid South brings together leaders on the front lines of prevention and community-based safety to discuss what works and what must change.
This conversation will center:
- Prevention strategies rooted in data and lived experience
- Healing-informed community responses
- Equity-driven investments that reduce harm
Featuring Ajani Crenshaw, Saletheo Perez, Felicia Marshall, and Aqeela Sherrills.
March 19, 2026
12 PM CST | 1 PM EST
Live on LinkedIn
Because building safer communities requires all of us.
02/20/2026
In a recent Forbes Nonprofit Council article, Gregory Johnson, President and CEO of the Foundation for the Mid South, shared insight on what it truly takes to build a mission-driven organization.
In the article, Gregory Johnson emphasizes the importance of starting with perspective. Before launching a nonprofit, he encourages leaders to assess the landscape: Who is already doing the work? Where are the real gaps? The goal is to meet genuine community needs, not duplicate efforts.
This perspective reflects FMS’s commitment to thoughtful leadership and lasting impact across the Mid South.
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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.
In Health and Wellness, we work to promote physical and mental well-being in order to comprehensively improve the health status in the region.
In order to break the cycle of generational poverty, our Wealth Building work is helping people become financially secure so they can move up the economic ladder.
In Community Development, we invest in and partner with efforts that enable communities to grow and prosper.