Foundation for the Mid South

01/30/2026

Across the Mid South, many educators acknowledge that too many students begin high school already behind, and families want stronger support systems to help them succeed.

Cassio Batteast, VP for Programs, shares, “Our education goals focus on expanding access to quality early childhood programs in rural and low-income areas, increasing graduation rates by 10%, and boosting college readiness by 15%. This work includes partnering with schools to create pathways for first-generation college students and equipping parents and teachers with the tools needed to help every child reach their full potential.”

These conversations are shaping the education priorities in our new five-year strategic plan, where education and workforce readiness remain central to the Foundation’s mission.

Join the conversation here: https://youtu.be/fmtVS8WBGx0?si=cKfY6PKxHKBzrcuL&t=1209

01/29/2026

The Foundation for the Mid South’s President & CEO, Gregory Johnson, was recently featured in Forbes Nonprofit Council.

In the article, "14 Ways AI Can Further A Nonprofit’s Mission And Growth," Greg highlights how AI supports efficiency by streamlining tasks like data analysis and content drafting—freeing teams to focus on relationship-building, storytelling, and community impact. The emphasis remains clear: AI is a tool to empower people, not replace them.

This feature reflects FMS’s continued leadership in leveraging innovation to strengthen impact across the Mid South.

Read the full article: https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesnonprofitcouncil/2025/11/04/14-ways-ai-can-further-a-nonprofits-mission-and-growth/

01/27/2026

Networking and Convening is one of the most important commitments in FMS’s five-year strategic plan because it connects people who shape opportunity in the region. When we bring together those who drive change, we amplify what’s possible.

Through regional summits and partner gatherings, FMS is creating spaces for community and organizational leaders to share best practices, exchange ideas, and collaborate on real solutions. By strengthening partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and community foundations, we expand our reach to more families and communities while building coalitions that turn collaboration into sustained, long-term change.

At its core, this work is about creating safe spaces for shared learning, trust, and collective action to address systemic challenges together.

01/23/2026

When communities are connected, opportunity follows.

Every convening, partnership, and investment is intentionally designed to strengthen relationships, elevate local voices, and create meaningful pathways to education, economic opportunity, and long-term community well-being across the Mid South.

By building valuable connections with people, families, and communities, we help turn shared vision into lasting impact.

Explore how we’re advancing opportunity and building stronger communities across the region here: https://fndmidsouth.org/

01/22/2026

According to the 2023–2024 TRHT Evaluation Report, 45% of the 970 participants acknowledged the persistence of racial injustice and expressed a desire to take action.

This statistic highlights both the urgency of confronting racial disparities and the power of community-driven efforts to create change. When individuals are equipped with the tools, spaces, and support to engage in honest dialogue, collective healing becomes possible.

Read more from our 2025 National Day of Racial Healing as we continue to reflect on this year's celebration. Together, let's continue building pathways toward a more just and equitable future: https://fndmidsouth.org/fms-inspired-hope-during-racial-healing-events/

01/20/2026

Earlier today, we gathered at the Two Mississippi Museums to observe the National Day of Racial Healing.

From 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., guests engaged in TRHT modules, learned more about the National Day of Racial Healing, participated in open discussions, and signed up to join a TRHT cohort.

From 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., attendees participated in a panel discussion on faith and philanthropy, honoring longtime activists Rim and Judy Barber. Lunch was provided by the Foundation for the Mid-South.

The observance concluded with a 4:00 p.m. reception, where stories were shared, reflections were exchanged, and a collective commitment to truth, healing, and transformation was affirmed.

01/19/2026

Join us today at the Two Mississippi Museums.

Student volunteers are invited to gather for an afternoon of free museum tours, shared food, engaging discussions, and youth-led art experiences, including a poetry slam and student art showcases.

Meet at 12:00 PM
Two Mississippi Museums

This is a space to listen, reflect, and connect through history, creativity, and community voices.

See you there!

01/17/2026

Rim and Judy Barber are lifelong civil rights leaders whose work has advanced justice, equity, and community empowerment across Mississippi and beyond. Rim Barber, a Freedom Summer volunteer and former member of the Children’s Defense Fund, continues to be deeply engaged in community organizing, while Judy Barber has been a steadfast advocate for racial justice and community transformation.

Join us next week as we honor Rim and Judy Barber for their enduring legacy and commitment to racial healing, including a panel and luncheon only at The Two Mississippi Museums.

Join us at the Two Mississippi Museums on Tuesday, January 20, to celebrate the National Day of Racial Healing, established by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation as part of the MLK Free Weekend sponsored by FedEx. The Two Mississippi Museums will partner with the Foundation for the Mid South for a panel discussion on faith and philanthropy, honoring activists Rims and Judy Barber, at 11 a.m. Free lunch will be provided.

01/16/2026

When asked what racial healing looks like, Mission Mississippi President Brian Crawford shared, “Racial healing ultimately looks like communities coming together—not only to share space, which is important, but also to share stories in the most authentic and vulnerable way.”

When communities across the Mid-South come together across race and difference to engage in these meaningful conversations, real and lasting change can begin.

This National Day of Racial Healing, Tuesday, January 20, at the Two Mississippi Museums, join us for a statewide convening grounded in truth, belonging, and transformation. Participants will engage in facilitated dialogue, storytelling, and action rooted in the Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation (TRHT) framework. The observance will also feature a special luncheon honoring civil rights leaders Rim Barber and Judy Barber.

More from Brian Crawford here: https://fndmidsouth.org/building-bridges-how-the-mississippi-trht-alliance-is-advancing-racial-healing-and-equity/

01/15/2026

NATIONAL DAY OF RACIAL HEALING
Tuesday, January 20, 2026 | Jackson, MS
9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Two Mississippi Museums
Lunch will be provided.

Join us for the National Day of Racial Healing, a statewide convening grounded in truth, belonging, and transformation. Community leaders, educators, students, and faith partners will gather for facilitated dialogue, storytelling, and action rooted in the Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation (TRHT) framework.

This year’s observance will also:
- Introduce a new Mississippi-based TRHT cohort, where participants can learn more about how to engage in sustained racial healing work beyond a single day.
- Feature a special luncheon honoring civil rights leaders Rim Barber and Judy Barber, recognizing their enduring legacy and commitment to justice and community transformation.

Hosted & Supported By:
Mississippi TRHT Alliance
In partnership with Mississippi Civil Rights Museum
Supported by W.K. Kellogg Foundation

Alliance partners include:
Jackson State University
Millsaps College
Mission Mississippi
Mississippi Humanities Council
Neshoba Youth Coalition

01/13/2026

One week from today, join us for the 2026 National Day of Racial Healing, an action-focused summit rooted in truth, belonging, and transformation. Community leaders, educators, students, and faith partners will come together for meaningful conversations, reflection, and collective action as we work toward a more just and equitable future.

On Tuesday, January 20, Mississippi Civil Rights Museum will mark the National Day of Racial Healing with a powerful panel discussion on faith and philanthropy, honoring activists Rims and Judy Barber. Presented in partnership with the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the program will be followed by a reception at 4 p.m. where attendees can gather to share stories and reflect on the Barbers’ lasting legacy. Admission is free and lunch will be provided.

Take a look back at the 2025 National Day of Racial Healing, when the Jackson, MS community gathered at the Two Mississippi Museums to participate in powerful racial healing initiatives and build momentum for an even bigger and bolder 2026.

01/10/2026

Deadline TOMORROW!

College students across Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and South Carolina, this is a meaningful opportunity to make your voice heard and shape real change.

Urban Institute and are seeking student representatives to attend a 2-day convening in Jackson, MS (February 3–4, 2026) focused on strengthening education and workforce supports across the region.

- Travel, lodging, and meals covered
- $800 stipend
- Opportunity to speak directly with state leaders and policymakers

If you have lived experience navigating challenges like food insecurity, housing, childcare, or transportation, and want to help shape solutions, apply today.

Applications close January 11 (tomorrow).
QR code / Link:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSefglspy7_tLRm0hf7QBXj3Kr_F42KSR92aeNdNV53T4DUCZA/viewform

Please share with students in your networks.