Lowndes Community Foundation

05/06/2026

Today’s Future of Northeast Mississippi – State of the Region event was both insightful and impactful, centered around the theme: Engage, Elevate, and Empower.

We heard valuable updates from Judge Tiffany Kilpatrick on youth court initiatives and programs designed to better support our youth during critical transition periods while awaiting placement. These efforts highlight the importance of providing structure, resources, and care during vulnerable moments.

The disaster recovery panel also provided important takeaways, emphasizing that true preparedness goes beyond immediate response. One key recommendation was to establish long-term recovery centers. A critical component in helping communities sustain recovery efforts after disasters.

Sessions like this remind us of the power of collaboration, preparation, and forward-thinking leadership in strengthening our communities.

04/20/2026

04/20/2026

Lowndes Community Foundation | Education in Action

This past Saturday, the Excel By 5 Cheer Conference was held at The W’s Center for Education Support, bringing together early childhood educators for a full day of learning, connection, and inspiration from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

With the theme “Early Educators Are Out of This World,” the conference celebrated the critical role educators play in shaping the future of our children and our community.

We are truly fortunate to have such dedicated and impactful leaders connected to the Lowndes Community Foundation’s Education Task Force. Their commitment to early childhood education continues to strengthen the foundation for long-term success across Lowndes County.

Thank you to all who continue to invest in our children, our educators, and our future.

Congratulations to our LCF Board Member, Dr. Jo Shumake, the inaugural recipient of the Early Childhood Champion Award. An honor that will now be presented annually in her name. A well-deserved recognition of her lasting impact on early childhood education.

04/01/2026

Lowndes Community Foundation | Task Force Meeting Recap

The Lowndes Community Foundation recently held its first Task Force meeting of 2026, bringing together 28 community leaders, stakeholders, and engaged citizens committed to strengthening Lowndes County.

During the meeting, we reflected on the foundation of our work—beginning with the 2018 Community Conversation and highlighted the continued efforts across our five priority areas:

• Community Engagement
• Crime & Addiction
• Education
• Leadership & Vision
• Poverty (Homeless/Food Security)

We also shared updates from 2024 Task Force efforts and discussed next steps, including strengthening leadership within each Task Force, increasing community involvement, and preparing for the upcoming grant cycle.

We are encouraged by the level of engagement and the presence of leaders who are ready to help move this work forward.

If you are interested in being part of these efforts, we welcome you to connect and get involved.

Together, we continue working to strengthen the quality of life in Lowndes County.

Send a message to learn more

03/31/2026

LCF Task Force Meeting – Today

A quick reminder that the Lowndes Community Foundation Task Force Meeting will be held today at 4:30 PM.

📍 202 7th Street North, Columbus, MS
(2nd Floor – Old First Baptist Church)

We look forward to reconnecting with our Task Force leaders, members, and community partners as we begin aligning our priorities for 2026.

If you’ve been involved—or are interested in supporting this work—we invite you to join us.

Together, we continue working to strengthen Lowndes County.

Send a message to learn more

03/31/2026

LCF Task Force Meeting – Today

A quick reminder that the Lowndes Community Foundation Task Force Meeting will be held today at 4:30 PM.

📍 202 7th Street North, Columbus, MS
(2nd Floor – Old First Baptist Church)

We look forward to reconnecting with our Task Force leaders, members, and community partners as we begin aligning our priorities for 2026.

If you’ve been involved—or are interested in supporting this work—we invite you to join us.

Together, we continue working to strengthen Lowndes County.

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03/21/2026

Lowndes Community Foundation | Community Input

Since our initial Community Conversation in 2018, residents across Lowndes County identified five key priority areas that continue to shape the work of our Task Forces:

• Community Engagement
• Crime & Addiction
• Education
• Leadership & Vision
• Poverty (Homelessness, Food Insecurity, Clothing)

These areas have guided community-driven efforts, partnerships, and grant-supported initiatives over the years.

As we move forward in 2026, we want to hear from you.

Do you believe these are still the most important issues facing our community today?

👇 Let us know in the comments:

👍 Yes – These are still the key issues
❤️ Some priorities have shifted
😮 No – New issues should be addressed
🤔 Not sure

We’ll be reviewing this feedback as we move forward with our 2026 Task Force efforts.

Send a message to learn more

03/17/2026

Building a Better Lowndes County—Together

We want to take a moment to say thank you to every leader, volunteer, and community member who has been part of the vision to make Lowndes County stronger, safer, and more connected.

Because of your commitment, the work of the Lowndes Community Foundation Task Forces continues to create meaningful impact across our community—from education and engagement to addressing critical challenges like poverty, crime, and leadership development.

Now, it’s time to come back together.

📍 Task Force Meeting
🗓 March 31, 2026
🕟 4:30 PM
📌 202 7th Street North (2nd Floor – Old First Baptist Church)

This will be our first gathering of 2026, where we will reconnect, reflect on progress, and begin shaping what’s next for our community.

If you’ve been part of this journey—or feel called to be part of the solution—we invite you to join us.

💬 Together, we don’t just talk about change… we help create it.

Send a message to learn more

07/15/2025

Thanks to all of our vendors for a fantastic event! Trotter Convention Center was the perfect setting, BAMA Casino Company brought the fun, 's Catering and Floral Design filled us with delicious food that was almost too beautiful to eat, and Zachary's even created custom cocktails like the Lady Luck for our event. Each of you went the extra mile to help us make our inaugural fundraiser special, and we can't wait to work with you again next year!