Community Foundation of East Mississippi

06/19/2026

Today we commemorate Juneteenth and the enduring significance of freedom, resilience, and progress.

At the Community Foundation of East Mississippi, we believe stronger communities are built through understanding, connection, and a shared commitment to a better future. As we reflect on the past, we also celebrate the people, stories, and contributions that continue to shape and strengthen our communities. ❤️

We celebrate freedom, honor history, and look ahead with purpose.

06/15/2026

Big impact starts with collective giving. 🤲

100+ Women Who Care of East Mississippi brings women together to support local nonprofits making a difference across our communities. Through a simple model of collective giving, members help create meaningful support for organizations and initiatives right here in East Mississippi.

From children’s programs to historical restoration and community support services, every contribution stays local and helps strengthen the place we call home. 💙

Interested in becoming a member? Learn more on our website https://www.100womeneastms.org/ and join today!

06/14/2026

Celebrate freedom, honor history, and inspire tomorrow at the upcoming Juneteenth celebration hosted at Holbrook Historic Downtown Meridian on June 16th.

The event will feature board games, snacks, drinks, and an opportunity to come together in a spirit of unity, culture, and community.

📅 Tuesday, June 16, 2026
⏰ 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Holbrook Historic Downtown Meridian, MS

All are welcome as we honor the past, celebrate the present, and continue building a stronger community together.

For more information, visit holbrookms.com

06/13/2026

Every number represents an opportunity, a student, an organization, or a project making a difference in East Mississippi. 🫶

Cycle 1 of 2026 reflects the power of community investment and what can happen when people choose to give locally. From scholarships to grant funding, these contributions are helping create lasting impact across our region.

👏 Thank you to our donors, partners, and supporters who continue to make this work possible. Want to help support future grant and scholarship cycles? Visit our website https://cfem.org/ to learn more about giving opportunities and how you can be part of the impact.

06/11/2026

Growth is most meaningful when it is shared. 🤝

At the Community Foundation of East Mississippi, we believe strong partnerships help strengthen the communities we serve. Every connection, gift, and opportunity plays a role in building a brighter future across East Mississippi.

To help further support East Mississippi, visit our website https://cfem.org/ to explore our impact and opportunities today. 💙

06/09/2026

2nd Cycle Grants Are Now Open 🚨

The Community Foundation of East Mississippi is now accepting applications for several grant opportunities supporting historic preservation, animal welfare, and education across East Mississippi:

- Charles L. Young, Sr. Historic Preservation Grant
- Gladys Carlisle Bowyer Animal Care Grant
- Lucky’s Legacy Grant
- Neshoba Teacher Mini-Grants
- Kemper County Hometown Teacher Mini-Grants

These grant opportunities continue to support meaningful projects and programs that strengthen our local communities.

🌟 Learn more about eligibility requirements and application details on our website! https://cfem.org/grants-cycles/grant-opportunties/

Our service area includes the following 5 counties in East Mississippi: Clarke, Kemper, Lauderdale, Neshoba and Newton. 

06/05/2026

New Endowment Announcement 📣

The Community Foundation of East Mississippi is proud to announce the Davidson Endowment for the MSU Riley Center. This fund was established to support the general operations of the MSU Riley Center and help sustain the programs, experiences, and opportunities it brings to our community.

Endowments create lasting impact by providing long-term support for organizations that continue to enrich East Mississippi for generations to come. Visit our website https://cfem.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=3895 to support this endowment today!

06/03/2026

Please join the Community Foundation of East Mississippi in welcoming Leah Dudley Reed as our new Director of Donor Relations & Development. Born and raised in Meridian, Leah left home to attend the University of Alabama and later returned to build her life and career in East Mississippi. She and her husband, Elton, have been married for 26 years and are proud parents of three children: Sarah Dudley (20), Sullivan (18), and Sadie (15). Leah earned her B.A. in Telecommunications & Film with a minor in Political Science from the University of Alabama and recently completed her Master’s in Integrated Marketing Communications. With 25+ years of experience growing sponsorships, leading integrated campaigns, and building strategic partnerships across sports, healthcare, and nonprofit work, she brings a relationship-first approach to donor engagement, stewardship, and community investment. We’re excited for Leah to help strengthen donor relationships and expand opportunity across East Mississippi.

Welcome to CFEM, Leah. 🎉

05/31/2026

Applications for 2nd cycle grants open tomorrow and close July 31st!

- Charles L. Young, Sr. Grant for Historic Preservation
- Gladys Carlisle Bowyer Animal Care Grant
- Lucky’s Legacy Grant
- Neshoba Education Teacher Mini-Grants
- Kemper County Hometown Teacher Mini-Grants

👉 Visit our website https://cfem.org/grants-cycles/ to learn more today!

05/30/2026

East Mississippi Gives: Your Key to Making a Difference 🗝️

Mark your calendar for September 17th! Get ready to make a meaningful impact in our community. Stay tuned for more details, participating organizations, and ways you can get involved.