CREATE Foundation

10/19/2026

Congratulations to LEAD Tupelo/Lee County , one of CREATE’s Community Affiliates, on awarding more than $39,000 to local nonprofits through its 2026 Night for Nonprofits! 👏

10/09/2026

Congratulations to CREATE Foundation team members Katie Stuart, Juanita Floyd, and Stewart McMillan, who were named recipients of this year’s AEE Tupelo Jack Reed, Sr. Advocate for Education Award! 🌟

This award recognizes individuals who champion public education and make a meaningful impact in our community. We’re proud to see Katie, Juanita, and Stewart recognized for their continued commitment to education. Congratulations to three very deserving recipients! 👏

10/06/2026

It was a special night!

10/06/2026

We’re cheering on Skylar W. of New Albany as she heads to Washington, D.C., next week to represent Mississippi at the 2027 National Civics Bee® Championship! 👏

Skylar earned her spot at the national competition after competing in the Mississippi Civics Bee hosted by CREATE Foundation and Community Development Foundation. Her idea focuses on creating a facility that would serve individuals with special needs from preschool age through adulthood.

We’re proud to have Skylar representing Northeast Mississippi and our state in Washington. Good luck, Skylar! 💙

Learn more about Skylar and her story: https://civics.uschamberfoundation.org/meet-skylar-w-creating-more-inclusive-communities-for-all/

09/28/2026

09/28/2026

We’re grateful to The Commercial Dispatch for sharing how the new Northeast Mississippi Disaster Recovery Council will support communities across our region.

The article features Starkville Community Foundation and Lowndes Community Foundation and highlights their important roles in strengthening local disaster recovery efforts. This is exactly what the regional initiative is designed to do: connect and support communities while keeping recovery locally led.

Read the full story below ⬇️

Stacey Parvin, a board member for the Starkville Community Foundation, still remembers when a Christmas Eve fire in 2024 on Central Avenue left four families stranded.

09/24/2026

We’re honored to be part of one of Tupelo’s most beloved traditions! 🎄✨

CREATE Foundation is proud to serve as Grand Marshal of the 78th Annual Reed’s Tupelo Christmas Parade and we couldn’t think of a more fitting theme than “It’s A Wonderful Life.”

We can’t wait to celebrate with Tupelo on December 11! ❤️

09/24/2026

Thank you to Matt Laubhan and Mississippi Live for being part of our press conference and helping us share the launch of the Northeast Mississippi Disaster Recovery Council! Matt brought an important perspective on severe weather communication and the value of preparing before disaster strikes. We appreciate his continued commitment to keeping Northeast Mississippi informed and prepared.

09/24/2026

Three days • One regional effort • An impact that will reach communities across Northeast Mississippi.

Local leaders and disaster-recovery partners came together to build relationships, strengthen coordination and prepare before the next disaster occurs. This training marked an important step in creating a connected recovery network that will support communities across our 17-county region.

We are grateful to everyone who brought their time, experience and commitment to the table. The work continues, and Northeast Mississippi will be stronger because of it.

09/24/2026

We are so proud to announce the launch of the Northeast Mississippi Disaster Recovery Council in partnership with Tennessee Valley Authority!

This new regional initiative will help communities across Northeast Mississippi strengthen local recovery efforts, stay connected, and be better prepared when disaster strikes.

Thank you to the Daily Journal for helping us share this exciting news. Read more below.

The Northeast Mississippi Disaster Recovery Council will help guide regional and local actors in sharing information and strengthening long-term disaster recovery coordination, leading to faster recovery following natural disasters.