Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi
The Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi is a public charity based in Hernando, Mississippi, established in 2002. It connects donors with charitable causes and supports organizations and programs in its Northwest Mississippi service region.
Key facts about Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi
In short: Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi gave $4.8M across 99 grants in 2024 (avg $48K), mostly in Mississippi. 41% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- EIN
- 94-3421724
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024
- Annual giving (2024)
- $4,799,827
- Grants made (2024)
- 99
- Average grant
- $48,483
- Median grant
- $15,000
- New grantees (estimate)
- 41% first-time grantees (41 of 99, 2024)
- Total assets
- $48,609,250
- Primary geography
- Mississippi (80% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- How to apply
- The foundation’s competitive grant application is submitted through its portal. Full details ↓
- Deadline
- The competitive-grant page announces a 2026 portal period of June 1–30.
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology). Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990 · View filing
Total Assets
$48.6M
+12.0% YoY
Annual Giving
$4.8M
+23.6% YoY
Grant Count
99
+15.1% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$48K
+7.3% YoY
Is Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi open to new grantees?
41%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 41 of 99 grantees (41%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $32K; repeat grants $60K. How we count
Medians: $13K first-time, $17K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2020–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation’s mission is “connecting people who care with causes that matter” by providing resources and leadership to citizens and nonprofit organizations, primarily in an 11-county area of Northwest Mississippi. Its filing describes grants as a primary program and identifies operating assistance for nonprofits, scholarships, education, health, and other charitable activities as intended uses of endowed funds. It also describes workforce development and food-insecurity initiatives.
Its four competitive grant programs focus on Early Childhood Education, the Future of Northwest Mississippi, Place-Based Education & Civic Engagement, and Technology in Education. The foundation says its competitive grants support nonprofits working in its service region. Its 2024 grants also went to a range of organizations. For example, the Ole Miss Athletic Foundation describes its work as funding scholarships, facilities, salary supplements, and other support for the University of Mississippi’s intercollegiate athletics department. Delta Health Center describes its work as providing comprehensive, family-centered health services in Mound Bayou and the surrounding area.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, the foundation reported 96 grants totaling $4,395,697. Grant amounts ranged from $5,500 to $962,000, with a median of $13,914. The largest reported grants included $962,000 to Longview Point Baptist Church for a church building fund; $288,750 to Women’s and Children’s Health for community development; $210,000 to Ole Miss Athletic Foundation for educational services; and $179,830 to Boss Lady Econ Plan Dev Wrkfc for human services. Other notable grants included $150,000 to St Andrews Episcopal School for general support, $129,200 to BB King Museum for health, and $115,909 to University of MS Foundation for educational services.
Review Cycle
The competitive-grant page announces a 2026 portal period of June 1–30. Other published foundation materials give an annual July 1–August 1 application period.
How to Apply
The foundation’s competitive grant application is submitted through its portal. Applicants are asked to register as an organization and provide an EIN, organization and grant contact information, details of other pending requests for the project, and committed partners or contributors. Uploads include an itemized project budget, a current list of officers and directors with contact information, a current Mississippi charitable registration certificate and file number, and the organization’s most recent IRS Form 990. The website says eligible nonprofit organizations must work in the service region; program materials also identify government entities as eligible. Grant-supported activity must take place in the service area under the published guidelines. The foundation states that it does not make grants or loans to individuals.
Open Grants
14 open opportunities from Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi
Al Gilless Southaven Rotary Scholarship Grant
Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi
Amount
Up to US $1,500
Deadline
Rolling / Open
CFNWM: Competitive Grants
Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Cindy Lipscomb Scholarship Grant
Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi
Amount
US $1,000
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Ready to take the next step with Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation identifies its service region as Bolivar, Coahoma, DeSoto, Leflore, Marshall, Panola, Quitman, Sunflower, Tallahatchie, Tate, Tunica, and Yalobusha counties in Mississippi. In 2024, 81% of grant dollars went to recipients in Mississippi; other reported recipient-state shares were Tennessee 6%, Georgia 4%, Texas 4%, and Maryland 2%.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 99 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $2.3M (2020) to $4.8M (2024). In 2024 it made 99 grants totaling $4.8M.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Longview Point Bapt Church ($962K). Together the top 10 received $2.4M.
Grant Size Distribution
449 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 365 grants of 449 (81%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Longview Point Bapt Church Hernando, MS | Church Building Fund | $962,000 |
| Womens and Childrens Health Jackson, MS | Community Development | $288,750 |
| Ole Miss Athletic Foundation Oxford, MS | Educational Services | $210,000 |
| Boss Lady Econ Plan Dev WRKFC Cleveland, MS | Human Services | $179,830 |
| St Andrews Episcopal School Ridgeland, MS | General Support for School | $150,000 |
| BB King Museum Indianola, MS | HEALTH | $129,200 |
| Emmanual United Methodist Ch Memphis, TN | Ministry | $117,000 |
| University of MS Fdn Oxford, MS | Educational Services | $115,909 |
| Calvary Chapel Church Charleston, MS | Human Services | $111,233 |
| Warriors Center Memphis, TN | HEALTH | $105,000 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $48,609,250 | $10,132,754 | $7,405,816 | $4,395,697 (96 grants) |
| 2023 | $43,406,514 | $8,149,861 | $6,118,916 | $3,884,540 (86 grants) |
| 2022 | $37,673,214 | $11,306,408 | $6,184,574 | $3,208,025 (62 grants) |
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $48,609,250 | $43,406,514 | $37,673,214 |
| Revenue | $10,132,754 | $8,149,861 | $11,306,408 |
| Expenses | $7,405,816 | $6,118,916 | $6,184,574 |
| Net Investment Income | $2,189,608 | $1,487,575 | $941,885 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS November 15, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 11, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 15, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 14, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS September 13, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Keith Fulcher as President & CEO and Tom Pittman as President Emeritus. Directors listed were Lisa Melton, Will Brown, Cynthia Pride Gleeton, Kirkwood H. McClintock, Mickey Aldridge, and John Rodgers Brashier. Cindy Gordon was listed as Secretary, and Mimi Mehrle was also listed.
Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi is led by Keith Fulcher, President & CEO since 2023 (on filings since 2020); 2 of 21 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Keith Fulcher
President & CEO
President → President & CEO, 2023
On filings since 2020
50 hrs/week
$136K (2020) → $135K (2024)
Ann H. Lamar
Chairman
Secretary → Vice Chair, 2023
Vice Chair → Chairman, 2024
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Becky Nowell
Director
On filings since 2020
0.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
John Rodgers Brashier
Director
On filings since 2020
0.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Lisa Melton
Director
On filings since 2020
0.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Mickey Aldridge
Director
On filings since 2020
0.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Robin Hurdle
Director
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jack Nichols
Director
On filings since 2021
0.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Linda Turner
Director
On filings since 2021
0.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Cynthia Pride Gleeton
Director
On filings since 2023
0.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Julia Mitchener Turnipseed
Director
On filings since 2023
0.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Kirkwood H. McClintock
Director
On filings since 2023
0.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Mimi Mehrle
Director
On filings since 2023
0.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Ravonda Griffin Willis
Director
On filings since 2023
0.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Toya Brooks Pride
Director
On filings since 2023
0.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Will Brown
Director
On filings since 2023
0.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Tom Pittman
President Emeritus
On filings since 2021
20 hrs/week
$50K (2022) → $52K (2024)
Billy Myers
Vice Chair
Director → Secretary, 2023
Secretary → Vice Chair, 2024
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Cindy Gordon
Secretary
Director → Secretary, 2024
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Mary Thompson
Past Chair
Vice Chair → Chair, 2023
Chair → Past Chair, 2024
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Becky Beard
Treasurer
Director → Treasurer, 2023
On filings since 2022
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (10)
- Former: Colie Sanford (2020–2023) — Past Chair
- Former: Michael Parker (2020–2023) — Director
- Former: Danny Williams (2020–2022) — Treasurer
- Former: Emily Johnson (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Lillian Hilson (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Mat Lipscomb (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Mike Wagner (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Robert Mehrle (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Wilbert Corley (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Sarah Sawyer (2020) — Director
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $135K, to Keith Fulcher (President & CEO). 2 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Contact
Mailing address: 315 Losher Street 100, Hernando, MS 38632
Phone: (662) 449-5002
Website: https://cfnm.org
Frequently asked questions about Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi
How much does Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi give each year?
Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi gave $4.8M across 99 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $3.9M across 86 grants.
What is Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi's typical grant size?
Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi's median grant in 2024 was $15,000, and its average grant was $48,483, across 99 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi that year got $32K on average.
Where does Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi give grants?
Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi gives mostly in Mississippi: 80% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The next largest state was Tennessee (8%). The most frequent recipient cities were Hernando, MS (9 grants), Jackson, MS (6 grants), Memphis, TN (5 grants) and Southaven, MS (5 grants).
Does Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi give general operating support?
Occasionally: 1% of Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (1 of 99) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990. Recurring purposes include "Educational Services" (34 grants), "Human Services" (23 grants) and "Health Services" (13 grants).
Who are Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi's largest grantees?
Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi's largest 2024 grantees include Longview Point Bapt Church ($962,000), Womens and Childrens Health ($288,750) and Ole Miss Athletic Foundation ($210,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. Together they received 30% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi?
Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi reported $48.6M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $10.1M.
What does Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi fund?
The foundation’s mission is “connecting people who care with causes that matter” by providing resources and leadership to citizens and nonprofit organizations, primarily in an 11-county area of Northwest Mississippi. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi?
The foundation’s competitive grant application is submitted through its portal. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi's EIN?
Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 94-3421724. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Here's the math on researching Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in Mississippi
Community Foundation of Greater Memphis Inc
Memphis, TN
The Community Foundation of Greater Memphis supports community needs, nonprofit capacity building, and donor-directed and theme-based grants, with awards across West Tennessee, eastern Arkansas, and northern Mississippi. Its 2025 grants had a median of $20,200, though amounts varied widely; unsolicited requests are accepted only through specific application-based opportunities, not stated as a general process.
Assets
$953.1M
Grants
761
Total Given
$134.3M
Enterprise Holdings Foundation
Saint Louis, MO
The Enterprise Holdings Foundation supports charitable and educational nonprofits in communities where Enterprise Mobility operates, focusing on health, education, arts, and disaster relief; applicants must be actively supported by an Enterprise Mobility team member, spouse, or domestic partner. Giving varies widely: it reported 9,499 grants in 2024, but its 2025 filing showed one grant of $101.4 million, so that amount is not a typical award. Applications are accepted at any time through eligible Enterprise-affiliated applicants; the Foundation does not limit giving to preselected organizations.
Assets
$594.3M
Grants
1
Total Given
$101.4M
Ergon Foundation Inc
Jackson, MS
The foundation funds medical research, education, community development, and services for children with communication disorders, with most giving in Mississippi. In 2025, its grants ranged from $2,500 to $615,000, with a median of $25,000. It gives only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited funding requests.
Assets
$210.7M
Grants
158
Total Given
$10.8M
Pinebelt Foundation
Hattiesburg, MS
Pinebelt Foundation supports charitable activities, community programs, and scholarships, with grants spanning varied local needs. In 2025, its grants had a median of $10,000, though amounts varied widely; its primary focus is the Pine Belt of South Mississippi. It accepts applications through GOapply for listed grant programs.
Assets
$61.9M
Grants
133
Total Given
$5.2M
Laura C Higdon Charitable Foundation
Jackson, MS
The Laura C Higdon Charitable Foundation funds scholarships for individuals in Escambia County, Alabama, and Santa Rosa County, Florida. Its 2025 awards ranged from $500 to $2,000, with a median of $1,000; the filing says application materials are not applicable and does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$1.4M
Grants
106
Total Given
$96K
Community Foundation for Mississippi
Jackson, MS
The Community Foundation for Mississippi funds nonprofits and charitable projects, with competitive grants focused on placemaking, children and families, and community partnerships, alongside donor- and fund-directed support for a range of causes. In 2025, grants ranged from $5,500 to $800,000, with a median of $19,500; specific programs offer up to $5,000 or $5,000–$15,000. Its main service area is 22 counties in central and southwest Mississippi, though some fund grants can support eligible organizations nationwide; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$90.3M
Grants
104
Total Given
$6.2M
Franks Foundation
Booneville, MS
The foundation’s 2021 grants supported higher-education scholarships in Mississippi, typically ranging from $500 to $2,000. Its 2021 filing is marked as its final return, so grantmaking appears to have ended; that filing described an application process, but it should not be treated as current guidance.
Assets
—
Grants
96
Total Given
$106K
Phil Hardin Foundation
Meridian, MS
The Phil Hardin Foundation funds education and community programs that improve outcomes for Mississippi children and youth, including early learning, literacy, teacher and school leadership, educational access, arts, and capacity building. Its 2025 grants ranged from $1,000 to $450,000, with a median of $28,000; it prioritizes Meridian and Lauderdale County, with additional interest in Jackson and regional or statewide work. It does not consider unsolicited applications unless they are first vetted through its portal; it is not considering proposals for 2026, and new-prospect discussions are for 2027 funding at the earliest.
Assets
$61.9M
Grants
78
Total Given
$4.5M
Gulf Coast Community Foundation Inc
Gulfport, MS
Gulf Coast Community Foundation funds education, arts and culture, historic preservation, neighborhood enrichment, health and human services, and other community projects, primarily in South Mississippi and along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. In 2025, it awarded 77 grants totaling about $1.37 million; grants ranged from $5,300 to $100,000, with a median of $10,000, while described small-grant programs offer up to $2,000 or $2,500. The profile describes application routes for specific programs but does not state whether the foundation accepts unsolicited requests generally.
Assets
$37.8M
Grants
77
Total Given
$1.4M
Mississippi Power Foundation Inc
Gulfport, MS
The foundation funds education, community relations, economic development, and environmental efforts, primarily in Mississippi, though it also made grants in Maine, New York, Ohio, and Massachusetts. Its typical award was about $10,000 in 2025 (median), with grants ranging from $400 to $400,500; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$65.1M
Grants
75
Total Given
$2.2M
Walker Foundation
Ridgeland, MS
Walker Foundation funds arts, education, schools, community services, neighborhood improvement, and religious organizations, with most of its giving in Mississippi. Its 2025 grants ranged from $250 to $100,000, with a median of $10,000. The filing does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$15.7M
Grants
72
Total Given
$1.1M
Grand Lodge of Mississippi Foundation
Meridian, MS
The Grand Lodge of Mississippi Foundation funds scholarships, relief aid, and contributions to organizations, primarily in Mississippi. Its 2025 grants ranged from $150 to $7,678, with a median of $1,000. It lists an application as required and says there are no award restrictions or deadlines; it does not explicitly state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$6.3M
Grants
64
Total Given
$83K
More Funders in Mississippi
Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi down — hundreds of funders to go?