Revenue Growth: Foundation revenue jumped nearly $2 million, rising from $8.15 million in 2023 to $10.13 million in 2024.
Community Investment: More than $7 million in total program expenses, including $4.2 million in direct grants across 11 Northwest Mississippi counties.
Strong Stability: Net assets grew to $44.5 million, strengthening long-term financial health and support for local programs.
HERNANDO, Miss. — The Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi closed 2024 with record-setting revenue and expanded community investments, according to its latest IRS Form 990 filing.
Founded in 2002, the Hernando-based 501(c)(3) public charity now serves 12 counties across Northwest Mississippi with the addition of Yalobusha County, connecting donors with causes that matter. Its 2024 financials reflect both growing support from contributors and strong investment management.
Expanding Programs and Grants
The Foundation reported more than $7 million in total program expenses, with its largest initiative focused on grantmaking to charitable organizations. In 2024, the Foundation awarded $4.6 million in direct grants, driving projects that improve quality of life across the region. The figure includes programs like the Kellogg’s Workforce Development and FEED fund grants.
Other major initiatives included:
Workforce Development – A program aimed at equipping residents in low-wealth communities with practical job and entrepreneurial skills. The effort, including a partnership in Sunflower County, accounted for nearly $300,000 in expenses, with most directed to grants.
Feed Northwest Mississippi – Addressing childhood hunger and food insecurity through grants to food pantries, equipment purchases such as freezers and forklifts, and support for delivery logistics. The program distributed nearly $136,000 in grants .
Financial Growth
The Foundation saw revenues rise from $8.15 million in 2023 to $10.13 million in 2024, a nearly $2 million increase. Contributions and grants grew by $1.4 million, while investment income climbed by more than $700,000, reaching almost $2.2 million .
Expenses also grew, from $6.1 million in 2023 to $7.4 million in 2024, reflecting the Foundation’s expansion in grantmaking and community investment. Net assets ended the year at $44.5 million, up over $4 million from the prior year, underscoring long-term financial stability .
Governance and Accountability
The Foundation’s governance structure includes a 19-member independent board, and its financials are reviewed annually by independent auditors. The organization also maintains transparency by posting its Form 990s directly on its website.
Looking Ahead
Leaders say the Foundation’s strong financial footing allows it to continue its mission of “connecting people who care with causes that matter.” For Northwest Mississippi, that means sustained support for education, workforce readiness, food security, and other community needs, as well as health, youth and education.
📊 Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi — 2024 Snapshot
Revenue: $10.13 million (up from $8.15 million in 2023)
Bob Bakken provides content for DeSoto County News and its social media channels. He is an award-winning broadcaster, along with being a reporter and photographer, and has done sports media relations work with junior and minor league hockey teams. Along with his reports on this website, you will find this veteran media member providing sports updates and high school football play-by-play on Rebel 95.3 FM Radio.
