Mission
A catalyst for charitable giving where civic-minded individuals, families, and businesses achieve philanthropic goals. We bridge resources and needs to enhance the dynamic communities we serve.
Vision
Creating a legacy of enrichment that impacts generations to come.
Core Values
- Integrity
- Stewardship
- Community
Areas We Service
- Clarke County, MS
- Kemper County, MS
- Lauderdale County, MS
- Neshoba County, MS
- Newton County, MS
Our History
With over 40 years of dedicated service, the Community Foundation of East Mississippi (CFEM) is committed to fostering charitable giving that connects generous individuals, families, and businesses to meaningful causes.
Founded in 1984 as the Community Foundation of Lauderdale County, CFEM was established by several prominent residents, C. Jerome Kittrell, William F. Scaggs, and C. Thompson Wacaster, to create a lasting resource for local philanthropy. It was incorporated under Mississippi state law in May 1984 and received tax-exempt status from the IRS in January 1985.
In its early years, the Foundation made a significant impact, awarding over $100,900 in grants to seven nonprofit organizations by 1986. Recognizing the growing needs across the region, the organization expanded its focus and, in 1989, officially adopted the name Community Foundation of East Mississippi.
By 1990, the Foundation had grown to 20 active funds with a total asset balance of $192,000. In 2006, CFEM hired its first full-time employee, marking a key step in building its operational capacity.
In 2009, CFEM proudly celebrated 25 years of service.
In 2024, we celebrated 40 years of impact at the Community Foundation of East Mississippi. Today, CFEM has grown to hold more than $10.5 million in assets, helping to strengthen nonprofits, support scholarships, and inspire generosity across the region.
Our Purpose
The Community Foundation of East Mississippi exists to make philanthropy simple, effective, and enduring. We serve as a trusted partner for donors seeking to leave a lasting legacy, nonprofits seeking sustainable funding, and communities striving to improve the quality of life. By connecting charitable resources with local needs, we work to create a vibrant, thriving East Mississippi today and for generations to come.
CFEM accepts, manages, and invests a wide range of charitable funds, including endowments and pass-through gifts. Earnings from these funds are used to make grants that strengthen nonprofit organizations, support community programs, and address emerging needs in Lauderdale, Kemper, Clarke, Newton, and Neshoba counties.
As a tax-exempt, publicly supported nonprofit, CFEM operates independently from government or corporate control. Our Board of Directors, made up of local volunteer leaders, ensures that all decisions reflect the best interests of our community.
Our work goes beyond grantmaking:
- Donor Services: We make charitable giving easy and flexible, offering tax advantages, personalized giving options, and complete administrative support.
- Community Leadership: We act as a neutral convener, bringing together diverse voices to address local challenges and create lasting solutions.
- Nonprofit Support: We offer training, events, and fiscal agency services to strengthen local nonprofits.
Whether you’re interested in creating a legacy through an endowment or making an immediate impact with a one-time gift, CFEM helps ensure that your contributions are managed wisely and used effectively.
By working with CFEM, donors can:
- Receive maximum tax benefits.
- Set up a fund quickly and easily—no need to create a private foundation.
- Support causes that matter to them, while CFEM handles all administrative and grantmaking details.
- Create a lasting legacy that will benefit future generations.
CFEM is here for good—for our community today and for the future.
Your generosity can make a lasting impact on East Mississippi! To donate to an existing fund, click here. To create a new fund that aligns with your philanthropic goals, or to find out more about CFEM, contact us at 601.696.3035.