Video: CREATE Foundation Reaches Major Milestone

TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) – It is a number reflecting the generosity of individuals, families, organizations and companies.

“We are definitely making Northeast Mississippi a better place,” said CREATE Board Chair Robin McCormick.

At the end of July, the CREATE Foundation reached $100,000,000  in total assets. The oldest and largest community foundation in Mississippi and the third largest grantmaking foundation in the state had humble beginnings in 1972 when newspaper publishers George and Anna Kiersey McLean founded CREATE. Its net assets that first year totaled $1,492.

Now, the foundation has 711 active charitable funds. CREATE saw steady growth over the years and when Toyota came to Blue Springs, a $50,000,000  gift, over a ten year period for public education made a big difference.

“People have confidence in CREATE and Northeast Mississippi and also we have quite a number of generous people,” said Mike Clayborne, President of CREATE.

The CREATE Foundation has helped numerous non profits, among them, the Salvation Army. Funds from the CREATE Foundation have helped with operating expenses through the years, and most recently, a capital campaign that will mean a major expansion of shelter space.

“They played a key role in the expansion by being one of the main contributors to enable us to make the campaign a success,” said Maj. Jeff Daniel.

Northeast Mississippi;s Community Foundation serves a 17 county area.

The CREATE Foundation has the highest rating possible by Charity Navigator, a watchdog group for non profits.

www.createfoundation.com