At Create
Video: CREATE Foundation Intro Video
At CREATE, we believe the future of our region is tied to enhancing the ability of our people to pursue their goals and aspirations. We encourage you to explore the many ways the CREATE Foundation can help you accomplish your charitable giving.
50th Anniversary
Video: CREATE 50th Anniversary video 2022
The CREATE Foundation was established in 1972 by George and Anna Keirsey McLean to enhance the ability of people in northeast Mississippi to pursue their goals and aspirations. As CREATE celebrates its 50th anniversary, the organization is what McLeans wanted the CREATE Foundation to be: a vehicle for people and organizations to fulfill their charitable interests. Watch the video to learn more about CREATE and its impact on our region.
I can do something where I am and light a candle, rather than curse the darkness.
George McLean
Create Founder | 1904-1983
I can do something where I am and light a candle, rather than curse the darkness.
George McLean
Create Founder | 1904-1983
We should be trying to inspire our young people that life does not consist of the abundance of possessions, but the life you have lived, the service you have rendered.
George McLean
The Value of Public Service
We should be trying to inspire our young people that life does not consist of the abundance of possessions, but the life you have lived, the service you have rendered.
George McLean
The Value of Public Service
It is a joyful thing when you really feel that you are making a contribution to people who otherwise will be mired in poverty for the rest of their lives.
George McLean
The Value of Public Service
It is a joyful thing when you really feel that you are making a contribution to people who otherwise will be mired in poverty for the rest of their lives.
George McLean
The Value of Public Service
I believe it is the responsibility of the people of Mississippi to try to raise the level - economically, educationally, spiritually, and otherwise - of all of the people of Mississippi. There's nobody else who's going to come in here and do it for us.
George McLean
CREATE Founder
I believe it is the responsibility of the people of Mississippi to try to raise the level - economically, educationally, spiritually, and otherwise - of all of the people of Mississippi. There's nobody else who's going to come in here and do it for us.
George McLean
CREATE Founder
When the young people in this state realize the opportunities that are here, they will be grateful for what can be accomplished.
George McLean
The Value of Public Service
When the young people in this state realize the opportunities that are here, they will be grateful for what can be accomplished.
George McLean
The Value of Public Service
2023 Annual Report
Create's Impact on the Region in 2023
Contributions
$
0
Million
Assets
$
0
Million
Asset Growth
$
0
Million
Endowment Funds
0
Total Affiliate Balance
$
0
Million
Endow MS Gifts
Over $
0
equating to 35% of statewide gifts
Community Affiliates
Community Affiliates are led by a local board made up of community leaders. The Affiliate manages its own independent grant cycle and makes local grants determined to be important in improving the quality of life in that county. CREATE's Community Affiliate program brings together the best thinking leadership to meet community concerns.
The Commission
CREATE Foundation has a distinguished history of highly effective community engagement as the leading regional community development organization in northeast Mississippi. Capitalizing on those strengths, in 1995, CREATE formed the Commission on the Future of Northeast Mississippi to strengthen regional unity and cooperation.
Donors
Establishing your own named charitable fund does not require great wealth and it isn’t complicated. You can provide ongoing support to your favorite organizations, choose different nonprofit organizations each year during your lifetime, make your own choices, take advantage of our staff’s expertise to help you address the community’s most pressing challenges, and distribute gifts during your lifetime or leave a lasting legacy – or both!
Ways to Get Involved
Why Mississippians Give
It is a very effective vehicle which is directly attuned to the programs I want to support.
Aubrey Patterson
Dan and I want to make a difference in our community, and we choose to support nonprofit organizations that align with our personal values. When you give back to the CREATE organization, you’ll be providing help that can improve the health and quality of life of members of our community. So, by giving back we hope to make our community a better place.
Becky Rollins
I find purpose in giving of my time and gifts back to community building by addressing issues like poverty, education, healthcare and other needs we are facing. I see it as a way to enhance my own personal growth by broadening one’s perspective by embracing empathy and sharpening my leadership and problem solving skills. I also find joy in collaborating and connecting with like minded people which lends itself to solving issues that we are all dealing with in the places that we live. Because in the end when a community thrives everyone benefits.
Billye Jean Stroud
Concise, efficient, and God fearing.
David Rumbarger
I have found my Advised Fund a very easy way to go online and make donations or memorials. Because of CREATE’s reputation, I can give without reservation knowing my wishes will be carried out.
Grace Clark
It is easy and stretches into the future.
Greg Pirkle
An annual accounting for my records and to be a part of the greater good that CREATE generates.
Jack Reed, Jr.
I am assured that the contributions are handled professionally and are distributed to the intended targets.
James “Bo” Collins
CREATE provides an avenue for giving through the foundation that allows me to receive the maximum tax credit available on my giving; whether large or small in amount. I also have confidence that the money will be invested with the mindset of a consistent and fair return so that the funds will have the maximum benefit for the charity of my choosing.
Julie Henry
CREATE helps me support several causes through a single process at year-end and during the year when unforeseen needs arise, while also raising awareness for CREATE to others who could benefit from professional help in meeting their charitable goals.
Larry Kirk
The Donor Advised Fund simplifies the giving process. Contributions to the fund may be made at any time throughout the year. The Donor Central portal is very simple to use and allows you to disburse funds to charities of your choice at any time. CREATE does the rest. The staff is very efficient, pleasant and always helpful.
Mary Childs
I’m confident in the efficient administration and long-term fiduciary assurance.
Mitch Waycaster
We appreciate CREATE’s great advice that makes our giving better and easier. The staff are experts and so smart and kind. Plus, it matters not “how much,” but really, “how to” give.
Randy Long
It is convenient; it can provide a tax benefit; it is a responsible way of giving.
Sandy Williams
I believe in the role CREATE plays within our region and have confidence that my donations are used in the best ways to support our region.
Shane Spees
The North Monroe County Community Fund is relaunching with new grants to support local causes, including the City of Amory’s Carlos Moore Field renovation, Regional Rehab’s dyslexia services at Smithville, and the Amory Humane Society. 👏 CREATE Foundation President, Mike Clayborne emphasized community involvement and future opportunities for growth. Read more about this exciting reboot and how to get involved: https://bit.ly/3z3dsxR
American Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicle secured ✔️👏🚘❤️
Thanks to the generosity of Renasant Bank, Cadence Bank, Federal Home Loan Bank, and the Marchbanks Endowment Fund at CREATE, the North Mississippi chapter of the American Red Cross has secured funding for a much-needed Emergency Response Vehicle. This vehicle will help provide critical support to our community in times of need.
Community Affiliate Spotlight 🔦 FIRST Foundation
𝙁𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙄𝙩𝙖𝙬𝙖𝙢𝙗𝙖 𝙍𝙚𝙨𝙥𝙤𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙎𝙚𝙘𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙏𝙤𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙧𝙤𝙬 | Established in 1997 | Current Endowment: $967,520
From fostering education to supporting community initiatives, the FIRST Foundation has been an incredible resource for Itawamba County. With nearly a million dollars in its endowment, they continue to make a lasting impact, enriching the lives of students and its community. Thank you, FIRST for all of your efforts to make Itawamba an even better place to live!
