About create Foundation
Building a Stronger Northeast
Mississippi – Together
For more than three decades, CREATE Foundation has worked alongside generous individuals, families, businesses, and nonprofits to strengthen communities across Northeast Mississippi.
At the heart of our work is a simple belief: lasting change happens when people invest in the places they call home. Through endowment building, charitable giving, and strategic grant-making, CREATE helps donors turn generosity into long-term impact—ensuring their charitable intentions are honored today and for generations to come.
Our Vision and Our Mission
Vision
As a leading community foundation, we strive to improve the quality of life for the people of Northeast Mississippi.
Mission
The mission of CREATE Foundation is to encourage philanthropy and provide leadership to impact regional issues.
George McLean working at Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal’s office
Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal Publisher George McLean and his wife, Anna Keirsey McLean established the CREATE Foundation in 1972, making it the oldest community foundation in Mississippi. He established CREATE to provide an avenue for charitable giving and to ensure that the Journal newspaper would always be locally owned. Upon George McLean’s death, CREATE Foundation became the sole stockholder of Journal Publishing Company, Inc.
Our Team
Meet the people behind CREATE’s work in philanthropy and leadership development.
