Community Affiliates
In 1997, realizing communities throughout Northeast Mississippi have ongoing needs and special projects that would benefit from a local philanthropy, CREATE extended its endowment building efforts by establishing the Community Affiliates program. In partnership with Anna Keirsey McLean and Journal, Inc., CREATE provided each county with a $100,000 challenge grant to help establish each community’s affiliate.
About
Community Affiliates are led by a local board consisting of community leaders. Each 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 local leadership to address community needs.
Please click on the county below for more information regarding CREATE’s Affiliates.
Board Members:
James Hugh Ray
Community Affiliate Award
Known as the “architect of CREATE,” Ray was a community hero, regional leader, and devoted board member. The James Hugh Ray Community Affiliate Award was established in his honor to recognize community affiliates who embody that same spirit spirit of leadership, collaboration, and dedication to making their communities stronger.
2025
PACE – Chickasaw
