About
CREATE Foundation is the region’s premier philanthropic resource regarding comprehensive charitable planning for individuals, nonprofits, communities, and businesses. Working together with fund donors, grant recipients, organizations and communities, the Foundation is a powerful catalyst for building charitable resources for our region.
Awards and Recognition
McLean Award for Philanthropy Recipients
2025
Sarah Young; Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi
Sarah Young
Described as “the hands and feet of Christ in our community,” Sarah Young has been generous with her time, talent and treasure, willing to share even when not asked.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi continues its mission of creating a healthier Mississippi.
- 2024 | Jim and Lisa Hawkins; Sam and Mary Pace; Orma and Terre Smith
- 2023 | Dan & Frances Brasfield; Albert & Billie Green; Barry Wax
- 2022 | Elizabeth “Betsy” Brown; Hull Davis Family, Larry and Judy Kirk; Jack and Lisa Reed; Heywood and Sue Washburn
- 2021 | Ed and Becky Meek
- 2020 | VM Cleveland
- 2019 | Ted and Lynn Moll
- 2018 | Mossy Oak
- 2017 | alrymple Family
- 2015 | C.C. Clark and Company; Julie and Michael Waldorf
- 2014 – Toyota Motor Manufacturing MS
- 2013 | Babs and Mickey Holliman; BNA Bank
- 2012 | Ruby Kathryn and Aubrey Patterson
- 2011 | Christy and Milton Sundbeck; Renasant Bank
- 2010 | Crane Family; Jane and Frank Spain
- 2009 | Rosemary and Sandy Williams; Nancy Ann and Kenneth Williams
- 2008 | Jim and Claiborne Barksdale; Anne J. Stephens
- 2007 | Brevard Family; William Raspberry
- 2006 | North Mississippi Health Services; Hassell Franklin
- 2005 | Corinne and Benjamin Price; BancorpSouth
- 2004 | Barbara and Bobby Martin; Kenny Dill and Family
- 2003 | Frances and Jack Reed; The Hancock Foundation
- 2002 | Carpenter Foundation
- 2001 | Phil Hardin Foundation
Affiliate of the Year award recipients
2025
PACE – Chicksaw
- 2024 | PACT – Pontotoc
- 2023 | Starkville Community Foundation
- 2022 | UNITE – New Albany-Union
- 2021 | FIRST – Itawamba
- 2020 | Lowndes Community Foundation
- 2019 | CARE – Corinth-Alcorn
- 2018 | LEAD – Tupelo-Lee
- 2017 | PACE – Chickasaw
- 2016 | TARGET Ripley-Tippah
- 2015 | South Monroe Community Fund
- 2014 | SOAR Starkville-Oktibbeha
- 2013 | LOFT – Oxford-Lafayette
- 2012 | FIRST – Itawamba
- 2011 | UNITE – New Albany-Union
- 2010 | CARE – Corinth-Alcorn
Jack Reed, Sr. Award recipients
2025
Betsy Hamilton, Jane Riley, Bobby Harper
Betsy Hamilton
Jane Riley
Bobby Harper
- 2024 | Lewis Whitfield
- 2023 | The Daily Corinthian
- 2022 | Bill Renick
- 2020 | Hassell Franklin, Bobby Martin, Aubrey Patterson, Sandy Williams
- 2019 | Nettie Davis
- 2018 | Mike Staten
- 2017 | Dr. Gloria Kellum