The Greater PineBelt Community Foundation was conceived in 1997 by an Area Development Partnership Leaders for A New Century class. This annual community service initiative is now known as Leadership Pine Belt. A group of civic and business leaders assisted the class in the foundation planning.

These leaders realized the need for a local community foundation to serve as a steward for community improvement. All foundation documents were complete and business began in early 1998.

There are over 700 community foundations in the United States, which represent the fastest growing opportunity for community philanthropy.

Foundation Operation

The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that serves as a conduit for permanent endowments and pass through funds. It is governed by a board of directors, familiar with community needs and chosen to represent a cross-section of public interests.

Gifts received by the Foundation are used to benefit a number of projects that improve the quality of life in the community and benefit future generations. Currently, the Foundation manages assets in excess of $1 million.

 

Foundation in the News

Theresa Erickson Named PineBelt Foundation Executive Director Theresa Erickson has been named the new executive director of the Greater PineBelt Community Foundation. She succeeds Bill Pace, part-time executive director. Erickson began work on August 17, becoming the first full-time executive director of the 10-year-old Foundation. The foundation is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) community foundation created in 1998 by a group of local business and civic leaders. It functions as a central institution to receive gifts from individuals, businesses, and organizations who wish to support not-for-profit organizations in the pine belt of south Mississippi. Prior to joining the Foundation, Erickson was business development officer with Hattiesburg Clinic since 1989. She was responsible for business development, marketing, advertising and public relations for the largest medical multi-specialty group practice in Mississippi. She received her bachelor's degree in social work from Lubbock Christian University and her master's degree in communications from Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. She has also received the status of Certified Medical Practice Executive by the American Medical Group Association, and Certified Marketing Executive by Sales and Marketing Executives International Accreditation Institute. In addition she is a certified Life Coach with the Guiding Mindful Change Organization. Hattiesburg American - Sep 14, 2009

Home | Funds | Donors | Partners Program | Partners List | Directors | Contact Us | Links