Not-for-profit community programs and organizations in Jones County, as well as individuals, businesses, and organizations that support these groups, will find assistance easier using the Greater PineBelt Community Foundation, now serving Jones County. The PineBelt Community Foundation, formerly the Greater Hattiesburg Community Foundation, expanded its scope of service with a name change, earlier this year.

The Community Foundation, based in Hattiesburg, receives and manages gifts to support not-for-profit organizations in the pine belt. As a non-profit, 501 (c) (3) corporation, the Foundation is a central institution to receive gifts from individuals, businesses, and organizations who wish to support not-for-profit organizations in the pine belt. The Foundation, with over $1 million in assets, invests and manages these gifts and their proceeds. Grants are made to non-profit community projects, agencies and organization in accord with fund agreements established with the donors.

The Foundation began in 1998, as project of a Leaders for a New Century Class of the Area Development Partnership. It is one of over 650 Community Foundations in the United States, all of which offer donors a variety of ways to touch their community through philanthropic giving.

The Board of Directors and professional staff understand the local issues, opportunities and resources that shape communities in the pine belt. The Foundation leadership monitors all areas of community need - including human services, city and neighborhood development, education, the environment, healthcare and the arts.

“We look forward to extending the Foundation services to Jones County,” Foundation President, Andy Mercier said. “The benefit the Foundation offers to a community, its citizens, is only limited by the community’s vision and enthusiasm.”

In the local community the Foundation gives non-profit status to qualifying programs, projects and organizations, saving time and costs in achieving this status. Types of programs the Foundation has served: Endowment to support Pine Belt Family Y, securing a K9 dog for Lamar County Sheriff’s Department, Dyslexia School and Evaluation Center in Petal, Homes of Hope for Children in Hattiesburg, new turf for Oak Grove High School, fund to assist elderly with utility bills in Petal, playground for the handicapped in Hattiesburg, support for local soccer program and many others.

Interested individuals, organizations and businesses should contact the Foundation for a packet of information at : The Greater PineBelt Community Foundation, 1507 Hardy Street, Suite 208, Hattiesburg, MS 39401, Phone 601-583-6180, fax -601-583-6188; www.hattiesburgfoundation.org; e-mail, pinebeltcf@bellsouth.net.