The Mid South Commission to
Build Philanthropy:
Developing Community Wealth,
Promoting Racial and Social Equity

The Mid South Commission to Build Philanthropy came together to consider the question "How can the region's citizens, its philanthropic organizations, and the Foundation for the Mid South develop community wealth and promote racial and social equity in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Made up of thirty-two diverse citizens (diverse in race; gender; economic and social backgrounds; and age and experience) from the Mid South, the Commission worked together for eighteen months, meeting six times as a whole Commission. Through the generous support of the Ford Foundation, the Commission gained a deeper appreciation for how philanthropy can be a powerful tool unleashing human potential and creativity. Not only was the Commission able to study philanthropy as it exists in the Mid South, the Commission traveled to Brazil, South Africa, and Chicago to study new forms of organized philanthropy working to more effectively promote equity.

The Commission's vision for an equitable New Mid South focuses on eliminating poverty and creating the conditions for all people to participate fully in the economic, social, cultural, and political life of the region. The end result of the Commission's work from January 2003 and December 2004 is a report detailing the Commission's recommendations to the region's philanthropic leadership to advance the vision of a prosperous and equitable Mid South.

The Report issues recommendations in categories and under each category lists community strategies, short-term regional goals, and five-year regional goals.

Interested in a printed report? Contact >>>Chris Crothers to order a complimentary copy. Additional copies of the report are $8 each.

>>>Download the complete report (1.2MB PDF).

>>>Additional information on the Commission.

>>>Contact Chris Crothers for further information.

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