January 2024

WellsFest CARES Fund Supports Musicians in Need

WellsFest, the annual music festival of Wells United Methodist Church, has been a long-time staple of the Jackson fall event scene. For over 40 years, the generosity of musicians donating their time and talent has made the event possible. Now, a group has come together to give back to local musicians and create more programming to keep the spirit of WellsFest alive all year long through the WellsFest CARES Fund at the Community Foundation for Mississippi.

“Musicians are great at providing entertainment and giving us a lot of things to be joyful about,” said Keith Ferguson, founder of the WellsFest CARES Fund at CFM. “Sometimes they’re not really equipped with a safety net and will run into trouble spots… we want to be there for those musicians who hit those times. It may be an instrument that needs repair. It may be a car that needs repair. It may be dental – could be utilities. It could be funeral expenses. And so we want to be there for those musicians that have a little extra need and just need some extra helping hand there.”

With several benefit concerts under their belt, the group is hosting a tribute concert on February 4 at 4 p.m. in memory of their first grant recipient, Steve Chester.

Ferguson was recently featured on Visit Jackson's Soul Sessions podcast, where he discussed the fund's efforts and the upcoming concert.

Hal's St. Paddy's Parade is only a few months away!

Jacksonians are gearing up for one of the biggest and best events of the year, as Hal’s St. Paddy’s Parade & Festival returns on March 23, 2024, in downtown Jackson! The official theme of this year’s event is “Telling the Mississippi Story,” and the parade’s Grand Marshal is Walt Grayson. As in years past, the parade and festival will raise money for Children’s of Mississippi. Often called the best day in Jackson, the parade sees 50,000 spectators, and the festival now spans two weekends with a variety of activities leading up to the parade, including the Run for the Rainbow for Children's on March 16.

In 2019, the Hal’s St. Paddy’s Parade Fund was created at the Community Foundation for Mississippi to allow for charitable giving from parade supporters across the country. Sponsorships, donations and grants to the fund are the sole sources of funding for this beloved event. Want to be a part of the parade with a marching band, krewe or float? Registration is still open!

State Grant

Mississippi Arts Commission's annual grants open on February 1 and close on March 1. Don't miss this opportunity to support your artistic endeavors! Grants include project grants for individuals and organizations, operating grants, Artist Fellowships, Teaching Artist Roster, Apprenticeship, and Whole Schools. Learn more here.

Regional Grants

South Arts has several grant opportunities available. South Arts Express Grants (rolling deadline) and Presentation Grants (deadline: March 1, 2024) are also available.

National Grant



T-Mobile is investing $25M in 500 rural towns over 5 years to jumpstart projects and build stronger communities. Rural communities can apply for up to $50,000 for a Hometown Grant to bring their community idea to life. Twenty five grants are awarded each quarter. Learn more here.

The AARP Community Challenge provides small grants to fund quick-action projects that can help communities become more livable for people of all ages. There are three areas of grant opportunities. The deadline to apply is March 6. Learn more here.