As the City of Jackson and its surrounding communities continue to recover from the recent water crisis, Atmos Energy has announced support for ongoing relief efforts by making a $25,000 contribution to the Community Foundation for Mississippi (CFM) for Jackson Public Schools (JPS) through the Foundation’s JPS Response Fund. Atmos Energy is also making a $25,000 contribution to the Helping Friends and Neighbors Fund (Disaster Response Fund) at CFM to support nonprofits.
“The immediate crisis is over but there is a lot of work to do in the Jackson area before everything gets back to normal. Hopefully, this donation will help Jackson Public Schools and our young people get back on a regular learning path,” said Matt Davidson, President of the Mississippi Division of Atmos Energy. “We are so fortunate to have the Community Foundation for Mississippi as a partner to ensure our donation funds make the most impact.”
CFM connects donors, communities, and non-profit organizations to make meaningful and lasting change. Atmos Energy is contributing $50,000 in total to CFM’s Disaster Relief Fund and JPS Response Fund. Half of that donation will help JPS address needs for challenges declared by disasters and emergencies, including water issues. The other half will support the Hub for the Hungry program through the Helping Friends and Neighbors Fund at CFM, which unites Mississippi nonprofit agencies with food distribution companies and local farmers, powered by Good Samaritan Center and Extra Table.
“We are so grateful for Atmos Energy’s unbelievably kind donation,” said Jane Alexander, Community Foundation for Mississippi President and CEO. “The Disaster Relief Fund was created to enhance disaster responses because donations to the fund can easily adapt to current needs at hand, whether that is food, medical supplies, shelter or something completely unforeseen. A donation to this fund will aid in the long-term effort to make our city whole after this crisis.”
JPS Superintendent Dr. Errick Greene says the JPS Response Fund at CFM and Atmos Energy’s donation will help the district bridge gaps during times of need. “We are extremely grateful for Atmos Energy’s support of the Jackson community’s ongoing relief efforts,” Greene said. “The water crisis has created hardship for many JPS scholars and their families, and this support will help to bring greater stability to their lives. With all the challenges that our communities have faced, it’s wonderful to have partners like Atmos Energy to help us remain focused on the work of teaching and learning.”
Central District Public Service Commissioner Brent Bailey also joined Thursday, expressing his support for the partnership. “I am proud to join Atmos Energy and the Community Foundation for Mississippi for this announcement of generous contributions that will help provide crucial assistance in Jackson following the most recent water crisis,” Central District Public Service Commissioner Brent Bailey said. “We are grateful for the ongoing efforts of Atmos Energy, as they continue to be vested and supportive in many partnerships that make a beneficial impact on communities in our capital city and statewide.”
The Foundation is also challenging others to help support the Helping Friends and Neighbors Fund (Disaster Response Fund) with a $25,000 challenge match. CFM’s Community Trust Fund will match $25,000 in gifts to help increase the available pool to support mid and long-term solutions related to the Jackson water crisis.
CFM recently launched the Nonprofit Rapid Response Mini-Grant to reimburse 501c3 nonprofits in the Jackson area who have been directly affected by the Jackson water crisis. Grants will reimburse expenses related to the water crisis, which began July 29, 2022, for increased demand for, or increased supply of drinkable water. Expenses should be unplanned, un-budgeted expenses (related to water needs) related to charitable service by nonprofits from July 29 – September 15, 2022. Reimbursements may range from $200-$2,000. Funding for this grant is made possible by the Helping Friends and Neighbors Fund. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, October 12, 2022, at 11:59 p.m. Awards will be announced in early November.
To learn more about CFM’s impact during the Jackson water crisis and how to apply for the Nonprofit Rapid Response Mini-Grant, visit formississippi.org.