Investing in Mississippi’s Future: Building Places That Matter

Jackson’s Planetarium has long been a cherished landmark in downtown, but it’s about to begin a bold new chapter. A complete reimagining of the planetarium is underway, with a total redesign of its spaces and the addition of a stunning new atrium that will unify the entire facility. In collaboration with award-winning exhibit designers, who have crafted exhibits for NASA’s Kennedy Space Center and other renowned institutions, staff are creating an interactive and immersive educational experience unlike anything Mississippi has seen before. CFM is home to the Friends of the Planetarium Fund, which supports fundraising to make this effort happen. Additionally, CFM has supported the project with $2 million in grants from the John and Lucy Shackelford Fund, playing a key role in both the planning and renovation stages of this exciting transformation.

The Museum Trail is a key connector to livability and quality of life in downtown Jackson. An effort that lasted over ten years, the trail is supported by the Greater Jackson Chamber of Commerce, the Jackson Heart Foundation and other private, state and federal sources. In an effort to complete its first phase, the Community Foundation for Mississippi brought the project over the finish line when it granted $125,000 to the City of Jackson through the John and Lucy Shackelford Fund. This supported the construction of the 2.5-mile walking, running, and biking trail section that connects the Two Mississippi Museums and Mississippi Farmer’s Market to the LeFleur Museum District. The Community Foundation’s gift has helped unlock critical funding from other public and private sources to raise the dollars needed to start construction.

In addition to this initial support, the Community Foundation has continued its commitment to the Museum Trail. In 2024, CFM provided a Shackelford Fund grant for an additional phase of the project, extending the trail from the Two Mississippi Museums, behind Hal & Mal’s, and over to Court Street, further enhancing downtown connectivity and accessibility.

The Keith Haring Fitness Court at Belhaven Heights Park is a vibrant fusion of public art and wellness, offering residents and visitors a unique outdoor exercise experience. In 2019, Jackson was chosen by the National Fitness Campaign in collaboration with the Keith Haring Foundation for a Keith Haring Fitness Court. After delays from COVID and other setbacks, the Community Foundation for Mississippi saw a need to bring the fitness court over the finish line.

After bringing together partners at the Greater Belhaven Foundation, the City of Jackson, Jackson Heart Foundation, and others, the location of the fitness court was successfully moved by the Jackson City Council to Belhaven Heights Park. As one of only ten such installations nationwide, this court features Haring’s iconic artwork and provides a full-body workout through seven stations designed for all fitness levels. Strategically located adjacent to the Museum Trail, it enhances connectivity and encourages active lifestyles within the Belhaven neighborhood and beyond. Watch a video about the project and unveiling here.

In 2017, the Community Foundation for Mississippi awarded a $750,000 John and Lucy Shackelford Fund grant to support the creation of the Museum of Mississippi History alongside its sister institution, the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum. This transformational gift, which included naming rights for the Community Foundation for Mississippi Gallery, marked a major investment in downtown Jackson’s cultural landscape. CFM’s commitment continued through the Shackelford Fund, supporting “History Is Lunch”—a weekly lecture series exploring a wide range of historical topics—and the “Speaking of Mississippi” podcast, which expanded the museum’s reach during the COVID-19 pandemic by sharing powerful stories with new audiences.

With the support of a $1 million Shackelford Fund grant, the Community Foundation for Mississippi is helping bring Margaret Ann Crigler Park to life. The new park, located at the corner of State and Mississippi streets, will serve as a welcoming public space near the Two Mississippi Museums and connect directly to the Museum Trail – also supported by the Shackelford Fund. More than just green space, the park will include an outdoor stage, a play area, and interpretive signage to encourage learning and interaction. Native plantings will reflect Mississippi’s natural beauty while supporting environmental sustainability. Learn more about the project.