Daily Featured Foundation - 1/16/26

1/16/2026

Here is today’s featured foundation.

The Phil Hardin Foundation

Website: https://www.philhardin.org/

Mission & Purpose: To improve the education of Mississippians. The foundation is dedicated to the belief that education is the key to improving the quality of life and economic prosperity of the state.

Broad Funding Guidelines: Grantmaking is focused on Mississippi, with a special emphasis on the Meridian area (Lauderdale County). Their sole focus is Education. They fund projects from Early Childhood through Higher Education. They are willing to take risks on new educational models and often fund professional development for teachers.

Featured Opportunity: Their support for "Literacy Initiatives" is a major priority. Given the state's focus on reading scores, the foundation actively funds nonprofit organizations and schools that are implementing evidence-based reading programs or providing summer literacy camps for at-risk youth.

Recommendation: A public school district, university, or literacy nonprofit in Mississippi (especially Meridian) that needs funding for a new educational pilot program or teacher training initiative.