The Community Foundation also offers 4 competitive grant programs which focus on Early Childhood Education, the Future of Northwest Mississippi, Place-Based Education & Civic Engagement, and Technology in Education. The application is open annually July 1st through August 1st.
We turn generosity into lasting impact. Our expert team partners with you to manage charitable assets and design personalized giving strategies that make the most of your charitable dollars — creating meaningful change for the causes and communities you care about most.
Each year, CFNM proudly offers 30+ scholarships made possible by the generosity of our donors—empowering students to achieve their dreams.
The Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi is an independent 501(c)3 charitable organization with offices in Hernando and Clarksdale, Mississippi and was established in 2002 with a generous grant from the Maddox Foundation. The Community Foundation manages 314 donor-established funds and has disbursed over $48 million in support of more than 1,000 charitable programs. The Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi serves Bolivar, Coahoma, DeSoto, Leflore, Marshall, Panola, Quitman, Sunflower, Tallahatchie, Tate, Tunica and Yalobusha counties and is governed by a Board of 22 Volunteer Leaders from the region.
This year, the Community Foundation reached $50 million in total assets and granted nearly $6 million into communities, 88% of which stayed in Mississippi.
Make the most of your charitable giving by setting up an appointment with our Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy or other exceptional team members at the Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi.
The Maddox Nonprofit & Volunteer Resource Hub connects nonprofits and volunteers with individuals, resources, and opportunities in their eleven-county service region of Northwest Mississippi. As an official program of The Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi, the HUB receives funding to host local events aimed at utilizing resources and connections available within your community.
Providing support for the growth and success of recipient families with the goal of alleviating suffering and increasing self sufficiency
The Delta Directions Consortium (DDC) is an interdisciplinary network of individuals, academic institutions, non-profit organizations, and foundations that work together to create positive social change in the multi-state Mississippi Delta Region.
Serving as a bridge between an individual's personal desire to give and the fulfillment of that charitable will. The Panola County Community Foundation is unique in that funds can be distributed across a wide range of needs including areas such as education, healthcare, and early-intervention programs.
Through the Community Digital Scholars Program, schools across the state receive access to cutting-edge digital courses at no charge.
DeSoto County Dream Center Launches DC Healthy Hub Program to Improve Community Health DeSoto County, MS — September 2025– The DeSoto County Dream Center has launched its DC Healthy Hub … Continued
John and Robin Cocke are long-time champions of Northwest Mississippi, giving generously from their hometown of Clarksdale. Their philanthropic spirit and commitment to community impact have made them treasured friends of the Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi.
President Keith Fulcher first introduced them to the Donor-Advised Fund, emphasizing how it streamlines charitable giving. The GoFund portal makes the process simple and convenient, enabling them to easily support the causes they care about most.
Faith & Community Roots
The Cockes have been active supporters of St. George’s Episcopal Church, particularly in areas of health, education, and youth ministry. Their deep connection to faith and service continues to inspire others in their community.
Innovative Giving
Under the leadership of Stacye Trout, the Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi became the first community foundation in Mississippi to accept Bitcoin—and John and Robin were the very first to step forward and make a donation in cryptocurrency. This visionary act not only supported local programs but also set a bold precedent for innovative giving.
Through their generosity, the Cockes have extended support to a variety of programs that strengthen Northwest Mississippi and beyond, including:
John and Robin remain actively engaged in shaping the future of the Foundation. Their leadership has been celebrated in board meetings, community events, and even at our Crystal Ball Gala where Robin was honored as Margaret Maddox Woman of the Year for her outstanding charitable example.
The Cockes also committed matching gift funds for our inaugural The Heart of Mississippi Gives Community Campaign to the CFNM Endowment, amplifying the impact of donors across Northwest Mississippi and investing in solutions for generations to come.
Become a Donor
"Woman and robin Cocke is one of the most fabulous people we know. she is a giver.
