“Connecting People Who Care with Causes That Matter in Panola County”
The Panola County Community Foundation serves as a bridge between an individual’s personal desire to give and the fulfillment of that charitable will.
As a partner fund to the Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi, we are in the midst of building a permanent, charitable fund to benefit all citizens of Panola County.
Panola County native and local business leader William Pride gathered a group of Panola County professionals and community leaders for the purpose of creating and establishing an endowment. In 2008, the Panola County Community Foundation was founded.
Since its founding, the goal remains simple: to improve the quality of life for all Panolians—now and for generations to come.
As one of ten counties served by the Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi, Panola County maintains a unique partnership with the Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi which serves to advise, guide, and provide matching funds to the Panola County Community Foundation.
In 2008, the Panola County Community Foundation organized a local board, established bylaws, and began creating a strategic plan to raise $100,000, raising $20,000 in less than one year.
The Panola County Community Foundation serves as a bridge between individuals’ personal desire to give and the fulfillment of that charitable will.
Giving to an endowment means giving to the future and helping to create permanent funds that have long-term, everlasting impact. Unlike a charitable donation to a specific organization, the Panola County Community Foundation receives money, invests money and gives money for county programs and projects—while leaving a portion in the fund to grow and provide for future giving.
Anyone can give to an endowment. Assets can be of any type or value including cash, land, stocks or property. Donations can be designated as endowed or non-endowed. Assets are pooled and invested under the direction of the Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi.
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. As years pass and needs change, the foundation can still fulfill its mission to improve quality of life by continually identifying priority needs and by giving supporting funds.
The volunteer board of directors reflects the diversity of Panola County. The board sets policy and acts as an advisor to the Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi.
Joe Azar, President
Batesville
Frank West, Vice-President
CEO, 1st Security Bank
Batesville
Karen Ott Mayer, Secretary
Writer
Como
Judge Jimmy McClure, Treasurer
Circuit Court Judge, 17th District
Sardis
Meg Bartlett
Spiritual Leader, Home Place Pastures
Como
Betty Billingsley
Retired, Batesville City School
Batesville
Michael Dunlap
President, Dunlap & Kyle
Batesville
Janet Flint
Case Worker, North Delta Planning & Development District, Inc.
Batesville
Roy Girner
President, Dell Street Storage
Batesville
John Reed
North Panola School System
Sardis
Sledge Taylor
Owner, Buckeye Farms
Como
If you would like to make a donation to the Panola County Community Foundation, contact:
Panola County Community Foundation
c/o Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi
315 Losher Street, Suite 100
Hernando, MS 38632
Contact: Joe Azar, President / 662-563-3126
