CFEM awards endowment grants for Children’s Museum programs
Published 11:17 am Thursday, May 1, 2025
- The Community Foundation of East Mississippi on Wednesday awarded grants from two endowments to support programs at The Mississippi Children’s Museum-Meridian. Photo by Thomas Howard
The Mississippi Children’s Museum-Meridian will be able to expand its programs just a little bit further after it received two grants from endowments Wednesday from the Community Foundation of East Mississippi.
The Margaret Dulaney Arts Endowment was established to honor the memory of Dulaney, who was deeply involved in the arts community in Meridian. Through the endowment, her passion for creativity and arts continues to make an impact in the community.
The Mississippi Children’s Museum-Meridian received a grant from the Excellence in Education Endowment Fund through the Community Foundation of East Mississippi to support its Field Trip Scholarships program. Pictured, from left, are MCM-Meridian Director of Education and Programs Clair Huff and Director of Fundraising Shelby Chaney, CFEM Executive Director Christin Waters and MCM-Meridian Executive Director Barbara Zeller. Photo by Thomas Howard
At MCM-Meridian, the Margaret Dulaney Arts Endowment will be used to support Artful Friday, a project in which the museum brings in visiting artists and hosts arts activities for students in its after school program.
“We are excited to support the Mississippi Children’s Museum-Meridian and the Artful Friday project,” said Christin Waters, executive director of the Community Foundation of East Mississippi. “We look forward to the positive impact this program will have on the children who attend the after school program at MCM-M from Crestwood Elementary. Supporting creative expression and access to the arts is a meaningful way to continue Margaret’s legacy.”
The museum also received a grant from the Excellence in Education Endowment Fund which will go toward its field trips scholarships program. Established in memory of Walter Smith, who worked with Phil Hardin in managing Hardin’s Bakeries Corporation. Known for his passion for the well being of his community, Smith is recognized through the endowment by furthering education opportunities for East Mississippi students.
The Field Trip Scholarships program will give more children the opportunity to visit MCM-Meridian and take advantage of its educational and entertaining exhibits and programs.
Wednesday’s grant awards come as part of CFEM’s first quarter grants. Beginning Tuesday and continuing through May 7, grants will be awarded to a total of nine organizations throughout the community.
For more information about The Mississippi Children’s Museum-Meridian and its programs visit mschildrensmuseum.org/meridian.
To learn more about the Community Foundation of East Mississippi, its endowments, grant applications and more, visit cfem.org.
