Gulf Coast Community Foundation
Join Us for a Month of Philanthropy. That’s the invitation being issued by the Gulf Coast Community Foundation (GCCF) for February 2025, a month-long celebration of philanthropy packed with events that inspire giving and community impact. It all leads up to 228 Day on February 28 when the Foundation will host an open house and ribbon cutting in partnership with the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce at the Knight Nonprofit Center beginning at 9 a.m. This event will showcase the incredible impact GCCF has made across the Gulf Coast and beyond. The mission is to increase philanthropy across the lower six counties of Mississippi.
“This is the first time GCCF has done the 228 Campaign,” says President and Executive Director Christen Duhé. “In the past, the Foundation did Friends of the Foundation where individuals and businesses could make donations directly to the Foundation, but it hasn’t been done since before COVID.”
The organization wants to focus on more aspects of philanthropy, she says, and that’s why they’re hosting different events in February centered on giving. One event is a luncheon on February 14 in partnership with Coast Young Professionals and Balch & Bingham law firm where an attorney will go over estate planning for young professionals.
“There is no specific financial goal because we’re not only focusing on money, but philanthropy as a whole, whether it’s giving time, money, expertise, etc., to help our community be a better place,” Duhé said. “The main way individuals can participate are to donate, attend the luncheon, and volunteer.”
Since 1989, the Foundation has given over $110 million back to the community. Duhé explains the variety of things GCCF does that bring value to the community.
They include:
• Empowering Local Philanthropy. GCCF connects donors with causes they care about, enabling individuals, families, and businesses to create lasting impacts through funds, scholarships, and charitable giving.
• Grant-making for Community Growth. Through strategic grant-making, the GCCF supports nonprofit organizations and initiatives that address critical local needs, including education, health care, economic development, arts, and environmental sustainability.
• Building Community Resilience. GCCF plays a pivotal role in responding to crises, such as natural disasters. It mobilizes resources to support recovery and rebuild efforts, ensuring the Gulf Coast remains strong and vibrant.
• Fostering Collaboration. By serving as a convener, GCCF brings together local stakeholders – nonprofits, businesses, government entities, and individuals – to work toward common goals and solutions that benefit the entire community.
• Providing Financial Stewardship. GCCF ensures responsible management of charitable funds, allowing donors to maximize the impact of their contributions while ensuring long-term sustainability for local programs.
• Inspiring Future Generations. Through programs like scholarships and youth leadership initiatives, the GCCF invests in the region’s future by empowering young people to pursue their dreams and become community leaders.
• Advocating for Regional Pride. By uplifting community achievements and addressing regional challenges, GCCF fosters a sense of pride and collective responsibility for the Gulf Coast’s well-being.
“Gulf Coast Community Foundation has significantly contributed to the region through various initiatives and grants aimed at enhancing the quality of life for residents,” Duhé said.
Those include grant-making and scholarships, numerous educational grants including the Leo Seal teacher grants in partnership with Hancock Whitney Bank, and GCCF’s grants of up to $2,000 to outstanding educators in several counties, fostering innovative teaching solutions.
In partnership with Coast Electric Power Association, the Foundation oversees their Operation Round UP program. Since 2019, Operation Roundup has given out over $1.5 million to local nonprofits. GCCF is a fiscal sponsor for the Pathways 2 Possibilities, East Biloxi Community Collaborative and for Let’s Go! Gulf Coast.
The Foundation is involved with disaster response and recovery and in collaboration with the United Way of South Mississippi during COVID-19 provided grants to local nonprofits to address challenges posed by the pandemic, supporting community resilience during the crisis. GCCF also leads the Harrison County Long-Term Recovery Committee.
Another example of GCCF’s involvement is in animal welfare support with the Jack A. & Gertrude W. Wilson Animal Welfare Fund. It was established to provide grants for programs dedicated to the welfare of animals, including spaying and neutering, adoption initiatives, and community education.
