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Phil Hardin Foundation

Annual Giving
$4.8M
Decision Time
2mo

Phil Hardin Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $4.8 million (2024)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: 2-3 months (60 days submission before board meeting)
  • Grant Range: Varies by project
  • Geographic Focus: Mississippi (statewide)

Contact Details

Website: https://www.philhardin.org
Phone: 601.483.4282
Email: info@philhardin.org
Pre-application Contact: Lloyd Gray, Executive Director - lgray@philhardin.org
Application Support: Shery Flood - 601.483.4282
Address: 2750 North Park Drive, Meridian, MS 39305

Overview

Founded in 1964 by businessman Phil Hardin, the Phil Hardin Foundation was Mississippi's first statewide foundation, established with wealth from Hardin's Bakeries. With current assets of approximately $64 million and an endowment reported at $250 million, the foundation distributes approximately $4.8 million annually in charitable grants. The foundation's singular mission is "to improve the education of all Mississippians," believing that excellent education benefits both individuals and strengthens communities across the state. The foundation celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2014, having started with a modest $250 scholarship as its first grant and growing to become one of Mississippi's most significant educational philanthropies.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates seven grant-making priority categories (specific details not publicly listed), with recent featured grants including:

  • Any Given Child (Meridian Public School District)
  • Mississippi Children's Museum
  • Freedom Project Network (serving Meridian, Sunflower, and Rosedale)

Priority Areas

  • Education improvement initiatives across Mississippi
  • Programs benefiting Mississippi-based entities
  • Educational access and opportunity
  • Community-based educational programs

What They Don't Fund

  • Organizations that are not 501(c)(3) public charities or governmental agencies
  • Supporting organizations
  • Programs that do not benefit Mississippians or Mississippi-based entities
  • Proposals outside their seven priority categories

Governance and Leadership

Executive Leadership:

  • Lloyd Gray - Executive Director ($143,814 compensation)
  • Rebecca Combs-Dulaney - CEO (mentioned in 50th anniversary coverage)

Board Officers:

  • Robert F Ward - President ($77,118 compensation)
  • Ronnie L Walton - Secretary ($63,222 compensation)
  • Martin Davidson - Treasurer ($63,222 compensation)

Former Governor William Winter, who delivered the keynote at the foundation's 50th anniversary, praised the foundation's commitment to Mississippi education.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

  1. Initial Contact Required: Email Executive Director Lloyd Gray at lgray@philhardin.org to discuss your proposal before applying
  2. Online Application: Submit through grantrequest.com (can save and continue later)
  3. Complete All Sections: All application sections must be fully completed

Required Attachments:

  • IRS tax-exempt determination letter (first-time applicants only)
  • List of board members with affiliations
  • Most recent audited financial statement or Form 990
  • Operating and project budgets
  • List of past and present funders

Decision Timeline

  • Board meets monthly (except July and November)
  • Applications must be submitted 60 days before desired board meeting
  • Total process typically takes 2-3 months from submission to decision
  • Currently not considering proposals for 2026 funding cycle
  • May begin discussing 2027 funding opportunities

Success Rates

Not publicly available

Reapplication Policy

Information not publicly available. Organizations should contact the foundation directly regarding reapplication after an unsuccessful attempt.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's stated requirements and priorities:

  • Strong Research Foundation: Proposals must be based on current research with measurable goals and outcomes
  • Clear Mississippi Impact: Demonstrate direct benefit to Mississippians or Mississippi-based entities
  • Alignment with Seven Priorities: Must clearly align with one or more of the foundation's seven grant-making priority categories
  • Pre-Application Discussion: Initial contact with Lloyd Gray is mandatory - use this opportunity to refine your proposal
  • Financial Transparency: Provide comprehensive financial documentation including budgets and funding history
  • Board Engagement: Include detailed board member information showing strong governance

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Mandatory pre-application consultation with the Executive Director is crucial - this step cannot be skipped
  • The foundation has substantial assets ($64M) with consistent annual giving around $4.8 million
  • Focus exclusively on education-related initiatives that benefit Mississippi residents
  • Board meets regularly (10 months per year), providing multiple decision opportunities
  • The foundation is currently planning for 2027 funding, indicating long-term strategic planning
  • As Mississippi's first statewide foundation with a 60-year history, they value sustained impact and proven programs
  • Application support is available through Shery Flood for technical questions

References

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