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Kelly Gene Cook Sr Charitable Foundation Inc

Annual Giving
$2.2M
Grant Range
$1K - $1.5M

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $2.2 million (based on 2023 expenses)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: Not publicly specified
  • Grant Range: $1,000 - $1,500,000
  • Geographic Focus: Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas

Contact Details

Website: https://kgccf.smapply.org/
Phone: 601.981.1116
Email: katy@kgccf.com
Executive Director: Katy Pacelli
Address: 9 Southside Circle, Houston, TX 77025-1407

Overview

The Kelly Gene Cook Sr. Charitable Foundation Inc., established in 1986 by Kelly Gene Cook Sr. and his wife Peggy, is a private foundation with over $33 million in assets. The foundation's mission is to help people in need and ensure that children are educated regardless of race, religion, or disabilities. With annual expenses of approximately $2.2 million, the foundation primarily supports charitable, religious, educational, and scientific organizations in Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas. The foundation awarded grants to 64 recipients in 2024 and 60 recipients in 2023, demonstrating consistent grant-making activity focused heavily on education and youth development.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Deborah Rochelle Teacher Grant Program: Up to $5,000 per award
Supports instructional, research-based projects providing direct service to students in East Baton Rouge, Livingston, and St. Helena parishes in Louisiana. Applications available through online portal.

STAR Program Scholarships (Mississippi):

  • Top ALL-STAR Scholar: $24,000 over four years
  • First Runner-Up: $20,000 over four years
  • Second Runner-Up: $16,000 over four years
  • Remaining 17 ALL-STAR Scholars: $1,000 each (one-time)
  • Teacher awards range from $500-$1,000

University Scholarships: Variable amounts based on need and merit
Available at Mississippi College, Mississippi State University, University of Mississippi, University of Southern Mississippi, and Millsaps College. Applications open March 1 and close April 14 annually.

Priority Areas

  • Higher education scholarships for Mississippi residents
  • K-12 education enhancement through teacher grants
  • Support for educational institutions and capital projects
  • Programs serving children with speech, language, and developmental disorders
  • Religious and charitable organizations in the tri-state region

What They Don't Fund

Not explicitly stated, but funding appears limited to organizations in Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas, with strong preference for educational initiatives.

Governance and Leadership

Executive Director: Katy Pacelli

Board of Directors:

  • President: Deborah Rochelle (Folsom, Louisiana) - Kelly Gene Cook's niece
  • Treasurer: Ron Page (Houston, Texas)
  • Secretary: JoAnn Mikell (Madison, Mississippi) - Retired in 2020 after 20+ years
  • Director: Carolyn Bost (Madison, Mississippi)

Deborah Rochelle, Foundation President, shared about the founder: "He often said our youth are our most precious natural resource and that we should take care of them."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Online Portal: All applications submitted through https://kgccf.smapply.org/

University Scholarships:

Teacher Grants: Applications available through the same portal with rolling deadlines

Requirements for Scholarships:

  • Mississippi residency
  • Demonstrated financial need
  • Academic merit (typically 3.5+ GPA, 24+ ACT)
  • Available for up to four years of undergraduate study

Decision Timeline

Not publicly specified, but scholarship decisions appear to be made before the start of the academic year.

Success Rates

  • 2024: 64 recipients funded
  • 2023: 60 recipients funded
  • Success rate percentage not publicly disclosed

Reapplication Policy

Scholarships can be extended for multiple years of undergraduate study based on continued eligibility and academic performance.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's funding patterns and stated mission:

  • Mississippi Connection Essential: Strong preference for Mississippi residents and organizations serving the tri-state area
  • Academic Excellence Combined with Need: Scholarships require both high academic achievement (3.5+ GPA, 24+ ACT) AND demonstrated financial need
  • Direct Student Impact: Teacher grants must provide direct service to students through research-based projects
  • Institutional Relationships: Foundation maintains long-term partnerships with specific universities and actively supports capital campaigns
  • Youth Focus: Aligns with founder's belief that "youth are our most precious natural resource"

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Foundation has significant assets ($33M) with consistent annual giving around $2.2 million • Strong geographic restrictions - must serve Mississippi, Louisiana, or Texas • Education is the primary focus, particularly higher education scholarships and K-12 teacher support • Applications are entirely online through their portal at kgccf.smapply.org • Established relationships with specific universities suggest preference for institutional partners • Contact Executive Director Katy Pacelli directly at katy@kgccf.com for questions • Foundation makes both small grants ($1,000) and major gifts (up to $1.5 million for capital projects)

References

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