The Mississippi Economic Council (MEC) and SuperTalk Mississippi Media announce the establishment of the Mississippi Major Disaster Relief Fund to support Mississippians impacted by major disasters. This initiative’s goal is to provide grants to help address needs that continue to exist long after initial emergency assistance has been provided.
The fund, managed by MEC’s MB Swayze Foundation, is a partnership between SuperTalk Mississippi Media and MEC. Collaborating with local communities, chambers of commerce, and state and local officials, the fund will focus on targeted and effective relief efforts.
“The fund will work with local entities to help address ongoing issues in disaster-affected areas,” said Scott Waller, President and CEO of the Mississippi Economic Council.
While first responders, state and federal agencies, and traditional relief organizations are extremely vital in the recovery and relief in the initial days following a disaster, additional support is also essential.
“Organizations like the Red Cross, Salvation Army, MEMA, and FEMA provide rapid response and do a great job of helping with immediate assistance to those affected,” said Steve Davenport, Founder and Chairman of SuperTalk Mississippi Media. “The Mississippi Major Disaster Relief Fund can play a tremendous role in helping with long-term recovery. Working with local leaders, we can identify the gaps that exist and provide grants to fill those gaps.”
Among the potential areas of support are:
- Housing assistance
- Food donations
- Household items
- Scholarships for students impacted by disasters
- Other identified needs
The fund will have an advisory board comprised of business and community leaders which will engage with local organizations to pinpoint areas of greatest need.
The manager of the fund, MEC’s MB Swayze Foundation, will work closely with the Mississippi Secretary of State and establish a system that will require reporting from the grantees on how monies received from the fund were spent.
“Transparency is critical to ensuring the maximum use of all donations, and that we will be making a difference in helping Mississippians in their time of greatest need,” Waller said.
“Mississippians have a storied history of coming together to help our neighbors. We’ve seen similar programs work well in other states, and I think this new Major Disaster Relief Fund will provide agile, necessary resources to Mississippians in need,” said Secretary of State Michael Watson. “I applaud MEC and SuperTalk Mississippi on this important partnership,”
The fund will be activated following a major natural disaster affecting a significant number of Mississippi residents. The fund’s advisory group will oversee the fund’s activation and administration. The fund will prioritize long-term needs, supplementing the efforts of rapid response organizations.
- SuperTalk Mississippi Media will disseminate information about the fund and its impact at no cost.
- MEC will waive all traditional administrative fees, covering only direct operating costs.
- Public filings with the Mississippi Secretary of State will detail all donations and expenses of the fund.
“While it would be great to think we will never have to activate this fund, we are going to face major disasters in our state,” Davenport said. “Setting up this fund now means we will be ready to go to work when it is needed. It will provide a way to assist communities across Mississippi during a time they need it the most.”
How to Donate
Donations to the Mississippi Major Disaster Relief Fund can be made online or by mail:
- Online payments can be made via credit card at www.msmec.com/MSDisasterFund
- Checks should be made payable to the MEC/Swayze Foundation Disaster Fund and mailed to MEC/Swayze Foundation, P.O. Box 23276, Jackson, MS 39225-3276.
- Please note that credit card transactions may incur bank or payment network fees.
Tax Information
The MEC’s MB Swayze Foundation is a Section 501(c)(3) public charity, and donations are generally tax-deductible in the United States. The Federal Tax ID number is 64-0602740. The fund operates under the oversight of the Mississippi Economic Council in accordance with the bylaws and articles of incorporation of the MB Swayze Foundation.
For more information about the Mississippi Major Disaster Relief Fund and to donate, please visit www.msmec.com/MSDisasterFund.
About Mississippi Economic Council
The Mississippi Economic Council – the State Chamber of Commerce – has been the voice of Mississippi business since 1949. MEC deals with broad business issues through advocacy, research, resources, and leadership. MEC has more than 11,000 members from 1,000 member firms in 2,400 locations throughout Mississippi.
About SuperTalk Mississippi Media
With four statewide radio networks, 12 talk radio stations, 16 music stations, SuperTalk TV, STMM Digital, and over 45 affiliates, SuperTalk Mississippi Media covers every inch of the state. Mississippi-owned and operated SuperTalk Mississippi Media is Mississippi’s leader in news, politics, sports, music, and all things Mississippi.
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