| 316 W. Commerce St. | Hernando, Mississippi | 38632 | 662-429-4414 | fax 429-0952 |  |
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Education Foundation
The Foundation is a Mississippi non-profit corporation formed to receive and maintain funds to be used exclusively for education purposes. The Foundation Program grew out of an effort to foster a high level of cooperation and support for all accredited schools encompassing business/industry, local citizens, civic and social organizations, and the schools.
Foundation Objective: The primary objective of the Foundation is to enhance the quality of education in DeSoto County by providing private funding for enrichment programs and offerings in the DeSoto County Schools. The Foundation will also provide assistance in initiating programs that demonstrate effective ways to meet student needs and increase motivation to learn.
Foundation Plan:The Foundation objective will be pursued by soliciting funding from all available sources such as the following:
- Grant proposals from major foundations
- Gifts of property, securities, bequests, memorial contributions, and other donations
- Private gifts of cash, real estate, or other assets
- Organizational support from PTA and other booster groups
- Contributions of cash or property from business or industry
- Funds from local government agencies
Foundation Organization and Structure: The DeSoto County Foundation for Excellence in Education, Inc., was organized by the DeSoto County Economic Development Council as a non-profit, tax exempt corporation under Mississippi law, qualifying for a 501(c)(3) ruling by the IRS. This means that contributions will be tax deductible to the donor. This is the only organization in DeSoto County sanctioned by the Board of Education for tax exempt solicitation purposes.
The Foundation is managed by a Board of Directors made up of the Executive Committee of the DeSoto Council, the Superintendent of Education, and the Chairman of the Foundation Advisory Committee.
Committees will be appointed by the Board of Directors to carry out the work of the Foundation. Membership on these committees will not be limited to DeSoto Council or Foundation Board Members. The Foundation’s Board of Directors will be able to address educational needs by providing resources directly to schools, teachers, and students.
How Funds are Used: Donations can be made to the Foundation general fund. These funds will be available on a “mini-grant” basis to educators, business/industry partnerships, endowments for college scholarships, teacher incentive programs, purchase of technological equipment, sponsorship of fine arts programs, guest speakers, faculty and student recognition, and other programs.
Funds will not be used for administrative costs or additional personnel to operate the Foundation Program. Contributions for specific purposes as designated by the donor will be honored and used in the said manner. All other gifts and contributions will be administered as determined by the Board of Directors.
Why Should You Give? The quality of education represents the lifeblood of any community. In order for DeSoto County to continue to grow and prosper, it is imperative that the schools offer the best educational experiences possible. As such, your investment in the schools is an investment in creativity and excellence in education, and an investment in the future of this county.
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Ben Flanagan Scholarship
James Bennett Flanagan, Jr., (Ben) was born March 15, 1989, with a complex congenital heart defect in which only two chambers of his heart functioned. He had many surgeries during his life, but his condition could not be repaired. As a result, Ben struggled for oxygen every day of his life. Though the heart within his chest was deformed, Ben was really born with a warrior's heart. He loved his country, the United States of America, and was well-educated in her history. He admired the courage and bravery of her Founding Fathers and the character and faith of our Southern Generals. Ben would read for hours and hours about history, the military and aviation. As a result, he knew every weapon and airplane in the United States arsenal, past and present.
Ben was passionate about truth, honor, valor and justice. He believed that the true soldier put God and country before himself. Ben knew the meaning of suffering and sacrifice. Like the Scottish warrior, William Wallace, Ben fought hard, but the victory would not be realized on earth but in heaven with his Lord, Jesus Christ.
Our Brave Soldier, Ben, died March 17, 2005.
The Ben Flanagan Scholarship of $500 is available to senior level students of public, private or home-schooled establishments and must be domiciled in Hernando, MS.
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