Create a better tomorrow. Make a difference today with...

Since 1962, The Box Project has encouraged and enriched the lives of families and individuals living in rural poverty through friendship, education, and material aid.

Since 2009, The Box Project has been a program of the Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi, where we continue to fight rural poverty by helping to connect people who care with causes that matter.

A Message from the Director:

A Thoughtful Path to Your Philanthropic Legacy

Dear Friends of The Box Project,

Creating a lasting philanthropic legacy may feel out of reach for many, often perceived as requiring generational wealth. However, your legacy is defined by your intentions and how you choose to give during your lifetime. Thoughtful philanthropy goes beyond large donations; in fact, consistent, engaged giving can be even more impactful.

To make a difference, define your charitable priorities and consider how your actions will influence future generations. If giving is a core family value, initiate conversations with your children and grandchildren early on. Your philanthropic legacy can be as simple as instilling a servant’s heart in your children and grandchildren, fostering a passion for giving that endures.

We are grateful you have chosen The Box Project as one of your charitable priorities. It’s an effective way to cultivate a passion for philanthropy in your family that inspires giving for generations. Please share your Box Project experiences with family and friends, encouraging them to join in "creating a better tomorrow by making a lasting impact today." By enriching the lives of families living in rural poverty through The Box Project, you are already building a legacy of giving. Sharing your journey with others who can make a difference will help sustain your philanthropic impact long after you’re gone.

Kindly devoted to making a lasting impact in the lives of others,

Kara Dulaney, Director

"A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed" Proverbs 11:25

Former Sponsor of 15 Years Donates Historical Artifacts to the Box Project Special Archives Collection

Marcia Pertuz recently reached out to the Box Project about donating the artifacts she saved from her 15 years as a Box Project Sponsor (1979-1994) to our organization. The box of items arrived October 14th and will be added to our Special Archives Collection at Delta State University. We are thankful for her contribution to the story of our organization and its rich history (established in 1962). The Box Project is coming up on its 65th Anniversary in just 3 years, and we cannot wait to share some of the unique pieces in our archives as a part of the celebration. If you have items you believe should be added to our archive collection, please reach out to us by emailing director@boxproject.org, marketing@cfnm.org, or by calling 662.449.5002.

BOX PROJECT NEWS

The 2024-2025 Back-to-School Shopping Program was a success!

THANK YOU Box Project Sponsors and Donors for contributing to our Back-to-School Sponsorship Program! Families on the waitlist for a long-term sponsor were grateful for the generosity and opportunity to shop together for school supplies that students need to start the 2024-2025 school year off on a positive note! For children in poverty, the implications of having a pair of shoes that fit for the fall, a backpack that is not full of rips and holes, or even having a pencil of their own to write with on the first day are invaluable. Many of our recipient families have never had the opportunity to take their children back-to-school shopping and note the confidence and joy that sponsors offered them this back-to-school season through The Box Project. Studies show that students who start school with the supplies they need in the classroom and at home are more motivated, have higher self-esteem, and enjoy a better learning experience overall. Across a lifetime, this leads to higher rates of high school graduation, secondary education pursuits, and career success. Thank you for contributing to the small things that can make a big difference!

To stay in the know about past, current, and upcoming Box Project events, bookmark this page on our website!

Box Project Recipients and Referral Agencies "shop" Donated Items to Celebrate 55 Days of Giving with Community Foundation of NWMS, Maddox Nonprofit & Volunteer Resource HUB and Boss Lady Economic Planning & Development!

This month, Box Project Recipient Families had an opportunity to "shop" donated items from the Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi. Many items that were selected were for babies and children, household repairs, and clothing and bedding items.

Several items were set aside to help the families around Christmas time who are not yet paired with a sponsor family. donated items will be wrapped and boxed up to send to un-matched families during the Holidays.

Reach out to us at 662.449.5002 if there are any specific need items that your recipient family needs but you are unable to provide so we can check our remaining inventory.

Or have your recipient family call us to come "shop."

Box Project Recipients Attend Fall Festival thanks to But God Ministries (Jonestown Recipient Referral Agency) Host!

THANK YOU to our dedicated referral agencies for assisting us in allowing Box Project recipients to receive donated items from the Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi's Amazon pallet distribution. Recipient families were able to come in and "shop" for items they need for their children and around the house. Grateful for the generosity, many of them only took one or two items showing the humility that our recipients embody on a daily basis. In Jonestown, recipients attended the Fall Festival hosted by But God Ministries and Linda McGrew, our long-time partners who serve as the primary referral agency in Jonestown where many of our recipients reside. Items were available

Dates to Remember

Oct 17th: Child Poverty Day & International Eradication of Poverty Day

Nov 7th: Last Day to Sign Up to Sponsor a Winter Holiday Recipient

Click here to Sign Up to be a Winter Holiday Sponsor!

Nov 28th: Thanksgiving Holiday

Dec 3rd: Giving Tuesday

Click here to Make a Donation!

To learn more about how to support The Box Project, visit Sponsorship & Donation Options on our website.

SPONSOR RESOURCES

Delivering with Dignity: How to Ensure your Box is Addressing the Needs of Your Sister Family Appropriately

When selecting items for your monthly "basic needs" box, it’s essential to consider the unique needs of each recipient family. While it might be tempting to choose items you think they want, asking families directly about their specific needs is crucial. This approach helps ensure that the contents of the boxes support their dignity and identity.

Here are a few items to consider packing in your box:

Baby Items: Diapers, wipes, etc.
New Blankets & Sheets
Cleaning Supplies: Dish soap, laundry detergent
Cooking Tools
Feminine Hygiene Items
New Socks & Undergarments
Personal Hygiene Items: Shampoo, body wash
Winter Pullovers & Coats

Remember! Sending gently used items is OK but we encourage you to use your best judgement when sending items. Ask yourself, "Would I use this if it were sent to me in this condition?" If you wouldn't, then do not include it in your box for a recipient.

For a comprehensive list and additional packing ideas, visit our sponsor resources page.

End of the Year Giving Options

With the year-end approaching, it’s a great time to incorporate The Box Project into your EOY giving plan. Here are some ways to support The Box Project:

(1) If you’re 73 or older, consider a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) to satisfy your Required Minimum Distribution from your IRA. Consult your advisor about potential tax savings by directing your QCD to the Box Project Current Giving or Endowment Fund.

(2) Plan ahead! If you have an IRA and a large family, discuss with your advisor the option of naming the Box Project (Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi EIN) as your IRA beneficiary. This can save your family from tax burdens.

(3) Remember, you can also name the Box Project as a beneficiary on your life insurance policy. Even a small percentage can make a significant impact on those in rural poverty.

(4) If you want to donate something other than cash, consider appreciated stock. Donating stock can provide greater tax benefits than cash. Reach out to our team (662.449.5002) for a quick transfer.

(5) If the Box Project holds special significance for you or your family, think about leaving a bequest. You don’t need to do anything now—just promise to leave something after your death.

(6) Another option is a Charitable Remainder Trust. If real estate is part of your giving plan, you can transfer your residence to the trust, which will provide income for life (or a set term). Remaining value goes to the Box Project Fund, and you may qualify for an upfront income tax deduction. Consult your advisor for details.

(7) Charitable Lead Trusts may be advantageous in today’s tax climate. These trusts provide income to the Box Project for a specified time, with remaining assets going to family members. The remainder interest counts toward estate and gift tax exemptions.

For questions about supporting the Box Project, contact Stacye Trout (strout@cfnm.org). Reach out to your advisor to explore how these options can benefit you and your charitable giving.

Other Ways to Support The Box Project

Follow us on Social Media! By clicking an icon above or scanning the QR Code, you can follow us on social media to see regular Box Project updates and share stories with your friends and family.

Complex Asset Contributions: stocks, bonds, cryptocurrency, IRA, insurance policy, real property, intellectual property, oil and mineral rights, and more!

Planned Giving: As you review your long-range estate and financial plans, ask you financial advisor the benefits of including The Box Project.

Memorial Gifts: These gifts can honor a deceased’s life, values, and passions while supporting a cause that was meaningful to them. They can take various forms, including cash donations, contributions to a fund, or donations of goods or services. They serve as a way for friends and family to remember and celebrate the individual’s legacy while making a positive impact in the community.

To learn more about how to support The Box Project, visit Sponsorship & Donation Options on our website.

Share your Box Project Story with Us!

Box Project sponsors and recipients can support our mission by encouraging others to join our efforts to break the cycle of rural poverty in the Mississippi Delta. The exchange of stories is how the Box Project first came to be and is one of the main reasons it has changed so many lives. By sharing your experience with the Box Project, you help another family get back on their feet.

If you'd like to remain anonymous, no problem! We will change the names or simply state "anonymous participant."

Share your story today by scanning the QR Code on the left. Or contact us at 662.449.5002 or marketing@cfnm.org for more info.

Click here to Share your Story!

RECIPIENT RESOURCES

Community Resources & Support

List to Share with your Recipient

Several of our Box Project recipients attended the Digital Literacy Course in Coahoma County which not only provided them with a three-course certificate program but also a brand new computer device once they completed the learning sessions! We are thankful to Diaper Bank of the Delta and But God Ministries (our Coahoma County Referral Agencies) for helping us spread the word about this free opportunity!