The Children’s Foundation of Mississippi is focused on improving the policies and systems that affect the well-being of children in our state. We were founded in 2019 to serve as a convener, facilitator, advocate, and catalyst for positive change. When we make sure that children and youth get off to a strong start, we’re setting the stage for Mississippi to realize new possibilities. Today’s young people are tomorrow’s neighbors, leaders, and workforce. By promoting their wellbeing, we are building a better future for our state.

Since our launch in August 2019, as a 501 c (3), the Children’s Foundation of Mississippi (CFM) has worked to improve outcomes for Mississippi ’s children through data-driven policy, cross-sector collaboration, and targeted community investment. Over the past five years, we’ve laid the groundwork for lasting change by producing original research, facilitating statewide partnerships, and providing strategic leadership in key areas like early childhood education, mental health, and child welfare.

This timeline captures the major milestones, partnerships, and impact we’ve achieved from 2019 through 2024—and includes a glimpse into the early accomplishments of 2025 and what’s ahead. You’ ll find highlights from our statewide summits, the development of two comprehensive Blueprints, the growth of our Early Childhood Councils, and the expansion of KIDS COUNT as Mississippi ’s premier source of data about children. Alongside the numbers and achievements, we’re proud to share reflections and stories from our partners, students, and community members who have helped shape this work.

As we look forward to the next five years, our commitment remains the same: to provide solid data that promotes systems change and expands opportunities so that every child in Mississippi can thrive.