GULFPORT, MS (August 27, 2026) — Gulf Coast Community Foundation (GCCF) awarded $172,900 in grants to support children’s well-being and animal welfare across South Mississippi. The grants were made possible through two funds at GCCF: the John T. and Lois R. “Sonny” Velkas Child Welfare Fund and the Jack A. and Gertrude W. Wilson Animal Welfare Fund.
Velkas Child Welfare Fund
Three grants were awarded to support programs focused on the welfare and well-being of children in Hancock and Harrison counties.
- CASA of South Mississippi received $8,000 for the CASA Child Well-Being Project, which provided school bags and supplies to CASA children ages 5 and older for the 2026–2027 school year.
- Hancock County School District received $8,400 to support Hope Squad, a national peer-to-peer suicide prevention program.
- Make A Wish of South Mississippi received $6,500 to grant a life-changing wish for a child with a critical illness in Hancock or Harrison County.
Wilson Animal Welfare Fund
Six animal-welfare agencies each received $25,000 to participate in FIXED for Life, a no-cost spay and neuter program. They include Rise and Shine Animal Rescue in George County; Friends of the Hancock County Animal Shelter; Humane Society of South Mississippi in Harrison County; Friends of the Jackson County Animal Shelter Pets; Pearl River County SPCA; and Stone County SPCA.
FIXED for Life services will be available October 1, 2026, through March 1, 2027. Residents should contact the participating agency in their county and follow its social media for information about when applications open, eligibility, and other program details.
In 2025, more than 1,400 cats and dogs were spayed or neutered through FIXED for Life.
“At the heart of these grants is the generosity of donors who cared deeply about their communities and wanted to make a difference for generations to come,” said Dr. Christen Duhé, president and executive director of GCCF. “It’s a privilege to carry out their wishes by putting these dollars to work in ways that help people and communities across South Mississippi.”
Grants awarded by GCCF are made possible by generous donors. To donate to an existing fund or establish a new fund, visit mgccf.org, email info@mgccf.org, or call 228-897-4841. Donations of $1,000 or more may qualify for a 25 percent state tax credit through the Endow Mississippi Program.
About Gulf Coast Community Foundation
Gulf Coast Community Foundation is a nonprofit public charity that has been serving the people of South Mississippi since 1989. GCCF’s primary mission is to increase philanthropy by assisting donors in establishing endowments and legacy giving plans, making grants to worthy causes, and providing leadership in response to the community’s changing needs. Over the years, GCCF has been a leader in addressing the most pressing needs in the community, from disaster relief and recovery to supporting education and child welfare initiatives. To learn more, visit www.mgccf.org.
