CREATE Founder 

George McLean 1904-1983

CREATE Foundation has been building philanthropy in Northeast Mississippi through its work with donors, nonprofits, and communities for more than 40 years, and possesses a distinguished history of highly effective community engagement.  Within Northeast Mississippi, CREATE is the leading regional development organization.  

Established through the vision of the late George and Anna Keirsey McLean and the commitment of a number of community leaders throughout the region, it is Mississippi’s oldest community foundation.

The endowment by the McLeans started and sustains the administrative operations of CREATE.  This allows a professional staff to support regional community building and endowment building to meet the challenges and provide creative solutions to Northeast Mississippi’s opportunities.

CREATE Foundation is committed to good stewardship of the funds entrusted to us. Sound financial practices protect investment principal from erosion, provide a steady stream of income for grants, and add value to investment assets through growth.  Legal and financial professionals, experienced staff and a strong regional Board of Directors hold CREATE to the highest standards of excellence in the investment arena.