Southern Pine Electric recently awarded $140,775 in grant funding through its Members Helping Members program to organizations serving communities across the cooperative’s service area. Administered by the Pinebelt Foundation, the program supports a variety of needs, including public safety, education, food assistance, recreation, and community improvement projects.
Southern Pine President and CEO Drummonds McAlpin praised the recipients and the cooperative spirit behind the program.
“We are grateful for each of these organizations and the work they do every day to strengthen our communities,” McAlpin said. “This program reflects the generosity of our members and demonstrates how small contributions can come together to make a meaningful difference.”
Organizations receiving grants are:
| Applicant | Award | Description |
| Boys & Girls Club of Covington County | $5,500.00 | Purchase supplies for after-school program |
| Forrest County Fire Services | $9,780.90 | Emergency response equipment purchases |
| Harrisville Economic Council | $4,036.22 | Park signage and equipment purchase |
| Hazlehurst in Bloom | $10,000.00 | Park beautification purchases & Installation |
| Hope Community Collective | $10,000.00 | Provide meals and household support |
| Hopewell Elementary School | $9,661.00 | Make playground upgrades |
| Macedonia Volunteer Fire Department | $10,000.00 | Purchase emergency extrication equipment |
| Magee Consolidated (McLaurin Vocational) | $9,455.26 | Purchase equipment for outdoor recreation improvements |
| Magee Volunteer Fire Department | $10,000.00 | Purchase equipment |
| Marvin Jackson Park | $8,797.89 | Purchase equipment for park revitalization |
| Mendenhall Volunteer Fire Department | $9,650.00 | Purchase equipment |
| Mize Police Department | $9,272.00 | Purchase camera monitoring system |
| North Central Scott County VFD | $6,677.73 | Purchase thermal imaging cameras |
| North Forrest Volunteer Fire Department | $9,499.99 | Improve emergency scene equipment |
| Smith County Emergency Management Agency | $8,444.00 | Upgrade communication equipment |
| Smith County Sheriff’s Department | $10,000.00 | Purchase communication equipment |
Now in its second year, the Members Helping Members program has awarded more than $340,000 to 53 organizations and groups. Funding comes from Southern Pine members who voluntarily round up their monthly electric bills to the nearest dollar.
The next grant application period opens August 1 and closes August 31, 2026. Eligible nonprofits, schools, first responders, and civic organizations located within Southern Pine Electric’s service area are encouraged to apply.
For more information about the Members Helping Members program and how to apply, visit southernpine.coop/MHM.
Southern Pine Electric is a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative proudly serving over 70,000 members across 11 counties in central and southern Mississippi. Headquartered in Taylorsville, we also operate offices in Brandon, Newton, Hattiesburg, and New Hebron, ensuring reliable and accessible service for all our members.
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Boys & Girls Club of Covington County
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Forrest County Fire Services
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Harrisville Economic Council
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Hazlehurst in Bloom
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Hope Community Collective
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Hopewell Elementary School
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Macedonia Volunteer Fire Department
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Magee Consolidated (McLaurin Vocational)
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Magee Volunteer Fire Department
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Marvin Jackson Park
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Mendenhall Volunteer Fire Department
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Mize Police Department
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North Central Scott County VFD
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North Forrest Volunteer Fire Department
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Smith County Emergency Management Agency
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Smith County Sheriff's Department
