Marchbanks Endowment

The John and Frances Marchbanks Endowment Fund

John and Frances Marchbanks believed in giving back to their community. John, a native of Shannon, Mississippi, maintained a deep love for the area where he grew up, even though he had not lived there for more than 60 years. He and his wife Frances desired to help others overcome their problems, misfortunes and handicaps, and to assist them to achieve better lives and become productive citizens. Having grown up during

the Depression, John and Frances Marchbanks knew something about overcoming adversity in their own lives. They both suffered from the effects of Frances’ having had polio as a child. The illness fueled their desire to help others overcome obstacles to better themselves. In 2005, the Marchbanks left a gift of $8.7 million to benefit the region.

2019’s winners were (from the left): Shakala Kyles, Diamond Bradley, and Jasmina Heard.

$370,849 2019 MARCHBANKS GRANTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS

Annual commitment of up to $150,000 to support Tuition Guarantee Program in Lee County

$100,000 grant to Tupelo-Lee County Hunger Coalition $5,000 grant to Tupelo Public School District and Lee County School District for Chronic Absenteeism

$10,000 grant to Hope Family Ministries, Inc. $5,000 Helping Hands Scholarship awarded to Shannon High School seniors $8,500 grant to Start with the Arts $16,000 grant to improve early childhood education through Lee County Excel by 5

$10,000 grant to Lift, Inc. $5,000 grant to On the Road Lending $20,000 grant to Shannon Community Center