GULFPORT, MS (February 20, 2024) – Biloxi Main Street has been awarded a $50,000 grant from the Knight Foundation Fund, a Gulf Coast Community Foundation (GCCF) fund established by a generous contribution from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.
This grant will help fund Phase II of the HowHop project, located where Howard Avenue and Hopkins Boulevard intersect, an area formally known as “under the I110.” HowHop was an outcome of a Mississippi Main Street Road Map session in 2022 that outlined worthy projects for Downtown Biloxi within the Biloxi Main Street District.
Phase 1 of HowHop, completed in 2023, includes two pickleball courts on the south side of Howard Avenue, column art created by local artist Julia Reyes and tree lighting.
Kay Miller, executive director of Biloxi Main Street, said, “Biloxi Main Street is excited to receive a second round of grants from the Knight Foundation! This will help us to continue to make HowHop a gathering spot for all ages, a center for creative art, a place for kids to play, and a spot for adults to enjoy a craft beer and cocktails. HowHop is where a world-class connection will happen.”
Dr. Christen Duhé, GCCF president and executive director, said, “The Gulf Coast Community Foundation recognizes the importance of creating vibrant public spaces on the Mississippi Gulf Coast where families can enjoy a wide range of activities and artists can showcase their talents. GCCF, through the Knight Foundation Fund, is proud of be part of the HowHop project, which is playing a vital part in the revitalization and beautifying of Downtown Biloxi.”
In Biloxi and Gulfport, the Knight Foundation supports a more informed and engaged community by investing in entrepreneurship and the vibrancy of the downtown corridors.
If you would like to donate to a fund administered by GCCF or establish a fund to benefit a cause close to your heart, visit mgccf.org, email info@mgccf.org, or call 228-897-4841.
About the John. S. and James L. Knight Foundation
As social investors, Knight Foundation supports democracy by funding free expression and journalism, arts and culture in community, research in areas of media and democracy, and in the success of American cities and towns where the Knight brothers once published newspapers.
Founded by publishers who owned the largest newspaper company of their time, Knight Foundation is among the leading funders of journalism and media innovation in the country and works to promote more informed and engaged communities. In 2019, Knight doubled its investment in strengthening journalism, announcing $300 million in support over five years focusing on building the future of local news and information. Learn more at kf.org and follow @knightfdn on social media.
About Gulf Coast Community Foundation
The Gulf Coast Community Foundation is a nonprofit public charity that has been serving the people of South Mississippi since 1989. The Foundation’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, the 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 about Gulf Coast Community Foundation and the important work it does in the community, please visit mgccf.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
About Biloxi Main Street
Main Street Biloxi was originally conceived as a part of the Coast Main Street Project in 1990. From that humble beginning as a part shared, multiple-city endeavor, Main Street Biloxi evolved into a single city, multi-faceted, independent organization, entrusted with the responsibility to preserve, protect and promote the unique historical character of Old Biloxi, particularly as it relates to the downtown area. The primary goal of Main Street Biloxi is the preservation and revitalization of the Main Street district, an area that extends from Porter Avenue at the Historic Biloxi Lighthouse to Bellman Street, and from Highway 90 to the railroad on Esters Blvd. and the Caillavet Street corridor.