What we've learned about regional development through MSDI: - Structure, History and Future of MSDI - Initial Insights - Evaluation Outcomes - Framework for Evaluation - Delta Census Data Presentation

Overview

The Mid South Delta Initiative (MSDI) is a partnership among Delta communities, regionally-focused organizations, Delta residents engaged in leading change at all levels, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and many other foundations, public agencies and investors. This Initiative is based on a shared vision of people and communities with the capacity to create their own social and economic opportunities.

The Mid South Delta Initiative is an initiative of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation's Food Systems and Rural Development program (FS/RD).

MSDI began in 1997. The Initiative focuses on 55 contiguous counties and parishes in eastern Arkansas, western Mississippi and northeastern Louisiana that share common geography, history, culture, resources, challenges and opportunities. Please visit the Interactive Map of MSDI to see the counties included in the Initiative.

Purpose of the Mid South Delta Initiative:

To promote social and economic development in the Delta to create a better future for residents of the region.

W.K. Kellogg Foundation's Vision for the Delta:

Safe Delta communities, in which the majority of the residents are healthy, educated and have incomes which allow them to adequately provide for their families and prepare for their economic self-sufficiency and a positive future for their children.

Vision for MSDI Work:

A strong, integrated regional set of systems that are responsive and accountable to the voice of Delta communities/residents.

Why is MSDI an important initiative?

MSDI provides Delta leaders, organizations and communities with grants and intellectual, technical and logistical support in order to create a positive impact on Delta communities and residents through comprehensive, collaborative and inclusive approaches to economic, leadership and community development.

MSDI is Lifting Up the Delta

The W.K. Kellogg Foundation's Mid South Delta Initiative (MSDI) is building new connections and reaching out to new people in more Delta communities. In this new phase, MSDI will focus on "lifting up" or embracing what is good about the Delta and supporting people who want to create fresh ideas about the future that will "lift up" the entire region as a place of opportunity and possibility! It's all about connecting culture with possibility.

Through continued partnership with Delta residents, MSDI will build A Culture of Possibilities: an enduring way of life that provides opportunities for everyone and creates a sense of community, well-being, and hope for the future.

In A Culture of Possibilities, everyone attains their greatest potential; expectations lead to new opportunities and successes rather than unfulfilled dreams; and living-wage jobs and safe, affordable housing are abundant. In A Culture of Possibilities, people have hope for the future and pass on their individual gifts and traditions; youth stay in the region and are engaged in community life; people readily add their voices and solutions to their community's immediate and long-standing problems; skilled workers have good jobs or businesses; and people across the region and the nation talk about what is right in the Delta.