FUNDING
Start-up funding for the Institute was provided by two local philanthropic organizations. The Riley Foundation provided $1,455,000 and The Phil Hardin Foundation $382,000. Of these funds $1 million and $300,000 respectively went to the Institute’s endowment.

In addition to the start-up funds, TMI has attracted $17,311,935 to the region in support of its program of work. Program funders include:
· The U.S. Department of Labor
· The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
· The U.S. Department of Education
· The U.S. Department of Agriculture – Rural Development
· The Appalachian Regional Commission
· The Mississippi Development Authority
· The Mississippi Department of Employment Security
· The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs
· The Riley Foundation
· The Phil Hardin Foundation
· The Dewitt-Wallace Foundation
· The Mississippi Community College Foundation
· The AT&T Foundation (formerly BellSouth)