The Pearl River Central Gridiron Foundation is a Mississippi Non-Profit Corporation recognized under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Our organization supports the Football Program at Pearl River Central School District located in Carriere, MS, serving over 200 student athletes annually. We operate multiple programs to support the education, sportsmanship, and health of our student athletes. 

Team Nutrition & Hydration

During each football season, we provide between 4,500 and 5,000 induvial meals for student athletes, student athletic trainers, and staff across Middle School, Junior Varsity, and Varsity football teams. Additionally, we provide over 6,000 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches throughout each calendar year for post-workout nutrition. 

We also provide over 6,000 servings (12oz each) of Powerade to support pregame and in-game hydration for student athletes. Additionally, we equip our facility with over 4,000 servings of electrolyte powders annually to maximize the effectiveness of off-season workouts and in-season practices. The primary funding mechanisms for this program are team meal sponsorships, donations, field sign sales, and reserved seating sales.

Team Equipment and Facilities

Our organization coordinates and funds approximately $15k annually for team equipment, player attire, facility maintenance, and necessary program expenses. We coordinate and provide over 1,000 man-hours annually to support facility cleaning and improvements. The primary funding mechanisms for this program are player-led fundraising initiatives such as discount card sales and text campaigns.

Scholarships

New for the 2026/2027 academic year, we will offer two Memorial Scholarships in honor of Shane Smith and Stacey Bellelo. Written nominations are made by the coaching staff, and recipients selected by our Board of Directors along withthe Smith and Bellelo families, respectively. The primary funding mechanism for this program is a Golf Tournament which will be held annually during the Varsity Football Team bye week.

As a governed nonprofit organization, we are committed to transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship of all funds entrusted to us. Every contribution directly supports our mission of advancing the Pearl River Central football program and investing in the young men who represent our school and community on and off the field.

We invite parents, alumni, businesses, and community members to partner with us as we continue to support a tradition of excellence for Pearl River Central Football.