The next Grants Cycle will be announced in the spring of 2023.

For more details, please click here

FSC can only award grants to organizations that are registered as a non–profit organization within their respective state (Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina). Organizations must also have 501(c)(3) tax status, or a Fiscal Agent; a limited number of 501(c)(4) organizations with a Fiscal Agent may be accepted.

Some things to consider before applying

• Is your organization working for long term social change?

• Is your total organizational budget $150,000 or less?

• Is your organization located and doing work in Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina?

• We do not fund direct services, social services or special events.

If you fit these basic guidelines, your organization may be a good fit for the Fund for Southern Communities.

For specific guidelines and details on how to apply  Download our Application Here!

The Fund for Southern Communities :

• Gives grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000.

• Provides seed grants to new projects, or general or project support to small organizations (with a total organizational budget of $150,000 or less).

• Limits funding to once per 12 month period and for no more than three (3) times total, per organization. When special targeted funds are available, groups may be eligible for more than three (3) cycles of grants. FSC should not be considered a long-term funding source.

Funding Guidelines

The Fund for Southern Communities (FSC or the Fund) is a publicly supported foundation established in 1981 to provide grants to progressive grassroots social change organizations that :

•  Work against discrimination based on race, sex, age, religion, economic status, sexual orientation, ethnic background or physical and mental disabilities;

•  Stand for workers’ rights;

•  Promote self-determination in low-income and disenfranchised areas;

• Protect the environment;

• Promote and create non-traditional arts and media;

• Promote peace;

• Are located in Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina;

• Are working for equitable distribution of economic and/or political power;

• Involving new people in social, economic or political change;

• Challenge anti or undemocratic systems with public education and organizing efforts;

• Are unlikely to be funded by more traditional funding sources, including those whose geographic location limits funding opportunities. Applicants receiving funds from more traditional funding sources may be given a lower priority for funding from FSC;

• FSC does not fund direct social services.

Application Instructions

Deadline dates are announced annually. Proposals and all attachments must be received no later than 5:00 p.m., on the deadline date to be considered for funding. Proposals should be mailed to:

The Fund for Southern Communities

 4153 – C Flat Shoals Parkway

 Suite 314

 Decatur, GA 30034.

*Please note: Any proposals that are incomplete and/or submitted after the deadline will not be considered for funding.

If you have any questions regarding eligibility, preparation of the application, or the funding process, please call 404-371-8404 or write the Fund at grants@fundforsouth.org.

To download a copy of our Progress Report form, click here.

The next Grants Cycle will be announced in the spring of 2023.

For more details, please click here

The Fund for Southern Communities is a publicly supported foundation established in 1981 to provide grants and technical assistance to progressive grassroots social change organizations working in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. The Fund invites applications from organizations:

Click here to be added to our email distribution list.

You may use the link mailing list under the Mailing List tab /Left menu

To get the Grant Application and Guidelines, click here.

To get a copy of our Progress Report form, click here.

 Southern Black Girls Funding Initiative

Fund for Southern Communities has landed a year planning grant from Novo Foundation $90 Million dollars for Girls of Color initiative. In collaboration with three other organizations birth Southern Black Girls and Women’s Consortium. For more detail click this link. 

The next Grants Cycle will be announced in the spring of 2023.

For more details, please click here

Mission statement

The Fund for Southern Communities is a public foundation that supports and unites organizations and donors working to create just and sustainable communities that are free of oppression and that embrace and celebrate all people. Through grant-making and related activities the Fund for Southern Communities fosters social change initiated by community-based groups in Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina.

Who are we?

The Fund for Southern Communities (FSC or The Fund) provides the financial resource to help move groups from thought to action. FSC supports small community groups working for environmental justice, anti-racism, women’s rights, youth development, LGBTQ rights, worker’s rights, civil rights and disability rights and other varied issues that address social change through community organizing. Grantees not only benefit from financial support, but they are also given technical assistance.

FSC is unusual in that it awards grants to community organizations that are working to address the systems and structures that cause community problems. Often traditional charities and private foundations overlook these organizations because their projects are considered too new, the organization too small, or their objectives are too controversial. The Fund is willing to make grants to these groups and organizations because we believe that communities working on their own behalf are powerful forces for change.

History

The Fund for Southern Communities (FSC) was established as a tax-exempt public foundation in 1981 by a small group of individuals to fund issues and organizations left void by traditional charities and private foundations. This founding body held a common vision for the South: to build safe, equitable communities that are free of oppression and that embrace and celebrate all people.

Today, FSC works with donors to distribute more than a quarter of a million dollars a year to organizations in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina who are making this vision a reality. Since 1981, the Fund has awarded over 1700 grants totaling nearly $5 million.

 Imara Canady

Atlanta, GA

Imara currently serves as Vice-President of Programming and Strategic Partnerships for the National Center for Civil and Human Rights (NCCHR) after having been a key aide to former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin and working for former Vice-President Al Gore. His service to his community includes membership on the American Red Cross Minority Recruitment Board, the Faith Alliance of Metro Atlanta Board, Chicago 2016 Olympic Bid Committee’s Next Generation Leadership Advisory Council, Horizon Theatre Company Board, the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame Advisory Committee, the Fulton County Arts Council, the Future Foundation and the Don’t Stop the Music Foundation. He is an Emmy award winning television producer, a member of Leadership Atlanta and a 2002 Outstanding Atlantan recipient.

Shanon Hart

Harrisburg, NC

Shanon has an amazing grasp of technology. She has worked with nonprofits providing Technology Consultancy and has established corporate contacts while working at the Executive/VP/Director level in several jobs. Shanon is deeply passionate about giving back.  As she provides a fresh voice to the board as it relates to technology, FSC benefits tremendously from having a person of her caliber on the board. She has significant research capabilities that assists our board in making decisions as well as providing strategic development and planning.

Darren Holmes

Florence, SC

Darren is the current Chair of the Board of Directors of the Fund for Southern Communities Board. He is the former Director of the Educational Talent Search Program at Horry Georgetown Technical College, Conway SC. He has served on the Georgetown County Zoning and Appealse also was the coordinator for Project SWAC (Sigmas Waging War Against Cancer), which covered Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina. He is the founder of the Tutoring and Mentoring Program of Florence, SC.

Demetria Ledbetter

Winston-Salem, NC

Demetria is a grassroots professional who has spent seven years in the nonprofit sector focusing on program implementation, financial and nonprofit management, and the development of communications and on/media strategies. An alumna of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University with a bachelor’s degree in transportation and logistics, she has worked in transportation/logistics, education, and insurance industries. She has received training in job readiness (Equipped for the Future), conflict resolution, time management, project management, and communications. Demetria is the current Vice Chair of the Board of Directors for Fund for Southern Communities; while also serving on the Funding Exchange and Health Care of All North Carolina Board of Directors.  She is also an Emerging Change Maker.

Shelia Moore

Atlanta, GA

Shelia is a former senior corporation relation analyst/representative with the Georgia Power Company, where she retired in 1992. Shelia currently works as a part time customer service representative for Georgia Power/A Southern Company. She has worked on fundraising efforts for many non-profit organizations in the Atlanta area, including the National Black Arts Festival, The King Center and the United Negro College Fund. She has also volunteered with the NAACP, Meals on Wheels, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and the Cascade Youth Organization.

Chrystal Morris

Myrtle Beach, SC

Chrystal has skills in Organizational Management and Development, Board Development, Fund Raising/Development, Grant Writing, Public Relations skills, and a legal background. She is currently completing a 2nd degree at Coastal Carolina University in Pre-Law. She has lived and worked in South Carolina for over 10 years and volunteered her time and skills for various non-profit organizations. She has been able to develop productive and working relationships with a lot of non-profit and state organizations. Chrystal enjoys working within communities and has organized numerous community resource and development activities. She currently lives in Horry County; however, she has worked and formed networks with agencies/organizations in over 13 counties in South Carolina with additional resources in North Carolina. She joined the FSC board, because she is a big advocate for social justice and she believes that her networks, skills, talents, and qualifications could be of good use to the FSC board.

Brian K. Sanders

Charlotte, NC

Brian has a dedicated career largely in the area of health care, both professionally and in community outreach. He’s held management positions with Novant Health, the Georgetown University, and George Washington University Medical Systems. In the community, Brian advocates increased access and positive outcomes in the areas of health care, social justice, economic empowerment, and the value of arts and culture engagement. He is grateful to have had the opportunity to serve on the board of directors of several organizations including the National Minority AIDS Inter-Faith Network, Jubilation! Dance Company, and the Mt. Calvary AIDS Ministry; as well as owning the Amon Gallery which promoted the works of up and coming visual artists. Brian works closely with the Mecklenburg County Health Department (Charlotte, NC) as a member of the Advisory Board of its Village Heart Beat program, and serves as a member of the Ryan White Program Part A proposal evaluation team. Brian is an ordained Baptist minister presently serving as an Associate Minister at First Baptist Church-West of Charlotte, NC. He is a graduate of Boston University, and a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Brian is the owner and senior designer of Azure Blanc Floral Design, specializing in personal, corporate, and business events.

About Donor Advised Funds

Advantages of Donor Advised Funds

FSC Donor Advised Fund or Private Foundation? Issues to Consider:

Position Available

The Fund for Southern Communities is seeking a Program/Development Associate.  Send resume and cover letter to Alice Jenkins, 4153-C Flat Shoals Parkway, Suite 314, Decatur, GA 30034.  Visit our web-site (http://www.fundforsouth.org) for position description or call our office (404) 371-8404. 

No Faxes will be accepted.

Position description is available at this link.

Lakewood Community Fund Grantee Partners

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

Just as there is strength in numbers in communities, FSC participates in several partnerships in order to strengthen our work. The most important of these associations include: