Vision

Operate democratically, controlled by a diverse membership of up to 100 leaders and supporters of grassroots organizations throughout the rural South. Govern the Fund through a board of respected, competent and accomplished community leaders elected by the Fund’s membership. Develop leadership through the participation of the Fund’s membership in all levels of decision-making and activities. Greatly expand the dollars available for grantmaking, significantly impacting justice efforts in the South. Draw on member expertise to help strengthen emerging grassroots organizations. Serve as a new philanthropic model demonstrating that grantmaking decisions that reflect the experience of people living in the communities served are effective and powerful.

Goals

1. 1.SPF's endowment is ~ $22.5m. Ultimate goal is to hit $50m, which would allow the foundation to cover expenses while maintaining current programs and annual grantmaking of ~ $1.5-2m per year.
2. 2.One of SPF's current goals is to launch a Rapid Response Voter Protection fund to provide support to grassroots organizations in the lead-up and aftermath of pivotal elections.
3. 3.Bringing more attention and philanthropic dollars to grassroots organizing in the rural Southeast where inequities remain rampant and the return on philanthropic investment is high.