Celebrating Mary Black Foundation’s History: 2002
Mary Black Foundation Becomes a Private Foundation
2021 marks the 25th anniversary of the Mary Black Foundation’s role as a private foundation in Spartanburg. However, the Mary Black Foundation has a legacy that extends beyond the last 25 years. In fact, the Foundation was originally formed in 1986 – 35 years ago – to support the Mary Black Memorial Hospital and related community programs.
The sale of the nonprofit hospital to a for profit company, in 1996, led to the reconfiguration of the Mary Black Foundation and its significant growth in assets. In the 25 years since the Mary Black Foundation separated from the hospital, it has provided over $62 million in grants to support health and wellness initiatives throughout Spartanburg County. During this same time, the assets have grown to over $75 million.
YMCA of Greater Spartanburg
The YMCA of Greater Spartanburg, founded in 1869, serves more than 17,000 individuals with a continuum of educational and recreational programs that foster growth in spirit, mind and body. Since 1998, Mary Black Foundation has awarded YMCA of Greater Spartanburg over $1.2 million.
In 2002, MBF awarded YMCA of Greater Spartanburg $200,000 to support the renovation and repair of the YMCA’s Pine Street Facility. This grant was made contingent upon the Y raising additional funds from community partners and donors. In 2010 an additional $500,000 was awarded to support the construction of a brand new, state-of-the-art, facility on Pine Street that would engage more citizens in physical activity through a new environment with enhanced programs and services.
In 2015, Mary Black Foundation provided a “community lead” grant of $300,000 for the Middle Tyger Family YMCA Capital Renovation Campaign. The $1,500,000.00 Capital Renovation Campaign funded the needed facility repairs and upgrades to the aging 17 year old family branch. The Mary Black Foundation’s lead gift provided the needed momentum to enable others to see the value of the Y and the importance of investing in the healthy community spaces for improved health wellness and success.
Mary Black Foundation Board of Trustees member Norman Chapman said,
“I am so proud of the Mary Black Foundation’s partnership with the Spartanburg YMCA. There is no other organization I know of in Spartanburg that brings together such a diverse representation of our community. Everyone who attends shares the goal of being more active for a healthier life leading to a better Spartanburg. From children learning to swim to seniors looking to extend quality of life, there is something for everyone. I have also had the privilege of working with several staff members and want to compliment them for their commitment to making our Y welcoming and enjoyable for all.”
YMCA’s Impact
YMCA of Greater Spartanburg has provided supports, services, and activities for residents of Spartanburg County that extend far past the funding MBF has provided them. However, we are proud to see the impact the Y has been able to make as a result from our partnership.
Since 1998, Mary Black Foundation has awarded YMCA of Greater Spartanburg:
- $12,882 for their “Learn to Swim” program
- $51,700 to research and plan the reconfiguration of programmatic focus from individual fitness to a “family-oriented” approach
- $200,000 to support the renovation and repair of the Pine Street facility
- $9,765 to support an organizational capacity building plan to improve the ability to communicate programs and outcomes to stakeholders
- $28,500 for a program to encourage elementary and middle school students to participate in school-based running clubs
- $5,000 in staff discretionary grants for their “Shrinkdown” program
- $7,500 in Trustee Recognition grants for former Trustees Rob Chapman and Alex Evins
- $500,000 for the support of the construction of a new 70,000 square foot YMCA Family Center that engages more citizens in physical activity
- $10,000 in a staff discretionary grant to develop a “Y to Y” half marathon in conjunction with the Y’s national Healthy Kids Day
- $77,450 to develop a worksite wellness program in partnership with Partners for Active Living, the Butterfly Foundation, and Good for You Spartanburg
- $300,000 as a “community lead” grant towards the Middle Tyger Family YMCA Capital Renovation Campaign
- $10,000 to support the construction of the Youth Development Pavilion in memory of Rob Chapman
- $22,500 to provide scholarships for children to attend the YMCA summer camps
Thanks
Mary Black Foundation is grateful for YMCA of Greater Spartanburg’s leadership and commitment to improving the health and wellness of Spartanburg County residents. To learn more about this organization, please visit: https://www.spartanburgymca.org/
