Who We Are
The Mary Black Foundation was established as an independent grantmaking organization to improve the health and well-being of the people and communities of Spartanburg County, SC. Our vision is a welcoming and connected community where all residents can achieve health and well-being.
The Mary Black Foundation believes that investing in young people and the adults who care for them – a multi-generation approach – is one of the best ways to improve outcomes for children and positively impact the health and well-being of the entire community. This population-focused strategy allows for a comprehensive, holistic approach that recognizes that a range of conditions in the environments where people are born, live, learn, work, play, and age can put individuals at greater risk of negative health outcomes. We acknowledge and seek to address health disparities within our community.
Vision
Spartanburg County is a welcoming and connected community where all residents can achieve health and well-being.
Mission
To increase opportunities for health and well-being through strategic investments in the people and communities of Spartanburg County.
Values
- Impact: Our results improve and transform people’s lives.
- Collaboration: We connect with others to make our community stronger.
- Accountability: We are responsible stewards of the Foundation’s assets.
- Respect: We are open, inclusive, and caring.
- Equity: We believe all people should have the opportunity to succeed.
A 15+ Year Investment Transforms Birth Outcomes: An Impact Story
In 2009, the Foundation invested in BirthMatters, a pilot project to provide community doula services to young pregnant mothers throughout their pregnancy, during childbirth, and through the child’s first year of life. Since the organization was founded, it has served over 750 families and played a major role in improving birth outcomes in Spartanburg.
This is the story of the Foundation’s 15+ year partnership with BirthMatters. It serves as an example of how the Foundation can take risks to seed new ideas, walk alongside organizations long-term, and provide a variety of supports at critical periods of growth and evolution.
Community Partnerships
The Mary Black Foundation is not only a funder; we are often a partner, convener, facilitator, and leader. As a place-based foundation, we are actively engaged in a wide variety of community initiatives outside of our traditional grantmaking, and we partner with many organizations, including other funders.
Chapman Cultural Center, Mary Black Foundation, Spartanburg Academic Movement, Spartanburg County Foundation, Spartanburg Regional Foundation, and United Way of the Piedmont, often referred to as the Spartanburg Joint Funders, are committed to intentional collaboration and coordination. As significant funders in Spartanburg County it is important that we work together and, when appropriate, partner on common community efforts.