What We Fund

WHAT WE DO FUND

We aim to increase opportunities for health and wellbeing through strategic investments in the people and communities of Spartanburg County. Specifically, the Foundation is interested in funding projects that will reduce health disparities.

The Mary Black Foundation provides funding to 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations for the following:

  • General Operating Support – to cover day-to-day activities and ongoing expenses.
  • Programs & Services – activities directly targeting individuals to achieve specific results.
  • Policies & Places – activities to change or modify policies or to create new or improved places that increase opportunities for the residents of Spartanburg County.
  • Planning & Capacity Building – to plan for or study future projects or to implement efforts that improve the capacity of the organization to achieve results.

The Foundation does provide multi-year funding depending on the specific grant request. We encourage you to reach out to the Foundation for guidance on available grant funding.

The Mary Black Foundation has very limited funds to sponsor events. Read our Sponsorship Guidelines.

WHAT WE DON’T FUND

Though we’d love to help everyone, the Mary Black Foundation generally does not fund:

  • Activities that are discriminatory or organizations engaged in discriminatory practices, including, but not limited to, written or informal policies and procedures regarding staff and/or volunteer requirements, program content, or participant eligibility that are discriminatory.
  • Direct grants or scholarships (including tuition assistance) for individuals;
  • Grants that further political or religious activities;
  • Medical, scientific, or academic research;
  • Vans or buses used to transport people;
  • Activities and/or programs that duplicate efforts that are, have been, or should be offered at local hospitals;
  • Activities, projects, or programs that will have been completed before funding becomes available;
  • Endowments or other reserve funds or the payment of debt;
  • Fundraising events, celebrations, or dinners; or
  • Individual schools unless the project is district or county-wide and is supported by the superintendent(s).

Before You Apply

LEARN ABOUT US

We consider grantmaking to be an investment in Spartanburg, SC that will contribute to a welcoming and connected community where all residents can achieve health and wellbeing. We want to partner with organizations in Spartanburg working diligently to improve health equity in our community.

Before submitting an application for a grant, potential applicants should first review our Vision, Mission, and Values as well as information about our Focus Areas and the Health Equity Framework:

ELIGIBILITY

In order to receive funding from the Mary Black Foundation, an organization must be:

  • A current 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, as classified by the IRS, or governmental agency; and
  • Serving Spartanburg County, SC.

A core value of the Foundation is that we believe all people should have the opportunity to succeed. The Foundation supports and promotes equity, diversity, and inclusion at every level of the organization, including its grantmaking. The Foundation’s funds will not be used to carry out activities that are discriminatory or to support organizations engaged in discriminatory practices. This includes, but is not limited to, written or informal policies and procedures regarding staff and/or volunteer requirements, program content, or participant eligibility that are discriminatory.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

As part of the application process, eligible organizations will be asked to submit the following:

  • IRS Determination Letter, if a copy of the letter is not already on file from a previous grant award;
  • A list of senior staff and the board of directors;
  • A project budget and the organization’s operating budget;
  • A letter signed by the organization’s board chair acknowledging that the board of directors discussed and approved the grant application; and
  • Recent Financial Statements.

It is not required to submit the organization’s Form 990 since it can be reviewed through Foundant.

SUCCESSFUL APPLICATIONS

Organizations are more likely to receive funding from the Foundation if they can demonstrate the following during the grant review process:

  • A board of directors that is actively involved in strategic governance, fundraising, and giving;
  • A board and staff are representative of our diverse community in Spartanburg County;
  • Staff who are qualified through training and experience;
  • Implementation of a strategic plan that includes measurable objectives;
  • Use of a data management or tracking system that allows the organization to measure its outcomes;
  • The ability to use outcomes data to measure progress toward strategic goals and improve programs;
  • A focus on reducing health disparities; and
  • A collaborative spirit of working with other organizations in the community.

GRANT CONSULTATIONS

Grant consultations are available, but not required. Members of the program staff are happy to meet with organizations prior to the submission of an application. It may be beneficial for an organization to schedule a grant consultation if:

  • This is the organization’s first time applying for funding from the Foundation.
  • The organization has made significant changes or additions to programming, processes, mission, or work.
  • You feel that you are able to better represent the organization and scope of work through verbal communication (all applicants are required to submit a written application).
  • The organization is not based in Spartanburg but is interested in starting work in Spartanburg.

Consultations can be scheduled through Amy Page and must take place at least one week before the application deadline.