Before You Apply

ELIGIBILITY

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.

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.

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 Guidestar.

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 measureable 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.