Purpose
In a 12-county region that spans across the state of Alabama the black belt is home to some of the country’s poorest counties; however, it is through this hardship that our character is formed. The residents of the black belt have adapted to a particular way of life, they look out for one another and “take only what they have, to make what they need.” The Black Belt Community Foundation provides a consistent stream of giving, connections, and support to help people in our area make a difference. The opportunities that BBCF provides serves as the means to help our citizens develop the necessary skills to grow out of the seemingly endless cycle of poverty.
The ways in which we serve the people of the Black Belt include: giving, receiving, and growing. BBCF gives awards to members of the community through a variety of programs and art grants to over 100 nonprofits <Should Hyperlink to examples page > in our region each year. BBCF receives by actively working to raise the profile of philanthropy in the region and encouraging gifts from individuals of all sizes from across the state and around the world. To help our community grow, BBCF offers leadership training, office space and community collaboration to grow the skills needed to transform our communities.
In a 12-county region that spans across the state of Alabama the black belt is home to some of the country’s poorest counties; however, it is through this hardship that our character is formed. The residents of the black belt have adapted to a particular way of life, they look out for one another and “take only what they have, to make what they need.” The Black Belt Community Foundation provides a consistent stream of giving, connections, and support to help people in our area make a difference. The opportunities that BBCF provides serves as the means to help our citizens develop the necessary skills to grow out of the seemingly endless cycle of poverty.
The ways in which we serve the people of the Black Belt include: giving, receiving, and growing. BBCF gives awards to members of the community through a variety of programs and art grants to over 100 nonprofits <Should Hyperlink to examples page > in our region each year. BBCF receives by actively working to raise the profile of philanthropy in the region and encouraging gifts from individuals of all sizes from across the state and around the world. To help our community grow, BBCF offers leadership training, office space and community collaboration to grow the skills needed to transform our communities.
History
The Black Belt Community Foundation was born from a merging of two separate efforts. One effort was led by Dr. Carol P. Zippert, who after learning about a community foundation in New River Valley, VA, decided that the Alabama Black Belt needed its own foundation. The other effort was led by David Wilson and Julian Smith, who conceived their own idea of a “Regional Foundation for the Black Belt.” Both of these efforts independently contacted the Ford Foundation in search of funding, and with the help of Senator Hank Sanders, these two groups were able to collectively meet with the Foundation in September 2002. After a recommendation from the Ford Foundation, the two groups came together as the “Black Belt Regional Foundation Coordinating Committee”, and in November, 2002, the committee was awarded a $100,000 grant to create a community foundation in the Alabama Black Belt. One of the first regional community meetings was held in November, 2002 to explain the vision of the new community foundation. The meeting was attended by approximately 100 people from across the Black Belt community.
Afterward, at least one public meeting was held in each of 11 counties to explore the concept of a community foundation and to map assets of each county. These gatherings generated strong support for self-help efforts and community empowerment. The Coordinating Committee adopted a vision and mission statement, and developed a grid to insure the foundation’s board of directors would be representative of the Black Belt population in terms of gender, race, age, background, and economic status.
In order for the Coordinating Committee to see first hand what each county considered to be their asset, nearly every member of the committee attended at least one county meeting. Most attended multiple meetings, and they met met regularly to discuss every element of forming a community foundation. In addition, the members availed themselves of training and other opportunities to learn the functions of a community foundation. Several members went to the Community Foundation of New River Valley near Blacksburg, VA, which was the foundation that had originally inspired Zippert. As the formation of the community foundation progressed, additional board members were added from other counties to insure that each county was represented equally. The affiliated groups came to be known as “community associates.” The official announcement of the Black Belt Community Foundation, and the initial board of directors was appointed on December 4, 2003.
The Black Belt Community Foundation was born from a merging of two separate efforts. One effort was led by Dr. Carol P. Zippert, who after learning about a community foundation in New River Valley, VA, decided that the Alabama Black Belt needed its own foundation. The other effort was led by David Wilson and Julian Smith, who conceived their own idea of a “Regional Foundation for the Black Belt.” Both of these efforts independently contacted the Ford Foundation in search of funding, and with the help of Senator Hank Sanders, these two groups were able to collectively meet with the Foundation in September 2002. After a recommendation from the Ford Foundation, the two groups came together as the “Black Belt Regional Foundation Coordinating Committee”, and in November, 2002, the committee was awarded a $100,000 grant to create a community foundation in the Alabama Black Belt. One of the first regional community meetings was held in November, 2002 to explain the vision of the new community foundation. The meeting was attended by approximately 100 people from across the Black Belt community.
Afterward, at least one public meeting was held in each of 11 counties to explore the concept of a community foundation and to map assets of each county. These gatherings generated strong support for self-help efforts and community empowerment. The Coordinating Committee adopted a vision and mission statement, and developed a grid to insure the foundation’s board of directors would be representative of the Black Belt population in terms of gender, race, age, background, and economic status.
In order for the Coordinating Committee to see first hand what each county considered to be their asset, nearly every member of the committee attended at least one county meeting. Most attended multiple meetings, and they met met regularly to discuss every element of forming a community foundation. In addition, the members availed themselves of training and other opportunities to learn the functions of a community foundation. Several members went to the Community Foundation of New River Valley near Blacksburg, VA, which was the foundation that had originally inspired Zippert. As the formation of the community foundation progressed, additional board members were added from other counties to insure that each county was represented equally. The affiliated groups came to be known as “community associates.” The official announcement of the Black Belt Community Foundation, and the initial board of directors was appointed on December 4, 2003.
Outreach
The Black Belt Community Foundation is more than happy and willing to do all it can to improve the entire Black Belt. Our list of grants is extensive, and each group who receives our help grows and flourishes, like the mighty oak. Since 2004, BBCF has granted in excess of $3 million to nonprofit organizations throughout the 12-county region it serves to bolster programs primarily in the arts, community and economic development, education, and health and wellness. Each year, BBCF awards community program and arts grants to over 100 nonprofits in the region.
The Community Grants Program awards approximately 40 organizations each year to community-based organizations based in and serving the region. Most grants are between $500 and $3,000. BBCF receives over 100 proposals per year and funds about 40. The Black Belt Community Foundation seeks to support organizations engaging Black Belt citizens in addressing community issues. Grant awards are available for, but not limited to, projects addressing the following areas:
The Black Belt Community Foundation is more than happy and willing to do all it can to improve the entire Black Belt. Our list of grants is extensive, and each group who receives our help grows and flourishes, like the mighty oak. Since 2004, BBCF has granted in excess of $3 million to nonprofit organizations throughout the 12-county region it serves to bolster programs primarily in the arts, community and economic development, education, and health and wellness. Each year, BBCF awards community program and arts grants to over 100 nonprofits in the region.
The Community Grants Program awards approximately 40 organizations each year to community-based organizations based in and serving the region. Most grants are between $500 and $3,000. BBCF receives over 100 proposals per year and funds about 40. The Black Belt Community Foundation seeks to support organizations engaging Black Belt citizens in addressing community issues. Grant awards are available for, but not limited to, projects addressing the following areas:
- Civic (empower the citizens to provide needed services, i.e., fire departments, libraries, etc.)
- Community and Economic Development (offer economic opportunities and/or improve social conditions)
- Education (provide additional instructional resources and activities)
- Environment (protect, preserve, and/or enhance natural resources)
- Health Services (offer resources, educate, and address health needs)
- Youth Development (focus on youth enrichment, leadership and exposure)
- Other areas benefiting the community (community organizing or organizational development)
Success Stories
Old Merritt and Shiloh Schools
Both Schools, built in the early 20th century, have very little funding and even less support throughout the state. Funding from the Black Belt Community Foundation was the first time they had received external affirmation that their programs are inspiring to others.
Selma Air
Through multiple grants received from Black Belt Community Foundation, Selma Air was able to travel and educate the community about the ravages of AIDS. The money also helped distribute much needed educational pamphlets in the community, at a time when no other funding was available to the organization.
Old Merritt and Shiloh Schools
Both Schools, built in the early 20th century, have very little funding and even less support throughout the state. Funding from the Black Belt Community Foundation was the first time they had received external affirmation that their programs are inspiring to others.
Selma Air
Through multiple grants received from Black Belt Community Foundation, Selma Air was able to travel and educate the community about the ravages of AIDS. The money also helped distribute much needed educational pamphlets in the community, at a time when no other funding was available to the organization.