In the rural South, historic injustices tied to race, poverty, environmental degradation, and political disenfranchisement continue to impact communities. Southern Partners Fund (SPF) is a regional foundation designed to change that. By investing in grassroots organizations that are often overlooked by traditional philanthropy, SPF supports social, economic, and environmental justice through participatory grantmaking across twelve Southeastern states.
This blog explores SPF’s mission and focus, types of grants, eligibility criteria, how to apply, and key tips for submitting a strong application under this unique model of community-led philanthropy.
About Southern Partners Fund
Southern Partners Fund is a community-led philanthropic organization grounded in democratic philanthropy and the belief that decision-making should be held by those closest to the issues. SPF supports grassroots, rural organizations working for racial, economic, and environmental justice across Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Key elements of SPF’s approach include:
- Funding voter engagement, immigration rights, education reform, and, starting in 2024, environmental justice
- Prioritizing organizations led and governed by people from the communities they serve
- Participatory grantmaking, with review committees made up of individuals with lived experience
- A Justice Fund for disaster relief and a Discretionary Fund for capacity building, travel, or small organizing projects
To date, SPF has awarded over $20 million to rural grassroots organizations in its service region.
SPF’s Core Grant Programs
Hubert E. Sapp Regular Grant Cycle (RGC)
This is SPF’s primary grantmaking channel and is designed to support long-term justice and organizing work in the South.
- Organizations may apply for general operating support or project-based funding
- To qualify for general support, annual operating budgets must be $500,000 or less
- Organizations with larger budgets (up to $1.5 million) may apply for project-specific funding
- New applicants require a site visit; returning grantees may complete a phone or virtual interview
- Proposals are reviewed by SPF’s grants committee and ratified by the board
- Grants are typically awarded in the fall
- Organizations that have received five consecutive years of RGC funding must pause before reapplying
- Final reports are due within 90 days of grant completion
Discretionary Fund / Small Grants
SPF’s Discretionary Fund offers small grants, generally up to $3,500, for time-sensitive needs such as:
- Grassroots organizing
- Capacity building
- Travel or event-related support
These grants are flexible and awarded on a rolling basis.
Justice Fund for Disaster Relief & Renewal
This fund responds to environmental disasters such as hurricanes or floods with rapid, flexible support. It targets rural organizations within SPF’s twelve-state region working on community recovery and resilience.
Who Is Eligible?
To be considered for SPF funding, organizations must meet the following requirements:
- Be a rural or semi-rural community-based organization, network, or coalition in SPF’s service region
- Be governed primarily by individuals who reflect the race and class of the communities served
- Use grassroots organizing strategies to build local leadership and decision-making
- Have a nonprofit 501(c)(3) or equivalent charitable status
- Maintain an annual operating budget of $500,000 or less for general support (up to $1.5 million for project funding)
- Be up to date on all previous grant reporting
- New applicants must complete a site visit; returning grantees may do a virtual interview
- Organizations that have received five consecutive years of funding must take a one-year break before reapplying
SPF does not fund:
- Direct services such as housing, healthcare, or cash assistance
- Capital improvements or building purchases
- Legal fees
- Regranting
- Urban-only organizations that do not serve rural communities
How to Apply
Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying for an SPF grant.
1. Learn & Prepare
- Review SPF’s grant guidelines and application process
- Confirm that your organization meets eligibility requirements
- Reach out to SPF staff with questions or for pre-application feedback
2. Register in the Grantee Portal
All applicants must register through SPF’s grant management portal to access and submit forms.
3. Submit a Proposal or Letter of Inquiry (LOI)
Depending on the cycle, applicants may start with either an LOI or a full proposal. Proposals typically include:
- Organizational mission and background
- Problem or systemic issue being addressed
- Strategy or theory of change
- Project scope, timeline, and milestones
- Budget and financial plan
- Leadership and governance details
- Community engagement or endorsements
- Alignment with SPF’s mission
4. Interview or Site Visit
- First-time applicants complete an in-person site visit
- Returning grantees may conduct virtual or phone interviews
5. Grants Committee Review & Board Approval
- Proposals are reviewed by SPF’s grassroots-led grants committee
- Final funding decisions are ratified by the board
6. Notification & Award
- Applicants are notified after the review period
- Grant agreements include funding schedules and reporting requirements
7. Implementation & Reporting
- Grantees carry out proposed work
- Final reports detailing outcomes, challenges, and expenditures are due within 90 days of grant completion
Why SPF Grants Are Key for Southern Grassroots Power
Centering Rural, Community Leadership
SPF intentionally invests in rural grassroots leaders, who have been historically excluded from traditional philanthropy. This ensures power and resources reach the communities that need them most.
Participatory Philanthropy in Action
By centering people with lived experience in the grantmaking process, SPF models a more equitable, transparent, and democratic approach to funding.
Funding for Structural Change, Not Just Services
SPF supports organizing, advocacy, and systemic transformation instead of just temporary service delivery. This positions grantees for long-term impact.
Flexible Support for Organizing
SPF’s provision of general operating and discretionary funding allows organizations to build infrastructure, develop leadership, and respond to emergent needs.
Multi-Year Partnerships and Accountability
SPF emphasizes deep, multi-year relationships built on trust, transparency, and mutual accountability which creates space for sustainable movement-building.
Envisioning Impact Across the Rural South
Imagine a rural Georgia county facing low civic engagement and voter suppression. A local grassroots coalition forms to build power through voter education and redistricting advocacy. With SPF support, they:
- Hire and train community organizers
- Launch civic engagement campaigns
- Partner with regional networks to influence policy
- Strengthen leadership and infrastructure
Over time, voter turnout increases, marginalized voices gain representation, and local policies shift toward equity. This is the kind of transformation SPF was built to support. Southern Partners Fund offers more than grant dollars. It offers partnership, trust, and power to rural leaders building justice in communities too often overlooked.
To explore current funding opportunities or start your application, visit Southern Partners Fund’s Grants page.
