Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation Grants

Where The Foundation Works

The Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation funds across the South, but given the region’s size and complexity, it focuses the majority of our efforts in priority places where promising networks are advancing complementary outcomes. At this time, it has particular interest in supporting economic transition work in Central Appalachia, civic engagement in Georgia and North Carolina, civic engagement for local and state policy change in Arkansas and Louisiana, and community economic development efforts in South Carolina.

One way it learns about promising work across the region is through its open inquiry process. It is pleased to receive organizational summaries from organizations that meet its eligibility requirements and fit with its program description, regardless of geography. 

How Funds May Be Used

Types of grants: Organizations may use grant funds in a variety of ways, including:

  • General operating support
  • Project support
  • “Glue” support for networks of grassroots and partner organizations
  • Organizational development support

Size and duration of grants: The size and duration of grants is matched to the applicant’s scale of impact, need, capabilities and opportunities, and typically follow these guidelines:

  • It provides one-year funding for initial grants. It considers continuation of funding in two-year increments
  • It rarely makes grants that exceed 30% of a project or organizational budget

Program-related investments (PRIs): It looks for opportunities to make below-market-rate investments to spur economic development in low-wealth communities. To qualify, an organization must have:

  • Mission and impact consistent with our grant-making priorities
  • A track record of managing debt or equity investments
  • A solid business plan
  • Other investors

Opportunity offered by:

Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation

The Babcock Foundation partners with organizations and networks working to alleviate poverty and increase social and economic justice in 11 Southern states. It believes in democracy, opportunity and the power of partnerships,…
Opportunity type

Grant
Rolling

Location(s) where available

Arkansas
Georgia
Louisiana
North Carolina
South
South Carolina

Areas of focus

Business/Economy
Education
Equity/Inclusion
Government/Politics
Health

This is a recurring opportunity