Black Belt Community Foundation
| Formation | 2004 |
|---|---|
| Type | 501(c)(3) community foundation |
| Headquarters | Selma, Alabama, U.S. |
| Location |
|
Area served | Bullock, Choctaw, Dallas, Greene, Hale, Lowndes, Macon, Marengo, Perry, Pickens, Sumter, and Wilcox counties |
Key people | Felecia Lucky (Founding President & CEO, 2004–2025) Christopher Spencer (President & CEO, 2025–present) |
| Website | blackbeltfound |
The Black Belt Community Foundation (BBCF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit community foundation that serves 12 counties in the Black Belt region of Alabama. Founded in 2004, the foundation is based in Selma, Alabama, and focuses on a model of community-based philanthropy, guided by its motto, "Taking What We Have to Make What We Need."[1]
The organization works to address systemic poverty and stimulate community development by directing grants and resources to local initiatives in areas such as education, health, arts, and economic development.[2]
History
The Black Belt Community Foundation was established in 2004 to create a new form of philanthropy for one of the nation's most historically impoverished regions. The foundation was built on the principle that local residents should guide the distribution of resources within their own communities.[1] Founding president and CEO Felecia Lucky led the organization for its first 21 years, from its inception until her departure in September 2025.[2] Under her leadership, the foundation grew from a concept into a major philanthropic force in the region. In 2025, the foundation's board appointed Christopher Spencer, then the Chief Community Engagement Officer, to succeed Lucky as president and CEO.[2]
Mission and model
BBCF's mission is "to forge a collective stream of giving from the community and other sources so we, the people of the Black Belt, can enhance our continuing efforts to lift ourselves."[1]
Its philanthropic model is distinct from traditional charity in that it emphasizes building local assets and empowering residents to become philanthropists themselves. The foundation's work is guided by its "Community Associates" program, a network of volunteers from each of the 12 counties it serves. These associates provide insight into community needs and help direct the foundation's grant-making decisions, ensuring that investments are community-led and address the most pressing local issues. This approach is a direct application of trust-based philanthropy and participatory grantmaking, where residents are central to funding decisions.[3][2]
The foundation serves Bullock, Choctaw, Dallas, Greene, Hale, Lowndes, Macon, Marengo, Perry, Pickens, Sumter, and Wilcox counties.[1]
Programs and initiatives
BBCF directs its resources toward several key areas, including education, health and wellness, arts and culture, and economic development.[3]
- Community Grants: The foundation provides annual grants to a wide range of local non-profit organizations. In 2025, it awarded over $344,000 to 141 projects across its 12-county service area.[4]
- Head Start Program: For eight years, BBCF has managed the region's Head Start program, providing early childhood education and comprehensive services to 307 children and their families annually in Choctaw, Dallas, Marengo, and Wilcox counties.[2]
- 2020 Census Initiative: Leveraging its network of Community Associates, the foundation became an official partner in the 2020 United States census. Its efforts were credited with achieving a high response rate in a historically hard-to-count region, which was commended by Alabama Governor Kay Ivey.[2]
- Arts and Culture: In partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and others, BBCF supports local arts initiatives. It received a multi-year $90,000 grant from the Levitt Foundation to present the Levitt AMP Selma Music Series from 2023 to 2025.[5]
- Health Equity: The foundation has led major health initiatives, including the Black Belt H.O.P.E. (Health, Outreach, Promotion, and Education) Program, which surveyed over 33,000 residents to better address health disparities in the region.[6]
Impact
Since its founding in 2004, the Black Belt Community Foundation has directed nearly $100 million in grants and resources into its 12-county service area. It has partnered with over 200 local non-profit organizations to implement community-led projects.[2] The foundation's model of community-based philanthropy has been recognized as a successful framework for building civic engagement and social trust in rural and underserved areas.[3]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 "Our mission - Black Belt Community Foundation". blackbeltfound.org. Retrieved 2025-08-01.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 Staff, Alabama News Center (2025-07-30). "Alabama's Black Belt Community Foundation prepares to welcome new leadership". Alabama News Center. Retrieved 2025-08-01.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "Black Belt Community Foundation – Trust for Civic Life". Trust for Civic Life. Retrieved 2025-08-01.
- ↑ "Arts & Community Grants - Black Belt Community Foundation". blackbeltfound.org. Retrieved 2025-08-01.
- ↑ "Black Belt Community Foundation Receives $90K, Multi-Year Grant to Present the Levitt AMP Selma Music Series through 2025". blackbeltfound.org. 2022-11-21. Retrieved 2025-08-01.
- ↑ "Black Belt H.O.P.E. – Health, Outreach, Promotion, & Education". blackbeltfound.org. Retrieved 2025-08-01.
Category:Community foundations in the United States Category:Organizations based in Alabama Category:Non-profit organizations based in Alabama Category:2004 establishments in Alabama Category:Black Belt (region of Alabama)
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