Why SPF?
SOUTHERN PARTNERS FUND
Democratic Philanthropy in Action
Foundation and donor support is the lifeblood that enable Southern Partners Fund to assist grassroots community leaders, organizations and networks to build their capacity and power to achieve racial and economic equity in SPF’s 12-state region across the rural South.

Southern Partners Fund’s model of democratic philanthropy is authentic and different from most foundations.
- SPF is entirely governed by leaders of rural grassroots community organizations.
- SPF’s board and members, who are grantees, former grantees and rural community leaders from throughout SPF’s 12-state region, make all operating and grants decisions.
- For the past 21 years we have acted upon our founders’ belief that those affected by injustice are best equipped to find the solution.
“ Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?” — Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.