Fund for Southern Communities Inc
Fund for Southern Communities Inc is a public charity based in Decatur, Georgia. Established in 1981, it makes grants and provides technical assistance to grassroots community groups working for social change in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
Fund for Southern Communities Inc at a glance
In short: Fund for Southern Communities Inc gave $469K across 22 grants in 2024 (avg $21K), mostly in Georgia. 59% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $469,276
- -54.1% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 22
- -31.3% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $21,331
- -33.3% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $20,500
- Total assets
- $4,734,512
- +8.5% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 59% first-time grantees (13 of 22, 2024; small sample)
- Primary geography
- Georgia (62% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Fund for Southern Communities Inc
- How to Apply
-
The funder’s guidelines invite eligible organizations to apply and provide application and eligibility information. They identify long-term social change, a total organizational budget of $150,000 or less, and work in Georgia, North Carolina, or South Carolina as considerations. They state that direct services, social services, and special events are not funded. The guidelines list an October 15 deadline, without specifying a year.
- Contact
Mailing address: 4153-C Flat Shoals Pkwy 314, Decatur, GA 30034
Phone: (404) 371-8404
Website: https://fundforsouth.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
1 open opportunity from Fund for Southern Communities Inc
Who Fund for Southern Communities Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Trans Forming ($40K). Together the top 10 received $318K.
Grant Size Distribution
145 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 127 grants of 145 (88%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The funder identifies Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina as its service area. In 2024, grant dollars were distributed as follows: Georgia, 62%; North Carolina, 18%; South Carolina, 14%; and Tennessee, 6%. The funder’s website notes that donor-advised grants are sometimes made outside its three-state service area.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 22 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Fund for Southern Communities Inc open to new grantees?
59%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 13 of 22 grantees (59%) were first-time recipients. With only 22 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 5 points. First grants averaged $19K; repeat grants $25K. How we count
Medians: $15K first-time, $28K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2021–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2021 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $469K (2024) to $2.2M (2022). In 2024 it made 22 grants totaling $469K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Trans Forming Atlanta, GA | Trans Forming | $40,163 |
| Black Girls Film Camp Charlotte, NC | Black Girl Dream Fund | $37,500 |
| New Vision MSK Warner Robins, GA | Neighbohood Planning | $37,500 |
| HH Sisters Hazlehurst Haile Baxley, GA | Black Girl Dream Fund | $30,370 |
| 3D Girls Atlanta, GA | Various | $30,000 |
| Black Girls Smile Inc Atlanta, GA | Black Girl Dream Fund | $30,000 |
| Find Design Nashville, TN | Neighbohood Planning | $30,000 |
| Hope for Youth Inc Mableton, GA | Black Girl Dream Fund | $27,750 |
| Koinonia Community Solutions Winterville, NC | Black Girl Dream Fund | $27,750 |
| Every Black Girl Columbia, SC | Black Girl Dream Fund | $27,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Fund for Southern Communities Inc?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
The 2024 filing reports 22 grants; the 2023 filing reports 32, and the 2022 filing reports 61.
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $4,734,512 | $677,869 | $680,339 | $469,276 | 22 | $219,355 |
| 2023 | $4,364,393 | $1,269,956 | $1,260,851 | $1,022,625 | 32 | $36,792 |
| 2022 | $3,955,170 | $2,696,112 | $2,452,251 | $2,173,445 | 61 | $149,398 |
| 2021 | $4,446,846 | $1,997,513 | $1,009,335 | $663,489 | 30 | $171,387 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The funder’s stated mission is to support and unite organizations and donors working to create just and sustainable communities that are free of oppression and embrace and celebrate all people. It says its grantmaking and related activities foster social change initiated by community-based groups in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
Its guidelines identify work against discrimination, workers’ rights, self-determination in low-income and disenfranchised communities, environmental protection, non-traditional arts and media, and peace. The funder also describes support for groups working on environmental justice, anti-racism, women’s rights, youth development, LGBTQ rights, civil rights, and disability rights. It says grantees may receive technical assistance as well as financial support.
Examples of 2024 grantees illustrate the range of organizations funded. Black Girls Film Camp, which received $37,500, says it works to close the representation gap in media by cultivating next-generation storytellers. 3D Girls Incorporated, which received $30,000, says it educates and empowers young women to advocate for themselves and their families. Black Girls Smile Inc, also awarded $30,000, describes a focus on the mental health needs of young Black women. The Beautiful Project Inc, awarded $18,500, describes using storytelling and visual arts to advance healing and representational justice for Black girls, gender-expansive youth, and women.
Grantmaking
The 2024 filing reports 22 grants totaling $469,276. Individual grants ranged from $5,250 to $40,163, with a median of $20,500. The largest listed grants included $40,163 to Trans Forming in Atlanta for “TRANS FORMING,” and $37,500 each to Black Girls Film Camp in Charlotte for the “Black Girl Dream Fund” and New Vision MSK in Warner Robins for “Neighborhood Planning.”
Other notable 2024 awards included $30,370 to HH Sisters Hazlehurst Haile; $30,000 each to 3D Girls and Black Girls Smile; $27,750 each to Hope for Youth and Koinonia Community Solutions; and $27,000 to Every Black Girl. The listed purposes include the Black Girl Dream Fund, neighborhood planning, and various projects.
The funder’s application guidelines describe grants of $1,000–$5,000 for seed grants or general or project support to small organizations with total budgets of $150,000 or less. The guidelines limit funding to once in a 12-month period and generally no more than three grant cycles per organization, with possible exceptions when special targeted funds are available. They say applicants must be registered as nonprofits in Georgia, North Carolina, or South Carolina and have 501(c)(3) status or a fiscal agent; a limited number of 501(c)(4) organizations with a fiscal agent may be accepted. The funder says it may request a budget and reporting for grants with restrictions.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Alice Eason Jenkins as Executive Director; Darren Holmes as Chairman; Demetria Ledbetter as Treasurer; and Imara Canady as Secretary. It lists Shelia Moore, Chrystal Morris, Shanon Pazdera, and Brian K. Sanders as directors.
Fund for Southern Communities Inc is led by Alice Eason Jenkins, Executive Director on every filing since 2021; 1 of 8 officers listed in 2024 is compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Alice Eason Jenkins
Executive Director
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$103K (2021) → $111K (2024)
Darren Holmes
Chairman
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Brian K. Sanders
Director
On filings since 2021
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Chrystal Morris
Director
On filings since 2021
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Shanon Pazdera
Director
On filings since 2021
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Shelia Moore
Director
On filings since 2021
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Demetria Ledbetter
Treasurer
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Imara Canady
Secretary
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (2)
- Former: Julir G. Smithwick (2021) — Director
- Former: Monica R. Simpson (2021) — Director
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2021–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $111K, to Alice Eason Jenkins (Executive Dir.).
Frequently asked questions about Fund for Southern Communities Inc
How much does Fund for Southern Communities Inc give each year?
Fund for Southern Communities Inc gave $469K across 22 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $1.0M across 32 grants.
What is Fund for Southern Communities Inc's typical grant size?
Fund for Southern Communities Inc's median grant in 2024 was $20,500, and its average grant was $21,331, across 22 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from Fund for Southern Communities Inc that year got $19K on average.
Where does Fund for Southern Communities Inc give grants?
Fund for Southern Communities Inc gives mostly in Georgia: 62% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The next largest states were North Carolina (18%) and South Carolina (14%). The most frequent recipient cities were Atlanta, GA (8 grants), Columbia, SC (2 grants) and Conyers, GA (2 grants).
Does Fund for Southern Communities Inc give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 22 grants with a stated purpose on Fund for Southern Communities Inc's 2024 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Black Girl Dream Fund" (12 grants) and "Neighborhood Planning" (4 grants).
Who are Fund for Southern Communities Inc's largest grantees?
Fund for Southern Communities Inc's largest 2024 grantees include Trans Forming ($40,163), Black Girls Film Camp ($37,500) and New Vision MSK ($37,500), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. Together they received 25% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Fund for Southern Communities Inc?
Fund for Southern Communities Inc reported $4.7M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $678K.
What does Fund for Southern Communities Inc fund?
The funder’s stated mission is to support and unite organizations and donors working to create just and sustainable communities that are free of oppression and embrace and celebrate all people. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Fund for Southern Communities Inc?
The funder’s guidelines invite eligible organizations to apply and provide application and eligibility information. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Fund for Southern Communities Inc's EIN?
Fund for Southern Communities Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 58-1426028. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2021–2024.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(5)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 12, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 11, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS February 2, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS May 15, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2021–2024
Live grants for the work Fund for Southern Communities Inc funds
Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
- Nixa Affiliate Grantmaking Program Up to US $10,000 · Due October 19, 2026
- Community and School Grants $28,000 total pool; 10-15 grants expected · Due October 19, 2026
- Mary Pinola/Crescenta Valley Chamber Education Fund $500 - $5,000 for ongoing programs; up to $15,000 for Strategic Initiative Grants · Due October 19, 2026
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Fund for Southern Communities Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Annie E Casey Foundation Inc
Baltimore, MD
The Annie E. Casey Foundation funds U.S. nonprofits and other partners working to improve outcomes for children and young people, including family strengthening, child welfare, education, employment, community development and juvenile justice. In 2024, grants ranged from $50 to $1,185,000, with a median of $40,000. Grants are by invitation only; it does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$2.3B
Grants
1,462
Total Given
$93.1M
NEO Philanthropy Inc
New York, NY
NEO Philanthropy funds social-justice movements and community organizations, including work on immigration, democracy, reproductive, racial and climate justice, and LGBTQ rights. In 2024, its 558 grants ranged from $5,000 to $23.58 million, with a median of $50,000; grants went mainly to Washington state, Washington, DC, North Carolina, California, and New York. It does not accept unsolicited requests or proposals; potential grantees are generally invited to apply.
Assets
$185.6M
Grants
558
Total Given
$103.5M
The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta Inc
Atlanta, GA
The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta funds nonprofits across areas including health, education, human services, arts, housing, and civic engagement, with an emphasis on equity and shared prosperity. Its itemized 2024 grants had a median of $21,000, and over 64% of its 2024 grant support stayed in the 23-county metro Atlanta region, though it also funds organizations nationally and internationally. Nonprofits can apply through the foundation’s Grants Portal for competitive opportunities; it also makes donor-advised grants, but the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$1.5B
Grants
1,414
Total Given
$152.3M
United Way of Greater Atlanta Inc
Atlanta, GA
United Way of Greater Atlanta funds data-informed, community-driven work in early learning, education and career readiness, economic stability, and children’s well-being, including direct services, systems change, and nonprofit capacity building. Its 2025 grants ranged from $6,630 to $4,823,453, with a median of $50,000, and it funds work only in Greater Atlanta’s 13-county service area. Nonprofits can register in its grants portal and apply for opportunities as they open; the profile does not say whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$118.6M
Grants
203
Total Given
$36.4M
WK Kellogg Foundation
Battle Creek, MI
The W.K. Kellogg Foundation funds work to help children, families, and communities thrive, including early education, health equity, food systems, family economic well-being, and racial equity. In 2025, its grants ranged from $50 to nearly $5 million, with a median of $100,000; it funds across the United States, with long-term commitments in several states and communities, as well as parts of Mexico and Haiti. It accepts unsolicited proposals online at any time.
Assets
$481.0M
Grants
1,818
Total Given
$303.9M
Ms Foundation for Women Inc
Brooklyn, NY
MS Foundation for Women funds women-led movements and organizations advancing economic justice, safety, and women’s health across the United States and U.S. territories, with some programs focused on the South. Its 2025 grants ranged from $7,500 to $500,000, with a median of $25,000. It does not accept unsolicited requests, though it sometimes announces open calls.
Assets
$129.3M
Grants
208
Total Given
$7.6M
More similar funders
More Funders in Georgia
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Fund for Southern Communities Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 19, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/fund-for-southern-communities-inc-morg_9ee377ff436c4b79a95665f3f528379f
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_581426028_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Fund for Southern Communities Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/fund-for-southern-communities-inc-morg_9ee377ff436c4b79a95665f3f528379f},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-19. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Fund for Southern Communities Inc's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
Fund for Southern Communities Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?