Green South Foundation Inc

The foundation’s three programs are Awareness, Accelerator, and Land. Awareness supports fact-based communication projects, with a current priority of informing communities about climate change. Accelerator supports efforts to advance conservation, including work by land trusts, advocacy organizations, leadership development and technical assistance programs, and projects involving research or education. Land partners with land trusts, public agencies, and national conservation organizations; its loans are typically secured by first mortgages and repaid within four years or less.

The foundation’s 2024 grants included climate-awareness, land-conservation, and local-journalism purposes. Among the supported organizations, Catawba College’s stated mission centers on education combining liberal studies and career preparation. Potential Energy Coalition says it educates the public about climate change and clean energy through communication strategies. MountainTrue says it champions resilient forests, clean waters, and healthy communities across the Southern Blue Ridge. Open Space Institute Land Trust says it supports land protection for clean water, recreation, communities, and wildlife habitat, as well as conserving forests and floodplains. Journalism Funding Partners says it works to increase the depth and diversity of local journalism.

The foundation’s programs focus on the U.S. Southeast. Accelerator prioritizes the Southern Appalachians, particularly the stretch from southwest Virginia to northeast Alabama, while allowing exceptions elsewhere in its six-state region: Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. Awareness work is predominantly in Georgia and the Carolinas.

In 2024, the largest shares of grant dollars by recipient state went to California (35%), North Carolina (18%), and New York (12%); Wisconsin and Georgia each received 7%.

Roy Richards is the foundation’s founder and president. The 2024 filing lists Judy Windom as secretary. The foundation’s team also includes Noel Thorn, who provides advisory services through The Thorn Company; Greg Guthrie, whose Valentine Family Office provides accounting and administrative services; and Diogo Freire, who leads the Awareness and Accelerator programs.

Mailing address: PO Box 2545, Carrollton, GA 30112
Phone: (678) 890-1101
Website: https://greensouthfoundation.org