The Black Belt Community Foundation Inc
The Black Belt Community Foundation (BBCF) is a public charity based in Selma, Alabama. It supports community-led work in Alabama’s Black Belt through grantmaking, education programs including Head Start, and community development initiatives.
The Black Belt Community Foundation Inc at a glance
In short: The Black Belt Community Foundation Inc gave $1.5M across 45 grants in 2024 (avg $34K), mostly in Alabama. 46% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $1,543,547
- -34.4% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 45
- -10.0% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $34,301
- -27.1% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $13,706
- Total assets
- $26,271,694
- -10.0% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 46% first-time grantees (16 of 35, 2024)
- Primary geography
- Alabama (56% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to The Black Belt Community Foundation Inc
- Review Cycle
- The 2026 cycle deadline was February 6, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Central Time; that cycle has passed.
- Deadline
- The 2026 cycle deadline was February 6, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
- Contact
Mailing address: PO Box 2020, Selma, AL 36702
Phone: (334) 874-1126
Website: https://blackbeltfound.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
2 open opportunities from The Black Belt Community Foundation Inc
Black Belt Community Foundation: Arts and Community Grants
The Black Belt Community Foundation Inc
Amount
US $500 - US $3,500
Deadline
Deadline not published
The William and Geraldine Curry Scholarship for Academic and Community Leadership
The Black Belt Community Foundation Inc
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Who The Black Belt Community Foundation Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Fund for Southern Communities ($308K across 3 grants). Together the top 10 received $1.3M.
Grant Size Distribution
210 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 176 grants of 210 (84%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
BBCF’s core service area is the 12 Alabama counties it identifies as the Black Belt region: Bullock, Choctaw, Dallas, Greene, Hale, Lowndes, Macon, Marengo, Perry, Pickens, Sumter, and Wilcox. Its filing also says it often invests across 13 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia. In 2024, 56% of grant dollars went to Alabama recipients, 20% to Georgia, 19% to Florida, 3% to Tennessee, and 1% to North Carolina.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 45 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is The Black Belt Community Foundation Inc open to new grantees?
46%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 16 of 35 grantees (46%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $16K; repeat grants $68K. How we count
Medians: $7K first-time, $15K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2020–2024). 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 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $1.2M (2021) to $3.8M (2022). In 2024 it made 45 grants totaling $1.5M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Fund for Southern Communities Decatur, GA | Black Girl Dream | $242,750 |
| Bama Kids Camden, AL | Community Partner - Healthy Families | $150,000 |
| Divine Girls Coalition Livingston, AL | Disaster Grant | $128,000 |
| Greene County Foster & Adoptive Parents Association Livingston, AL | Disaster Grant | $128,000 |
| Hale County Community Enrichment Society Greensboro, AL | Disaster Grant | $128,000 |
| Truthspeaks Innovation Foundation Orlando, FL | 2024 Black Girl Dream Fund | $103,000 |
| Truthspeaks Innovation Foundation Orlando, FL | General Operating Support | $70,000 |
| Black Belt Unincorporated Wastewater Program Montgomery, AL | 2024 Transforming Wastewater Infrastructure in the U.S. | $50,000 |
| Columbia World Project Tuscaloosa, AL | 2024 Transforming Wastewater Infrastructure in the U.S. | $50,000 |
| Fund for Southern Communities Decatur, GA | General Operating Support | $50,000 |
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Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
The 2024 filing reports that BBCF has made more than $18 million in grants since 2005. It also describes a permanent endowment that is being built to support the foundation’s sustainability.
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $26,271,694 | $11,452,438 | $14,023,321 | $1,543,547 | 45 | $400,005 |
| 2023 | $29,203,021 | $31,702,700 | $14,977,995 | $2,351,880 | 50 | $94,429 |
| 2022 | $13,179,524 | $16,134,472 | $11,755,311 | $3,770,094 | 37 | $50,915 |
| 2021 | $7,710,786 | $9,571,772 | $8,097,747 | $1,180,500 | 35 | $63,911 |
| 2020 | $7,913,002 | $12,170,420 | $9,127,760 | $1,977,937 | 43 | $72,115 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
BBCF’s mission is “to forge a collective stream of giving from the community and other sources” so Black Belt residents can use local and other resources to meet community needs. Its vision is for Black Belt communities to be healthy, prosperous, inclusive, educated, creative, and giving.
The foundation describes work in education and child development, community development and grantmaking, and the Southern Black Girls & Women’s Consortium. Its Head Start program serves children ages 3 to 5 and families in Dallas, Choctaw, Marengo, and Wilcox counties. BBCF also convenes residents and other local stakeholders around challenges such as food scarcity, health inequity, wastewater systems, housing rehabilitation, and neighborhood revitalization.
The foundation’s grant recipients illustrate the range of organizations it supports. Bama Kids describes its work as improving young people’s emotional and physical well-being through life-skills and educational activities, leadership development, and parent involvement. Hale County Community Enrichment Society describes youth activities, job training, school supplies, health screenings, and help for people affected by storms or natural disasters. Black Belt Unincorporated Wastewater says it works to improve quality of life through community collaboration and intervention. The Fund for Southern Communities describes supporting community-based groups working toward just and sustainable communities.
Grantmaking
BBCF’s 2024 filing reports 45 grants totaling $1,543,547. Grant amounts ranged from $5,500 to $242,750, with a median of $13,706. The largest listed awards included $242,750 to the Fund for Southern Communities for Black Girl Dream; $150,000 to Bama Kids for community partner—Healthy Families; and $128,000 each to Divine Girls Coalition, Greene County Foster & Adoptive Parents Association, and Hale County Community Enrichment Society for disaster grants. Other listed awards included $103,000 to Truthspeaks Innovation Foundation for the 2024 Black Girl Dream Fund and $50,000 each to Black Belt Unincorporated Wastewater Program and Columbia World Project for work on wastewater infrastructure.
BBCF’s website describes an annual Arts and Community Grants Cycle. The 2026 cycle offered arts awards of $500 to $3,500 and community awards of $500 to $5,000 for projects in its 12-county service area. The next cycle is scheduled to reopen in January 2027. The foundation also lists the William and Geraldine Curry Scholarship for Academic and Community Leadership, focused on academic excellence and community leadership in the Alabama Black Belt.
For its Arts and Community Grants Cycle, applications are submitted online. The 2026 cycle required new organizations that had not previously applied for BBCF arts or community grants to attend a Grantseekers Workshop; returning grantees could apply directly through the online portal. BBCF’s filing says grant applicants must submit a written request outlining their activities and support received from other institutions. Recipients have a site visit after six months and must submit a final report and receipts at the end of the 12-month grant period.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Walter D. Givhan as chairperson, Darlene G. Robinson as vice chairperson, Khandi Flowers as secretary, and Veronica Drake as treasurer. It lists Tony Cherry, John H. England, Patricia M. Farrior, Schnavia S. Hatcher, Calida J. M. Henderson, and Clifford O. Hunter as board members. In a 2026 grant-cycle announcement, BBCF identified Chris Spencer as president and CEO.
The Black Belt Community Foundation Inc is led by Felecia Lucky, President on every filing since 2020; 3 of 20 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Felecia Lucky
President
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$169K (2020) → $325K (2024)
Walter D. Givhan
Chairperson
Vice Chairperson → Chairperson, 2023
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Christopher H. Spencer
Chief Community Engagement Officer
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$115K (2023) → $106K (2024)
Serena Chen Low
Chief of Staff
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$112K (2023) → $102K (2024)
Clifford O. Hunter
Board Member
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Darlene G. Robinson
Vice Chairperson
Chairperson → Vice Chairperson, 2023
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Eugene Martin
Board Member
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jamaal Hunter
Board Member
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jesse Moore
Board Member
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
John H. England
Board Member
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kennard Randolph
Board Member
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Khandi Flowers
Secretary
Board Member → Secretary, 2023
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Martha B. Lockett
Board Member
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Marvin W. Wiggins
Board Member
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Patricia M. Farrior
Board Member
Secretary → Board Member, 2023
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Robert L. Turner
Board Member
Treasurer → Board Member, 2023
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Tony Cherry
Board Member
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Veronica Drake
Treasurer
Board Member → Treasurer, 2023
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Calida J. M. Henderson
Board Member
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Schnavia S. Hatcher
Board Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (6)
- Former: Malikah Simone Berry (2023) — Executive Director & Sbgwc
- Former: Calvin J. H. Harkness (2020–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Sheryl Z. Smedley (2020–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Stacey C. Nickson (2020–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Andre P. Saulsberry (2020–2021) — Board Member
- Former: Calida J. M. Craddock (2020–2021) — Board Member
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "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 $325K, to Felecia Lucky (President). 3 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about The Black Belt Community Foundation Inc
How much does The Black Belt Community Foundation Inc give each year?
The Black Belt Community Foundation Inc gave $1.5M across 45 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $2.4M across 50 grants.
What is The Black Belt Community Foundation Inc's typical grant size?
The Black Belt Community Foundation Inc's median grant in 2024 was $13,706, and its average grant was $34,301, across 45 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from The Black Belt Community Foundation Inc that year got $16K on average.
Where does The Black Belt Community Foundation Inc give grants?
The Black Belt Community Foundation Inc gives mostly in Alabama: 56% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The next largest states were Georgia (20%) and Florida (19%). The most frequent recipient cities were Orlando, FL (6 grants), Livingston, AL (5 grants), Decatur, GA (3 grants) and Camden, AL (3 grants).
Does The Black Belt Community Foundation Inc give general operating support?
Occasionally: 9% of The Black Belt Community Foundation Inc's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (4 of 45) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990. Recurring purposes include "2024 Community Grant" (16 grants), "2024 Black Girl Dream Fund" (11 grants) and "Disaster Grant" (3 grants).
Who are The Black Belt Community Foundation Inc's largest grantees?
The Black Belt Community Foundation Inc's largest 2024 grantees include Fund for Southern Communities ($307,563 across 3 grants), Truthspeaks Innovation Foundation ($246,706 across 5 grants) and Bama Kids ($162,000 across 2 grants), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. Together they received 46% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is The Black Belt Community Foundation Inc?
The Black Belt Community Foundation Inc reported $26.3M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $11.5M.
What does The Black Belt Community Foundation Inc fund?
BBCF’s mission is “to forge a collective stream of giving from the community and other sources” so Black Belt residents can use local and other resources to meet community needs. Its vision is for Black Belt communities to be healthy, prosperous, inclusive, educated, creative, and giving. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Black Belt Community Foundation Inc?
The Black Belt Community Foundation Inc has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check blackbeltfound.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is The Black Belt Community Foundation Inc's EIN?
The Black Belt Community Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 63-1270745. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS November 12, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 16, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 15, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS April 28, 2025)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 13, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). The Black Belt Community Foundation Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 11, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/the-black-belt-community-foundation-inc-morg_5cb7ba531dd845048187aa74546d6354
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_631270745_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{The Black Belt Community Foundation Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/the-black-belt-community-foundation-inc-morg_5cb7ba531dd845048187aa74546d6354},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-11. 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 The Black Belt Community Foundation 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.
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