We support groups building power to advance racial equity along three primary pathways: democracy and civic engagement, supportive policies and institutions, and economic opportunity.  

From grantmaking to investing, communications and organizational culture, we are committed to centering a race-forward intersectional analysis in everything we do. 

Established in 1953 with a $12 million bequest from Mary Reynolds Babcock, in its early days the Foundation supported historically black colleges and universities, grassroots advocacy groups, voter education and government accountability work – a unique legacy for Southern family philanthropy.  

The values that guided the Foundation in those days – democracy, equity, community and risk-taking – remain our North Star today.