SOUTHERN PARTNERS FUND INC

Spf launched the social justice institute (sji) as a leadership development andcapacity building program to enhance the sustainability of grantee groups and othergrassroots organizations committed to social justice in the south. Sjis frameworkincorporates grantmaking, organizational development, youth leadership development,culture and the arts. Sji promotes knowledge building, best practices inorganizational management, and collective understanding of current and historichuman rights issues in the south. Sji has several components:- peer-to-peer coaching and networking- executive coaching- one-on-one organizational assessments- consulting for select community-based organizations- regional workshops across the southeast- two-day experiential trainings twice per yeara significant branch of sji is the young leaders for social change (ylsc) fellowshipthat sustains the racial and economic justice movement that requires the continuedsupport and cultivation of our future leaders. Ylsc was designed to help individualsaged 18-to-35 to become more grounded and effective leaders. This program is anopportunity for these individuals to enhance their leadership skills, learn newskills, and apply said skills in their respective communities.

At least 80% of spfs membership must be derived from leaders of currently orpreviously funded grassroots organizations and represent diverse issues andexperience. Serving in five-year terms, spfs membership is constantly evolvingthanks to the board and memberships commitment to nominating potential candidateswhose work and values align with those of the foundation. They meet at least twice ayear and serve on committees, including grantmaking policy and grants decisions,finance and investments, and are actively involved in the organization. Membershipis an integral piece of spfs democratic philanthropy. The membership serves as aleadership pool from which spfs board is elected, and ensures that operating,grantmaking and program decisions reflect the perspective of rural southerngrassroots organizations. Annual membership meeting opportunity of spf to gathertogether rural organizers and organizations to vocalize the work or issuesprevailing in their communities, receive technical assistance or training that willimprove their leadership abilities, and offer grounding strategies that willdetermine and guide the investments made by the foundation.