Local organizations receive Black Belt Grants

The Black Belt Community Foundation announced recipients for its 2024 Arts and Community
Grants cycle at a June 1 award ceremony in Selma. The inaugural ceremony, held in the George P. Evans Reception Hall in Selma, was the first the foundation had held to award both types of grants in one combined gathering.

Six groups providing services in Lowndes County received awards totaling $29,810 during the ceremony, including the following:

2024 Community Grant Recipients

* Gordonville Community Development Corp., Inc. – $4,900;

* Hayneville/Lowndes County Public Library – $5,000;

* Hope on the Hill Ministry – $6,910;

* Lowndes County Community Life Center – $6,000; and

* Student Tutoring and Enrichment Program – $5,000 (STEP).

2024 Arts Grant Recipients

* Student Tutoring and Enrichment Program $2,000 (STEP)

Nearly 200 people attended the ceremony, witnessing the award of more than half a million dollars to organizations throughout the 12 Black Belt counties served: Bullock, Choctaw, Dallas, Greene, Hale, Lowndes, Macon, Marengo, Perry, Pickens, Sumter and Wilcox.

The Foundation awarded 96 Black Belt grantee organizations with $359,693 which will fund an array of programs. Arts grants totaling $154,740 were awarded to 34 organizations for a combined total award of $514,433.

From community rivals to summer reading programs and health and wellness initiatives, the impact realized with help from the grants is expected to be significant in Black Belt Communities.

Erica Williams, BBCF community engagement officer, said the process for grant awarding includes in person workshops in each county to ensure equitable access to information and assistance.

“Grantmaking decisions must align with the mission and vision of BBCF, while acting on the values of the community and collaborating with partners to seek and select solutions,” Williams said. “In the process, the grants must expand community engagement while meeting and impacting genuine community needs.”

The ceremony featured a buffet lunch catered by Lizz Carrie Deli and Catering, located on the campus of Wallace Community College Selma.

Felecia Lucky, president of BBCF said the award cycle marked the foundation’s 20th year of giving in the Black Belt region.