The seed that became Grantmakers for Southern Progress (GSP) was planted in 2009 when a group of funders identified the need for deeper, more consistent funding for directly impacted communities in the Southern United States. For more than ten years, GSP has supported innovative justice work and influenced funders across the nation to think critically about the role the South plays in structural change efforts, while uplifting movements centered around and led by Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities.

For decades, the South has been at the forefront of the most inventive and impactful strategies driving social change in the country. We know that philanthropy has the resources to transform the South into a region that is just and livable for all of us. The South is shaping the future, and our past helps show us the way. The work of Grantmakers for Southern Progress continues to create greater opportunity for justice in the South and beyond.

Timeline

2023
Fellows for Southern Progress Launches

The Race and Gender Equity Cohort is restructured into the Fellows for Southern Progress (FSP) leadership development program. The goal is to use the program to build a pipeline of leaders with a race and gender justice analysis who can influence their funder institutions to think critically about and support Southern movement work. The first FSP Convening takes place in Jackson, Mississippi and is attended by our cohort of ten Fellows, joining from across the country.

GSP Creates Funder Tables in Georgia and Mississippi

GSP helped launch the Georgia Criminal Justice Funder Table, helping drive investments in Black, Brown, and Indigenous-led organizations supporting criminal justice reform across the state. In this same year, GSP built strategies to support the Mississippi State Table to increase investments in Black, Brown, and Indigenous-led organizations supporting racial justice work and funder organizing efforts across the state. 

As the South Grows Series & Microsite Launches

GSP staff began developing the new series of As the South Grows (ATSG) report. The introductory report, Groundwater, highlighted the shifts in philanthropy and our political context since the release of the first reports, and laid out the topics that would be covered in subsequent reports. These topics included political organizing, reproductive justice, climate change, and more. The ATSG microsite was launched, housing all the reports thus far and information on how folks could get involved and support the work.

GSP Convening in Orlando, Florida

GSP’s staff organizes its third biennial Convening in Orlando, Florida. Due to rising political tensions in the state, there is pushback from funders who are worried about traveling to Florida. GSP releases a statement reiterating that our work is centered on Black, Brown, Indigenous, and directly-impacted people in the South and that we have a duty to bring funders to where the work is most needed. Our Convening moves to a virtual format under the threat of Hurricane Idalia. GSP partners with local organizers to redistribute our hotel rooms and food to local folks impacted by the storm. Over 200 attendees join the Convening online and learn and strategize with each other over the course of our three-day event. 

2022
Our Staff Continues Growing

After hiring a dedicated Membership Manager in late 2020, and a Program Manager and Program Coordinator in 2021, GSP hires an Administrative Coordinator and Communications Specialist in 2022. GSP is now a fully staffed organization, and the development of its staff structure begins,

2021
First Virtual Membership Meeting & Learning Tour

In August, GSP hosts our first virtual Membership Meeting. The meeting features our first virtual Learning Tour, highlighting the work of practitioners throughout Texas. Over 100 philanthropy professionals attend and participate in the programming. The virtual Learning Tour becomes a mainstay in GSP’s funder learning opportunities.

GSP Website Launches

GSP’s new website launches at the end of January. The Administrative Coordinator and Membership manager work together to build relationships with GSP’s members and continue making the membership process more efficient overall.

2020
A Movement-Led Model of Philanthropy is Born

GSP identifies Chantelle Fisher-Borne and Ash-Lee Henderson to help develop a process around moving funds more quickly to folks leading grassroots movement efforts. A movement-led model of philanthropy is born, centering people on the frontlines and paying them for the work they are already doing. This process develops into the Southern Power Fund (SPF). GSP becomes a member of the SPF Steering Committee and helps facilitate conversations with potential funders. The main question at this time is “Who can we call to get this money on the ground now?” Big Philanthropy struggles to move money quickly, though Solidaire and Resource Generation step up to help. 

Movement Leaders Mobilize Voters

Funders pour money into the South as the election looms. In November, Joe Biden wins the presidential election and a tight senate race in Georgia yields a run-off race. Both show that movement leaders can effectively mobilize voters, even in the midst of a pandemic. This attracts even more funders and centralizes the South in discussions and strategies surrounding progress. 

COVID-19 and Racial Uprisings

In March, GSP’s in-person offices close and become virtual as COVID-19 spreads. The pandemic has a devastating impact on Southern communities, and the Steering Committee discusses raising $10 million for relief efforts. The murders of Ahmaud Arbery and George Floyd spark global protests as people demand an end to anti-Black violence. GSP identifies a need to move funds to communities quickly as the need for community protection grows.