Mary Black Foundation

10/21/2026

Our partner, CommunityWorks, is hosting a free, one-day training on November 7 for faith leaders interested in stepping into the world of affordable housing and community economic development. Follow the link below for more information and registration.

CommunityWorks is hosting a FREE Faith-based Development Financing Intensive on Saturday, Nov. 7 from 8:30 am-2 pm at Greenville Tech’s Barton Campus.

10/21/2026

Earlier this month, our team had a blast volunteering at The Franklin School's Fall Festival. We helped families check in, served dinner, and led the cake walk (so many cakes!). We loved celebrating the start of the season alongside the students and their families.

We're proud to partner with The Franklin School and grateful for the opportunity to show up for their community in a hands-on way. Thanks for welcoming us!

10/16/2026

We’re proud to honor Elizabeth Tisdale, executive director of the Children's Advocacy Center of Spartanburg, Cherokee, and Union Counties, as our 2026 Newby Fellow. Her leadership and commitment to families in Spartanburg County continue to make a lasting impact. In our Q&A with Elizabeth, we got to know more about the person behind the work — she shares what keeps her up at night, what keeps her going, and some of the experiences that continue to shape her work.

Read the full article: https://maryblackfoundation.org/2026/10/14/elizabeth-tisdale/

10/10/2026

Mental health affects us all. But too many of our neighbors struggle in silence because they're afraid of how others might see them.

That's why sharing these stories matters. Stories from real people who have lived through mental health and substance use challenges and know what helps, what doesn't, and what gets in the way. Their voices should shape the care our community provides.

Mary Black Foundation is one of 75+ organizations in Spartanburg County coming together as to address these issues. Together we are bringing local healthcare, schools, nonprofits, businesses, and government officials together to shape one shared plan for addressing the mental health crisis in our county. No single organization can do this alone, and no one should have to go through it alone.

Check on someone today, and learn more at vitalspartanburg.org.

If you or someone you love is in crisis, call or text 988.

10/08/2026

Join us in congratulating Natalia Valenzuela Swanson, our Senior Director of Community Impact, on being selected for the Hispanic Heritage Month Exhibit at the Spartanburg County Foundation's Center for Philanthropy! The exhibit honors local Latino and Hispanic philanthropists and the interactive displays will be free and available to the public to see until Friday, October 9, at 5:00pm.

10/07/2026

A few moments from our 30th anniversary celebration last month at the new Middle Tyger Education Center. The Foundation has been able to create lasting impact on our community over the past three decades thanks to countless trustees, nonprofit partners, and community partners all pulling in the same direction. Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate!

Middle Tyger Community Center
A Taste of Cherry Charcuterie

09/22/2026

Are you doing work in Spartanburg to improve the health and well-being of children and their families? The first step of our grant application process is now open through October 8.

This short online form should take about 10 minutes to complete and will let us know how your work is aligned with ours. After inquiry forms are reviewed, organizations asked to move on to phase two will be given instructions on how to complete the full application (October 14-November 6).

Learn more and complete an inquiry form: https://maryblackfoundation.org/grantmaking/

09/22/2026

The Foundation was featured in the latest issue of The Greenville News: Marketplace Greenville. From the sale of the Mary Black Memorial Hospital in 1996 to an unexpected $8 million gift in 2022 and more, the article highlights some of the Foundation's key moments and where its heading as the Foundation celebrates 30 years of impact.

https://maryblackfoundation.org/media/ -df_18812/1/

09/17/2026

Last night, the Foundation celebrated 30 years operating as a private foundation. It felt especially meaningful to do it at the brand new Middle Tyger Education Center, the second campus of the Foundation's first significant grantee, Middle Tyger Community Center.

Current and former trustees gathered along with some community partners who have been part of our story along the way. Thirty years later, we're thankful for the people, partnerships, and ideas that have shaped our community and we're excited for what's ahead.

Thank you to WSPA 7News for helping us mark the occasion and share a little of our story.

Mary Black Foundation celebrates 30 years

09/12/2026

Our team and their families enjoyed a night at the ballpark last week. We loved cheering on the home team together! ⚾🍔