The Black Belt Community Foundation (BBCF) supports community development in Alabama’s Black Belt region, 12 underserved counties in an area significant to America’s civil rights heritage.
Based in historic Selma, Alabama, BBCF sources and awards grants that fund critical community projects, including infrastructure improvements, education projects, leadership training, disaster relief, and cultural festivals and events.
BBCF is one of HOPE’s largest depositors, trusting its more than $19 million in hard-won assets earmarked for the community to HOPE.
“BBCF and HOPE operate in the same spaces, advocating for capital and financial services for underserved families and communities,” says Chris Spencer, BBCF executive director. “We want to align our resources with a like-minded entity. The people we serve can’t walk in most of the banks in our region and walk out with a loan. Why would we put our money there when they’re going to deny our residents access to capital? We want our money somewhere where we think our people would be loved and nurtured and given opportunity. We found that in HOPE.”
BBCF and HOPE joined forces on a project during the COVID-19 pandemic that delivered critical emergency supplies to the area. BBCF and HOPE are currently exploring a partnership that would embed a HOPE associate in the Black Belt community one day a week to assist residents who need auto loans, mortgages, or small business financing, and have not been able to access capital through other financial institutions.
“Together, we’re going to be an economic development engine across the 12 counties we serve,” Spencer says. “HOPE is a trusted partner. They’ve demonstrated that they have love for the community. BBCF has love for the community. HOPE listens. BBCF listens. And together, we get things done.”