Intermediate Support

Southern Echo provides grants to grassroots community organizations through two Intermediate Support programs supported by foundations.

  • Southern Echo – C. S. Mott Foundation Grassroots Community Organizing Initiative

The Southern Echo – Charles Stewart Mott Foundation-funded ISO program provides annual small to medium-size grants in eight southern states to maturing low-wealth grassroots organizations using community organizing models to empower communities.

In this program grantees participate in an annual training conference focused on community organizing and organizational development tools and skills. Southern Echo conducts site visits and provides technical assistance to ISO grantees.

  • Southern Echo ISO – Land-Based Environmental Development Program

The Southern Echo – Ford Foundation-funded ISO program provides annual medium-size grants in five southern states to low-wealth grassroots organizations working to preserve African American land ownership, or working to implement community-based economic development programs, or working to create community-based environmental protection programs.

A key programmatic goal is to involve young people in the programs to build an appreciation of land use within the younger generations.

In this program grantees participate in an annual training conference focused on land retention and development issues and organizational development. Southern Echo conducts site visits and a team of consultants provides technical assistance to grantees.