Foundation History
The Sapelo Foundation grew out of Richard J. Reynolds, Jr.'s interest in Sapelo Island, one of the
many barrier islands along the Georgia coast. This coastal region, rich in culture, history and natural
resources, captured the interest and imagination of the young tobacco heir upon his first visit in the
early 1930's. Over his lifetime, Mr. Reynolds developed a deep appreciation for the beauty, history
and culture of Sapelo Island. He was especially intrigued by the vast saltmarsh ecosystem separating
Sapelo from the mainland. In 1953, he created the Sapelo Island Marine Institute as a research affiliate
of the University of Georgia. The Sapelo Foundation served as the vehicle for the development and operation
of the institute until 1976 when the University of Georgia took charge and the foundation turned towards
funding charitable activities.
Over the years, the Sapelo Foundation has become one of the more progressive foundations in Georgia
and the greater South. Through its broad grantmaking program, it furthers Mr. Reynolds' philanthropic
goals, still dear to the family, of promoting positive social change and natural resources protection
for the benefit of all Georgians.
|
Core Values & Funding Areas
The
Sapelo Foundation
promotes progressive social change affecting, in particular, vulnerable populations,
rural communities and the natural environment in the state of Georgia.
The Sapelo Foundation:
- Works to empower people who are powerless or marginalized.
- Acts as a catalyst in promoting change primarily through affecting public policy.
- Is strategic and proactive in its funding and leverages financial resources.
- Convenes potential partners around issues.
- Encourages collaborative action and networking, particularly among groups with differing racial, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds.
- Takes risks in grantmaking and encourages other funders to participate.
- Shares experiences with foundations and other potential partners.
To accomplish this purpose, the Foundation currently supports:
Environmental Protection
and
Social Justice
For more information on the Foundation's focus area, please visit
the What We Fund page.
|
Sapelo Foundation Trustees & Staff
|
Officers |
|
Henry H. Carey | President |
| Dr. Annemarie Reynolds | Honorary President |
| Katharine R. Grant | Vice-President |
| Irene Reynolds | Secretary |
| William K. Broker | Treasurer |
|
Trustees |
|
Nicole Bagley |
Susan L. Carmichael |
|
Bettieanne Hart |
|
Russell Long |
|
Tirso Moreno |
|
The Honorable Nan Grogan Orrock |
|
Staff and Counsel |
| Phyllis Bowen | Executive Director |
| Barbara S. Bowdry | Program Officer/Office Manager |
Benjamin T. White
Alston & Bird, L.L.P. | Counsel |
Reynolds family members continue to
play an active role in the foundation
|
Financials
The Foundation operates on a June 30 fiscal year.
These figures are for the end of each year.
|
2006 | 2005 | 2004 |
|
| | Net Assets | $33,068,233 | $33,011,704 | $34,476,480 |
Expenditures
| Administration | $ 285,442 | $ 266,600 | $ 266,600 |
| Assets Management | $ 115,040 | $ 87,426 | $ 80,483 |
| Taxes | $ 22,231 | $ 14,737 | $ 49,614 |
| Grants & Scholarships | $ 1,144,109 | $ 1,494,019 | $ 1,482,769 | |
|
|