ABSTRACT
The Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation (MRBF) is a family foundation in North Carolina founded in 1953. The foundation has always been committed to concepts such as equity and social justice. As philanthropic organizations, which are an extension of the wishes of family members, family foundations experience unique dynamics and circumstances. The Board is continually thinking through how to remain a family foundation while representing the communities the foundation serves. Inclusion is at the heart of the foundation’s strategic approach, as it emphasizes the perspectives of those in the communities MRBF is funding. MRBF is committed to values. Since the foundation’s inception, values have informed practice and the evolution of the organization’s policies and practices over time. MRBF has continually evolved over generations through learning. MRBF is a compelling example of a family foundation, which has continually reflected on its value and impact as a way to increase its value to Southern communities.
