Funders Forum Presentation Videos
Held on January 30, 2026
About the Forum
Collective impact is a structured form of collaboration that brings groups together around shared goals, data-informed strategies, and coordinated action. The goal of the Funders Forum held on January 30, 2026 was to gather funding organizations to align funding strategies, share insights, and collaborate on solutions to some of the county’s most pressing challenges.
We invite you to review these videos that feature content from the January 30 Funders Forum and is presented in three sequential segments. Each presentation builds on the previous one to provide a comprehensive understanding of philanthropy at the regional, state, and local levels. To get the most value from the material, we recommend watching the segments in order.
Together, these three segments offer a layered, insightful look at philanthropy’s landscape and how coordinated investment can drive meaningful change in Spartanburg County.
Regional & State Trends in Philanthropy
Session length: 1 hour
The forum began with an overview of current philanthropic patterns across the region and state presented by Stephen Sherman, Senior Director of Engagement & Learning at Philanthropy Southeast. This segment highlights emerging trends, key shifts in funding priorities, and insights into how broader philanthropic movements are shaping local opportunities.
Spartanburg County Data
Session length: 1 hour
The second segment zooms in on Spartanburg County, presenting data that illustrates local conditions, community needs, and opportunities for targeted investment. Presented by Dr. Midas Hampton, Founding Director of Strategic Spartanburg, this section provides the context necessary to connect statewide trends to the realities on the ground.
Local Collective Impact Initiatives
Session length: 1 hour, 11 mins
The final presentation showcases collaborative initiatives underway in Spartanburg. It highlights how organizations are working together to create aligned impact and illustrates how funders can support and strengthen these efforts.
Panelists:
• Homelessness to Housing Security: Paige Stephenson, United Way of the Piedmont
• Education: Dr. Russell Booker, Spartanburg Academic Movement
• Comprehensive Mental & Behavioral Health: Polly Edwards-Padgett, Spartanburg Regional Foundation, and Rochelle Williams, Mary Black Foundation