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Ruby And Ernest Mcswain Worthy Lands Tr

Annual Giving
$1.0M
Grant Range
$5K - $0.3M

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $957,000 (2024)
  • Success Rate: Not applicable (invitation only)
  • Decision Time: Varies (trustee discretion)
  • Grant Range: $5,000 - $300,000
  • Geographic Focus: Primarily Lee County, NC and North Carolina statewide

Contact Details

Physical Location: Sanford, NC

Note: The trust does not have a public website or published contact information. The foundation only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds.

Trustees:

  • Hubert L. Blackmon (Lynn Blackmon)
  • Anita Blackmon

Mailing Address: PO Box 2264, Sanford, NC

Overview

The Ruby and Ernest McSwain Worthy Lands Trust is a private foundation established to continue the philanthropic legacy of Ruby Vann Crumpler McSwain (1918-2015), known as "Miss Ruby," a prominent Lee County entrepreneur, artist, and North Carolina philanthropist. The trust holds assets of approximately $33 million and distributed $957,000 in grants across 28 awards in 2024. The foundation focuses on education, agriculture, human services, and community development, with a strong emphasis on Lee County and partnerships with NC State University. Ruby McSwain was described as "one of the most prolific philanthropists in the last 20 years" and believed firmly in the advancement of rural communities through collaboration with educational institutions. The trust is managed by Lynn and Anita Blackmon, who cared for Ruby McSwain until her passing and continue to honor her vision of supporting her "beloved communities."

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The trust operates through trustee discretion rather than formal grant programs. Awards typically range from $5,000 to $300,000, with a median grant of $20,000.

Major Focus Areas:

  • Education: Scholarships and institutional support, particularly for Lee County students attending NC State
  • Agriculture: Extension programs, agricultural education, and rural community development
  • Community Development: Infrastructure projects, social services, and local nonprofit support
  • Arts & Culture: Support for educational and community arts programs

Priority Areas

Based on recent grantmaking patterns, the trust prioritizes:

  • Lee County Community Organizations: Strong local focus on Sanford and Lee County initiatives
  • NC State University Programs: Over $2 million in Extension and scholarship endowments benefiting Lee County students
  • Food Security: Support for food banks and feeding programs
  • Education Innovation: Teacher awards, pandemic relief, and educational infrastructure
  • Agricultural Development: The Ernest and Ruby McSwain Extension Education and Agriculture Center in Lee County
  • Arts Education: Support for community theater and arts programs
  • Social Services: Organizations serving vulnerable populations

Recent Grant Recipients (2024)

  • City of Sanford: $250,000
  • Outreach Mission: $110,000
  • Food Bank of Central and Eastern NC: $75,000
  • Lee County Education Foundation: $50,000
  • NCSU - NC Veterinary Medical Foundation: $50,000
  • Temple Theatre: $50,000
  • Sanford Agricultural Marketplace: $1,000,000 (major capital gift)

What They Don't Fund

As a foundation that selects its grantees through trustee discretion, the trust does not fund:

  • Organizations outside North Carolina (all 28 grants in 2024 went to NC organizations)
  • Unsolicited applications from organizations without existing relationships
  • Projects unrelated to education, agriculture, community development, or human services

Governance and Leadership

Trustees

Hubert L. "Lynn" Blackmon (Trustee)

  • Full-time role (40 hours/week)
  • Compensation: $78,436 annually
  • Relationship: Lynn and his wife Anita cared for Ruby McSwain until her passing, with Ruby considering them "better than family"

Anita Blackmon (Trustee)

  • Full-time role (40 hours/week)
  • Compensation: $58,320 annually

The Blackmons administer the trust's mission to continue Ruby McSwain's wish to "live forever" through benefiting her various beloved communities. They prioritize need and merit-based scholarship endowments at numerous North Carolina educational institutions with first priority given to students of Lee County.

Ruby McSwain's Philanthropic Vision

Ruby McSwain's approach to philanthropy was characterized by:

  • Supporting educational institutions, particularly NC State University
  • Advancing rural communities through collaboration with educational institutions
  • Focus on agriculture, horticulture, and environmental education
  • Long-term thinking through endowments and named facilities
  • Deep commitment to her local Lee County community

Notable Recognitions:

  • Order of the Long Leaf Pine
  • Honorary doctorate from NC State University
  • Board member of the N.C. Agricultural Foundation

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process. The Ruby and Ernest McSwain Worthy Lands Trust only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds.

Grants are awarded at the discretion of the trustees, Lynn and Anita Blackmon, based on organizations and causes aligned with Ruby McSwain's philanthropic vision.

Getting on Their Radar

Organizations that have successfully received funding typically share these characteristics:

  • Lee County Connection: The trust prioritizes Lee County organizations and initiatives. Being based in or serving Lee County significantly increases alignment with the trust's mission.

  • NC State University Relationships: Organizations with connections to NC State Extension, the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), or other NC State programs have received substantial support.

  • Partnership Opportunities: The trust has demonstrated interest in collaborative projects. The Lee County Education Foundation partnership for pandemic relief and the McSwain Team Teacher Awards show the trust values working with local organizations to create innovative programs.

  • Agriculture and Education Focus: Organizations working at the intersection of agriculture, education, and community development align with Ruby McSwain's legacy interests.

  • Established Track Record: Given the invitation-only nature, the trust appears to fund organizations with proven impact in their communities.

Specific Trustee Approach: Lynn and Anita Blackmon appear to identify opportunities through their involvement in the Lee County community and through NC State University connections. Organizations working in these circles may come to their attention through community engagement rather than formal solicitation.

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - grants are made at trustee discretion throughout the year rather than through application cycles.

Success Rates

Not applicable - the foundation does not accept unsolicited applications.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - organizations do not apply; they are selected by trustees.

Application Success Factors

While there is no application process, understanding what the trust values can help organizations position themselves for potential consideration:

Ruby McSwain's Values Guide Trustee Decisions

  1. Long-term Community Impact: Ruby McSwain's major gifts created endowments and named facilities that continue benefiting communities indefinitely. Projects with lasting impact align with this vision.

  2. Agricultural and Educational Excellence: Her $2 million+ in Extension and scholarship endowments demonstrate commitment to both agricultural education and supporting Lee County students. Organizations advancing these causes fit the trust's mission.

  3. Rural Community Advancement: Keith Oakley noted Ruby believed "firmly in the advancement of rural communities through their collaboration with educational institutions." Projects that connect rural communities with educational resources align with her philosophy.

  4. Local Focus with Broader Reach: While deeply committed to Lee County, Ruby also supported statewide institutions like the JC Raulston Arboretum, NC Museum of Art, and Meredith College when their work aligned with her interests.

Recent Funding Examples Reveal Priorities

  • Sanford Agricultural Marketplace ($1 million, 2024): Largest single gift demonstrates support for agricultural infrastructure that enhances NC State Extension's mission in Lee County
  • Lee County Education Foundation Partnership ($150,000 pandemic relief + McSwain Team Teacher Awards): Shows willingness to respond to community crises and innovate in education
  • Food Bank of Central and Eastern NC ($75,000): Indicates support for regional organizations serving Lee County and surrounding areas
  • Temple Theatre ($50,000): Continues Ruby's arts patronage in the local community

What Made Ruby McSwain Generous

Understanding the founder helps understand the trust:

  • Entrepreneurial Background: Operated florist and greenhouse businesses, appreciated business acumen
  • Artistic Sensibility: Painter and supporter of arts education
  • Horticultural Passion: "Passionate about gardens and horticulture" per colleagues
  • Educational Champion: Received honorary doctorate, served on Agricultural Foundation board
  • Community Loyalty: Lived in Lee County from 1945 until her death in 2015

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Geographic Reality: This trust is exclusively focused on North Carolina, with strong Lee County preference. Organizations outside NC should not pursue this funder.

  • Relationship-Based Grantmaking: Without a public application process, this trust identifies opportunities through trustee networks, particularly in Lee County and through NC State connections. Building visibility in these circles is the only path to funding.

  • Education + Agriculture Sweet Spot: The intersection of agricultural education, rural community development, and support for students creates the strongest alignment with the trust's mission.

  • Think Long-term: Ruby McSwain's legacy gifts created endowments and named facilities. Projects with lasting impact and potential for endowment support may appeal to trustees continuing her vision.

  • Partnership Potential: The trust has demonstrated willingness to partner with organizations like Lee County Education Foundation to create new programs. Collaborative opportunities may attract trustee interest.

  • No Unsolicited Contact: Respect that the foundation explicitly does not accept unsolicited applications. Cold outreach is unlikely to be productive and may be unwelcome.

  • NC State Connection Matters: With over $2 million in NC State endowments and the McSwain Extension Center, organizations with NC State partnerships or those that could develop them have strong alignment.

References

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