Institute for Southern Studies
The Institute for Southern Studies is a nonprofit research and media center that exposes injustice, strengthens democracy and builds a community for change in the South.
Through Facing South and other research, education, and outreach programs, the Institute draws attention to key trends and issues in the South, the growing national importance of the region and innovative work for lasting change.
Since our founding in 1970 by civil rights veterans, the Institute has gained a national reputation as an essential resource for community leaders, policy makers, journalists and others concerned about lasting change in the South.
Our Programs
Public Interest Media
The Institute publishes the popular online magazine Facing South, featuring groundbreaking investigations into abuses of power, in-depth analysis of Southern trends and voices of people working for a better South. The Institute’s journalism has won dozens of prestigious awards, including two George Polk Awards, a National Magazine Award and honors from the National Press Club, N.C. Press Association and White House Correspondents Association.
Democracy and Civic Engagement
The South is ground zero for attacks on voting rights, Big Money influence in elections, political gerrymandering, and other barriers to democracy. Through investigative journalism, policy research, and educational outreach, the Institute’s Democracy Program is working with local, state and national allies to bring the South closer to the ideal of “one person, one vote.”
Economic Justice and Workers' Rights
For decades, the South has pursued a "low road" economic development strategy that short-changes workers and communities. In partnership with labor and community organizations, the Institute is investigating threats to workers' rights, analyzing economic trends in the South, and supporting innovative organizing for economic justice and building worker power.
Southern Strategies Program
The South is growing and changing, shaping the national political agenda. Through the Southern Strategies Program, the Institute has delivered more than 40 keynote addresses, workshops and other outreach events in 12 states, and provided in-depth research and analysis about the South’s changing demographic, political and social change landscape for key partners including the AFL-CIO, Aspen Institute, Council on Foundations, Democracy Alliance and the Ford Foundation.
Julian Bond Fellowship
In honor of the Institute’s late founder and civil rights hero Julian Bond, the Institute launched the Julian Bond Fellowship program in 2020 to support a new generation of journalists and researchers working for change in the South. The Julian Bond Fellowship will resume in 2026.
Project Innovation and Incubation
Since 1970, the Institute has served as an incubator for dozens of innovative media, organizing and social justice initiatives in the South. Key projects sponsored and launched by the Institute in recent years include Carolina Public Press, Labor South, and North Carolina Asian Americans Together.
Our Supporters
A Voice For Change
For 50 years, the Institute has been your source for fearless journalism and a powerful voice for change in the South. Your support is critical to ensure the Institute will be a lasting force for justice and democracy.
Honors & Awards
