Southern Economic Advancement Project
Together, Progress is Possible
We partner with policy thinkers and doers to amplify their efforts and bridge gaps in policy infrastructure. Our goal is to advance policies that improve economic security, access to healthcare, and environmental justice for all Southerners.
Our StoryWHAT WE DO
Areas of Focus

Environmental Justice
As climate change and extreme weather adversely impact the South, now is the time for action.

Economic Security
All Southerners deserve security in basic needs like food, housing, and transportation.

Access to Healthcare
We work towards policies that promote healthy living and access to quality care.

“Across the South, we have local leaders dedicated to improving the lives of those around us, and our goal is to call upon that common bond and support this transformative work through the Southern Economic Advancement Project.”
STACEY ABRAMS
SEAP Founder and Board Advisor
How We Do It
Initiatives
- Our Dollars, Our Dreams
- SouthStrong Policy Entrepreneur Program
- Pathways to Prosperity
- Medicaid Unwinding
- Economic Recovery Corps
Our Dollars, Our Dreams
We’re working to expand equity and engagement practices in budgeting and empower Southern communities to take ownership of public dollars.
Get Involved
SouthStrong Policy Entrepreneur Program
SEAP has launched a new Policy Entrepreneur Program to strengthen the policy ecosystem. It is designed to empower leaders with policy creation and advocacy skills through a comprehensive year-long curriculum.
Learn More
Pathways to Prosperity
SEAP, Fair Count, and the National Conference on Citizenship have assembled and analyzed this unique set of metrics to provide a state-by-state overview of climate shocks, climate adaptation activities, and civic health.
Learn More
Medicaid Unwinding
Millions of Southern families are losing healthcare coverage due to the unwinding of Medicaid. SEAP has partnered with federal healthcare agencies, state navigators, and community-based organizations to help spread awareness and advocate for better communication on available resources.
Learn More
Economic Recovery Corps
SEAP is thrilled to announce our selection as a host community for the first Economic Recovery Corps (ERC) cohort. This groundbreaking initiative will connect 65 Fellows with Host Sites across 44 states and U.S. territories, fostering a nationwide network of diverse practitioners and leaders. We are honored to welcome Fenika Miller to our team.
Learn More
Contact Us
We Want to Hear From You
Connect with SEAP about potential partnerships, requests for assistance, and more.
Research
View All ResearchThe South We Serve
SEAP seeks out, develops, and maintains strong partnerships with hundreds of leaders and organizations throughout the South. From technical assistance to microgrants, we help implement policies that improve the quality of life for vulnerable Southern communities and families.
SEAP has a direct focus on the following states:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Florida
- Georgia
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Virginia
- West Virginia
Alabama
SEAP partnered with Feeding Alabama to survey Alabama mothers receiving WIC benefits. The survey shed light on both how effective the program is at supporting mothers and their children, while also offering insights into how WIC could be improved.
Arkansas
Arkansas Black Mayors Association received a $250,000 urban forestry grant to plant trees in Arkansas communities that experience excessive heat. SEAP provided technical assistance and grant writing support to ABMA through the Our Dollars, Our Dreams initiative.
Florida
In 2024, SEAP partnered with 19 Florida grassroots organizations and provided microgrants to support Medicaid redetermination outreach. Medicaid outreach efforts included Spanish-language TeleTown Halls reaching 32,253 Floridians.
Georgia
Medicaid Unwinding outreach efforts in 2024 included partnering with 8 Georgia grassroots organizations to reach Black, Latino, and rural communities across the state. The partnership included supporting the organizations with microgrants and Spanish-language teleTown Halls reaching 4,668 people.
Kentucky
The University of Louisville, Kentucky Equal Justice Center, Kentucky Center for Economic Policy, and Centre College have united with the SouthStrong initiative by the SEAP. This collaboration aims to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact in Kentucky, focusing on an equity-centered response. Their commitment is crucial in addressing the state’s socioeconomic disparities and ensuring equitable access to public resources for Kentucky’s most affected communities.
Louisiana
In 2025, SEAP partnered with HousingLouisiana to co-host For Our Neighbors and Our Communities, a regional housing convening for Southern housing advocates.
Mississippi
SEAP partnered with Mississippi advocates to build a coalition that works to advocate for child feeding programs administered across the state. The coalition is currently working to engage lawmakers on implementing SUN Bucks, a USDA-funded supplementary program for SNAP-eligible households aimed at reducing summer hunger.
North Carolina
In 2025, SEAP partnered with NC Housing Coalition to co-host For Our Neighbors and Our Communities, a regional housing convening for Southern housing advocates.
South Carolina
The Lowcountry Rural Housing Task Force invested a SEAP microgrant to study its five counties’ housing needs. The group engaged with housing providers, nonprofits, and local governments at community fairs and organized five housing data walks.
Tennessee
Memphis & West Tennessee Building Trades Council’s “Midsouth Construction Careers” pre-apprenticeship program equips unemployed and underemployed residents with the skills they need to secure high-paying, stable jobs in the building trades. SEAP has supported MCC’s work to secure local funding by providing proposal development and strategic planning assistance through the Our Dollars, Our Dreams initiative.
Virginia
Virginia Organizing, Piedmont Housing Alliance, ReEstablish Richmond, and The Commonwealth Institute for Fiscal Analysis joined the SouthStrong initiative by the SEAP. This collaboration addresses the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact in West Virginia with an equity-centered approach, focusing on overcoming the region’s socioeconomic disparities and structural challenges. Their involvement ensures equitable access to public resources and supports the state’s most vulnerable communities during these challenging times.
West Virginia
In 2022, the West Virginia Student Basic Needs Coalition achieved a significant milestone. The coalition successfully introduced a bill proposing the establishment of a basic needs office within student services at colleges. This initiative is crucial, aiming to provide essential resources and guidance for students navigating their college experience.
“We’re so proud of our amazing student leaders and all they have accomplished this year. Thank you all again for your support of their work. This opportunity has allowed us to amplify students’ voices and help them make their visions a reality.”
Latest News
Get the latest updates, including research findings, success stories, and organization news.
View All Articles-
Arkansas Black Mayors Association Awarded $250,000 Urban Forestry Grant
May 9, 2025
-
SEAP Releases 2024 Annual Report
February 19, 2025
-
New SEAP, NCoC Report Highlights Regional Climate Action Planning Achievements in American South
October 21, 2024
-
Learnings Report: Power-building and Organizing for Equitable Federal Funding in New Orleans
September 30, 2024
