Mission Statement

The mission of the Mattie L. Branch Foundation is to provide small financial donations and/or gifts to qualified Illinois students at or under the age of 24, enrolled and/or attending an accredited City College, Private or Public College/University to secure an A.A., B.A. or B.S. Degree.

The MLBSF program also sponsors and volunteers services for  underprivileged youth: Nutrition Programs, Tutorial Programs, Agricultural Education & Art Sessions, Environmental Awareness Programs,  “Back to School” Programs, as well as several Summer Outing Programs (as a means of cultural, education and social awareness). We have been, and will continue to be a column of virtue in Chicago’s southwest side, standing the test of time. Illustrating to the West Englewood community, for more than a decade, that decency, honesty, and morality can be achieved through an ethical life .

Our Foundation

The Mattie L. Branch Foundation was first organized around 1994 by Mother Jimmie Butler and Minister Sherman Butler Sr.  Mother Butler & Minister Sherman recognized students in the Nazarene All Nations Church were graduating from High School and planning to further their education. Their families were financially limited. The church membership was basically elderly and low-income families. Mother Butler organized a "Graduation Celebration Day" for the graduates and served refreshments. She encouraged each member to bring "a little something" for each graduate, as she said "just to encourage them." Mother gave each an artificial flower(smile) and a card. This practice went on for years and eventually one year a recepient recieved $250.00. Everyone was elated. Minister Sherman became Pastor and decided to take the work to another level. He indicated many more students were graduating and attending higher education schools, we needed to do more. He encouraged others to help with this great work. He organized the Mattie L. Branch Foundation (named after the Founder of the Nazarene Church)to help students in financial need while attending College . Pastor Sherman J. Butler Sr.  further indicated that he did not want any student to drop out of school due to financial need. The Mattie L. Branch Scholarship Foundation was officially chartered in the State of Illinois in 2008. The Foundation still maintains integrity and loyality to its recipients. It is considered the most prestigious needs assessment scholarship in the West Englewood Area of Chicago. All are welcome to apply.

Who We Are

The Mattie L. Branch Foundation is a Not-for-Profit, 501 (c) (3),organization. We recognize the increasing college tuitions and expenses, and decreasing family income. We want to help. The demand for scholarships is high. Many students are doing their part in maintaining a high G.P.A., unfortunately the monies are limited to travel to the library, purchase supplies, and buy that much needed computer. We at the Mattie L. Branch Foundation wish to help students. We are limited, but we rejoice in knowing the little funds, or gifts, we award will be of some help.