South Carolina Private Grants

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that develop innovative resources and services to help adults in the middle or late stages of their careers with reskilling, upskilling, and career navigation, particularly those who are unemployed or underemployed.

This funding opportunity supports 4K preschool providers in South Carolina to create arts-integrated learning experiences for young students and provide professional development for teachers, particularly in designated counties.

Women in Philanthropy (WiP) is the Giving Circle Fund of the Eastern Carolina Community Foundation, offering an annual grant opportunity to nonprofit organizations. This program directly aligns with the foundation's broader mission by empowering WiP to support initiatives that improve lives across specific communities. The grants are designed to address critical needs within the foundation's service area, which includes Chesterfield, Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Marion, Marlboro, and Williamsburg counties in South Carolina. The grant program targets organizations focused on improving lives by addressing health, nutrition, and prevention/care needs for victims of violence, neglect, and poverty. The primary beneficiaries are individuals and families residing in the specified counties who are experiencing these challenges. The overarching impact goal is to foster healthier, more secure, and stable communities by supporting the essential work of local nonprofits dedicated to these causes. The program's priorities are clearly defined, centering on health, nutrition, and support for vulnerable populations. This includes preventing and caring for victims of violence, neglect, and poverty. The focus areas are integral to the foundation's strategic priorities, likely stemming from a theory of change that posits that by investing in these areas, systemic improvements in community well-being can be achieved. The grants are intended to be a catalyst for positive change in the lives of those most in need. Expected outcomes include tangible improvements in the health and nutritional status of beneficiaries, increased access to preventative care, and enhanced support systems for victims of violence, neglect, and poverty. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided text, the requirement for grants to be utilized fully within one year suggests an emphasis on timely and impactful implementation. The maximum grant amount of $7,000 per grant further indicates a focus on supporting a range of projects that can demonstrate clear, achievable results within a defined timeframe, contributing to the foundation's overall strategic objectives.

The 2025 Community Grants program, offered by the Community Foundation for the CSRA, invites applications from organizations dedicated to serving individuals in specific counties of Georgia and South Carolina. This program directly aligns with the Foundation's mission to support various community needs, encompassing arts/culture/history, education/youth enrichment, health/environmental, and people in need. The Foundation seeks to foster innovative and high-quality programs that deliver positive, tangible impacts within these strategic areas, ultimately aiming for community betterment and individual empowerment. The target beneficiaries for this grant program are individuals residing in Aiken and Edgefield counties in South Carolina, and Burke, Columbia, Richmond, and McDuffie counties in Georgia. The Foundation aims to achieve significant impact goals, such as enhancing cultural and historical engagement, providing educational and enrichment opportunities for disadvantaged children, youth, and adults, improving health and environmental outcomes, and offering essential human services to vulnerable populations. Through these grants, the Foundation intends to address critical community challenges and improve the quality of life for residents in its service area. The program prioritizes several key areas. In arts, culture, and history, it encourages innovative and high-quality initiatives. For education and youth enrichment, the focus is on programs that provide educational opportunities and skills training for disadvantaged individuals, including job skill training, after-school programs, leadership development, tutoring, GED, and literacy initiatives. Within health and environmental, the Foundation supports areas such as environmental research, animal services, sustainable gardens, medical clinics, drug rehabilitation, and programs for individuals with disabilities and mental illness. Finally, the "People in Need" category broadly supports human service programs, including those addressing hunger, housing insecurity, financial assistance, homelessness, and re-entry programs for recently incarcerated individuals. The expected outcomes of the Community Grants program include a measurable increase in access to educational resources, improved health indicators, enhanced cultural participation, and greater support for vulnerable populations. For instance, educational programs are expected to lead to improved literacy rates or job placement success. Health initiatives anticipate better access to medical services or environmental conservation efforts. Programs for people in need are expected to provide stable housing, food security, or financial independence. The Foundation's theory of change posits that by investing in these critical areas through local organizations, it can foster a stronger, more resilient, and equitable community for all residents within its geographic focus. Requests for funding should not exceed $15,000 to maximize the reach of the grants.

The Riverton Charitable Fund (RCF) has announced a new 2024 grant opportunity, established in 2021 in collaboration with the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry. RCF's mission is to foster charitable interests among Riverton Pointe residents, members, and friends to enhance community spirit and leverage resources for greater impact. This grant program directly aligns with the foundation's mission by providing a structured avenue for giving that benefits the local community, specifically Jasper County. The program's purpose is to provide grants that assist neighbors in Jasper County, respond to those in need, and offer resources to improve residents' lives, reflecting a clear commitment to local well-being and community development. The target beneficiaries for this grant program are families and individuals in Jasper County who are affected by poverty. The impact goals are to address the challenges of poverty by focusing on critical areas such as food insecurity, education, and community support. By providing grants to qualified area non-profits, RCF aims to create tangible improvements in the lives of these residents. The program is designed to be a direct response to identified community needs, with a clear intention to uplift and support the most vulnerable populations within Jasper County. The priorities and focuses of these grants are specifically directed towards interventions that address the effects of poverty. This includes initiatives combating food insecurity, programs enhancing educational opportunities, and efforts that build and strengthen community support networks. RCF’s theory of change appears to be that by strategically funding non-profits working in these critical areas, they can catalyze positive change, reduce the burdens of poverty, and ultimately improve the quality of life for families in Jasper County. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in terms of quantifiable outcomes, the program emphasizes providing grants up to $5,000 to non-profits that can demonstrate an ability to address the stated needs. The expected outcomes include a reduction in food insecurity, improved educational access and attainment, and a more robust community support system for those experiencing poverty. The foundation's strategic priorities are evident in its exclusion criteria, which clearly define what it will not fund (e.g., fellowships, scholarships, religious/political programs, individual grants, overhead costs), thereby ensuring resources are directed towards direct community benefit and program implementation rather than administrative or non-charitable endeavors.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations that provide stable housing and empower low- and moderate-income communities, focusing on vulnerable populations such as working families, youth, seniors, and veterans.

The South Carolina Arts Commission is offering the ArtsNOW Schools Advancement Grants of $10,000 to $100,000 over three years to ArtsNOW Partner Schools in South Carolina, to support arts integration, professional learning, curriculum mapping, and planning through innovative practices.

The Opportunity Grants by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, offering up to $10,000 for a 12-month period, are designed to stimulate and support new or existing programs, projects, or capital investments of nonprofit organizations serving Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton, and Jasper Counties in South Carolina, excluding general operating support, religious, political activities, and scholarships among others.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and government agencies focused on improving health and well-being for families, particularly children and their caregivers, in Spartanburg County, South Carolina.

This funding supports Southern nonprofit organizations and government entities in enhancing their artistic programming and professional development through travel and training opportunities.

The Central Carolina Community Foundation is offering a grant to charitable, educational, or faith-based organizations serving the Greater Chapin area in South Carolina, aimed at addressing critical needs, developing skills, leveraging funding, providing opportunities for underserved populations, and building community strengths, with applications due by 09/30/2024.

This funding program provides financial support to community-based organizations that empower youth aged 12 to 20 through established, youth-led urban greening initiatives focused on social and environmental justice in select states.

The Greenville Zoo Conservation Grants program is designed to support and promote conservation efforts that enhance the quality of life for all living things, directly aligning with the foundation's mission of promoting conservation and sustainability, seeking knowledge through science, and collaborating to maximize impact. This program is funded through the “Quarters for Conservation” initiative and supports both local conservation projects in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, as well as national and international endeavors. The target beneficiaries are free-ranging wildlife and their habitats, as well as communities and individuals who can be educated or empowered in conservation. The program aims for several impact goals, including the long-term survival of species in natural ecosystems, increased public awareness and appreciation of wildlife conservation issues, and the transfer of conservation skills and technology. Expected outcomes include a reduction in human-wildlife conflict, successful reintroduction programs, improved water quality, and the creation of new conservation leaders. The program prioritizes projects focusing on Field Conservation, Conservation Research, and Conservation Education. Local projects receive preferred funding, and greater weight is given to applications addressing species and habitats at risk. This strategic focus ensures that resources are directed to areas with the most urgent needs and potential for significant impact, reflecting the zoo's commitment to protecting vulnerable ecosystems and species. The funding structure includes a New Grants Program for first-time applicants, offering $300 to $1,500, and a Continuing Grants Program for established partners, providing up to $3,500. This tiered approach supports both emerging and ongoing conservation initiatives, fostering long-term relationships with successful grantees. The overall theory of change is that by investing in scientific research, education, and direct field action, the program can collectively contribute to a more sustainable future for wildlife and natural habitats.

The Gambrill Foundation focuses on supporting charitable causes that uplift and positively impact residents of Anderson County, South Carolina. Its mission aligns with organizations pursuing religious, charitable, scientific, literary, or educational purposes as defined by Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. This broad scope allows the foundation to address a variety of community needs, with a clear geographic and impact-driven approach. The target beneficiaries are residents of Anderson County, South Carolina, with an emphasis on those served by libraries, churches, universities, and colleges. The foundation aims for a measurable impact within this area, benefiting a substantial number of residents. Grantmaking priorities reflect a strategic approach, favoring capital or special projects over general operational use, and prioritizing grants that can be matched by other funding sources. This indicates a desire for sustainable and leveraged impact. The foundation's program areas are diverse, encompassing arts, culture, and humanities, education, environment, animals, health, human services, public/society benefit, and religion. This wide array demonstrates a commitment to holistic community development. The average grant size ranges from $5,000 to $15,000, with an average total annual giving of $175,000, suggesting a focus on supporting multiple impactful initiatives rather than a few large-scale projects. Expected outcomes include the measurable improvement of the lives of Anderson County residents through supported programs and services. The foundation's theory of change appears to be rooted in empowering local organizations that are well-aligned with its mission and values, and that possess the financial ability to sustain funded programs. By prioritizing matched funds and capital projects, the foundation aims to maximize the long-term effectiveness and reach of its grants, thereby fostering a stronger, more vibrant community in Anderson County.

The MetLife Foundation is offering the Community Impact Grant Program, designed to bolster local grassroots organizations actively addressing the urgent needs of low-income individuals and communities heavily affected by the widening income and wealth gap. This grant program is deeply aligned with the Foundation’s overarching mission to drive inclusive economic mobility. By supporting organizations on the front lines, the program directly contributes to the Foundation's strategic priority of fostering equitable opportunities and outcomes for those most vulnerable to economic disparities. The primary beneficiaries of this program are people with low incomes and communities significantly impacted by the growing income and wealth divide. The program's core impact goal is to provide essential support and resources to these populations, helping to alleviate immediate emergencies and build long-term resilience. Through programmatic support, the Foundation aims to empower grassroots organizations to create tangible improvements in the lives of individuals and the well-being of their communities. The Community Impact Grant Program focuses on several key areas: Hunger Relief and Nutrition, Physical and Mental Well-Being, Environmental Sustainability, and Quality of Life. These focus areas reflect the Foundation's comprehensive approach to promoting holistic community health and stability. Organizations are encouraged to submit proposals that align with these areas, ensuring that the grant funding addresses critical needs and contributes to the overall theory of change, which posits that by investing in these fundamental aspects, communities can achieve greater economic mobility and improved quality of life. Expected outcomes include improved access to vital resources for low-income individuals, enhanced community well-being across the specified focus areas, and a strengthening of local non-profit infrastructures. While specific measurable results are not detailed, the grants, ranging from $5,000 to $50,000, are intended to facilitate impactful programming that addresses emergency needs and contributes to sustainable community development. The program encourages applications from organizations with authentic relationships with low-income populations, suggesting a commitment to community-led solutions and a desire for meaningful, localized impact.

This funding opportunity provides up to $5,000 to South Carolina law enforcement and code enforcement agencies to improve litter prevention and enforcement efforts.

This program provides funding for public humanities projects that engage diverse audiences across South Carolina, including urban, rural, and small-town communities.

This funding opportunity supports educators in Lancaster County, Fort Lawn, and Great Falls, South Carolina, by providing financial resources for innovative and collaborative projects that enhance student learning.

The BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Foundation is offering Heal Mini-Grants, a funding opportunity designed to support healthy eating or active living projects. These grants specifically target policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) change in community health. The foundation's mission, as evidenced by its past award to Wholespire, is to promote the health of South Carolina’s economically challenged population. The Heal Mini-Grants align with this mission by creating opportunities for equitable access to healthy food and safe places for physical activity, recognizing that individual choices are influenced by available options. The target beneficiaries include community members, students, employees, and devout individuals who will benefit from increased opportunities to make healthy choices and engage in physical activity. The impact goals are to foster healthier communities by addressing systemic barriers to well-being. This is achieved by supporting projects that either serve as seed money for new initiatives, help progress existing ones, or provide the final push to complete ongoing projects, all within a 9-month grant period. The program's priorities and focus areas are exclusively related to healthy eating and/or active living, with a strong emphasis on implementing or supporting PSE change projects. Examples of funded projects include establishing or promoting SNAP/Healthy Bucks at farmers' markets, creating sustainable food-gleaning stations, installing water bottle refill stations, improving playgrounds, supporting active communities with bike racks and crosswalks, and enhancing community trails with signage and amenities. These examples highlight the commitment to creating environments that naturally encourage healthier lifestyles. Expected outcomes include increased access to healthy food options and greater opportunities for physical activity within communities. Measurable results would stem from the implementation of tangible PSE changes, such as the establishment of new programs, improvements to existing infrastructure, or the adoption of supportive policies. The foundation's strategic priorities are clearly centered on community health improvement through practical, environmental interventions. Their theory of change appears to be that by altering the policy, systems, and environmental landscape, individuals will naturally be empowered to make healthier choices, leading to a more active and well-nourished population.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations seeking to improve their operations, enhance stability, and plan for future growth through critical infrastructure upgrades.