Best Beaufort County Grants for Nonprofits in South Carolina

South Carolina Department of Commerce

From site selection to infrastructure improvement, we are here to help grow new and existing businesses.

SC Commerce promotes economic opportunity for individuals and businesses through initiatives like workforce training. As a national leader in foreign direct investment, the state extends its global reach with offices in Europe and Asia that help existing companies in developing export markets.

South Carolina Community Development Block Grant

The South Carolina Community Development Block Grant (“State CDBG Program”) is designed to aid units of general local government in improving economic opportunities and meeting community revitalization needs, particularly for persons of low- and moderate-income. The State CDBG Program has been funded through the State since 1982 by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) under the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended (Title I). 

CDBG Program Goals and Outcomes

The SC Department of Commerce seeks to improve the well-being of all South Carolinians in a manner that supports and enhances a high quality of life. The State CDBG Program supports the agency’s efforts to strengthen communities through revitalization and improvement of neighborhoods, public infrastructure, and the local economy. 

The three overarching goals of the HUD CDBG program are to provide decent housing, economic opportunities and a suitable living environment. Within the context of these goals, each project funded by the State must also meet one of three outcomes identified by HUD: affordability, accessibility, or sustainability. 

Local Match/Leveraging

CDBG projects are expected to leverage other public and private investments and serve as a catalyst for future development.

There must be a 10% match of the total CDBG request, unless otherwise approved, which can come from a variety of committed sources including other grants, loans, waiver of fees, public or private investments, and documented volunteer or in-kind contributions. Matching funds must be immediately available for the project at the time of application. 

Community Development Block Grant Categories

There are three broad grant program categories: Community Development, Business Development, and Regional Planning. The Community Development Program is further broken down into several subcategories to address infrastructure, community facilities, and local priorities.

Community Development Programs

Description

This program is designed to produce outcomes that improve citizens’ quality of life and create a competitive environment for jobs and investment by addressing priority community development needs. Activities should contribute to healthy, safe and sustainable neighborhoods and communities. These grants are designed to improve the quality of life for distressed and LMI communities. Community Development projects will compete within the following subcategories that have the same general submission requirements, except that the Ready to Go Program will not be funded in a competitive funding round.

Community Development Program Categories: Community Infrastructure; Community Enrichment; Local Priorities Program; and Ready to Go Program

Community Enrichment Grants

Outcome and Priorities

This program is designed to fund public facilities, services and other activities that strengthen existing communities and support a high quality of life within the following state priority areas:

• Economic competitiveness and resiliency
• Education and workforce development
• Safe and healthy communities

Project investments should contribute to quality of life and the long-term vitality of communities. Activities must have the broad support of citizens and local businesses. Buildings and brownfield sites should be owned by the local government. Note that costs for operating or maintaining public facilities are not eligible for CDBG, so building projects must demonstrate financial viability. Equipment for public service activities must be for new or expanded services and generally associated with a significant capital investment in facilities. Only major pieces of equipment that have a durable life of five years will be considered for funding.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations seeking consultant support for capacity-building work in Beaufort County, South Carolina can apply for up to US $5,000 to strengthen governance and long-term sustainability. Community Foundation of the Lowcountry funds strategic planning, governance training, fiscal management, social justice planning, and similar organizational development projects across its four-county service area.

Beaufort County, South Carolina 501(c)(3) nonprofits can seek up to US $10,000 to launch new programs, expand existing services, or support critical capital projects. Opportunity Grants from Community Foundation of the Lowcountry are reviewed on a rolling basis and favor projects serving marginalized community members within its four-county service area.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving residents or workers in Hilton Head Island, Daufuskie Island, or the greater Bluffton area can access funding through Community Foundation of the Lowcountry for new programs, expanded services, or critical capital projects. Awards over More than US $10,000 favor projects benefiting marginalized community members and demonstrating clear, measurable community impact.

Beaufort County, South Carolina 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving local residents can seek $15,000 - $50,000 to strengthen family stability and long-term self-sufficiency. Through the Women in Philanthropy Giving Circle, Community Foundation of the Lowcountry funds projects addressing employment, basic needs, and related barriers such as childcare, housing, transportation, health care, and education.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with projects in health, housing, hunger, or education in Beaufort County, South Carolina can seek one-year project or program support through the Long Cove Community Endowment Fund. With a mission to encourage community giving, Community Foundation of the Lowcountry focuses on specific, measurable initiatives, particularly those serving Hilton Head Island and Bluffton.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations or those with fiscal sponsors in Beaufort County, South Carolina can apply for the Gaylord & Dorothy Donnelley Foundation’s Broadening Narratives grants, awarding US $10,000 - US $100,000 for public collections rooted in underrepresented stories. Libraries, archives, and museums preserving diverse community narratives may be eligible.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations improving community life through education, food security, health, or substance abuse and mental health services in Beaufort County, South Carolina and other eligible regions can seek large grants over US $10,000. Grants from Spinks Family Foundation help South Carolina nonprofits with strong volunteer engagement and local facilities expand their community programs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations improving community life in Beaufort County, South Carolina can seek up to US $5,000 for education, health, food security, addiction prevention, and other community initiatives. With a mission to grow strong, healthy communities, Spinks Family Foundation provides cash or in-kind support, with applications accepted year-round and reviewed quarterly.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, fiscally sponsored groups, and government units working on land conservation in Beaufort County, South Carolina can seek US $10,000 - US $100,000 for climate-resilient conservation, advocacy, and inclusive community-focused projects. Grants from Gaylord & Dorothy Donnelley Foundation support strategic protection, resilience research, and policy advocacy across the South Carolina Lowcountry.

Nonprofit organizations serving Beaufort County, South Carolina with programs in health, community services, education, environment, or financial security may be eligible for this regional support. With a mission to improve quality of life, TD Charitable Foundation provides grants over US $5,000 to initiatives benefiting diverse, historically underserved, and low-to-moderate income communities.

ATI Physical Therapy is dedicated to enhancing community health and wellness through its sponsorship and donation initiatives. With a mission to exceed customer expectations, ATI actively engages in philanthropic efforts that improve lives and promote quality care beyond clinic walls. They encourage requests for support while emphasizing a review process that ensures timely responses. Partnering with local organizations, ATI aims to elevate awareness of health and wellness, impacting thousands of lives each year.

The Jean Griswold Foundation

The Jean Griswold Foundation (JGF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Caregivers through educational opportunities and scholarships. 

Our Mission

The mission of the Jean Griswold Foundation is to support Caregivers by providing educational scholarships* to enable them to further their training, enhance their careers, and better assist the clients they serve.

By offering educational scholarships*, our Foundation will not only make a positive impact on the Caregivers themselves, but also the clients they assist and the home healthcare agencies where they are employed, as well as help advance the overarching home-care industry.

Scholarships will be paid directly to the federally accredited educational institutions of the winning Scholars’ choosing.

Empowering Caregivers Through Education

The Jean Griswold Foundation Scholarship Program awards scholarships to deserving Caregivers who wish to further their education in a care-related field. Applicants do not have to be associated with Griswold in any way, and the funds will be paid directly to the institution where the caregiver will be receiving education.  

Our Winter 2026 Scholarship Application period is now open! Applications will be accepted until 11:59pm ET August 31, 2026. Join our email list to get the first notice of all Scholarship happenings.  

Where would we be without Caregivers? 

Their selflessness is astounding, yet they are often overlooked and underappreciated. 

The Jean Griswold Foundation is dedicated to supporting Caregivers, the backbone of the care industry. We provide educational scholarships so Care Professionals can further their training, enhance their skills, elevate their careers, and better assist the people they serve.

The TD Bank Community Sponsorships Program, supported by the TD Charitable Foundation, provides funding for events and activities that positively impact communities from Maine to Florida. This initiative aims to enhance community awareness and foster partnerships among diverse groups, promoting economic development, cultural enrichment, and social responsibility. Organizations can apply for funding to support community-oriented programs, with applications reviewed quarterly. It's essential to submit applications at least 90 days before the event deadlines.

The ArtsNOW Schools Advancement Grants aim to enhance educational experiences in identified ArtsNOW Partner Schools through arts integration. This three-year program supports professional learning, curriculum mapping, and ongoing school assistance to engage students and empower educators. With funding ranging from $44,000 in the first year to $17,000 in the third, the grant fosters innovative practices to cultivate vibrant school communities. The initiative encourages creativity while addressing the specific needs of each participating school.

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation focuses on supporting organizations that empower communities through basic needs, income creation, and stable housing. By investing in health and job opportunities, they aim to enhance economic mobility for low- and moderate-income families. Their partnerships target vulnerable populations, ensuring equitable access to resources that foster community vitality and resilience. This initiative emphasizes the importance of stable housing as a foundation for personal and communal growth.

Nonprofit and faith-based organizations offering community services or Christian education in Beaufort County, South Carolina can seek support for mission education and service projects. With a mission to encourage all ages in serving others, Baptist Church of Beaufort provides opportunities to fund local initiatives that express Christian love in practical ways.

501(c)(3) nonprofits in Beaufort County, South Carolina can apply for Bargain Box grants to support local programs in education and youth, health and safety, hunger and housing, or recreation. Eligible agencies receive cash grants, and may also obtain in-kind support from donated items for their community services.

The Dan D. Nale Engineering Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry in 2019, supports academic excellence among dependents of Gulfstream Aerospace employees. Eligible students must pursue a Bachelor of Science in Engineering with a GPA of 2.5 or higher, focusing on Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, or Aerospace disciplines. Preference is given to applicants attending the Citadel or those who have participated in Gulfstream co-op or internship programs.

The Fred and Susan Breidenbach Scholarship, funded by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, offers financial support to graduating high school seniors or undergraduate students who are dependents of Gulfstream Aerospace employees. Established to recognize academic excellence, this scholarship program reflects the Breidenbachs' commitment to education and their appreciation for the dedication of Gulfstream employees during challenging times. Since 1995, it has provided essential assistance to those pursuing higher education, helping to alleviate tuition costs.

The Gulfstream Goldie Glenn Scholarship, funded by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, honors academic excellence among high school seniors who are dependents of Gulfstream employees. Established to pay tribute to Albert H. "Goldie" Glenn, a leader in the aircraft industry, this scholarship aims to alleviate tuition costs for students with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Since its inception, it has supported the educational aspirations of local students, furthering their opportunities in higher education.

The Ira P. Berman Gulfstream Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, supports the educational goals of children and dependents of Gulfstream employees. It honors Ira P. Berman, a distinguished leader in Gulfstream Aerospace. Eligible applicants include high school seniors and full-time college students enrolled in accredited institutions. The scholarship emphasizes academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, and financial need, providing crucial assistance to those looking to reduce tuition costs without relying on student loans.

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation focuses on improving economic mobility and social progress through partnerships with nonprofits. It prioritizes basic needs, income creation, stable housing, and community empowerment. By supporting vulnerable populations, the foundation aims to enable individuals to achieve their goals and contribute positively to their communities. The foundation emphasizes sustainable progress, ensuring that all community members have access to essential resources and opportunities for growth.

The PNC Foundation's Grow Up Great Grant is a significant initiative aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for children from birth to age 5. With a commitment of $500 million, this program focuses on improving school readiness through support in vocabulary development, social-emotional learning, and the arts. By partnering with community-based nonprofits, PNC aims to foster stronger, smarter, and healthier communities, ensuring a brighter future for the next generation.

Nonprofit and conservation partners restoring longleaf pine or bottomland hardwood forests in Beaufort County, South Carolina can seek funding for on-the-ground habitat and ecosystem restoration projects. Grants from National Fish and Wildlife Foundation help Beaufort County, South Carolina forestry and restoration efforts with awards ranging from US $250,000 - US $3,000,000 across the historical longleaf pine range.

The Sparklight/Cable One Charitable Giving Fund supports local nonprofits and organizations focused on education, food insecurity, and community development. They prioritize impactful partnerships that strengthen communities. The fund welcomes various funding requests, including special projects and capital campaigns, while adhering to specific eligibility requirements such as tax-exempt status. However, they do not fund basic operating expenses, loans, or religious organizations for general support, ensuring that their contributions foster meaningful community growth.

Graduating high school seniors and recent GED recipients pursuing technical, trade, or community college programs in occupational or skilled labor fields in Beaufort, Jasper, or Hampton Counties may be eligible for the R and J Matchett Scholarship. Community Foundation of the Lowcountry supports post-secondary career preparation, which can benefit Beaufort County, South Carolina residents with financial need.