Search Through Beaufort County Grants for Nonprofits in South Carolina

Community Foundation of the Lowcountry

In 1994, a group of visionary Lowcountry community leaders recognized the need to create a community foundation. Through the sale of the nonprofit Hilton Head Hospital, Hilton Head Island Foundation, Inc. was born, with a mission to provide philanthropic leadership to a growing community. In 2001, our service area expanded to include northern Beaufort County, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper Counties. To reflect this, our name changed to Community Foundation of the Lowcountry.

With more than $125 million invested in the Lowcountry area since 1994, Community Foundation of the Lowcountry is the largest source of unrestricted philanthropic resources dedicated to Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper Counties. Throughout our history, we have expanded our services, undertaken important initiatives and altered our course to ensure we’re serving the needs of the Lowcountry. We provide donors and nonprofits the steadfast philanthropic leadership to transform, empower and enhance the communities we serve.

Mission: Strengthening community by connecting people, resources, and needs.

Vision: Community Foundation of the Lowcountry is a committed philanthropic partner, providing leadership, support, and resources to ensure that all people within our region are thriving.

Purpose: Community Foundation of the Lowcountry is dedicated to helping donors, nonprofit organizations and other community members make a difference in the lives of Lowcountry citizens. Our positive impact is achieved by bringing together financial resources, knowledge and collaborative networks to serve community needs.

Arnold Fields Community Endowed Scholarship

The Arnold Fields Community Endowment Educational Scholarship is a competitive scholarship. A $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to one graduating high school senior from Hampton County.

Organizational Development Grants

Organizational Development Grants are available to organizations throughout the Community Foundation’s four-county service area of Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper Counties. Their purpose is to help organizations increase their capacity to govern and achieve long-term sustainability. Grants are made up to $5,000 and may cover up to 70% of the total cost of the consultant’s services.

These grants may be used to address issues such as:

• Strategic planning
• Organizational structure
• Board/staff relations
• Governance training
• Board/staff policies and procedures
• Asset development planning
• Marketing/public relations/communications planning
• Merger and/or consolidations
• Fiscal management
• Social Justice Planning

Limitations

• The grant can be used only to retain a consultant.
• Organizations may only apply for an Organizational Development grant once during our fiscal year, which runs July 1 – June 30.
• Organizational Development Grants can only be approved once for each development area.
• Your grant application must include a detailed proposal from the consultant with budget and payment schedule.
• The grant is paid to the organization.
• The grant award may cover up to 70% of the consultant’s proposal.
  • For example, if the consultant’s total project cost is $6,500, the grant award would be $4,550, or 70% of the request.
  • The organization is required to cover the balance of the project cost with their funds.

Who We Are

Our Purpose

Through endowment funds established by individuals, families, businesses and organizations, our combined resources allow us to not only address community needs today, but help us chart a course for a brighter future in the nine counties we serve along South Carolina’s coast. With our donors, we invest millions of dollars through grantmaking, impact investing and scholarships each year. We are also known for understanding and acting upon the dynamic needs of the communities we serve, with recent examples including our disaster response efforts during and after major storms such as Hurricane Florence, and the creation of the Lowcountry Unity Fund in the wake of the Mother Emanuel AME Church massacre to support causes addressing systemic racism.

Financial resources are among the many tools we employ in our mission to create vibrant communities. Throughout our history, we have served as a community convener to bring residents and leaders together to tackle major structural challenges, such as housing shortages or limited access to quality education. We also have a long history of incubating grassroots causes and providing them with structural support to grow into fully operational nonprofit organizations. Some organizations that began as programs at Coastal Community Foundation — including the Lowcountry Food Bank, One80 Place and the Center for Heirs Property Preservation — are now major regional nonprofits addressing critical needs.

Our Mission

Coastal Community Foundation works to create communities rich in equity, opportunity, and well-being by uniting people and investing resources so that all community members have a pathway to achieve their goals.

Donors Choose Teacher Mini Grants

Grants are available in the fall semester for teacher-initiated classroom projects to help support and encourage teachers who take innovative approaches to education. Applications are accepted through an outside organization, Donors Choose, which works across the country to make it easy for anyone to support classrooms in need.

Women in Philanthropy

Since their founding in 2003, the members of Women in Philanthropy have built an endowment of more than $1.3 million. Since 2006, over $1 million grants has been awarded to nonprofit organizations throughout Beaufort County.

The Women in Philanthropy Fund is an endowed giving circle fund that continues to grow in perpetuity. The fund is invested prudently and provides grants to help strengthen families and individuals in the areas of arts and culture, community development, education, the environment, health, and human services.

Grantmaking

The grantmaking focus of Women in Philanthropy is strengthening families and individuals in the areas of arts and culture, community development, education, the environment, health, and human services. With this in mind, the advisory committee will establish the criteria for each cycle of funding for grant-seeking nonprofit organizations. 

We are pleased to announce that the theme selected for 2026 grants is “ Bridging the Gap: Employment, Basic Needs, and Family Stability.”

Through a focus on building pathways to long-term self sufficiency, WIP seeks to support organizations that help individuals and families move beyond paycheck-to-paycheck survival in Beaufort County. WIP recognizes that barriers toward achieving self sufficiency can be encountered in a variety of areas including: child care, financial literacy, food, health care, housing, transportation, employment opportunities and wages, and education. WIP anticipates funding organizations who have planned or are planning innovative approaches toward surmounting these obstacles, empowering their constituency to build pathways toward long term self sufficiency.

Community Foundation of the Lowcountry 

In 1994, a group of visionary Lowcountry community leaders recognized the need to create a community foundation. Through the sale of the nonprofit Hilton Head Hospital, Hilton Head Island Foundation, Inc. was born, with a mission to provide philanthropic leadership to a growing community. In 2001, our service area expanded to include northern Beaufort County, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper Counties. To reflect this, our name changed to Community Foundation of the Lowcountry.

With more than $125 million invested in the Lowcountry area since 1994, Community Foundation of the Lowcountry is the largest source of unrestricted philanthropic resources dedicated to Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper Counties. Throughout our history, we have expanded our services, undertaken important initiatives and altered our course to ensure we’re serving the needs of the Lowcountry. We provide donors and nonprofits the steadfast philanthropic leadership to transform, empower and enhance the communities we serve.

Mission: Strengthening community by connecting people, resources, and needs.

Vision: Community Foundation of the Lowcountry is a committed philanthropic partner, providing leadership, support, and resources to ensure that all people within our region are thriving.

Purpose: Community Foundation of the Lowcountry is dedicated to helping donors, nonprofit organizations and other community members make a difference in the lives of Lowcountry citizens. Our positive impact is achieved by bringing together financial resources, knowledge and collaborative networks to serve community needs.

Jim Ferree Educational Scholarship

The Jim Ferree Educational Scholarship provides support to graduating seniors from high schools in Beaufort County, SC, who plan to pursue post-secondary education at an accredited technical school, college, or university during the 2025-26 academic year. The ideal applicant has been impacted by the game of golf. 

Community Foundation of the Lowcountry

With more than $125 million invested in the Lowcountry area since 1994, Community Foundation of the Lowcountry is the largest source of unrestricted philanthropic resources dedicated to Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper Counties. Throughout our history, we have expanded our services, undertaken important initiatives and altered our course to ensure we’re serving the needs of the Lowcountry. We provide donors and nonprofits the steadfast philanthropic leadership to transform, empower and enhance the communities we serve.

Scholarships

Since 1995, we’ve been a resource for students and parents who are looking for a way to offset the cost of tuition while bypassing the use of student loans.

Fred and Susan Breidenbach Scholarship

The Breidenbachs moved to the South Carolina Lowcountry in 1993 when Fred left a 25-year career with General Electric to become president and chief operating officer of Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation. Fred received an engineering degree from Penn State University and a Master of Business Administration from Xavier University in Cincinnati.

Fred states many times that Gulfstream's competitive advantage is the "can-do" attitude of the employees. Both Fred and Susan strongly feel that a solid education is critical for the success of young people. They are delighted to sponsor up to five college scholarships every year for the sons and daughters of Gulfstream employees ... for it was those employees who willingly did what was asked during the extremely difficult "turanaround" years of 1993 and 1994, when the company's survival was at stage. The Susan and Fred Breidenbach Program was established to recognize and honor academic excellence among high school students who show a high level of commitment toward completing their post-secondary education.

Community Foundation of the Lowcountry

With more than $125 million invested in the Lowcountry area since 1994, Community Foundation of the Lowcountry is the largest source of unrestricted philanthropic resources dedicated to Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper Counties. Throughout our history, we have expanded our services, undertaken important initiatives and altered our course to ensure we’re serving the needs of the Lowcountry. We provide donors and nonprofits the steadfast philanthropic leadership to transform, empower and enhance the communities we serve.

Scholarships

Since 1995, we’ve been a resource for students and parents who are looking for a way to offset the cost of tuition while bypassing the use of student loans.

Ira P. Berman Gulfstream Scholarship

The Ira P. Berman Gulfstream Scholarship was generously established through the combined philanthropy of Ira P. Berman, Helen A. Borrello, and Gulfstream Aerospace to support the educational aspirations of Gulfstream employees' children and dependents. Mr. Berman served Gulfstream Aerospace with distinction as Senior Vice President of Administration and General Counsel, and as a Corporate Vice President of General Dynamics, Gulfstream’s parent company, for more than 25 years. In recognition of his outstanding leadership, dedication, and lasting contributions to the company, Gulfstream joined Mr. Berman and Ms. Borrello in supporting the creation of this scholarship.

Community Foundation of the Lowcountry 

In 1994, a group of visionary Lowcountry community leaders recognized the need to create a community foundation. Through the sale of the nonprofit Hilton Head Hospital, Hilton Head Island Foundation, Inc. was born, with a mission to provide philanthropic leadership to a growing community. In 2001, our service area expanded to include northern Beaufort County, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper Counties. To reflect this, our name changed to Community Foundation of the Lowcountry.

With more than $125 million invested in the Lowcountry area since 1994, Community Foundation of the Lowcountry is the largest source of unrestricted philanthropic resources dedicated to Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper Counties. Throughout our history, we have expanded our services, undertaken important initiatives and altered our course to ensure we’re serving the needs of the Lowcountry. We provide donors and nonprofits the steadfast philanthropic leadership to transform, empower and enhance the communities we serve.

Mission: Strengthening community by connecting people, resources, and needs.

Vision: Community Foundation of the Lowcountry is a committed philanthropic partner, providing leadership, support, and resources to ensure that all people within our region are thriving.

Purpose: Community Foundation of the Lowcountry is dedicated to helping donors, nonprofit organizations and other community members make a difference in the lives of Lowcountry citizens. Our positive impact is achieved by bringing together financial resources, knowledge and collaborative networks to serve community needs.

Alliance Global Partners Scholarship

The Alliance Global Partners Scholarship Endowment was generously established in August 2022 by the Alliance Global Partners, a wealth management and investment advisory firm. The scholarship provides post-secondary scholarship opportunities for qualified students scheduled to graduate from a high school located in southern Beaufort County, with plans to pursue a post-secondary education in the area of business through an accredited college or university.

Community Foundation of the Lowcountry 

In 1994, a group of visionary Lowcountry community leaders recognized the need to create a community foundation. Through the sale of the nonprofit Hilton Head Hospital, Hilton Head Island Foundation, Inc. was born, with a mission to provide philanthropic leadership to a growing community. In 2001, our service area expanded to include northern Beaufort County, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper Counties. To reflect this, our name changed to Community Foundation of the Lowcountry.

With more than $125 million invested in the Lowcountry area since 1994, Community Foundation of the Lowcountry is the largest source of unrestricted philanthropic resources dedicated to Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper Counties. Throughout our history, we have expanded our services, undertaken important initiatives and altered our course to ensure we’re serving the needs of the Lowcountry. We provide donors and nonprofits the steadfast philanthropic leadership to transform, empower and enhance the communities we serve.

Mission: Strengthening community by connecting people, resources, and needs.

Vision: Community Foundation of the Lowcountry is a committed philanthropic partner, providing leadership, support, and resources to ensure that all people within our region are thriving.

Purpose: Community Foundation of the Lowcountry is dedicated to helping donors, nonprofit organizations and other community members make a difference in the lives of Lowcountry citizens. Our positive impact is achieved by bringing together financial resources, knowledge and collaborative networks to serve community needs.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Scholarship

The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Scholarship fund was created by the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Nu Delta Omega Chapter in 2025. The mission of this scholarship fund is to provide a $1,000.00 scholarship to graduating senior females in the Beaufort and Jasper County public high schools.

Community Foundation of the Lowcountry 

In 1994, a group of visionary Lowcountry community leaders recognized the need to create a community foundation. Through the sale of the nonprofit Hilton Head Hospital, Hilton Head Island Foundation, Inc. was born, with a mission to provide philanthropic leadership to a growing community. In 2001, our service area expanded to include northern Beaufort County, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper Counties. To reflect this, our name changed to Community Foundation of the Lowcountry.

With more than $125 million invested in the Lowcountry area since 1994, Community Foundation of the Lowcountry is the largest source of unrestricted philanthropic resources dedicated to Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper Counties. Throughout our history, we have expanded our services, undertaken important initiatives and altered our course to ensure we’re serving the needs of the Lowcountry. We provide donors and nonprofits the steadfast philanthropic leadership to transform, empower and enhance the communities we serve.

Mission: Strengthening community by connecting people, resources, and needs.

Vision: Community Foundation of the Lowcountry is a committed philanthropic partner, providing leadership, support, and resources to ensure that all people within our region are thriving.

Purpose: Community Foundation of the Lowcountry is dedicated to helping donors, nonprofit organizations and other community members make a difference in the lives of Lowcountry citizens. Our positive impact is achieved by bringing together financial resources, knowledge and collaborative networks to serve community needs.

Amazing Grace Sulak Scholarship

The Amazing Grace Sulak Scholarship Fund was established in 2017 in memory of Grace Sulak by her family. The mission of the scholarship fund is to provide annual scholarship awards to assist qualified students who are pursuing a post-secondary education.

Community Foundation of the Lowcountry 

In 1994, a group of visionary Lowcountry community leaders recognized the need to create a community foundation. Through the sale of the nonprofit Hilton Head Hospital, Hilton Head Island Foundation, Inc. was born, with a mission to provide philanthropic leadership to a growing community. In 2001, our service area expanded to include northern Beaufort County, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper Counties. To reflect this, our name changed to Community Foundation of the Lowcountry.

With more than $125 million invested in the Lowcountry area since 1994, Community Foundation of the Lowcountry is the largest source of unrestricted philanthropic resources dedicated to Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper Counties. Throughout our history, we have expanded our services, undertaken important initiatives and altered our course to ensure we’re serving the needs of the Lowcountry. We provide donors and nonprofits the steadfast philanthropic leadership to transform, empower and enhance the communities we serve.

Mission: Strengthening community by connecting people, resources, and needs.

Vision: Community Foundation of the Lowcountry is a committed philanthropic partner, providing leadership, support, and resources to ensure that all people within our region are thriving.

Purpose: Community Foundation of the Lowcountry is dedicated to helping donors, nonprofit organizations and other community members make a difference in the lives of Lowcountry citizens. Our positive impact is achieved by bringing together financial resources, knowledge and collaborative networks to serve community needs.

Beaufort County Law Enforcement Educational Scholarship

The Beaufort County Law Enforcement Educational Scholarship was created to provide post-secondary scholarships to assist qualified students who are children of individuals who currently work, or previously worked, in the area of law enforcement in Beaufort County.

Community Foundation of the Lowcountry 

In 1994, a group of visionary Lowcountry community leaders recognized the need to create a community foundation. Through the sale of the nonprofit Hilton Head Hospital, Hilton Head Island Foundation, Inc. was born, with a mission to provide philanthropic leadership to a growing community. In 2001, our service area expanded to include northern Beaufort County, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper Counties. To reflect this, our name changed to Community Foundation of the Lowcountry.

With more than $125 million invested in the Lowcountry area since 1994, Community Foundation of the Lowcountry is the largest source of unrestricted philanthropic resources dedicated to Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper Counties. Throughout our history, we have expanded our services, undertaken important initiatives and altered our course to ensure we’re serving the needs of the Lowcountry. We provide donors and nonprofits the steadfast philanthropic leadership to transform, empower and enhance the communities we serve.

Mission: Strengthening community by connecting people, resources, and needs.

Vision: Community Foundation of the Lowcountry is a committed philanthropic partner, providing leadership, support, and resources to ensure that all people within our region are thriving.

Purpose: Community Foundation of the Lowcountry is dedicated to helping donors, nonprofit organizations and other community members make a difference in the lives of Lowcountry citizens. Our positive impact is achieved by bringing together financial resources, knowledge and collaborative networks to serve community needs.

Ellie and Michael Agresta Scholarship

Ellie and Michael Agresta established their scholarship fund in 2010 to provide post-secondary educational scholarships for qualified students. The purpose of this scholarship is to fund motivated students who may not have the opportunity to attend college without additional financial resources.

Community Foundation of the Lowcountry 

In 1994, a group of visionary Lowcountry community leaders recognized the need to create a community foundation. Through the sale of the nonprofit Hilton Head Hospital, Hilton Head Island Foundation, Inc. was born, with a mission to provide philanthropic leadership to a growing community. In 2001, our service area expanded to include northern Beaufort County, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper Counties. To reflect this, our name changed to Community Foundation of the Lowcountry.

With more than $125 million invested in the Lowcountry area since 1994, Community Foundation of the Lowcountry is the largest source of unrestricted philanthropic resources dedicated to Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper Counties. Throughout our history, we have expanded our services, undertaken important initiatives and altered our course to ensure we’re serving the needs of the Lowcountry. We provide donors and nonprofits the steadfast philanthropic leadership to transform, empower and enhance the communities we serve.

Mission: Strengthening community by connecting people, resources, and needs.

Vision: Community Foundation of the Lowcountry is a committed philanthropic partner, providing leadership, support, and resources to ensure that all people within our region are thriving.

Purpose: Community Foundation of the Lowcountry is dedicated to helping donors, nonprofit organizations and other community members make a difference in the lives of Lowcountry citizens. Our positive impact is achieved by bringing together financial resources, knowledge and collaborative networks to serve community needs.

Joan and Wade Webster Scholarship Program

The Joan and Wade Webster Scholarship was established at the Community Foundation in 1995 by Joan and Wade Webster to provide annual post-secondary educational scholarships for qualified students. The purpose of the Joan and Wade Webster Scholarship Program is to assist qualified students in pursuit of a post-secondary education who demonstrate a willingness to learn about and practice sound personal financial habits in an effort toward becoming financially self-sufficient.

Community Foundation of the Lowcountry 

In 1994, a group of visionary Lowcountry community leaders recognized the need to create a community foundation. Through the sale of the nonprofit Hilton Head Hospital, Hilton Head Island Foundation, Inc. was born, with a mission to provide philanthropic leadership to a growing community. In 2001, our service area expanded to include northern Beaufort County, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper Counties. To reflect this, our name changed to Community Foundation of the Lowcountry.

With more than $125 million invested in the Lowcountry area since 1994, Community Foundation of the Lowcountry is the largest source of unrestricted philanthropic resources dedicated to Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper Counties. Throughout our history, we have expanded our services, undertaken important initiatives and altered our course to ensure we’re serving the needs of the Lowcountry. We provide donors and nonprofits the steadfast philanthropic leadership to transform, empower and enhance the communities we serve.

Mission: Strengthening community by connecting people, resources, and needs.

Vision: Community Foundation of the Lowcountry is a committed philanthropic partner, providing leadership, support, and resources to ensure that all people within our region are thriving.

Purpose: Community Foundation of the Lowcountry is dedicated to helping donors, nonprofit organizations and other community members make a difference in the lives of Lowcountry citizens. Our positive impact is achieved by bringing together financial resources, knowledge and collaborative networks to serve community needs.

Joseph S. Onisko, Jr. Environmental Sciences Scholarship

The Joseph S. Onisko, Jr. Environmental Sciences Scholarship Fund was established in 2020 by Mr. and Mrs. Thomas D. Onisko, in memory of Joseph S. Onisko, Jr. The purpose and focus of this scholarship fund is to provide scholarship support for qualified students pursuing a post-secondary education in the field of Environmental Sciences or a related area.

Community Foundation of the Lowcountry 

In 1994, a group of visionary Lowcountry community leaders recognized the need to create a community foundation. Through the sale of the nonprofit Hilton Head Hospital, Hilton Head Island Foundation, Inc. was born, with a mission to provide philanthropic leadership to a growing community. In 2001, our service area expanded to include northern Beaufort County, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper Counties. To reflect this, our name changed to Community Foundation of the Lowcountry.

With more than $125 million invested in the Lowcountry area since 1994, Community Foundation of the Lowcountry is the largest source of unrestricted philanthropic resources dedicated to Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper Counties. Throughout our history, we have expanded our services, undertaken important initiatives and altered our course to ensure we’re serving the needs of the Lowcountry. We provide donors and nonprofits the steadfast philanthropic leadership to transform, empower and enhance the communities we serve.

Mission: Strengthening community by connecting people, resources, and needs.

Vision: Community Foundation of the Lowcountry is a committed philanthropic partner, providing leadership, support, and resources to ensure that all people within our region are thriving.

Purpose: Community Foundation of the Lowcountry is dedicated to helping donors, nonprofit organizations and other community members make a difference in the lives of Lowcountry citizens. Our positive impact is achieved by bringing together financial resources, knowledge and collaborative networks to serve community needs.

Joyce H. Power Scholarship Endowment

The Joyce H. Power Scholarship Endowment was established in December 2022 by Joyce H. Power. The scholarship provides post-secondary opportunities for students who have had one or both of their parents pass away, have shown outstanding personal and academic achievement, and plan to pursue a post-secondary education at an accredited college or university.

Community Foundation of the Lowcountry 

In 1994, a group of visionary Lowcountry community leaders recognized the need to create a community foundation. Through the sale of the nonprofit Hilton Head Hospital, Hilton Head Island Foundation, Inc. was born, with a mission to provide philanthropic leadership to a growing community. In 2001, our service area expanded to include northern Beaufort County, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper Counties. To reflect this, our name changed to Community Foundation of the Lowcountry.

With more than $125 million invested in the Lowcountry area since 1994, Community Foundation of the Lowcountry is the largest source of unrestricted philanthropic resources dedicated to Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper Counties. Throughout our history, we have expanded our services, undertaken important initiatives and altered our course to ensure we’re serving the needs of the Lowcountry. We provide donors and nonprofits the steadfast philanthropic leadership to transform, empower and enhance the communities we serve.

Mission: Strengthening community by connecting people, resources, and needs.

Vision: Community Foundation of the Lowcountry is a committed philanthropic partner, providing leadership, support, and resources to ensure that all people within our region are thriving.

Purpose: Community Foundation of the Lowcountry is dedicated to helping donors, nonprofit organizations and other community members make a difference in the lives of Lowcountry citizens. Our positive impact is achieved by bringing together financial resources, knowledge and collaborative networks to serve community needs.

Live Like D.J. – Dwon Fields Jr. Scholarship

The Live Like D.J. – Dwon Fields Jr. Scholarship Fund was established in loving memory of Dwon Fields, Jr. by his family and friends in 2021. Annual scholarships are awarded to qualified students in pursuit of a post-secondary education who demonstrate the life qualities D.J. exemplified, by putting the needs of others first and making a difference in others lives through acts of kindness, compassion and caring.

Community Foundation of the Lowcountry 

In 1994, a group of visionary Lowcountry community leaders recognized the need to create a community foundation. Through the sale of the nonprofit Hilton Head Hospital, Hilton Head Island Foundation, Inc. was born, with a mission to provide philanthropic leadership to a growing community. In 2001, our service area expanded to include northern Beaufort County, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper Counties. To reflect this, our name changed to Community Foundation of the Lowcountry.

With more than $125 million invested in the Lowcountry area since 1994, Community Foundation of the Lowcountry is the largest source of unrestricted philanthropic resources dedicated to Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper Counties. Throughout our history, we have expanded our services, undertaken important initiatives and altered our course to ensure we’re serving the needs of the Lowcountry. We provide donors and nonprofits the steadfast philanthropic leadership to transform, empower and enhance the communities we serve.

Mission: Strengthening community by connecting people, resources, and needs.

Vision: Community Foundation of the Lowcountry is a committed philanthropic partner, providing leadership, support, and resources to ensure that all people within our region are thriving.

Purpose: Community Foundation of the Lowcountry is dedicated to helping donors, nonprofit organizations and other community members make a difference in the lives of Lowcountry citizens. Our positive impact is achieved by bringing together financial resources, knowledge and collaborative networks to serve community needs.

Lucrecia C. Lester Memorial Scholarship

The Lucrecia C. Lester Memorial Scholarship Fund was established at Community Foundation of the Lowcountry in 2015 in memory of Lucrecia C. Lester by her family. The mission of the fund is to provide annual scholarship awards to assist qualified students who are residents of Colleton, Hampton, Jasper or Beaufort Counties located in South Carolina and who are pursuing a post-secondary education.

Community Foundation of the Lowcountry 

In 1994, a group of visionary Lowcountry community leaders recognized the need to create a community foundation. Through the sale of the nonprofit Hilton Head Hospital, Hilton Head Island Foundation, Inc. was born, with a mission to provide philanthropic leadership to a growing community. In 2001, our service area expanded to include northern Beaufort County, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper Counties. To reflect this, our name changed to Community Foundation of the Lowcountry.

With more than $125 million invested in the Lowcountry area since 1994, Community Foundation of the Lowcountry is the largest source of unrestricted philanthropic resources dedicated to Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper Counties. Throughout our history, we have expanded our services, undertaken important initiatives and altered our course to ensure we’re serving the needs of the Lowcountry. We provide donors and nonprofits the steadfast philanthropic leadership to transform, empower and enhance the communities we serve.

Mission: Strengthening community by connecting people, resources, and needs.

Vision: Community Foundation of the Lowcountry is a committed philanthropic partner, providing leadership, support, and resources to ensure that all people within our region are thriving.

Purpose: Community Foundation of the Lowcountry is dedicated to helping donors, nonprofit organizations and other community members make a difference in the lives of Lowcountry citizens. Our positive impact is achieved by bringing together financial resources, knowledge and collaborative networks to serve community needs.

Marc Chary Scholarship Program

The Marc Chary Scholarship Program was generously established in 2025 by Mr. Marc Chary and supported by the Marc Chary Scholarship Endowment. The purpose and focus of this scholarship fund is to provide scholarship support for qualified African American students, with demonstrated financial need, who are pursuing a post-secondary education.

Community Foundation of the Lowcountry 

In 1994, a group of visionary Lowcountry community leaders recognized the need to create a community foundation. Through the sale of the nonprofit Hilton Head Hospital, Hilton Head Island Foundation, Inc. was born, with a mission to provide philanthropic leadership to a growing community. In 2001, our service area expanded to include northern Beaufort County, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper Counties. To reflect this, our name changed to Community Foundation of the Lowcountry.

With more than $125 million invested in the Lowcountry area since 1994, Community Foundation of the Lowcountry is the largest source of unrestricted philanthropic resources dedicated to Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper Counties. Throughout our history, we have expanded our services, undertaken important initiatives and altered our course to ensure we’re serving the needs of the Lowcountry. We provide donors and nonprofits the steadfast philanthropic leadership to transform, empower and enhance the communities we serve.

Mission: Strengthening community by connecting people, resources, and needs.

Vision: Community Foundation of the Lowcountry is a committed philanthropic partner, providing leadership, support, and resources to ensure that all people within our region are thriving.

Purpose: Community Foundation of the Lowcountry is dedicated to helping donors, nonprofit organizations and other community members make a difference in the lives of Lowcountry citizens. Our positive impact is achieved by bringing together financial resources, knowledge and collaborative networks to serve community needs.

Mary and Wayne Zanetti Scholarship

The Mary and Wayne Zanetti Scholarship was established in 2021 by Mary and Wayne Zanetti. The purpose of this scholarship is to provide support for qualified students scheduled to graduate from public high school in Jasper County, with demonstrated financial need, who will be attending an accredited technical, trade or vocational school/college in pursuit of a post-secondary degree or certificate.

Community Foundation of the Lowcountry 

In 1994, a group of visionary Lowcountry community leaders recognized the need to create a community foundation. Through the sale of the nonprofit Hilton Head Hospital, Hilton Head Island Foundation, Inc. was born, with a mission to provide philanthropic leadership to a growing community. In 2001, our service area expanded to include northern Beaufort County, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper Counties. To reflect this, our name changed to Community Foundation of the Lowcountry.

With more than $125 million invested in the Lowcountry area since 1994, Community Foundation of the Lowcountry is the largest source of unrestricted philanthropic resources dedicated to Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper Counties. Throughout our history, we have expanded our services, undertaken important initiatives and altered our course to ensure we’re serving the needs of the Lowcountry. We provide donors and nonprofits the steadfast philanthropic leadership to transform, empower and enhance the communities we serve.

Mission: Strengthening community by connecting people, resources, and needs.

Vision: Community Foundation of the Lowcountry is a committed philanthropic partner, providing leadership, support, and resources to ensure that all people within our region are thriving.

Purpose: Community Foundation of the Lowcountry is dedicated to helping donors, nonprofit organizations and other community members make a difference in the lives of Lowcountry citizens. Our positive impact is achieved by bringing together financial resources, knowledge and collaborative networks to serve community needs.

Mina Larson and Mandas S. Mulrain Scholarship

The Mina Larson and Mandas S. Mulrain Scholarship was established in 2005 by Mr. Sam Mulrain, in memory of his wife Mina Larson Mulrain, to provide scholarship funds for students pursuing a post-secondary education who have demonstrated extraordinary determination in achieving their goals.

Community Foundation of the Lowcountry 

In 1994, a group of visionary Lowcountry community leaders recognized the need to create a community foundation. Through the sale of the nonprofit Hilton Head Hospital, Hilton Head Island Foundation, Inc. was born, with a mission to provide philanthropic leadership to a growing community. In 2001, our service area expanded to include northern Beaufort County, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper Counties. To reflect this, our name changed to Community Foundation of the Lowcountry.

With more than $125 million invested in the Lowcountry area since 1994, Community Foundation of the Lowcountry is the largest source of unrestricted philanthropic resources dedicated to Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper Counties. Throughout our history, we have expanded our services, undertaken important initiatives and altered our course to ensure we’re serving the needs of the Lowcountry. We provide donors and nonprofits the steadfast philanthropic leadership to transform, empower and enhance the communities we serve.

Mission: Strengthening community by connecting people, resources, and needs.

Vision: Community Foundation of the Lowcountry is a committed philanthropic partner, providing leadership, support, and resources to ensure that all people within our region are thriving.

Purpose: Community Foundation of the Lowcountry is dedicated to helping donors, nonprofit organizations and other community members make a difference in the lives of Lowcountry citizens. Our positive impact is achieved by bringing together financial resources, knowledge and collaborative networks to serve community needs.

Oak Advisors Scholarship of Excellence

The Oak Advisors Scholarship of Excellence is available to southern Beaufort County high school seniors planning to major in business, economics or finance. The principals of Oak Advisors, Michelle Myhre, CFP, and John Chiacchiero, are passionate about charitable giving and rewarding students who have demonstrated superior achievements academically, as well as their talents, employment, volunteer work and extracurricular activities.

South Carolina Arts Commission

Vision

We envision a South Carolina where the arts are valued and all people benefit from a variety of creative experiences.

Mission

The mission of the South Carolina Arts Commission is to promote equitable access to the arts and support the cultivation of creativity in South Carolina.

Art of Community: Rural SC Grants

Purpose

This grant supports arts-based projects throughout rural South Carolina that use the arts to address issues and challenges in rural communities. The project must serve the rural community in which the applicant is located.

Grant-funded activities should:

• expand community access to the arts in rural areas and
• include a public engagement component and
• engage a project steering committee to lead the project.
  • A project steering committee is the group of people who will be collaborating on and leading this project.
  • This group should have a strong understanding of the project and the applicant organization.
  • The project steering committee is responsible for, but not limited to, providing advice and direction, setting the project timeline and budget, monitoring the quality of the project, evaluating, and monitoring success of the project, and defining project outcomes.

Projects

Projects must support one or more of the following artistic disciplines:

• Dance (choreography or performance)
• Music (composition or performance)
• Opera/musical theatre (production or performance)
• Theatre (performance or playwriting)
• Visual arts (painting, drawing, mixed media, sculpture, or printmaking)
• Crafts (ceramics, fiber, glass, leather, metal, paper, plastic, or wood)
• Photography
• Design arts (architecture, fashion, graphic, industrial, or interior)
• Media arts (film, animation, including production or screenwriting)
• Literature (poetry or prose)
• Spoken word/slam poetry
• Time-based arts (installation, sound, video art, animation, film, computer generated art, or performance art)
• Public art (ephemeral or permanent)

All projects must:

• include a public engagement component AND
• provide opportunities for
  • participants to develop their own artistic skills and/or produce their own artistic work; OR
  • artistic development for artists through activities such as residencies or workshops; OR
  • using the arts in new contexts.

Opportunity Grants

Opportunity Grants are Community Impact or Community Investment Grants with a grant request budget under $10,000. These grants are designed to stimulate and help launch new programs and projects; or to help focus, enhance, and/or expand an organization’s existing programs and services; or as an investment in a capital project which is a critical enhancement to the mission of the nonprofit organization.

Opportunity Grants are available to organizations throughout the Community Foundation’s four-county service area of Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper counties. The grant term is typically 12 months and grants are made up to $10,000.

Our Mission

Beaufort Charities relies on it's volunteers who are committed to helping others. We take our convictions and turn them into action.

Beaufort Charities Funding

The Beaufort Charities is a philanthropic organization focused on generating funds to be specifically used for local need organizations which possess a worthy objective and program of service in Beauford County.

About Us

Founded in 1974, Coastal Community Foundation works with people and organizations who want to make a lasting difference through philanthropy. We are rooted in the community from 40+ years of experience in the Lowcountry. Our proactive approach to donor services, fund flexibility and opportunities to engage with the community make us the partner of choice for hundreds of donors in coastal South Carolina.

Southern Lowcountry Grants

Competitive grant programs are for organizations serving Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper counties. Unless otherwise specified, organizations are allowed and encouraged to apply for general operating support.

The Beaufort Fund

CCF’s largest grantmaking program in the Southern Lowcountry has three categories intended to suit the needs of small, large and first-time applicants.

Since it was established in 1998, The Beaufort Fund Grant Program has distributed more than $11 million in the Southern Lowcountry region across Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper counties. Applications are accepted in three categories, a structure intended to suit the needs of small, large and first-time applicants. This approach allows the selection committee to evaluate organizations that are similar in fiscal scope, life cycle and programmatic impact within each category.

Grant Categories

Requests for each of the following categories may be for programmatic or general operating support:

Genesis Grant

This grant supports strategic growth and/or expansion to increase the impact of a program that has already been proven successful. This grant may also support a project that addresses a community need in a new or creative way. Applicants may request up to $10,000 of support from this category.

Operational Grant

This grant is only available to organizations that have applied to The Beaufort Fund previously. Nonprofits may request up to $25,000 of support from this category.

First-Time Grant

This grant is only available to nonprofits that have not applied to the Beaufort Fund previously or have not received funding in the last five years. Nonprofits may request up to $15,000 of support from this category.

About Our Grants

Our grantmaking responds to the needs in our communities. Grants include those which are available through application and those that originate at the donor's request. Additionally, some of our individual funds practice grantmaking.

Grantmaking funds at Community Foundation of the Lowcountry

In addition to the grants available through our application process, a number of our individual funds practice grantmaking. Each has its own timeline and application process.

Field-of-Interest Funds - Sea Pines Resort Community Fund:

The Sea Pines Resort Community Fund is committed to strengthening the Lowcountry through charitable investments that reflect our legacy of giving back. Our mission is to support programs and projects that:

• Address critical community needs
• Promote environmental protection and sustainability
• Enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors

2025 Grant Focus: Supporting Programs that Impact Our Employees This year, special consideration will be given to programs and projects that have a direct or meaningful impact on the lives of Sea Pines Resort employees and their families, particularly in Beaufort, Colleton, and Jasper counties.

Community Foundation of the Lowcountry

With more than $125 million invested in the Lowcountry area since 1994, Community Foundation of the Lowcountry is the largest source of unrestricted philanthropic resources dedicated to Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper Counties. Throughout our history, we have expanded our services, undertaken important initiatives and altered our course to ensure we’re serving the needs of the Lowcountry. We provide donors and nonprofits the steadfast philanthropic leadership to transform, empower and enhance the communities we serve.

Scholarships

Since 1995, we’ve been a resource for students and parents who are looking for a way to offset the cost of tuition while bypassing the use of student loans.

Dan D. Nale Engineering Scholarship

The Dan D. Nale Engineering Scholarship, established in 2019, recognizes and honors academic excellence among qualified university students who are dependents of Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation employees and who are pursuing a post-secondary bachelor of science degree in Engineering from an accredited college or university (limited to Aerospace, Civil, Electrical or Mechanical).