Best Berkeley County Grants for Nonprofits in South Carolina

The Joanna Foundation provides Berkeley County, South Carolina community service nonprofits with US $1,000 - US $10,000 for general operations, seed funding, special projects, matching funds, technical support, and capital campaigns. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations must be tax-exempt public charities, apply via a required LOI, and serve designated South Carolina communities.

The Northern Lowcountry Grants: Lowcountry Unity Fund, established by the Coastal Community Foundation, aims to address systemic racism and economic inequality in Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester counties. Following the tragic 2015 attack on Emanuel A.M.E. Church, the fund provides mini-grants up to $5,000 to nonprofits promoting collaborative solutions. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) public charities and focus on partnerships that strengthen community resilience against discrimination.

The Northern Lowcountry Grants: Giving Back to Berkeley County Fund, established in 2008 by the Coastal Community Foundation, aims to enhance the quality of life for residents in Berkeley County, South Carolina. This fund supports nonprofits across various fields, encouraging applications for general operating support. The foundation, active since 1974, is the largest community foundation in the state, managing over 700 funds and distributing millions in grants and scholarships each year.

The Charles-Webb Ed Croft Endowment Fund is an invitation-only grant program designed to enhance the lives of children with special needs in Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester Counties. Established to honor the legacy of Charles Webb and Ed Croft, this fund supports local organizations dedicated to serving these children, ensuring that they receive the care and resources necessary for their development and well-being.

The Saint-Gobain Corporation Foundation Direct Grants program provides support to non-profit organizations in focus areas including STEM education, sustainable construction, and workforce development. The foundation aims to foster community development and environmental stewardship. Eligible applicants include IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organizations and accredited educational institutions in the U.S. The Foundation prioritizes partnerships that allow employee involvement and volunteer support, aiming to build meaningful relationships with grantees.

Students seeking higher education scholarships in Berkeley County, South Carolina can access funding through the Decker Scholarship, which awards approximately US $700 toward college costs. Coastal Community Foundation supports residents of Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties pursuing academic degrees, which may benefit local nonprofits assisting students with postsecondary education access.

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.

High school seniors with permanent residence in Berkeley, Charleston, or Dorchester counties can receive scholarship support for higher education through the Donald C. and Johanna Miller Scholarship Endowment, approximately US $1,000. Coastal Community Foundation supports academic scholarship programs that may benefit students connected to Berkeley County, South Carolina nonprofits or community initiatives.

College-bound students from Berkeley County, South Carolina and nearby counties can apply for the Rufus C. Barkley, Jr. Leadership Scholarship, awarding approximately US $10,000 for tuition and related higher education costs. Administered by Coastal Community Foundation, this four-year renewable scholarship prioritizes academic merit, character, well-rounded interests, and concern for others, with financial need considered.

The Lowcountry Land Conservation Grant, offered by the Gaylord & Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, focuses on enhancing land conservation efforts in the Lowcountry region through a climate resiliency, diversity, equity, and inclusion lens. This grant supports non-profit organizations in their general operations and projects aimed at protecting natural and working lands, fostering collaboration among diverse communities, and advocating for sustainable policies. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations with a connection to land conservation.

Employees Community Fund (ECF) of The Boeing CompanyOne of the largest employee-managed funds of its kind in the world, the Employees Community Fund (ECF) of The Boeing Company has been empowering employees to make a greater impact by pooling their tax-deductible donations for more than 60 years. Employee-led grantmaking committees at 20 Boeing sites- provide combined employee donations to nonprofits in their communities through ECF grants.Charitable or educational organizations can apply for grants from the Employees Community Fund (ECF) of The Boeing Company.South Carolina ChapterThe Employees Community Fund of Boeing (ECF) is a unique employee managed giving program that allows employees to make a positive difference in the communities where they live and work. ECF is an employee run non-profit managed by chapter Grantmaking committees (CGC) and governance board with each chapter having separate funding priorities and focus areas depending on local needs.ECF Focus The South Carolina ECF Chapter Grantmaking committee awards grants to non-profits that align to the following five focus areas: Arts & Culture, Civic, Education, Environment and Health & Human Services.Grants must support funding in Berkeley, Charleston or Dorchester counties, align to the ECF focus areas and all nonprofits who previously received grant awards must submit an impact report with the grant request that describes the progress made towards planned outcomes along with the tangible benefits to the community.

Broadening Narratives

Broadening Narratives supports diverse stories and collections that expand our understanding of who we are. ​

Our Vision for Broadening Narratives

We work to ensure that those whose stories are being told through collections are included in the decisions about how those stories are told. We seek to broaden the kinds of narratives being told, particularly stories that have never been told, or have been told incompletely or inaccurately.  

This includes stories from culturally specific communities including people of color, LGBTQ+ perspectives, working-class experiences, and small community stories.

We support collections that tell stories that have not been told, have been told incompletely, or have been told inaccurately. We require that those whose stories are being told be included in the decision-making process.

What is broadening narratives?

Why collections? And what do you mean by “Broadening Narratives”? What drove this change in strategy and approach to your collections work? ​

Read this answer and more here.

Nonprofit organizations in Berkeley County, South Carolina that preserve Jewish identity and culture or offer STEM education for children or young adults can seek invitation-only support through the Stanley B. Farbstein Endowment. With a mission to create equitable, opportunity-rich communities, Coastal Community Foundation provides approximately US $7,500 to eligible invited groups each year.

Students pursuing higher education in Berkeley County, South Carolina can receive approximately US $5,000 for college costs through the UPLIFT Scholarship. Coastal Community Foundation awards this scholarship to applicants from Berkeley, Charleston, or Dorchester Counties with a 2.5 GPA or higher, with preference for those who have a relative employed by East Cooper Medical Center or Tenet Healthcare.

Students with financial need in Berkeley County, South Carolina can receive scholarship support to pursue a college degree through the Warren O. Pinckney Scholarship Fund, awarding US $500 - US $2,000. Grants from Coastal Community Foundation help eligible residents of Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties access higher education opportunities via multiple awards.

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.

High school seniors in Berkeley County, South Carolina planning to pursue a four-year degree at Wofford College can apply for scholarship support from the Wofford College Fund, with awards of approximately US $900. Focused on higher education access, Coastal Community Foundation invites eligible students from Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties to seek assistance.

The Hebrew Orphan Society N. Edgar Miles, M.D. Scholarship, established by Doctor Miles in 1995, supports graduating high school seniors in Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester counties with financial need. The scholarship is designed for students in the top 25% of their class with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Multiple renewable awards are available, reflecting the commitment to fostering educational opportunities and addressing community needs in South Carolina.

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 Hill-Weatherford Post of the American Legion Scholarship, established in 2017, provides financial assistance to veterans and their direct descendants residing in South Carolina. This initiative, supported by the Coastal Community Foundation, aims to empower individuals by addressing educational needs and fostering community growth. By investing in the future of these students, the scholarship promotes equity and opportunity within the region, ensuring that those who have served our country receive the support they deserve.

The Healthy Harbors Fund, launched by Charleston Waterkeeper and the South Carolina Coastal Conservation League with support from Coastal Community Foundation, aims to enhance water quality in the Charleston Harbor area. The fund, bolstered by a $1 million settlement from a pollution lawsuit, will provide grants to local nonprofits focusing on critical issues such as plastics, bacteria, and climate resilience. This initiative encourages community engagement and aims to tackle pressing environmental challenges in the Lowcountry.

The REALTORS Housing Opportunities Fund Grant, initiated by the Charleston Trident Association of Realtors in 2003, aims to support affordable housing projects in Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties. With over $1 million invested, the grant prioritizes nonprofits focused on education, development, or repair of affordable housing. Interested organizations must register to apply, allowing two business days for processing. This competitive funding opportunity promotes community development and addresses housing needs.

The Longleaf Landscape Stewardship Fund Grant, managed by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), provides funding for projects aimed at restoring and conserving longleaf pine and bottomland hardwood forests. With approximately $30 million available for 2024, grants range from $250,000 to $3,000,000. This initiative, supported by various federal and private entities, emphasizes the importance of ecological preservation and sustainable land management practices.

The Kylie Erin Gillette Scholarship Fund, established in 2016, honors the spirit of Kylie Gillette by providing annual scholarships to students from Berkeley, Charleston, or Dorchester counties. This initiative, supported by the Coastal Community Foundation of South Carolina, aims to empower local youth and foster educational opportunities. By addressing community needs and investing in the future, this fund reflects a commitment to building equity and opportunity in the region.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations promoting recreation and physical fitness in Berkeley County, South Carolina can apply for Cooper River Bridge Run Grants of up to US $5,000. Focused on health and wellness, Coastal Community Foundation supports programs that encourage regular, beneficial physical activity for residents in the tricounty area, including Berkeley County.

The Northern Lowcountry Grants: Blackbaud Fund offers annual grants up to $5,000 for nonprofit organizations in Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties. Focused on supporting special needs youth and education for underserved youth, this fund encourages nonprofits that are 501(c)(3) compliant and do not engage in political lobbying. Organizations must not have received more than $5,000 in the previous grant cycle to be eligible.

Students from Berkeley County, South Carolina pursuing a 4-year degree at the College of Charleston can receive scholarship support through the Leah Read and Seymour I. Barkowitz Scholarship Fund. Coastal Community Foundation awards approximately US $750 annually to one eligible student from Berkeley, Charleston, or Dorchester counties for higher education costs.