Best Charleston County Grants for Nonprofits in South Carolina

The Stanley B. Farbstein Grant Program, established by Mr. Farbstein’s estate in 2014, is an invitation-only initiative focused on preserving Jewish life and education in South Carolina's Beaufort, Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties. Each year, selected organizations can request funding up to $20,000. Since its inception, the program has allocated over $500,000, demonstrating a strong commitment to enhancing Jewish culture and supporting STEM education for youth.

The Northern Lowcountry Grants: N.E.W. Fund, supported by the Coastal Community Foundation of South Carolina, provides essential funding and resources to low and moderate-income neighborhoods in Charleston and Colleton Counties. Established in 1991, this competitive program fosters community development, leadership, and pride, prioritizing grassroots and nonprofit organizations. The initiative aims to create strong families, safe neighborhoods, and active participation, empowering residents to influence their community's future.

The Griffith-Reyburn Lowcountry Artist of the Year Award, established by Coastal Community Foundation in 2003, supports Charleston County-based visual artists. This grant provides financial assistance for living expenses, enabling artists to focus on creating new works that embody the distinct culture, lifestyle, and environment of South Carolina's Lowcountry. The completed artwork remains the artist's personal property, allowing them the freedom to showcase or sell their creations as they choose.

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 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.

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 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 Art of Community: Rural SC Grants, offered by the South Carolina Arts Commission, aims to enhance community access to the arts in rural areas. By supporting arts-based projects, this grant encourages public engagement and collaboration among local residents. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, colleges, and government entities. Priority is given to projects that develop artistic skills and foster creativity, addressing specific challenges faced by rural communities in South Carolina.

Amanda’s Scholarship Fund, established in memory of Amanda Welling Dykes, supports students from Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties. Funded through the Coastal Community Foundation, it honors Amanda’s love for learning and character. The foundation invests in community needs, promoting equity and opportunity through scholarships and grants, while addressing critical challenges like education access. This initiative reflects a commitment to nurturing the potential of young learners in South Carolina.

The CRAN Charleston Scholarship Endowment, established by the Coastal Community Foundation, supports high school seniors from Berkeley, Charleston, or Dorchester County pursuing undergraduate degrees in architecture. This initiative not only invests in individual education but also contributes to the development of vibrant communities by addressing local needs and fostering opportunities for students. With a commitment to equity and well-being, the fund exemplifies the foundation's dedication to creating pathways for future generations.

The Decker Scholarship, established by the Coastal Community Foundation of South Carolina, aims to provide higher education funding for students in Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties. This initiative is part of a larger commitment to fostering equity and opportunity within the community. By leveraging endowment funds, the foundation addresses local needs while empowering students to pursue their academic goals. This scholarship reflects a dedication to supporting the educational aspirations of future leaders in the region.

The Don Rossi Scholarship, established by the National Golf Course Owners’ Association in 1993, supports college juniors and seniors majoring in Sports Administration or related fields. This scholarship aims to foster careers in golf-related industries, encouraging students nationwide to pursue their aspirations. Funded by the Coastal Community Foundation, it reflects a commitment to education and community growth, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder talented individuals from achieving their goals.

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 J. C. and Alberta Long Fund, established by the Long family, supports high school seniors from Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties with scholarships. This fund honors the legacy of Mr. J.C. Long and Mrs. Alberta Long, aiming to empower youth in their educational pursuits while fostering community growth. With a commitment to addressing local needs, the Coastal Community Foundation ensures that qualified applicants receive financial assistance to achieve their academic goals, contributing to a brighter future for the region.

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.

The LAMC Community Mitigation Scholarship Endowment, established in 2016 by the Coastal Community Foundation of South Carolina, aims to support students in underserved neighborhoods of North Charleston, SC. This fund provides scholarships for tuition and living expenses, addressing educational disparities and fostering community growth. By investing in local youth, the foundation helps empower future leaders and strengthens community resilience, ensuring equitable access to educational opportunities in the region.

The Leah Read and Seymour I. Barkowitz Scholarship Fund, established in 1988, supports students from Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties pursuing a four-year degree at the College of Charleston. This annual scholarship, funded by the Coastal Community Foundation of South Carolina, aims to empower local students by providing financial assistance for their educational aspirations. The foundation’s commitment to community well-being and educational equity is exemplified through this targeted funding initiative.

The Phillip O’Neill Hanvey Memorial Scholarship Fund, established in 1963 and managed by the Coastal Community Foundation since 1990, aims to support Charleston County students in their pursuit of higher education. Through this fund, the Foundation enhances educational opportunities, demonstrating its commitment to fostering equitable access and community well-being. This initiative is part of a broader mission to invest in community resources that help address structural challenges and promote a brighter future for the region's youth.

The Rachel Amey Scholarship Endowment Fund, established in 2013 by the Coastal Community Foundation of South Carolina, honors Rachel Amey's dedication to the Charleston County School District's ESL Program. This fund provides an annual scholarship to a student graduating from a Charleston County school who plans to attend college, prioritizing applicants who have learned English as a second language. Through this initiative, the foundation aims to support equitable educational opportunities in the community.

The Rufus C. Barkley, Jr. Leadership Scholarship Fund, established in 2000, supports students from Charleston, Berkeley, Dorchester, or Colleton counties. This scholarship prioritizes academic merit and character, considering financial need. Applicants should demonstrate well-rounded interests and a commitment to helping others. One renewable award will be granted for up to four years of college. The fund reflects the Coastal Community Foundation's mission to enhance equity and opportunity in local communities.

The Shannon Sudderth Scholarship Endowment, established in 2020, aims to support high school seniors residing in Charleston County by providing two renewable scholarships. This initiative is part of the Coastal Community Foundation's mission to foster equity, opportunity, and well-being in the community. Through strategic grantmaking and resources, the foundation addresses local needs and empowers future leaders to pursue their educational goals.

The UPLIFT Scholarship, established by East Cooper Medical Center in 2020, supports students from Berkeley, Charleston, or Dorchester Counties maintaining a GPA of 2.5 or higher. This initiative, part of the Coastal Community Foundation's mission, aims to enhance equity and opportunity in the community. Preference is given to applicants with a relative employed by ECMC or its parent company, Tenet Healthcare, ensuring that local families benefit from this educational support.

The Warren O. Pinckney Scholarship Fund, established in 1973, provides essential financial support to students from Berkeley, Charleston, or Dorchester counties pursuing higher education. Managed by the Coastal Community Foundation, this fund addresses the financial needs of local students, ensuring they have the opportunity to achieve their educational goals. With a legacy of impactful scholarships, the fund continues to empower future leaders in the community.

The Wofford College Fund, established by the Samuel Freeman Charitable Trust, aims to support high school seniors from Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties pursuing a four-year degree at Wofford College. This initiative is part of the Coastal Community Foundation's broader mission to address community needs through strategic investments and grantmaking, fostering equity and opportunity for all residents in South Carolina's coastal region.

The BECU Foundation's People Helping People Awards honor exceptional nonprofit work in communities served by BECU. Each year, BECU members can nominate organizations for grants up to $50,000. Eligible nonprofits must be active 501(c)(3) organizations with a direct impact in Idaho, Oregon, South Carolina, or Washington. This initiative highlights the importance of community service and encourages members to recognize local heroes making a difference.

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.

The Northern Lowcountry Grants, offered by the Coastal Community Foundation, support nonprofits in Berkeley, Charleston, Dorchester, and Georgetown counties. Grants up to $15,000 are available for projects focusing on arts, hospice care, and Alzheimer's-related disorders. For other initiatives, applicants may request up to $10,000. Established in 1974, the foundation aims to enhance community vibrancy by addressing regional challenges and promoting resource collaboration.