Best Grants for Nonprofit Child Care Centers in South Carolina

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting child care, early childhood development, or youth welfare can apply for DanPaul Foundation grants, with awards up to US $15,000. Programs in South Carolina and beyond that advance children’s health, education, development, or basic needs may be eligible, including initiatives for homelessness, poverty, clean air and water, or refugee youth.

Early-stage nonprofit and mission-driven for-profit organizations developing scalable social or environmental solutions in South Carolina and beyond can access funding through Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation, with awards up to US $300,000. Grants support post-pilot, impact-focused models benefiting underserved communities, which may include innovative child care services poised to reach at least 10,000 people within five years.

Nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations using technology for crisis response, education access, economic empowerment, or climate resilience in South Carolina and worldwide can seek Global Impact Cash Grants, with awards up to US $100,000. Cisco Systems Foundation supports innovative, early-stage programs serving primarily economically underserved communities, with applications accepted year-round via an initial LOI.

South Carolina arts and cultural nonprofits with audited expenses over $2 million can access funding through the William Randolph Hearst Foundation for culture programs in the U.S. Awards of more than US $100,000 support arts and science institutions, especially arts education, artist development, and STEAM-focused programs that reach large or underserved audiences, including children and youth.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in South Carolina working in health, education, or community services can seek support for programs like food pantries, healthcare access, STEM education, and preventive health. Labcorp Charitable Foundation provides grants that may benefit child care centers integrating health, nutrition, or educational initiatives for underserved children and families.

Nonprofit and for-profit social enterprises serving children and youth from low-income urban communities can apply for more than US $50,000 from the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation to support or scale projects in education, health, or family economic stability. Organizations in South Carolina may be eligible if they meet the foundation’s focus, location, and minimum request criteria.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing early childhood education or community development programs in South Carolina communities where PNC has a significant presence can seek funding for programs serving low- to moderate-income children and families. PNC Foundation supports early learning, child care, educator development, and neighborhood revitalization efforts that build sustainable, inclusive communities.

Nonprofit, accredited charities running child care, youth services, health, or education programs in South Carolina may be eligible for philanthropic support from Roche. Focused on humanitarian, social, science, education, community, environmental, and contemporary arts initiatives, Roche invites locally based projects that promote sustainable development and can engage its expertise, logistics, and employees in meaningful community work.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

With a mission to support charitable, scientific, medical, and educational work, Sidney Stern Memorial Trust provides South Carolina nonprofits with funding for 501(c)(3) organizations. U.S.-based child care providers that qualify as charitable organizations and meet federal and, where applicable, California tax-exempt requirements may be eligible if funds are used within the country.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in South Carolina working on community needs can seek sponsorship funding for programs like housing, workforce education, hunger relief, arts, environment, and inclusion. Bank of America Foundation sponsorships may benefit child care centers that advance economic mobility, basic needs, or community development in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods.

Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation provides South Carolina nonprofit child care and youth-serving organizations with US $1,000 - US $20,000 to support education, skills training, cultural programs, health facilities, and community services. IRS-qualified U.S. nonprofits, including those running child care centers or related programs for children, families, seniors, or people with disabilities, may be eligible.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in South Carolina offering basic needs, community development, or volunteer-driven programs can apply for Ameriprise Financial’s national Community Grants. Focus areas include hunger relief, shelter and supportive housing, adult self-sufficiency, and community vitality, which may benefit child care centers integrating family stability, food access, or economic empowerment services.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in South Carolina seeking project support in education, social services, health care, civic and cultural, or environmental programs can apply for grants of US $5,000 - US $25,000. Grants from Dr Scholl Foundation help child care and related service providers fund one-year initiatives, with most awards going to U.S.-based applicants.

Nonprofit child care and early education organizations in South Carolina can seek the Storytelling Grant to share the impact of their work through high-quality storytelling projects. Focused on preservation, education, and wellness, the Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation offers more than US $50,000 to 501(c)(3)s and aligned for-profits advancing these program areas.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) child care and early childhood organizations in South Carolina may be eligible for funding to improve services for underserved children and families. Grants from O'Reilly Automotive Foundation help U.S. community-based nonprofits provide programs in economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, and disaster relief in areas where O’Reilly Auto Parts operates.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries in South Carolina seeking funding for environmental, human services, or related programs can apply for unrestricted grants of US $5,000 - US $10,000. With a mission to support environmental and human services causes, Lawrence Foundation provides program or operating support that may benefit nonprofit child care providers whose work fits these priorities.

South Carolina child care and youth-serving nonprofits can access funding through Chick Fil A Foundation to expand programs for underserved children and families. Grants of US $30,000 - US $350,000 support education, youth development, housing, hunger relief, and environmental stewardship projects; eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) organizations in the U.S. or equivalent charities in Canada, the United Kingdom, or Singapore.

Fall 2026 Early Childhood Education Funding Cycle

Overall Early Childhood Education Program Blueprint

The Stranahan Foundation’s Early Childhood Education grant program supports efforts to improve access to high-quality early care and education for young children (birth to five), especially those from low-income families. We do this by investing in strategies that strengthen, support, and retain a high-quality, thriving early educator workforce.

The Foundation has a history of supporting professional development (PD) and learning systems through its Provider strategy (). We believe strong professional development systems are essential for building a skilled early childhood workforce and creating positive learning environments for young children.

The Fall 2026 funding cycle is available for organizations that align with this Provider strategy.

Funding Opportunity

This funding opportunity will provide up to $750,000 to support early childhood education providers in strengthening existing professional development (PD) systems. Funding is intended to improve a specific area of an established PD system—not to build a brand-new system from scratch or put the foundational elements in place.

What kind of improvements can funding support?

Organizations should focus their projects on strengthening their professional development systems. The Stranahan Foundation defines a strong professional development system as one that includes:

• Connect learning opportunities that build on one another over time.
• Use adult learning best practices.
• Align staff learning to educator competencies, credentials, career growth, or compensation.
• Provide learning experiences that are individualized, scaffolded, and responsive to educators’ needs, experience, and goals.
• Have dedicated leadership and organizational capacity to support ongoing implementation.

• Gather regular feedback from staff and families.
• Use standardized assessment and evaluation tools to understand what is working and where improvements are needed.
• Make ongoing improvements based on what is learned.
• Support reflective practice, peer learning, and collaborative inquiry among educators.

• Offer both individual and group learning opportunities, such as training, professional learning communities, coaching, and mentoring.
• Provide learning opportunities on an ongoing basis rather than in a one-and-done situation.
• Connect internal and external learning opportunities to make the best use of available resources.
• Support classroom implementation through observation, modeling, feedback, and continuous improvement cycles.

• Provide learning experiences that are practical, relevant, and easy to apply in daily work.
• Include fundamental topics such as family engagement, effective instruction, developmentally appropriate practice, and classroom management.
• Align with established standards, research, and effective practices in the early childhood field.
• Equip educators to support all learners, including multilingual learners, children with disabilities, and children impacted by trauma or adverse experiences.

Nonprofit organizations in South Carolina with strong, replicable community partnerships can apply for Mutual of America Foundation’s national Community Partnership Award, which honors exemplary collaborations addressing significant social issues. U.S. nonprofits, including those running child care services through cross-sector partnerships, may be recognized for impactful, model programs that improve lives and communities.

Nonprofit organizations working on poverty alleviation, disability services, disaster relief, or other human and social services in South Carolina and worldwide can apply for Gupta Family Foundation grants of US $5,000 - US $250,000. With a mission to help disadvantaged people become self-reliant, Gupta Family Foundation prioritizes smaller, non-sectarian organizations led by deeply committed founders or successors.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding in South Carolina may be eligible for flexible project or program support. Focused on broad, forward-looking change, the Dudley T Dougherty Foundation invites mission-driven nonprofits, including those with child care components, to apply for funding that respects people, life, and the environment.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing basic needs, youth enrichment, workforce readiness, or domestic violence services near TJX locations in South Carolina can seek program support; capital campaigns and general operating funds are excluded. The TJX Foundation accepts letters of inquiry on a rolling basis, and child care providers may be eligible if their programs align with these priorities.