Best Food Grants for Nonprofits in South Carolina

State and local agencies, local governing boards, nonprofits, tribes, and higher education institutions in eligible Appalachian counties in South Carolina can apply for Appalachian Regional Commission’s Area Development grants to fund critical infrastructure and workforce or business development projects. Organizations whose food access or hunger programs intersect with water, wastewater, transportation, broadband, or workforce initiatives may be eligible.

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

Early-stage, impact-first nonprofits and mission-driven for-profits working on food access and hunger in South Carolina can apply for up to US $300,000 over three years to scale proven solutions. Grants from Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation support scalable social impact ventures serving underserved communities across priority regions, including the U.S.

Nonprofit and NGO programs using technology to improve food security and other basic needs in South Carolina and beyond can apply for Global Impact Cash Grants, with awards up to US $100,000. Cisco Systems Foundation supports innovative, tech-enabled crisis response, education, and economic empowerment efforts serving predominantly economically underserved communities.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

South Carolina nonprofits addressing food access, hunger, health, education, or community services can access funding via Labcorp Charitable Foundation to support programs like food pantries, meal services, and related community initiatives. The foundation supports U.S.-based 501(c)(3) and equivalent organizations working in health and welfare, education, and community, with requests reviewed in March and September.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations addressing food access and hunger in South Carolina can seek sponsorship support for community-focused programs. Bank of America Foundation supports initiatives that preserve neighborhoods, provide basic needs like food and emergency shelter, and advance workforce development and community development, with grants made at the foundation’s discretion under its housing, jobs, and hunger strategies.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

South Carolina 501(c)(3) nonprofits addressing food access and hunger, along with related community needs, can seek more than US $1,000 to support programs and events. Focused on agriculture, environment, education, poverty, health, and public safety, the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation prioritizes communities near its facilities and where associates are involved.

South Carolina 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on food access, hunger, community health, education, environment, agriculture, poverty services, or public safety can apply for up to US $1,000 in corporate giving support. The Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation requires nonprofit, tax-exempt status and a Perdue associate endorsement for all requests.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

Charitable 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and qualified local government entities in South Carolina can apply for Georgia-Pacific Foundation’s grants to support education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, environment, and human services programs. Eligible applicants must be located within 30 miles of a Georgia-Pacific manufacturing community and serving communities where the company operates; food access initiatives may be included.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries in South Carolina working on community or environmental programs can seek general operating or project support through the Lawrence Foundation; awards US $5,000 - US $10,000. With a mission to support environmental and human services work, the foundation provides unrestricted grants that may benefit food access and hunger initiatives.

South Carolina nonprofits and schools running environmental programs can access funding through American Honda Motor for decarbonization, clean energy, and efficient use of natural resources. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations and public or private schools may receive US $25,000 - US $100,000 for initiatives like energy upgrades, onsite solar or wind, recycling, composting, or food recovery.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

Nonprofit organizations in Beaufort and Charleston counties preserving Jewish identity and culture or offering STEM education for youth can apply for approximately US $7,500 from Coastal Community Foundation. This invitation-only program supports community-strengthening initiatives and may benefit South Carolina nonprofits whose food or hunger work intersects with Jewish life or youth education.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in South Carolina can seek project funding in education, social services, health care, civic and cultural, or environmental programs through the Dr Scholl Foundation, with awards from US $5,000 - US $25,000. Grants from Dr Scholl Foundation help organizations that may include food access and hunger work within these broad categories.

With a mission to fight hunger, this program provides South Carolina 501(c)(3) nonprofits with funding strictly for purchasing food for hunger-relief efforts. Grants from the Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation are available bi-annually to organizations operating within 20 miles of a Food Lion store in eligible states, including South Carolina.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and tax-exempt organizations improving quality of life, educational achievement, or economic mobility for Spartanburg County residents can apply for Spartanburg County Foundation’s Continuous Improvement Grants, offering up to US $35,000. Programs that expand food access, reduce hunger, and support household stability in South Carolina may benefit from this one-year funding opportunity.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in South Carolina working on food security, education, health, or mental health can seek large grants of more than US $10,000. Focused on community well-being, Spinks Family Foundation invites groups serving the Upstate, Midlands, and Lowcountry with strong volunteer engagement to apply during its annual March cycle.

Eastern Carolina Community Foundation

Eastern Carolina Community Foundation, founded in 2006, is the newest community foundation in South Carolina. We have a permanent endowment to meet the changing needs of the Pee Dee.

Eastern Carolina Community Foundation improves the quality of life in our area of South Carolina through inspired philanthropy and innovative community programs. We serve Chesterfield, Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Marion, Marlboro, and Williamsburg Counties.

Community Impact Grants

Grantmaking at Eastern Carolina Community Foundation promotes partnerships with communities – its nonprofits, workers, families, and leaders – to cultivate thriving communities.

An annual community impact grant cycle exists to advance the missions of local nonprofits through a competitive grant process. Relying on a trust-based philanthropy model, ECCF intentionally focuses on receiving applications to support capacity building and operational support to assist nonprofit organizations in strengthening operations and infrastructure, enhancing organizational stability, planning for strategic growth, and/or making critical improvements to their facilities.

Proposals to be considered might include (but are not limited to):

• Staff training and development
• Operational support
• Facilities expansion or improvement
• Equipment
• Technology expenses
• Strategic planning

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing basic human needs and human services, including food assistance, in Eastern Massachusetts and Georgetown County, South Carolina can seek up to US $100,000 for program or small capital needs. Grants from Yawkey Foundation help South Carolina food access and hunger nonprofits fund timebound projects, equipment, or other non-salary program costs.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.