Best Grants for Grassroots Organizations in South Carolina

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.

501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting youth health, education, development, or welfare in South Carolina can apply for DanPaul Foundation grants, with awards up to US $15,000. Grassroots organizations serving children through advocacy, homelessness services, poverty relief, early childhood development, or refugee enrichment may be especially competitive, alongside related environmental and clean water education programs for young people.

Early-stage nonprofit and impact-first, mission-driven for-profit organizations tackling major social or environmental challenges can use this funding to scale innovative solutions in South Carolina and beyond. Grants from Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation help grassroots and other organizations with up to US $300,000 in flexible support, plus intensive capacity-building and community connections for ventures serving underserved populations.

Nonprofit and NGO programs using technology for crisis response, education access, or economic empowerment in South Carolina and worldwide can apply for Global Impact Cash Grants, with awards up to US $100,000. Cisco Systems Foundation prioritizes innovative, early-stage solutions serving mostly economically underserved communities, including grassroots initiatives that build skills, jobs, and climate resilience.

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 grassroots 501(c)(3) and equivalent charitable organizations can seek funding for health, education, or community initiatives that expand equitable care and learning opportunities. Labcorp Charitable Foundation provides support for projects such as food pantries, healthcare for underserved populations, STEM programming, and healthy lifestyle initiatives, with eligibility open to U.S.-based organizations.

Organizations serving children and youth in education, health, or family economic stability can apply for Michael & Susan Dell Foundation grants of more than US $50,000 to support projects or scaling efforts. South Carolina grassroots groups that qualify as eligible entities and work with urban low-income communities may be competitive.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on early childhood education or community and economic development can apply for funding from PNC Foundation in South Carolina communities where PNC has a significant presence. Grants may support early learning programs, affordable housing, small business support, job training, arts and culture, and revitalization efforts serving low- and moderate-income residents.

Focused on community, education, environment, and culture, this program invites accredited charities in South Carolina to propose innovative projects in areas like humanitarian aid, youth services, STEM education, health, and the arts. Eligible grassroots organizations apply through local Roche affiliate offices when their work is based and delivered in the same country as the affiliate.

Grassroots, rural community groups in South Carolina working on social, economic, or environmental justice can access funding through Southern Partners Fund for organizing, capacity building, and travel assistance. Eligible groups use grassroots organizing strategies and are self-governed by the rural communities they serve, with priorities including education reform, immigration rights, and voter engagement, up to US $3,500.

Grassroots organizations in South Carolina planning outreach, events, trainings, workshops, celebrations, or similar one-time activities for communities experiencing poverty can receive up to US $1,500. Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina supports efforts tied to economic mobility, housing security, or health care, with preference for community-led projects and persistent poverty counties.

Grassroots 501(c)(3) nonprofits and fiscally sponsored groups working on progressive social change can apply for US $1,000 - US $5,000 to support organizing and advocacy efforts in South Carolina. Grants from Fund for Southern Communities help small-budget organizations address discrimination, workers’ rights, environmental justice, peace, and community-based arts and media.

Grassroots and other 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in South Carolina can seek funding for community services, environmental conservation, and peacebuilding projects. Focused on broad social and environmental impact, the Dudley T Dougherty Foundation invites eligible charities to propose initiatives that respect people, life, and the environment and contribute to meaningful change.

Grassroots 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities in South Carolina within 30 miles of a Georgia-Pacific manufacturing community can apply for Georgia-Pacific Foundation’s grants to support education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental initiatives. Eligible organizations serving GP communities may benefit from this corporate community investment program.

Grassroots 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting basic needs, at-risk youth enrichment, workforce readiness, or domestic violence safety in South Carolina can seek funding to expand community programs. The Tjx Foundation invites eligible organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office and aligned with its mission to submit a letter of inquiry.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

Friends of NRA

Friends of NRA is the National Rifle Association’s premier fundraising program, supporting the future of shooting sports. Since day one, Friends of NRA has been a 100% grassroots effort fueled by a united front to secure the Second Amendment and raise money for the shooting sports.

Committee volunteers are appointed to State Fund Committees to make recommendations for local grant funding in areas such as youth education, women-focused clinics, law enforcement training, hunter safety, range improvement, firearms and marksmanship training and safety. Recognizing the impact American youth has on the future of the shooting sports, State Fund Committees frequently recommend grants for youth programs, allocating the most significant portion of monies to this vital area.

Grant awards fund activities and support programs in the United States to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those in the shooting sports, and to educate the public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context.

Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program - South Carolina

The Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program provides supplies, equipment, and financial support to a variety of qualified groups and programs at the local level; geared towards youth, women, law enforcement, veterans, the disabled, and the general public, including:

• General shooting programs
• Competitive shooting
• Education, training and safety
• Hunting and conservation
• Community outreach
• Historical education

Grant funding must be used to further a charitable purpose as defined by the Internal Revenue Code under section 501(c)(3) and accompanying rules, regulations, and other IRS law and materials.

IRS-qualified nonprofit organizations in South Carolina seeking US $1,000 - US $20,000 for community-based programs, education, arts, health facilities, or environmental activities can apply to the Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation. This national funder provides support where modest grants can significantly strengthen grassroots and local initiatives across the U.S.

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.

Focused on community development and basic needs, Ameriprise Financial invites U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits to apply for grants supporting hunger relief, shelter, adult self-sufficiency, and community vitality initiatives. South Carolina grassroots organizations that meet these focus areas and demonstrate Ameriprise volunteer engagement and strong outcomes may be competitive.

Grassroots and other organizations in South Carolina preserving Jewish identity and culture or providing STEM education for children and young adults can apply for Coastal Community Foundation’s Stanley B. Farbstein Endowment, with awards of approximately US $7,500. Invitation-only applicants in Beaufort, Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties may benefit from this funding.

Grassroots and other nonprofit organizations in South Carolina working on systems change for economic mobility or housing security can apply for Sisters of Charity Foundation’s Systems Change Grants, with awards of US $15,000 - US $20,000. Funding can support general operations, specific programs, and capacity-building for work impacting any of the state’s 46 counties.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

South Carolina grassroots nonprofits supporting youth, families, education, housing, food security, or environmental stewardship can access funding through Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards. U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations may receive US $30,000 - US $350,000 for programs such as leadership development, academic support, hunger relief, housing services, community gardens, or environmental projects benefiting young people and their families.

Rural, grassroots 501(c)(3) organizations focused on social, economic, or environmental justice in South Carolina and other Southeastern states can seek general or project support through the Hubert E. Sapp Regular Grant Cycle. Southern Partners Fund prioritizes community-led groups using grassroots organizing strategies to build leadership, strengthen rural communities, and advance equitable policy change.

Grassroots and smaller human and social services nonprofits in South Carolina and other eligible countries can seek grants to help disadvantaged people become self-reliant. With a mission to support those facing poverty, disability, social alienation, or disasters, Gupta Family Foundation provides US $5,000 - US $250,000 to primarily 501(c)(3) organizations meeting its criteria.