Best Columbia Grants for Nonprofits 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 Bank of America Charitable Foundation focuses on improving economic mobility and social progress through partnerships with nonprofits. It prioritizes basic needs, income creation, stable housing, and community empowerment. By supporting vulnerable populations, the foundation aims to enable individuals to achieve their goals and contribute positively to their communities. The foundation emphasizes sustainable progress, ensuring that all community members have access to essential resources and opportunities for growth.

Joe Williams Music Scholarship Program

The Joe Williams Music Scholarship Program was created to help provide funding to students who desire to major in the study of music.

Individual Award

• Up to $6,000

This scholarship will be disbursed for the current 2025-2026 school year. 

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.

NBA Foundation San Francisco Bay Area Scholarship

The NBA Foundation has partnered with UNCF to provide a grant opportunity for eligible residents of the San Francisco Bay Area for up to an amount of $5,000. 

The Do it Best Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations focused on community needs, particularly in health and wellness, youth enrichment, the arts, and community development. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $20,000, with no strict limits based on quarterly applications. Eligible organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and be located near specific areas. This initiative aims to enhance community resources and foster connections among residents.

The GSF Foundation Grant supports 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations that enhance the lives of children and families in need. Applications must be submitted by a current GSF Associate who nominates the organization and its project. Since 2002, the foundation has funded over 600 organizations nationwide. It emphasizes personal involvement and contributions from associates, focusing on essential needs such as education tools, food, and shoes for children. Grants are reviewed at local and national meetings.

LeBlanc/Baker Scholarship for Change

LeBlanc/Baker Scholarship for Change provides a renewable need-based scholarship to male students attending an accredited, four-year Historically Black College or University (“HBCU”).

LeBlanc/Baker Scholarship for Change award recipients will receive a 2026-2027 academic year award of up to $4,000 based on need. UNCF will send electronic notification to the eligible recipients in April 2026; and scholarship funds will be disbursed to the eligible recipients’ enrolled institutions in the fall 2026.

Scholarship Renewal

If funds are available, recipients may be eligible for awards for up to four (4) additional years within a five (5) year period.

Previously awarded students shall be notified and must meet the following criteria:

• Maintain academic standing consistent with the student’s institution standards for continued enrollment.
• Annually complete FAFSA and continue to have a demonstrated unmet financial need, as verified by their college or university.

A student who transfers from an HBCU to any accredited four-year college or university after successfully completing at least one (1) academic term remains eligible for recurring awards for attendance at their new institution if they otherwise meet the renewal eligibility criteria.

A student who withdraws or takes a leave of absence, after completing at least one (1) academic year, has the equivalent of a full academic year to reenroll at any accredited four-year college or university.

Our Mission

UNCF envisions a nation where all Americans have equal access to a college education that prepares them for rich intellectual lives, competitive and fulfilling careers, engaged citizenship and service to our nation.

UNCF’s mission is to build a robust and nationally-recognized pipeline of under-represented students who, because of UNCF support, become highly-qualified college graduates and to ensure that our network of member institutions is a respected model of best practice in moving students to and through college.

Publix Cares Scholarship 

Publix Cares Scholarship for eligible students attending in one of the following institutions: Benedict College, Bethune-Cookman University, Clark Atlanta University, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Morehouse College, Savanah State University, Spelman College, Tennessee State University, University of Central Florida, & Virginia State University.

About Us

For more than eight decades, this principle has remained at the heart of UNCF, enabling us to raise more than $6 billion and help more than 550,000 students and counting not just attend college, but thrive, graduate and become leaders.

We do this in three ways: By awarding more than 11,000 students scholarships, worth more than $62 million, each year. By providing financial support to 37 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). And by serving as the nation’s leading advocate for the importance of minority education and community engagement.

This three-pronged approach is powerful: Since our founding in 1944, we’ve helped to more than double the number of minorities attending college. The six-year graduation rate for UNCF African American scholarship recipients is 70%. This is 11% higher than the national average and 31% higher than the national average for all African Americans.

Thelma M. Shafran Endowed Scholarship

About

Central Carolina Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that helps generous people give back to the Midlands of South Carolina in ways that matter. Since 1984, we’ve been a trusted partner, helping individuals, families, and businesses make smart, meaningful contributions that support local nonprofits, scholarships, and community projects.

Gerhard Metzen Scholarship ($2,200) 

This renewable scholarship is for current or incoming students at Midlands Technical College (MTC) in Columbia, SC for a degree or certificate program. 

The Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund provides grants to support communities in the U.S. and Canada where the company operates. Focused on affordable housing, education, environmental stewardship, and more, the fund emphasizes projects that meet local needs and demonstrate community support. Eligible organizations include nonprofits and educational institutions. Applications are accepted year-round with a deadline for 2025 on September 30. National initiatives related to working forests are funded by invitation only.

About

Central Carolina Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that helps generous people give back to the Midlands of South Carolina in ways that matter. Since 1984, we’ve been a trusted partner, helping individuals, families, and businesses make smart, meaningful contributions that support local nonprofits, scholarships, and community projects.

Harmon Scholarship (Full Tuition, plus on-campus housing and meal plan) 

This renewable scholarship was established to help students realize the American Dream. 

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation focuses on supporting organizations that empower communities through basic needs, income creation, and stable housing. By investing in health and job opportunities, they aim to enhance economic mobility for low- and moderate-income families. Their partnerships target vulnerable populations, ensuring equitable access to resources that foster community vitality and resilience. This initiative emphasizes the importance of stable housing as a foundation for personal and communal growth.

The SC INBRE: Mentored Student Pilot Projects (MSP) program offers undergraduate and graduate students in South Carolina funding of $3,000 for one year to conduct small, well-defined research projects under faculty mentorship. This initiative supports career development and hands-on training in biomedical research, enhancing the research capacity of member institutions. Applications are encouraged from students who have not previously held an SIRP award, fostering diversity in research participation.

The Knight Foundation Advised Fund supports innovative projects that enhance democracy and community engagement in Columbia, SC. With grant amounts typically not exceeding $75,000, it focuses on revitalizing downtown areas and riverfront development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) charities or similar entities serving Columbia or Richland County. The foundation prioritizes civic engagement, smart design, and the arts to foster inclusive public life, while avoiding funding for debt reduction, capital campaigns, or projects with discriminatory practices.

The Lexington Medical Center Grant supports 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that address community health care needs in the Midlands. The foundation prioritizes increasing access to healthcare for underserved populations, enhancing education on health issues, and fostering collaboration with existing healthcare initiatives. Their goal is to bridge health care gaps and improve the capacity of safety-net services, ensuring vulnerable populations receive necessary support and services.

Cox Enterprises Scholarship Program

A need-based scholarship for students attending UNCF member institutions with preference given to students majoring in STEM.

Individual Award

• Up to $5,000

Cumberland Community Foundation ("CCF") manages more than 60 scholarship endowment funds created by local individuals, families, civic organizations, and corporations who want to provide a path to higher education for future generations. 

Each year, Cumberland Community Foundation announces more than $1,000,000 in college scholarships to students from southeastern North Carolina.

The Justin Richard Lopes University of South Carolina Award

Graduating senior from any high school in Cumberland County.

Tyson Foods Community Giving Grants support initiatives that enhance the quality of life for communities and their members. With a focus on scaling existing effective programs, these grants are aimed at organizations that operate in underserved areas. Eligible nonprofits must have a 501(c)(3) status and local Tyson plant support. Applications are accepted annually, with priority given to projects addressing systemic community issues. Notable past support includes a $25,000 grant to the Arkansas Foodbank Mobile Pantry Initiative.

The Wabtec Direct Grant Program focuses on creating sustainable impacts in local communities by funding 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations. Emphasizing education and environmental stewardship, the program supports initiatives that improve literacy, academic outcomes, and workforce readiness. Grants range from $1,000 to $10,000, prioritizing organizations that engage local Wabtec employees in volunteerism. The program promotes equitable access and non-discrimination while ensuring measurable results in funded projects.

Detroit HBCU Scholarship Endowment

This generous Detroit HBCU Scholarship provides need-based awards to support students who are in one of the eligible zip codes of Detroit.

The purpose of the Detroit HBCU Scholarship Endowment Fund is to provide 1 (one) annual, renewable, and need-based scholarships up to $5,000 (five-thousand dollars) to students graduating from a high school with a Detroit address or students transferring from a metro-Detroit community college to attend a partner HBCU.

The Union Home Foundation Grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that promote economic self-sufficiency through financial literacy and housing initiatives. Established in 2015, this grant has awarded over $2 million to various nonprofits across the U.S. Grants typically start at $1,000 and are available for a one-year period. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and can only apply once per year, following specific eligibility criteria.

Foot Locker Foundation, Inc-UNCF Scholarship

Foot Locker Foundation, Inc. has partnered with UNCF to fund this scholarship program for students attending a UNCF member college or university during the 2026-2027 school year.

Foot Locker Foundation works to improve upward mobility to build a more equitable and inclusive future through education, economic development and community empowerment. For nearly twenty years, it has partnered with leading organizations helping to mobilize and uplift local communities. 

When applying, a UNCF member school will appear in the drop down options in the application. 

Completed application packages include: transcript, essay, and one letter of recommendation from a faculty member, employer or other community member familiar with your academic performance. All information will be submitted in the appropriate section of the online application.

Individual Award

• Up to $5,000.00

Academy Sports + Outdoors, a leading sporting goods retailer, supports community initiatives by providing donations to registered 501(c)(3) organizations. Their focus is on promoting safety and responsibility in sports and outdoor activities. Proposals must foster community engagement and must not be affiliated with religious or political groups. Events should take place in areas with Academy stores, ensuring a positive local impact while encouraging active lifestyles and connection among community members.

Publix Cares Scholarship

Publix Cares Scholarship was established by Publix Super Markets, Inc., a Florida corporation, in partnership with UNCF to provide scholarships to eligible students attending at one of the following selected institutions.

College/Universities

• Bethune Cookman University
• Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
• University of Central Florida
• Benedict College
• Clark Atlanta University
• Savannah State University
• Morehouse College
• Spelman College
• Virginia State University

Tennessee State UniversitySelected student will receive up to $2,000 need-based scholarship in the fall 2026.

About

Central Carolina Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that helps generous people give back to the Midlands of South Carolina in ways that matter. Since 1984, we’ve been a trusted partner, helping individuals, families, and businesses make smart, meaningful contributions that support local nonprofits, scholarships, and community projects.

Bobbi Rossi Memorial Scholarship – USC School of Nursing ($2,600)

This renewable scholarship is available to current students in upper-division (Junior/Senior year) or have admission to the upper-division College of Nursing at the University of South Carolina-Columbia.