Best Dorchester County Grants for Nonprofits in South Carolina

Nonprofit organizations, schools, and government entities serving Weyerhaeuser communities in Dorchester County, South Carolina can seek grants of more than US $1,000 for local programs. Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund supports initiatives in areas like affordable housing, education and youth development, environmental stewardship, human services, civic and cultural growth, workforce development, and diversity, equity and inclusion.

The Lowcountry Land Conservation Grant, offered by the Gaylord & Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, focuses on enhancing land conservation efforts in the Lowcountry region through a climate resiliency, diversity, equity, and inclusion lens. This grant supports non-profit organizations in their general operations and projects aimed at protecting natural and working lands, fostering collaboration among diverse communities, and advocating for sustainable policies. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations with a connection to land conservation.

Broadening Narratives

Broadening Narratives supports diverse stories and collections that expand our understanding of who we are. ​

Our Vision for Broadening Narratives

We work to ensure that those whose stories are being told through collections are included in the decisions about how those stories are told. We seek to broaden the kinds of narratives being told, particularly stories that have never been told, or have been told incompletely or inaccurately.  

This includes stories from culturally specific communities including people of color, LGBTQ+ perspectives, working-class experiences, and small community stories.

We support collections that tell stories that have not been told, have been told incompletely, or have been told inaccurately. We require that those whose stories are being told be included in the decision-making process.

What is broadening narratives?

Why collections? And what do you mean by “Broadening Narratives”? What drove this change in strategy and approach to your collections work? ​

Read this answer and more here.

The Saint-Gobain Corporation Foundation Direct Grants program provides support to non-profit organizations in focus areas including STEM education, sustainable construction, and workforce development. The foundation aims to foster community development and environmental stewardship. Eligible applicants include IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organizations and accredited educational institutions in the U.S. The Foundation prioritizes partnerships that allow employee involvement and volunteer support, aiming to build meaningful relationships with grantees.

Students in Dorchester County, South Carolina pursuing a 4-year degree at the College of Charleston can receive approximately US $750 through the Leah Read and Seymour I. Barkowitz Scholarship Fund. Coastal Community Foundation offers one annual award for eligible applicants from Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties along South Carolina’s coast.

College-bound high school seniors in Dorchester County, South Carolina pursuing an undergraduate architecture degree may be eligible for the CRAN Charleston Scholarship Endowment, awarding approximately US $600. Focused on academic scholarship support, Coastal Community Foundation offers this funding to students from Berkeley, Charleston, or Dorchester counties planning architecture studies.

Dorchester County, South Carolina students pursuing higher education can access funding through Coastal Community Foundation’s Gadsden Family Fund, which offers approximately US $600 scholarships. Residents of Dorchester or Berkeley Counties, especially those attending Winthrop or Clemson Universities, may be eligible for this academic scholarship support.

Students seeking higher-education scholarships in Dorchester County, South Carolina can receive approximately US $5,000 in renewable support through Amanda’s Scholarship Fund. With a mission to create communities rich in equity and opportunity, Coastal Community Foundation provides this annual award to one student from Berkeley, Charleston, or Dorchester counties who reflects Amanda’s love of learning.

Students seeking higher education scholarships in Dorchester County, South Carolina can receive approximately US $700 to help cover college costs. Coastal Community Foundation’s Decker Scholarship supports residents of Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties pursuing postsecondary education, offering local nonprofit partners and schools a resource to share with eligible students in their communities.

High school seniors planning for higher education in Dorchester County, South Carolina can receive scholarship support of approximately US $1,000 through the Donald C. and Johanna Miller Scholarship Endowment. Coastal Community Foundation supports students with permanent residence in Berkeley, Charleston, or Dorchester counties pursuing academic goals after graduation.

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.

High school students from Dorchester County, South Carolina and nearby counties pursuing higher education can apply for the Rufus C. Barkley, Jr. Leadership Scholarship, awarding approximately US $10,000 over four years. Offered by Coastal Community Foundation, this scholarship emphasizes academic merit, character, well-rounded interests, and concern for others, with financial need also considered.

Nonprofit organizations preserving Jewish life and education in Dorchester County, South Carolina may be eligible for this invitation-only program supporting Jewish identity, culture, and related education. With a mission to create equitable, opportunity-rich communities, Coastal Community Foundation provides approximately US $7,500 to invited groups working within its four-county coastal service area, including Dorchester.

Students pursuing higher education in Dorchester County, South Carolina can receive approximately US $5,000 for academic expenses through the UPLIFT Scholarship. Coastal Community Foundation awards this scholarship to applicants from Berkeley, Charleston, or Dorchester Counties with a 2.5 GPA or higher, with preference for those who have a relative employed by East Cooper Medical Center or Tenet Healthcare.

Students with financial need pursuing a college degree and living in Dorchester County, South Carolina (as well as Berkeley or Charleston counties) can receive US $500 - US $2,000 in scholarship support for higher education. Grants from Coastal Community Foundation help eligible students access academic scholarship programs and reduce financial barriers to college completion.

High school seniors in Dorchester County, South Carolina planning to pursue a four-year degree at Wofford College can apply for scholarship support from the Wofford College Fund, offering approximately US $900. Focused on higher education access, Coastal Community Foundation invites eligible students from Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties to seek assistance.

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.

Dorchester County, South Carolina teachers seeking support for innovative classroom projects can access funding through Coastal Community Foundation’s Donors Choose Teacher Mini Grants. Eligible educators apply via Donors Choose for fall-semester, teacher-initiated projects, and teachers in several additional Lowcountry counties, including select high school teachers in Allendale and Barnwell, may also participate.

Dorchester County, South Carolina 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on economic mobility, job readiness, entrepreneurship, or affordable housing can access funding through Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s Neighborhood Builders Program. Selected organizations receive a two-year leadership development experience plus a capacity-building grant, supporting income creation, workforce development, small business resiliency, and stable housing initiatives in eligible markets.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

The Spinks Family Foundation provides large grants of $10,000 and above annually to support non-profit organizations focused on education, food security, health, and mental health initiatives. Organizations must be 501(c)3 certified and demonstrate community impact with at least 500 volunteer hours. Applications are accepted from March 1 to March 30, and awards are announced by September 15. This initiative aims to empower nonprofits to effectively address pressing community needs.

The Spinks Family Foundation offers small grants to support non-profit organizations dedicated to improving community life in South Carolina. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) certified, with a focus on volunteer engagement and community services. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed quarterly, providing essential funding for initiatives in education, health, and food security. This philanthropic effort aims to foster strong, healthy communities and enhance the well-being of residents.

The Westinghouse Charitable Giving Program aims to strengthen community ties by providing financial support in key areas such as education focused on STEM, environmental sustainability, and community safety. This program welcomes applications from eligible organizations that meet specific grant criteria, including being tax-exempt and located within 50 miles of a Westinghouse site. The initiative underscores Westinghouse's commitment to advancing education, promoting environmental stewardship, and enhancing community well-being.

The Joanna Foundation provides Dorchester County, South Carolina 501(c)(3) nonprofits with funding for community services, including health, education, and quality-of-life initiatives. Eligible organizations can request US $1,000 - US $10,000 for general operations, seed money, special projects, matching funds, technical support, or capital campaigns that benefit local residents.

Spectrum Digital Education Grants support nonprofit organizations in educating communities about broadband benefits and usage. These grants aim to bridge the digital divide, particularly for seniors and those with disabilities or ethnically diverse backgrounds. Applicants must demonstrate community partnership, address specific needs, and provide measurable impact metrics. With a focus on financial feasibility and meaningful outcomes, this initiative ensures that underrepresented urban and rural communities gain access to essential digital resources, fostering long-term improvement in their lives.

BAE Systems offers community investment grants aimed at enhancing the well-being of military families and supporting future workforce development in STEM fields. As a U.S. subsidiary of a global defense and aerospace leader, they require applicants to be recognized 501(c) organizations. The initiative underscores a commitment to charitable partnerships that uplift local communities and contribute positively to society.

The Housing for Everyone Grant Competition, part of the 2026 Initiative, aims to support eviction prevention in low-to moderate-income communities. This 20th annual initiative recognizes the destabilizing impact of eviction and displacement on families, which leads to job loss, school disruptions, and health issues. By funding innovative organizations, the competition seeks to provide stability for renters, enabling them to stay in their homes and communities.