Best Dorchester County Grants for Nonprofits in South Carolina

The Sparklight/Cable One Charitable Giving Fund supports local nonprofits and organizations focused on education, food insecurity, and community development. They prioritize impactful partnerships that strengthen communities. The fund welcomes various funding requests, including special projects and capital campaigns, while adhering to specific eligibility requirements such as tax-exempt status. However, they do not fund basic operating expenses, loans, or religious organizations for general support, ensuring that their contributions foster meaningful community growth.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Employees Community Fund (ECF) of The Boeing CompanyOne of the largest employee-managed funds of its kind in the world, the Employees Community Fund (ECF) of The Boeing Company has been empowering employees to make a greater impact by pooling their tax-deductible donations for more than 60 years. Employee-led grantmaking committees at 20 Boeing sites- provide combined employee donations to nonprofits in their communities through ECF grants.Charitable or educational organizations can apply for grants from the Employees Community Fund (ECF) of The Boeing Company.South Carolina ChapterThe Employees Community Fund of Boeing (ECF) is a unique employee managed giving program that allows employees to make a positive difference in the communities where they live and work. ECF is an employee run non-profit managed by chapter Grantmaking committees (CGC) and governance board with each chapter having separate funding priorities and focus areas depending on local needs.ECF Focus The South Carolina ECF Chapter Grantmaking committee awards grants to non-profits that align to the following five focus areas: Arts & Culture, Civic, Education, Environment and Health & Human Services.Grants must support funding in Berkeley, Charleston or Dorchester counties, align to the ECF focus areas and all nonprofits who previously received grant awards must submit an impact report with the grant request that describes the progress made towards planned outcomes along with the tangible benefits to the community.

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 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.

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.

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.

Nonprofit and for-profit organizations hosting community-focused events or activities in Dorchester County, South Carolina can seek sponsorship support to positively impact local communities and build visibility. Grants from TD Charitable Foundation help Dorchester County organizations create engagement opportunities with bank colleagues, strengthen community relationships, and support inclusive events open to the public.

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.

The Charles-Webb Ed Croft Endowment Fund is an invitation-only grant program designed to enhance the lives of children with special needs in Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester Counties. Established to honor the legacy of Charles Webb and Ed Croft, this fund supports local organizations dedicated to serving these children, ensuring that they receive the care and resources necessary for their development and well-being.

The Jean Griswold Foundation

The Jean Griswold Foundation (JGF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Caregivers through educational opportunities and scholarships. 

Our Mission

The mission of the Jean Griswold Foundation is to support Caregivers by providing educational scholarships* to enable them to further their training, enhance their careers, and better assist the clients they serve.

By offering educational scholarships*, our Foundation will not only make a positive impact on the Caregivers themselves, but also the clients they assist and the home healthcare agencies where they are employed, as well as help advance the overarching home-care industry.

Scholarships will be paid directly to the federally accredited educational institutions of the winning Scholars’ choosing.

Empowering Caregivers Through Education

The Jean Griswold Foundation Scholarship Program awards scholarships to deserving Caregivers who wish to further their education in a care-related field. Applicants do not have to be associated with Griswold in any way, and the funds will be paid directly to the institution where the caregiver will be receiving education.  

Our Winter 2026 Scholarship Application period is now open! Applications will be accepted until 11:59pm ET August 31, 2026. Join our email list to get the first notice of all Scholarship happenings.  

Where would we be without Caregivers? 

Their selflessness is astounding, yet they are often overlooked and underappreciated. 

The Jean Griswold Foundation is dedicated to supporting Caregivers, the backbone of the care industry. We provide educational scholarships so Care Professionals can further their training, enhance their skills, elevate their careers, and better assist the people they serve.

The Northern Lowcountry Grants, specifically the Dorchester County Fund, is managed by the Coastal Community Foundation of South Carolina. Established in 2010, this fund aims to improve the quality of life for residents of Dorchester County by providing grants to various organizations. Eligible applicants include nonprofits dedicated to serving this community, and applications for general operational support are welcomed. The foundation is committed to fostering vibrant communities through strategic funding.

The Northern Lowcountry Grants: Lowcountry Unity Fund, established by the Coastal Community Foundation, aims to address systemic racism and economic inequality in Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester counties. Following the tragic 2015 attack on Emanuel A.M.E. Church, the fund provides mini-grants up to $5,000 to nonprofits promoting collaborative solutions. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) public charities and focus on partnerships that strengthen community resilience against discrimination.

The Northern Lowcountry Grants, offered by the Coastal Community Foundation, support nonprofits in Berkeley, Charleston, Dorchester, and Georgetown counties. Grants up to $15,000 are available for projects focusing on arts, hospice care, and Alzheimer's-related disorders. For other initiatives, applicants may request up to $10,000. Established in 1974, the foundation aims to enhance community vibrancy by addressing regional challenges and promoting resource collaboration.

The Boeing Interfaith Fund, established by Boeing South Carolina in 2024, aims to uplift faith-based outreach ministries in Charleston, Dorchester, and Berkeley Counties. Through this initiative, the Coastal Community Foundation supports vital community services such as education, health access, and economic mobility. By fostering collaboration among local organizations, the fund enables impactful outreach efforts that enhance the well-being of residents and address pressing community needs effectively.

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.

The Northern Lowcountry Grants - Cooper River Bridge Run Grants Fund, established in 2006 by the Coastal Community Foundation, aims to enhance community health through physical activity. This fund specifically supports 501(c)(3) organizations serving Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties, promoting exercise initiatives that benefit local residents. Applications are accepted from organizations committed to fostering wellness and active lifestyles within the Tricounty area.

The J. C. and Alberta Long Fund, established by the Long family, supports high school seniors from Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties with scholarships. This fund honors the legacy of Mr. J.C. Long and Mrs. Alberta Long, aiming to empower youth in their educational pursuits while fostering community growth. With a commitment to addressing local needs, the Coastal Community Foundation ensures that qualified applicants receive financial assistance to achieve their academic goals, contributing to a brighter future for the region.

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.

The Longleaf Landscape Stewardship Fund Grant, managed by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), provides funding for projects aimed at restoring and conserving longleaf pine and bottomland hardwood forests. With approximately $30 million available for 2024, grants range from $250,000 to $3,000,000. This initiative, supported by various federal and private entities, emphasizes the importance of ecological preservation and sustainable land management practices.

The LAMC Community Mitigation Scholarship Endowment, established in 2016 by the Coastal Community Foundation of South Carolina, aims to support students in underserved neighborhoods of North Charleston, SC. This fund provides scholarships for tuition and living expenses, addressing educational disparities and fostering community growth. By investing in local youth, the foundation helps empower future leaders and strengthens community resilience, ensuring equitable access to educational opportunities in the region.

The REALTORS Housing Opportunities Fund Grant, initiated by the Charleston Trident Association of Realtors in 2003, aims to support affordable housing projects in Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties. With over $1 million invested, the grant prioritizes nonprofits focused on education, development, or repair of affordable housing. Interested organizations must register to apply, allowing two business days for processing. This competitive funding opportunity promotes community development and addresses housing needs.