Best Dorchester County Grants for Nonprofits in South Carolina

ATI Physical Therapy is dedicated to enhancing community health and wellness through its sponsorship and donation initiatives. With a mission to exceed customer expectations, ATI actively engages in philanthropic efforts that improve lives and promote quality care beyond clinic walls. They encourage requests for support while emphasizing a review process that ensures timely responses. Partnering with local organizations, ATI aims to elevate awareness of health and wellness, impacting thousands of lives each year.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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.

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 Northern Lowcountry Grants - HOME Community Fund is a competitive grant program designed to support organizations in Berkeley, Charleston, Dorchester, and Georgetown counties. Created by Home Telecom in 2002, the fund encourages applications for general operating support from nonprofits in these areas. An advisory committee, led by Home Telecom employees, reviews applications to make award selections. The next application deadline is June 1 or the following business day.

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.

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.

South Carolina Department of Commerce

From site selection to infrastructure improvement, we are here to help grow new and existing businesses.

SC Commerce promotes economic opportunity for individuals and businesses through initiatives like workforce training. As a national leader in foreign direct investment, the state extends its global reach with offices in Europe and Asia that help existing companies in developing export markets.

South Carolina Community Development Block Grant

The South Carolina Community Development Block Grant (“State CDBG Program”) is designed to aid units of general local government in improving economic opportunities and meeting community revitalization needs, particularly for persons of low- and moderate-income. The State CDBG Program has been funded through the State since 1982 by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) under the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended (Title I). 

CDBG Program Goals and Outcomes

The SC Department of Commerce seeks to improve the well-being of all South Carolinians in a manner that supports and enhances a high quality of life. The State CDBG Program supports the agency’s efforts to strengthen communities through revitalization and improvement of neighborhoods, public infrastructure, and the local economy. 

The three overarching goals of the HUD CDBG program are to provide decent housing, economic opportunities and a suitable living environment. Within the context of these goals, each project funded by the State must also meet one of three outcomes identified by HUD: affordability, accessibility, or sustainability. 

Local Match/Leveraging

CDBG projects are expected to leverage other public and private investments and serve as a catalyst for future development.

There must be a 10% match of the total CDBG request, unless otherwise approved, which can come from a variety of committed sources including other grants, loans, waiver of fees, public or private investments, and documented volunteer or in-kind contributions. Matching funds must be immediately available for the project at the time of application. 

Community Development Block Grant Categories

There are three broad grant program categories: Community Development, Business Development, and Regional Planning. The Community Development Program is further broken down into several subcategories to address infrastructure, community facilities, and local priorities.

Community Development Programs

Description

This program is designed to produce outcomes that improve citizens’ quality of life and create a competitive environment for jobs and investment by addressing priority community development needs. Activities should contribute to healthy, safe and sustainable neighborhoods and communities. These grants are designed to improve the quality of life for distressed and LMI communities. Community Development projects will compete within the following subcategories that have the same general submission requirements, except that the Ready to Go Program will not be funded in a competitive funding round.

Community Development Program Categories: Community Infrastructure; Community Enrichment; Local Priorities Program; and Ready to Go Program

Community Infrastructure Grants

Outcome and Priorities

A Community Infrastructure application must contribute to creation of healthy and sustainable residential communities through water, sewer, roads, drainage or other activities that address one or more of the priorities listed in order of importance:

Significant improvements to existing infrastructure to address health concerns, meet required quality standards, ensure community sustainability or improve resiliency.

Projects that result in a more viable regional infrastructure solution or that provide new access to services near business centers where it is cost effective to address a documented health threat

Upgrades to infrastructure to address quality standards where there are only general health concerns or provide new services that are not near business centers when it is cost effective to address a documented health threat

South Carolina Department of Commerce

From site selection to infrastructure improvement, we are here to help grow new and existing businesses.

SC Commerce promotes economic opportunity for individuals and businesses through initiatives like workforce training. As a national leader in foreign direct investment, the state extends its global reach with offices in Europe and Asia that help existing companies in developing export markets.

South Carolina Community Development Block Grant

The South Carolina Community Development Block Grant (“State CDBG Program”) is designed to aid units of general local government in improving economic opportunities and meeting community revitalization needs, particularly for persons of low- and moderate-income. The State CDBG Program has been funded through the State since 1982 by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) under the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended (Title I). 

CDBG Program Goals and Outcomes

The SC Department of Commerce seeks to improve the well-being of all South Carolinians in a manner that supports and enhances a high quality of life. The State CDBG Program supports the agency’s efforts to strengthen communities through revitalization and improvement of neighborhoods, public infrastructure, and the local economy. 

The three overarching goals of the HUD CDBG program are to provide decent housing, economic opportunities and a suitable living environment. Within the context of these goals, each project funded by the State must also meet one of three outcomes identified by HUD: affordability, accessibility, or sustainability. 

Local Match/Leveraging

CDBG projects are expected to leverage other public and private investments and serve as a catalyst for future development.

There must be a 10% match of the total CDBG request, unless otherwise approved, which can come from a variety of committed sources including other grants, loans, waiver of fees, public or private investments, and documented volunteer or in-kind contributions. Matching funds must be immediately available for the project at the time of application. 

Community Development Block Grant Categories

There are three broad grant program categories: Community Development, Business Development, and Regional Planning. The Community Development Program is further broken down into several subcategories to address infrastructure, community facilities, and local priorities.

Community Development Programs

Description

This program is designed to produce outcomes that improve citizens’ quality of life and create a competitive environment for jobs and investment by addressing priority community development needs. Activities should contribute to healthy, safe and sustainable neighborhoods and communities. These grants are designed to improve the quality of life for distressed and LMI communities. Community Development projects will compete within the following subcategories that have the same general submission requirements, except that the Ready to Go Program will not be funded in a competitive funding round.

Community Development Program Categories: Community Infrastructure; Community Enrichment; Local Priorities Program; and Ready to Go Program

Community Enrichment Grants

Outcome and Priorities

This program is designed to fund public facilities, services and other activities that strengthen existing communities and support a high quality of life within the following state priority areas:

• Economic competitiveness and resiliency
• Education and workforce development
• Safe and healthy communities

Project investments should contribute to quality of life and the long-term vitality of communities. Activities must have the broad support of citizens and local businesses. Buildings and brownfield sites should be owned by the local government. Note that costs for operating or maintaining public facilities are not eligible for CDBG, so building projects must demonstrate financial viability. Equipment for public service activities must be for new or expanded services and generally associated with a significant capital investment in facilities. Only major pieces of equipment that have a durable life of five years will be considered for funding.

South Carolina Department of Commerce

From site selection to infrastructure improvement, we are here to help grow new and existing businesses.

SC Commerce promotes economic opportunity for individuals and businesses through initiatives like workforce training. As a national leader in foreign direct investment, the state extends its global reach with offices in Europe and Asia that help existing companies in developing export markets.

South Carolina Community Development Block Grant

The South Carolina Community Development Block Grant (“State CDBG Program”) is designed to aid units of general local government in improving economic opportunities and meeting community revitalization needs, particularly for persons of low- and moderate-income. The State CDBG Program has been funded through the State since 1982 by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) under the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended (Title I). 

CDBG Program Goals and Outcomes

The SC Department of Commerce seeks to improve the well-being of all South Carolinians in a manner that supports and enhances a high quality of life. The State CDBG Program supports the agency’s efforts to strengthen communities through revitalization and improvement of neighborhoods, public infrastructure, and the local economy. 

The three overarching goals of the HUD CDBG program are to provide decent housing, economic opportunities and a suitable living environment. Within the context of these goals, each project funded by the State must also meet one of three outcomes identified by HUD: affordability, accessibility, or sustainability. 

Local Match/Leveraging

CDBG projects are expected to leverage other public and private investments and serve as a catalyst for future development.

There must be a 10% match of the total CDBG request, unless otherwise approved, which can come from a variety of committed sources including other grants, loans, waiver of fees, public or private investments, and documented volunteer or in-kind contributions. Matching funds must be immediately available for the project at the time of application. 

Community Development Block Grant Categories

There are three broad grant program categories: Community Development, Business Development, and Regional Planning. The Community Development Program is further broken down into several subcategories to address infrastructure, community facilities, and local priorities.

Community Development Programs

Description

This program is designed to produce outcomes that improve citizens’ quality of life and create a competitive environment for jobs and investment by addressing priority community development needs. Activities should contribute to healthy, safe and sustainable neighborhoods and communities. These grants are designed to improve the quality of life for distressed and LMI communities. Community Development projects will compete within the following subcategories that have the same general submission requirements, except that the Ready to Go Program will not be funded in a competitive funding round.

Community Development Program Categories: Community Infrastructure; Community Enrichment; Local Priorities Program; and Ready to Go Program

Local Priorities Program

Outcome and Priorities

This program is designed to address unique local and regional needs and priorities for addressing those needs through community development, including projects that reflect priorities established in conjunction with the S.C. Department of Commerce Business Incentives & Community Development Division. Projects may reflect community development needs that are not typically funded through the other State CDBG programs and generally should not be funded by other HUD partner programs, such as HOME and NHTF (affordable housing), ESG (homelessness) or HOPWA (special needs). These funds will be used for alternative grant activities and partnerships that meet the community development needs of eligible municipalities. Local Priority projects could include historic preservation, innovation, energy conservation, parks, and trails/greenways. New or expanded public service activities are also eligible. Projects should leverage other funding or include local funding; impact identified needs and demonstrate strong community support while meeting a National Objective and all other requirements. 

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.

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.