Best Dorchester County Grants for Nonprofits in South Carolina

The Hebrew Orphan Society N. Edgar Miles, M.D. Scholarship, established by Doctor Miles in 1995, supports graduating high school seniors in Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester counties with financial need. The scholarship is designed for students in the top 25% of their class with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Multiple renewable awards are available, reflecting the commitment to fostering educational opportunities and addressing community needs in South Carolina.

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.

The Kylie Erin Gillette Scholarship Fund, established in 2016, honors the spirit of Kylie Gillette by providing annual scholarships to students from Berkeley, Charleston, or Dorchester counties. This initiative, supported by the Coastal Community Foundation of South Carolina, aims to empower local youth and foster educational opportunities. By addressing community needs and investing in the future, this fund reflects a commitment to building equity and opportunity in the region.

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.

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 Ferguson Cares Grant is an essential aspect of Ferguson's Sustainability strategy, focusing on social challenges and community wellbeing. This grant supports nonprofit organizations in the U.S. dedicated to affordable housing, skilled trades workforce development, clean water access, and enhancing local economic quality of life. Ferguson aims to create lasting partnerships that drive positive impact within their operational regions, reflecting their commitment to social responsibility and community support.

Dorchester County, South Carolina 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting children, youth services, or hunger relief can receive monetary or in-kind dining certificate donations to benefit kids, fight hunger, or support education-focused efforts. Brinker International provides one donation per organization per calendar year, with requests submitted online at least six weeks before the related event.

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.

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 Lowcountry Artistic Vitality Grant, offered by the Gaylord & Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, aims to support a diverse range of arts organizations within the Lowcountry. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) public charities that demonstrate artistic vitality and have completed at least one full fiscal year of operations. Grants range from $5,000 to $25,000, emphasizing unrestricted general operations funding that allows organizations to address their most pressing needs.

The Faith Jefferson Hohloch Nursing Scholarship supports students from Berkeley, Charleston, or Dorchester counties pursuing a nursing degree at any accredited institution. Established in 1999 by Dr. Hohloch and managed by the Coastal Community Foundation of SC, this scholarship aims to alleviate financial barriers for those accepted into 2-year or 4-year programs. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and residency within the foundation's service area, with a commitment to obtaining a baccalaureate or higher degree in nursing.

Nonprofit organizations supporting health, financial security, community services, or environmental initiatives in Dorchester County, South Carolina can apply for TD Charitable Foundation’s regional grants of more than US $5,000. With a mission to improve quality of life, the foundation prioritizes inclusive programs serving diverse, historically underserved, or low-to-moderate income communities.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Charleston First Responders Scholarship, established by the Coastal Community Foundation of South Carolina, honors the bravery of first responders and their families. It provides financial support to first responders or their dependents who have served for at least one year in fire, police, or EMS units in Berkeley, Charleston, or Dorchester counties. This initiative recognizes the sacrifices made by these individuals in their commitment to public safety and community well-being.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and qualified local governments serving low- to moderate-income and historically underserved communities can receive up to US $1,000 for job-related staff training and courses. Grants from TD Charitable Foundation help Dorchester County, South Carolina nonprofits in TD Bank market areas strengthen programs in housing, financial literacy, after-school education, and business development.

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.

APA Foundation

The mission of the APA Foundation is to advance the art and science of planning through philanthropic activities that provide access to educational opportunities, enrich the public dialogue about planning, and advance social equity in the profession and our communities.

APA Scholarships

The APA Foundation scholarships aim to make the planning profession more accessible to individuals with limited financial means and to attract the best, brightest, and most talented individuals to the field of planning.

These scholarships are intended for students who demonstrate academic merit, a commitment to the field of planning, and financial need. The expanded eligibility includes students enrolled in undergraduate or graduate planning‑related programs at accredited U.S. institutions, reflecting the Foundation’s commitment to broadening access to the profession and strengthening its impact on communities nationwide.

APA Foundation Environmental Scholarship

This scholarship supports students pursuing planning degrees with a focus on environmental or conservation planning. It reflects a commitment to advancing wildlife and environmental conservation through the planning profession and to supporting future planners dedicated to protecting natural resources and sustainable environments. Awards are given to students currently enrolled in degree programs in planning.

About Community Foundation of South Alabama

Since its inception, the Community Foundation has grown to over 500 funds and awarded over $98 million in grants and scholarships throughout the eight counties of southwest Alabama, improving the lives of many residents in our corner of the world.

We amplify the gifts from generous donors through wise investment, support others in efforts to enhance our community, and lead and collaborate on initiatives which have a broad impact.

Scholarships

The more than 40 scholarship funds at the Foundation were created by generous donors who wanted to help the students in our community achieve a brighter future. We are committed to assisting the most promising students with scholarships for professional certificate programs, two and four-year undergraduate degrees and graduate school. The scholarship funds at the Foundation award grants to high school, community college and university students to be used for tuition, books, and fees.

Roland and Jean Fry Scholarship

For Mobile County Public High School senior who demonstrates financial need, has a good GPA and can attend any college.