Best Small Grants for Nonprofits in South Carolina

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

With a mission to create positive change, Brown Family Foundation provides South Carolina small nonprofits with US $5,000 - US $50,000 for humanitarian, educational, health, and spiritual programs. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations and local or state government units in the Carolinas, including those serving humanitarian needs abroad, can request project or limited operating support.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

Independent nonprofit publishers, small presses, and other literary arts organizations in South Carolina can receive project support for contemporary writing and publishing initiatives. South Arts supports writing and literature in the Southern region by funding creative work creation, literary publishing projects, and community engagement activities such as reading series, festivals, and podcasts, with awards up to US $5,000.

South Carolina writers and literary-focused nonprofits can seek project funding for contemporary writing, community engagement, and professional development. Focused on writing and literature, South Arts invites eligible applicants in the South Arts region to propose creation, research, public programs, or career-building opportunities, with awards up to US $5,000 depending on project type.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing youth baseball or softball programs in South Carolina can seek up to US $100,000 for timebound program or small capital needs like equipment or facility improvements. Yawkey Foundation provides South Carolina youth and amateur athletics groups with highly competitive support that must align with its mission and established areas of giving.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations planning strategic growth initiatives in South Carolina or Eastern Massachusetts can apply for Yawkey Foundation’s Strategic Investment Grants, awarding US $250,000 - US $1,000,000 for regional expansion, collaborations, or mergers. Eligible groups work in health care, education, human services, youth athletics, arts and culture, or conservation and wildlife and provide direct services.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and fiscally sponsored groups supporting LGBTQ+ youth programs in South Carolina can apply for $500 to $4,000 for programming, organizational support, and capacity building. Focused on long-term social change and emotional health, Alliance for Full Acceptance funds efforts like GSAs, trainings, speakers, resources, and collaborative community projects.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties working on water quality and pollution issues can apply for support from Coastal Community Foundation in South Carolina. Funding may cover pollution action, research, data collection, education, litigation, or storytelling on plastics, bacteria, contaminants, erosion, climate resilience, and coastal flooding in the Charleston Harbor area.

Nonprofit arts organizations, individual artists, and government units in South Carolina can receive up to US $2,500 for arts projects, capacity building, equipment, and professional development. South Carolina Arts Commission supports arts and art education in South Carolina, with priority for projects in designated Opportunity Initiative Counties and required cash/in-kind matches.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations focused on environmental conservation and wildlife management in South Carolina can seek up to US $100,000 for timebound program or small capital needs, such as equipment or discrete projects. With a mission to invest in impactful nonprofits, Yawkey Foundation prioritizes direct services in Georgetown County and other designated geographic areas.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations focused on educational access and college success can seek up to US $100,000 for discrete program or small capital needs in Georgetown County, South Carolina. Focused on higher education access, Yawkey Foundation invites nonprofits serving degree-aspiring young adults from under-resourced communities to apply for competitive, timebound project or equipment support.

Grants from O'Reilly Automotive Foundation help South Carolina nonprofits fund programs improving quality of life for underserved people, including hunger, homelessness, health care access, and disaster relief. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations near O’Reilly Auto Parts locations may request project, general operating, or capital support if they serve local communities and meet the foundation’s nondiscrimination requirements.

South Carolina nonprofits and government units planning arts-focused festivals can apply for up to US $7,500 in reimbursement funding from the South Carolina Arts Commission. South Carolina organizations can use these matching funds for artist fees, arts programming, production costs, marketing, and accessibility, with priority for underserved communities and Opportunity Initiative Counties.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations creating community impact in South Carolina can receive up to US $50,000 for work in areas like education, basic needs, health, environment, arts, economic opportunity, and community strengthening. BECU Foundation provides flexible project or program support, with nonprofits nominated by BECU members through the People Helping People Awards.

Focused on general operating and program support, Coastal Community Foundation invites South Carolina nonprofits serving Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton, and Jasper counties to apply for The Beaufort Fund, with awards up to US $25,000. 501(c)(3) organizations of different sizes can choose Genesis, Operational, or First-Time grant categories to match their budget and history.

Rural public entities and nonprofit organizations in South Carolina can use these grants to provide technical assistance, training, and infrastructure support for small rural businesses. With a mission to strengthen rural economies, USDA Rural Development provides funding from US $10,000 - US $500,000 for projects like business counseling, revolving loan funds, incubators, and community or technology-based economic development.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing basic human needs and human services in Georgetown County, South Carolina can access funding through the Yawkey Foundation for program and small capital projects, with awards up to US $100,000. Grants support discrete, timebound needs such as specific projects or equipment that advance an organization’s core mission.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations running workforce development and career navigation programs for adult workers in South Carolina and other Truist footprint states can apply for Truist Foundation’s Inspire Awards, with grants ranging from US $10,000 - US $250,000. Funding supports training, upskilling, AI literacy, and wraparound services that build career pathways to economic mobility.

501(c)(3) nonprofits offering arts and culture programming in Georgetown County, South Carolina can apply for Yawkey Foundation Program and Small Capital Grants, with awards up to US $100,000 for discrete, timebound program or equipment needs. Organizations must provide direct services within the foundation’s arts and culture focus and complete an online eligibility quiz and initial proposal.

Health-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving Georgetown County, South Carolina can seek Yawkey Foundation Program and Small Capital Grants for timebound projects, small capital needs, or equipment. Focused on health care access, children’s mental health, and reducing health disparities, these highly competitive awards of up to US $100,000 support direct services for underserved communities.

Literary Arts Project Grants

As part of its Literary Arts Initiative, South Arts is pleased to announce Literary Arts Project Grants supporting literary arts organizations and small presses that focus on contemporary literary arts.

These grants advance South Arts’ commitment to amplifying the literary traditions and artistic practices of the American South by directly supporting the development, production, and public engagement of high-quality literary projects.

Literary Arts Project Grants support projects in poetry, fiction, creative or literary nonfiction, young readers’ literature, and drama (scriptwriting). Projects must demonstrate artistic excellence, editorial rigor, and meaningful public or community impact.

Award Amount

South Arts will award up to $5,000 per project to eligible literary arts organizations and small presses.