Best Lee County Grants for Nonprofits in South Carolina

The PLTW Engineering program, in partnership with Ardagh Group, aims to enhance education in local communities over the next decade, impacting over 500,000 PreK-12 students and training more than 5,000 teachers across 2,000 schools in the U.S. This initiative is supported by a $50,000 grant, distributed over three years, facilitating diverse engineering courses and improving educational equity. Ardagh Group, a global leader in sustainable packaging, emphasizes the importance of education in fostering vibrant communities.

The Lynches River Conservation Grant supports land acquisition and conservation projects aimed at enhancing water quality and ecological integrity in the Lynches River watershed of South Carolina. Funded by the Central Carolina Community Foundation, this grant prioritizes projects in specific service areas, with funding covering full costs for priority projects and up to 50% for expanded areas. Eligible applicants include 501(c)3 organizations and government entities, with a preference for accredited land trusts.

The Connected Communities Grants aim to enhance the quality of life in the Midlands by funding innovative projects that foster community attachment and satisfaction. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) registered and located in specified counties. Grants range from $10,000 to $60,000, requiring a challenge match of funds raised. Priority is given to projects promoting equity and community involvement, making it vital for applicants to present novel ideas that strengthen local connections and address community needs.

The PLTW Engineering program expansion, supported by Ardagh Group, aims to enhance educational opportunities for over 500,000 PreK-12 students in local communities. This initiative will not only add new PLTW Engineering courses but also provide training for more than 5,000 teachers across 2,000 schools over the next decade. By fostering access to quality education, Ardagh Group is committed to building vibrant communities and ensuring equal opportunities for all students.

The Arts Industry Operating Support grants provide two years of unrestricted funding to strengthen small arts organizations in South Carolina. This support is aimed at enhancing their operational capacity to deliver ongoing arts experiences and services to communities. Eligible organizations must have a primary mission focused on the arts and demonstrate a commitment to providing quality programming. A 1:1 cash match is required, ensuring a sustainable investment in the arts sector.

The PLTW Gateway program, backed by Ardagh Group, aims to enhance educational opportunities in local communities. Over the next decade, this initiative will support over 500,000 PreK-12 students and provide exceptional training for more than 5,000 teachers across 2,000 schools in the U.S. The program focuses on fostering innovation and creativity through engaging STEM curricula, ensuring that educational resources are accessible and effective for all students.

The PLTW Gateway program expansion, funded by Ardagh Group, aims to enhance educational opportunities for over 500,000 PreK-12 students across various U.S. communities. This initiative will provide essential teacher training for more than 5,000 educators and introduce new program units. By partnering with local schools, Ardagh Group emphasizes the importance of education in fostering vibrant communities and ensuring equitable access to learning resources over the next decade.

Honda’s Community Event Sponsorship aims to support local, regional, and national events that enhance community engagement and celebrate diverse cultures. Organizations must be U.S.-based and tax-exempt, focusing on projects that serve communities where Honda associates are active. Eligible events include parades, festivals, and educational initiatives. Honda evaluates requests based on community needs and available funding, reinforcing its commitment to social responsibility and community enhancement.

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.

The Piedmont Natural Gas Company Grant Program, part of the Duke Energy Foundation, supports community vitality through grants of $20,000 or less. Focus areas include vibrant economies, climate resiliency, and promoting opportunity and inclusion. Eligible organizations must have tax-exempt status and serve communities without discrimination. The foundation prioritizes measurable community impact and does not fund certain entities, including for-profits and religious organizations. Applications are accepted year-round on a rolling basis.

The PLTW Launch program, in partnership with Ardagh Group, aims to enhance educational opportunities for over 500,000 PreK-12 students and train more than 5,000 teachers in U.S. communities. This initiative focuses on program expansion, enabling schools to implement additional PLTW Launch modules and improve access to quality education. By fostering a robust educational framework, Ardagh and PLTW are committed to building vibrant, successful communities through sustainable educational practices.

The PLTW Launch program, supported by Ardagh Group, aims to enhance education in local communities over the next decade. This initiative is set to benefit over 500,000 PreK-12 students and provide exceptional training to more than 5,000 teachers across 2,000 U.S. schools. As a global supplier of sustainable packaging solutions, Ardagh is committed to fostering educational opportunities that empower communities and promote equal access to quality education.

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 Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund provides grants to support communities in the U.S. and Canada where the company operates. Focused on affordable housing, education, environmental stewardship, and more, the fund emphasizes projects that meet local needs and demonstrate community support. Eligible organizations include nonprofits and educational institutions. Applications are accepted year-round with a deadline for 2025 on September 30. National initiatives related to working forests are funded by invitation only.

The CCCF General Operating Support Grants provide multi-year, unrestricted funding to eligible nonprofits, enabling them to enhance their operational capacity and better serve historically under-invested communities. With a grant amount of $30,000, distributed as $10,000 per year for up to three years, nonprofits can utilize the funds for various operational needs. Organizations must meet specific eligibility criteria, including a budget under $450,000 and a physical presence in the CCCF's service area.

The Bayer Fund: Food & Nutrition Grant supports high-quality programs that combat malnutrition and improve access to nutritious foods, particularly for underserved communities and families with young children. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government units. The fund prioritizes long-term behavioral change towards healthy eating and nutrition, with grants typically not exceeding 25% of an organization's operating budget. International requests start at $25,000, fostering sustainable food security and education initiatives.

The Aflac Charitable Fund Competitive Grant supports local nonprofit organizations in South Carolina, focusing on health and education. Priority is given to programs aiding pediatric cancer patients and their families, as well as life skills initiatives. Organizations must comply with state regulations and can only submit one application per cycle. Previous applicants can reapply in future cycles, but declined applications do not carry over automatically. This initiative is managed by the Central Carolina Community Foundation.

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 Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

The Duke Energy Foundation offers Local Impact Grants to enhance the quality of life in South Carolina. Grants up to $20,000 support initiatives in vibrant economies, climate resiliency, and opportunity and inclusion. Eligible organizations must serve communities powered by Duke Energy and meet specific tax-exempt criteria. The foundation prioritizes projects that promote environmental sustainability and community development, while emphasizing non-discrimination and measurable impact.

The CCFC Capacity Building Mini-Grants program offers funding to nonprofits aiming to enhance their organizational and financial stability. These grants support various projects, such as strategic planning, board development, and technology planning, enabling organizations to better fulfill their missions. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations based in specific Midlands counties, particularly those serving underrepresented populations. This initiative seeks to strengthen nonprofit infrastructure and governance for sustainable growth.

The Algebra 1 Advantage program, funded by the Ardagh Group through Project Lead The Way, aims to enhance educational opportunities for over 500,000 PreK-12 students in the U.S. by 2032. Schools eligible for this grant must offer the program in the 2026-2027 academic year, ensuring students gain essential skills for future success. This initiative focuses on real-world learning and teacher training, addressing educational inequities in local communities.

About

Central Carolina Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that helps generous people give back to the Midlands of South Carolina in ways that matter. Since 1984, we’ve been a trusted partner, helping individuals, families, and businesses make smart, meaningful contributions that support local nonprofits, scholarships, and community projects.

Central Carolina Community Foundation Opportunity Scholarship ($2,000)

This renewable scholarship is available for graduating high school seniors or current undergraduate students whose permanent address is in the Community Foundation’s 11-county service area (Calhoun, Clarendon, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lee, Lexington, Newberry, Orangeburg, Richland, Saluda, and Sumter). 

Who We Are

Founded in 1996, the Community Foundation of South Georgia is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to making South Georgia a better place to live through effective philanthropy. We help individuals, families, nonprofit organizations and businesses establish and manage charitable funds that carry out their philanthropic interests. Serving a geographic area of 35 counties in South Georgia, we facilitate our donors’ charitable plans and goals by creating custom designed funds that meet their specific interests and ensure solid financial management and administration for each fund. 

Hosea Hall & Lilly Eason Vann Scholarship

For a graduating senior of a high school located in Thomas County, Georgia who has attained at least a 3.0 GPA in high school. The award is based on Academics, Financial Need, Leadership Qualities, Extracurricular Activities and Community Service.

Unless noted otherwise in the scholarship description and criteria statement, applicants can attend accredited schools of their choice within the United States.

CFNJ scholarships awards vary. On average, awards range from $500 to $2,500. However, the award could be larger based on the number of qualified applicants and the parameters set by donors who have established the funds. 

Stephen A. Johnston Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a college sophomore, junior, or senior or a graduate student who is majoring in plant pathology or has demonstrated an interest in vegetable crop production or a related field. Preference will be given to a student who can demonstrate evidence of an association with the Rutgers University Agricultural Research and Extension Center.

Unless noted otherwise in the scholarship description and criteria statement, applicants can attend accredited schools of their choice within the United States.

CFNJ scholarships awards vary. On average, awards range from $500 to $2,500. However, the award could be larger based on the number of qualified applicants and the parameters set by donors who have established the funds. 

Vincent P. Arabia Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a graduating high school senior or undergraduate student who is blind/visually impaired or has a permanent physical disability that impedes their mobility. The opportunity is open statewide, with preference given to South Jersey students (particular emphasis on Burlington County). Students will be evaluated on academic performance and unmet financial need.

Unless noted otherwise in the scholarship description and criteria statement, applicants can attend accredited schools of their choice within the United States.

CFNJ scholarships awards vary. On average, awards range from $500 to $2,500. However, the award could be larger based on the number of qualified applicants and the parameters set by donors who have established the funds. 

Siegel Family Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a graduating high school senior or recent graduate (1-2 years out of high school) from the greater Newark area. Preference will be given to students who have been actively involved with GlassRoots, Inc., or Big Brothers Big Sisters of Essex, Hudson & Union Counties. Students will be evaluated on academic performance (2.5 GPA or better), extracurricular activities, community service, work (paid or unpaid), and unmet financial need.