Best McCormick County Grants for Nonprofits in South Carolina

The Educational Theatre Foundation (EdTA) offers the Thespian Growth & Excellence Grants to support production expenses for school theatre programs. Grants of up to $1,000 can cover essential costs such as licensing fees, rentals, sets, and costumes. With a commitment to enhancing educational theatre, EdTA prioritizes applications based on demonstrated need, particularly for Title 1 schools, helping to foster creativity and collaboration in diverse educational settings.

The EdTA Thespian Growth & Excellence Grants support theatre programs by providing financial assistance for troupe expenses, including travel to professional productions and participation in state conferences. Founded by the Educational Theatre Foundation, these grants aim to enhance educational theatre access and representation. By the end of 2024, 349 grants totaling over $286,000 will have been awarded, benefiting schools with Title 1 designations and empowering students and educators in their creative pursuits.

Building a global community of creative problem solvers, effective collaborators, and empathetic individuals through theatre

Our Mission and Goals

The Educational Theatre Foundation (ETF) is the philanthropic arm of the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA).

ETF advances the field of educational theatre by broadening representation and increasing access for all. ETF’s programs aim to support students, educators and the field at large by realizing three strategic goals:

• Subsidizing new, emerging, and underserved student theatre programs;
• Creating paths for theatre educators to develop new skills; and
• Commissioning research to showcase the value of a theatre education.

Educator & Program Grants

Giving school theatre programs a boost

The Thespian Growth & Excellence Fund is committed to supporting the ongoing development of theatre programs and the pursuit of excellence for educators, students, schools, and communities by offering a number of grants that assist in EdTA membership, teacher support, and programmatic resources for theatre in schools.

By the end of 2024, the Thespian Growth and Excellence Fund has awarded 349 grants to 276 schools, totaling $286,167 in assistance provided to school theatre programs, many at schools with Title 1 designations.

Equipment Upgrade (up to $5,000)

Can be awarded to help school theatre programs with large technical purchases that upgrade the resources available for theatrical use, such as lighting and sound equipment.

About QuikTripQuikTrip believes in investing in the communities in which our employees live and work. Every year, QuikTrip donates 5% of our annual net profit to qualified 501c3 non-profit agencies, which includes our United Way campaign match, support for National Safe Place agencies, Folds of Honor scholarships and many other agencies that support at-risk youth and early childhood education.Mission: To wisely invest dollars in community efforts that will help impact (in measurable terms) individuals in our society who are dependent on the charitable support of others. We believe the most effective way to do that is to invest our contribution dollars and volunteers in strategic efforts that help those at risk reach their functional capacity as successful, independent citizens.About QuikTrip Charitable GrantsQuikTrip funds 501c3 agencies located in the cities in which we have stores and our employees live and work. Funding can include: “in-kind” products (coupons, gift cards or product donation), formal grants, fundraiser/event sponsorships and employee volunteer time.Focus Areas:

• Creating Safe Communities
  • First Responders: QuikTrip is proud to partner with law enforcement and first responders in every market we serve, making sure that they have the tools, training and support they need to keep our communities safe and to return home safely to their families after each shift.
  • Homeless Outreach & Alternatives to Police Response: To significantly reduce non-emergency calls and help people in crisis get back on their feet, QuikTrip funds dedicated homeless outreach teams across our communities. These teams engage individuals experiencing homelessness and living in encampments – connecting people to services, shelter, detox and long-term care.

• Creating Strong Communities
  • Ending Homelessness: We support emergency, transitional and permanent supportive housing, diversion and prevention programs, and more.
  • Mental Health & Substance Abuse : We know that healthy communities are safe communities, which is why we invest in detox and substance abuse treatment centers, and behavioral health centers and services to end the perpetuation of cycles of trauma and addiction.
  • At-Risk Youth: We especially prioritize services for at-risk youth – those aging out of foster care, justice-involved or without stable support systems.
• Additional Community Commitments
  • United Way: Employee donation matching in all markets.
  • Folds of Honor: Scholarships for families of fallen or wounded service members and first responders.
  • National Safe Place: QT stores serve as Safe Place locations for youth in crisis, with trained staff ready to assist.

The NIH Director's New Innovator Award supports creative early-stage investigators pursuing innovative research with transformative potential for science relevant to the NIH mission. Applications are encouraged across all NIH-related fields, enhancing support for emerging talent. This award is part of the NIH Common Fund's High-Risk, High-Reward Research Program, which aims to cultivate groundbreaking research and foster the next generation of scientists.

The Residential Treatment for Pregnant and Postpartum Women program aims to deliver essential services to women facing substance use disorders. By offering comprehensive residential treatment options, the program supports both recovery and the well-being of mothers and their children. Funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, this initiative addresses the unique challenges of pregnant and postpartum women, ensuring they receive the care necessary for a successful recovery journey.

The Providers Clinical Support System – Universities program aims to equip graduate-level health professional students with the necessary skills to understand, identify, intervene, and treat patients with substance use disorders. By focusing on practical training and comprehensive education, this initiative prepares future practitioners to effectively address the challenges associated with substance misuse, ensuring they are well-prepared upon obtaining their licenses.

The NIH Director's Pioneer Award (DP1) encourages innovative research by funding exceptional scientists. This award is designed for groundbreaking projects that diverge from the investigator's current work and address significant scientific challenges relevant to the NIH mission. Applications are invited across all NIH-relevant fields, promoting high-risk, high-reward research that could transform our understanding of critical scientific areas.

The NIH Director's Early Independence Award empowers exceptional early-career researchers to embark on independent research careers immediately after their doctoral degree or post-graduate clinical training. This initiative accelerates the transition to independence, promoting innovative research across various fields aligned with the NIH mission. As part of the NIH Common Fund's High-Risk, High-Reward Research Program, it encourages groundbreaking studies that could significantly advance health-related knowledge.

The NIH Director's Transformative Research Award encourages innovative research that challenges conventional ideas. This award supports bold scientists and teams aiming to create groundbreaking technologies and new clinical approaches, ultimately transforming scientific paradigms. As part of the NIH Common Fund's High-Risk, High-Reward Research Program, it seeks to fund high-impact projects that have the potential to significantly advance science and technology.

The Emergency Department Alternatives to Opioids Program aims to implement practices that offer alternatives to opioid treatments in hospitals. This initiative focuses on reducing the harmful consequences of opioid use for pain management, promoting safer treatment options, and minimizing the risk of opioid misuse and overdose. Specifically, it targets healthcare organizations to enhance their pain care strategies, ultimately contributing to better patient safety and health outcomes.

The GLS Campus Suicide Prevention program aims to enhance behavioral health services for college students, addressing critical issues such as suicide, depression, and substance use disorders. By fostering a culture of help-seeking and reducing stigma, this initiative ensures that at-risk students receive timely intervention and support. The program represents a vital investment in the mental well-being of students, promoting a healthier campus environment through evidence-based strategies and comprehensive public health approaches.

The State Pilot Program for Treatment for Pregnant and Postpartum Women aims to enhance the state's capacity to deliver integrated and evidence-based services for substance use disorders and maternal mental health. The initiative focuses on supporting pregnant and postpartum women and their families, ensuring they receive comprehensive care tailored to their unique needs. Funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, this program is a vital step toward improving health outcomes for vulnerable populations.

The Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) program aims to support adults with serious mental illness (SMI) by facilitating community-based treatment. Funded by the US HHS's Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the initiative encourages collaboration with civil courts and community partners. Recipients will implement AOT to ensure that eligible individuals receive necessary support, thereby enhancing their mental health outcomes and promoting recovery.

The Building Communities of Recovery program aims to enhance access to long-term recovery support for individuals facing substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health issues. By empowering organizations to mobilize community resources, this initiative fosters a collaborative environment that promotes sustained recovery. Funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the program emphasizes the importance of community connections in the recovery process, ensuring that individuals receive the support they need to thrive.

American Psychiatric Association Foundation

There is no health without mental health. The APA Foundation is working in your community to provide the support and resources we all need to prioritize mental wellbeing where you live, learn, work, worship, and play.

Backed by the medical expertise of the APA and industry-leading strategic partners, we administer community-changing programs, public education campaigns, grants, and awards aimed at increasing mental health literacy, connecting individuals to needed care, and shifting attitudes toward mental health.

Our Mission is to promote the mental health and well-being of individuals and communities. Our Vision is a mentally healthy nation for all – where we live, learn, work, worship, and play.

Diversity Leadership Fellowship

The Diversity Leadership Fellowship identifies and motivates minority psychiatry residents or those interested in minority and vulnerable populations to become well equipped to teach, administer, and provide culturally competent, evidence based mental health and substance abuse services to diverse minority groups and at-risk populations. These populations include—but are not limited to—American Indians/Native Alaskans, Asian Americans/Native Hawaiians/Native Pacific Islanders, Blacks/African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, LGBTQ, and religious minorities. Program Benefits:

• Sponsorship to attend a minimum of four APA meetings:
  • Two APA Annual Meetings
  • Two Fellowship Forums
• Develop leadership skills in the field of psychiatry and advance understanding of the life experiences of racial ethnic minority communities
• Gain an understanding of APA/APAF Governance through observation and service on an APA Council, Committee, or APAF initiative
• Have the opportunity to sit on the APAF Board of Directors as a non-voting member (one Diversity Leadership fellow allowed)
• Cultivate a professional network with psychiatrists interested in minority mental health and services through exclusive events and engagements with APA leaders. Establish relationships and peer-mentorship with a diverse group of resident fellows with similar career interests and goals

Alkermes

At Alkermes, we apply our deep neuroscience expertise to develop medicines designed to help people living with complex and difficult-to-treat psychiatric and neurological disorders, including addiction, serious mental illness and sleep disorders. With our portfolio of marketed medicines and investigational pipeline candidates, we seek to make a meaningful difference in the way people manage these chronic diseases. Our patient-inspired science, integrated research strategy, sophisticated development capabilities and specialized commercial infrastructure enable us to pursue the development and commercialization of innovative new medicines, including those for people with conditions that have traditionally been overlooked or stigmatized.

Our greatest strengths at Alkermes are our people and our inherent empathy for patients, families and caregivers. Neurological and psychiatric disorders strike people at the core of who they are and impact many facets of their lives. We work with urgency to develop new treatment options for people living with these conditions.

Investigator Sponsored Studies Program

Alkermes seeks to support research designed and conducted by independent clinicians and scientists through our Investigator Sponsored Studies (ISS) program. Alkermes may occasionally announce a Request for Proposals (RFP) for research in clinical areas where gaps in data have been identified. 

The ISS research Alkermes supports must be based in the United States and is typically conducted by experienced researchers who have an established history of successfully completing research with independent funding. Alkermes can provide its marketed products to the ISS programs it supports. In addition, there may be financial support available, but please note that study budgets cannot exceed $300,000 (inclusive of overhead).

• ISS Areas of Interest
  • Sleep Disorders
  • Schizophrenia & Bipolar I Disorder
  • Schizophrenia

The ASPECT program, initiated by the DOE, aims to bolster the U.S. energy future by enhancing domestic critical mineral supply chains and developing innovative chemical technologies. This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) invites proposals for research and pre-pilot testing of technologies that convert alternative and waste feedstocks into valuable chemicals. By offering distinct pathways for technologies at various stages of development, the program seeks to advance solutions that contribute to sustainable energy practices and promote resource efficiency.

Alkermes

At Alkermes, we apply our deep neuroscience expertise to develop medicines designed to help people living with complex and difficult-to-treat psychiatric and neurological disorders, including addiction, serious mental illness and sleep disorders. With our portfolio of marketed medicines and investigational pipeline candidates, we seek to make a meaningful difference in the way people manage these chronic diseases. Our patient-inspired science, integrated research strategy, sophisticated development capabilities and specialized commercial infrastructure enable us to pursue the development and commercialization of innovative new medicines, including those for people with conditions that have traditionally been overlooked or stigmatized.

Our greatest strengths at Alkermes are our people and our inherent empathy for patients, families and caregivers. Neurological and psychiatric disorders strike people at the core of who they are and impact many facets of their lives. We work with urgency to develop new treatment options for people living with these conditions.

Pathways APN Research Awards

The Alkermes Pathways Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) Research Awards™ program is designed to empower the advanced practice nursing community by offering funding opportunities that recognize their vital role in evidence-based care and the advancement of mental health research.

The Alkermes Pathways APN Research Awards provide opportunities for individual grants of up to $10,000 per project for licensed psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners who are actively engaged in clinical, academic, and/or community health settings and are committed to advancing research in schizophrenia or bipolar I disorder.

Interface Health Foundation

Interface Health Foundation is a non-profit, 501c3 tax-exempt organization driven by a collective vision of positive change. In healthcare industry policy, understanding the intricate dynamics of funding and its impact on public access, quality, and cost remains paramount. IHF is dedicated to advancing analysis and research into the crossroads of healthcare industry policy, structural frameworks and affordability.

At IHF, our mission is clear: to empower and support student-led research endeavors that shed light on critical healthcare policy and structural issues affecting the public. Through our initiatives, we seek to foster a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics shaping the healthcare landscape.

Interface Health Foundation: Research Grant

Healthcare administrative grant award opportunities are highly competitive and allow candidates to stand out as they enter the job market. Through this IHF grant award, you will get the opportunity to pull together research and content on topics that aren't fully studied or publicized. Depending on the grant topic, some grantees will also have access to a preceptor who is an executive leader in the healthcare field. The preceptor will serve as a valuable resource to the grantee during the development of the research paper and beyond.

An example of a research topic is the impact of legislated acute care nurse staffing levels on the following: nursing professional job satisfaction, the patient experience, and the standard nursing quality indicators as part of nursing Magnet status accreditation.

Mary Kay Ash Foundation

Guided by Mary Kay Ash’s dream to enrich the lives of women everywhere, the Mary Kay Ash Foundation® raises and distributes funds to invest in breakthrough cancer research and clinical trials to find a cure for women-related cancers and ending domestic violence.

Since 1996, the Mary Kay Ash Foundation®, a 501(c)3 organization, has contributed more than $100 million to organizations aligned with its two-fold mission. In addition, the Foundation supports awareness initiatives, community outreach programs, and advocates for legislation to ensure women are healthy and safe. Through our global charitable foundations in Brazil, Canada, China and the United States, we are collectively making a deeper impact on the lives of women around the world.

Mary Kay Ash Foundation: Cancer Research Grant

The Mary Kay Ash Foundation is a non-profit public foundation, which focuses on funding research for innovative grants for translational research of cancers affecting women (ovarian, uterine, breast, endometrial or cervical cancer among others). Translational research is broadly defined as research that will provide a scientific link between laboratory research and the clinic. Ultimately, such research would lead to improvement in diagnosis, prognosis, prevention, or treatment of the cancer. Each year the Foundation extends invitations to NCI designated cancer institutes and accredited medical schools to apply. Only one application is accepted per institution.

Grant proposals are reviewed by a Scientific Research Review Committee comprised of notable members of the American medical and scientific community. Grants are awarded up to $100,000 (combined direct and indirect costs) for a two-year period. The Foundation anticipates funding between 10 and 15 grants annually. 

Multiplex Platforms to Assess Indicators of Micronutrient Status, Inflammation and Infectious Disease

The Challenge

Although combined immunological measurement of several micronutrient biomarkers has been demonstrated, current methods still have important limitations. These include heterogeneity in the composition of standards and controls; inconsistent batch-to-batch performance of analyte-binding molecules; variable reactivity for some analytes, especially soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR); and a functional analytical range that is too narrow to cover the physiological values of some analytes, such as CRP. It would also be valuable to add bioindicators for vitamins B1, B2, B9 and B12, which may require binding molecules that recognize metabolites or proteins associated with deficiency, a specific vitamer (plasma methyl-tetrahydrofolate without reacting with folic acid), comparable reactivity across vitamers (several folate forms in red blood cells), or a specific carrier-protein form (holo-transcobalamin rather than apo-transcobalamin or haptocorrin for vitamin B12).

The improved assays must combine high analytical specificity, sensitivity and robustness with a functional analytical range matched to the physiological values expected in the target populations (women of reproductive age, including during pregnancy and lactation, preschool-age children and older adults). Assays must remain low-cost (no more than US$20 for all analytes measured in duplicate) and require very small sample volumes, preferably less than 10 µL of plasma or serum). The tests are intended for population surveillance rather than local clinical (point-of-care) use. They should be designed to run many samples in a single batch in a small number of national or regional reference laboratories. The goal is to reduce dependence on expensive, infrequent population surveys and on export of samples to specialized laboratories in high-income settings.

This challenge is structured around two alternatives, a minimum-scope approach and an optimistic-scope approach. Targets are aligned with the candidate Target Product Profile for this platform, and applicants will be held to the relevant performance, cost and instrument targets.

Every Kindness is a Gift

Dollar Tree Gift Card Program 2026

Every Kindness is a Gift is a gift card grant program made possible through the generosity of Dollar Tree and managed by the team here at Gift Card Bank. We are a nonprofit organization that specializes in the distribution of gift cards and our mission is to improve well-being and build financial stability by supporting people through their time of need.

Through Every Kindness is a Gift, nonprofit organizations and Title I schools located in the 48 contiguous states may apply to receive a grant of Dollar Tree gift cards.

Gift cards received through these grants are meant to be distributed directly to individuals and families in need. A primary goal of the program is to give gift card recipients the dignity of choice by empowering them to shop for what they need themselves. By putting gift cards directly in the hands of our neighbors in need, we are able to increase access to essentials like food, school supplies, paper products, cleaning products, and hygiene items.

In 2026, there will be two rounds of grant distributions. In each round, we will award a number of grants between $2,500 and $10,000.

Round One is a summer distribution. Gift cards awarded in Round One will arrive in late June, while kids are on break and back-to-school is around the corner. Round Two is a holiday distribution. Gift cards awarded in Round Two will arrive in early November, as the end-of-year holidays approach.

We know that these are times of year when budgets are tight. Through these gift card grants, we hope to connect individuals and families directly to the essential resources they need during difficult months.

Alzheimer’s Resource Coordination Center (ARCC)

Overview

The Alzheimer’s Resource Coordination Center (ARCC), located within the South Carolina Department on Aging, was established by state legislation in 1994. The Center’s goal is to serve as a statewide focal point for coordination, service development, information, and education to assist persons with ADRD and their families. The ARCC is guided by a Governor-appointed advisory council composed of representatives from state agencies, organizations, and caregivers who have a special interest in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). The advisory council aids the ARCC in meeting its goals of:  

• Initiating the development of systems which coordinate the delivery of programs and services
• Facilitating the coordination and integration of research, program development, planning, and quality assurance
• Identifying potential users of services and gaps in the service delivery system and expanding methods and resources to enhance statewide services
• Serving as a resource for education, research, and training and providing information and referral services
• Providing technical assistance for the development of support groups and other local initiatives to serve individuals, families, and caregivers
• Recommending public policy concerning Alzheimer's disease and related disorders to state policymakers
• Facilitating the coordination and integration of educational initiatives for healthcare providers on the importance and value of early detection and timely diagnosis of cognitive impairment, validated cognitive assessment tools, and increasing understanding and awareness of early warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia and how to reduce the risk of cognitive decline.

The ARCC is staffed by the Dementia Coordinator whose role is to monitor the state’s service delivery system and work closely with the ARCC Advisory Council to develop a coordinated state-wide delivery system that caters to the needs of persons with ADRD, their families, caregivers, and communities. Additionally, the Dementia Coordinator is responsible for submitting an annual report to the Chairman of the Medical Affairs Committee of the Senate and the Chairman of the Medical, Military, Public, and Municipal Affairs Committee of the House of Representatives on the activities of the ARCC.

ARCC Grants

Each year, the ARCC receives $150,000 to award dementia-specific grants to community organizations to support respite, education, and innovative programs for individuals living with Alzheimer’s and related dementias, their families, caregivers, and communities. Grants are awarded on a 2-year cycle through a competitive selection process. 

Since its establishment in 1995, the ARCC Grants Program has awarded over 388 grants to community organizations that provide services to individuals, families, and communities affected by dementia. These services include dementia-specific respite, adult day programs, and educational programs that support the medical community, colleges and universities, first responders, and the general public. The ARCC grants have enabled more than 7,717 individuals living with ADRD to access respite care services and provided education services to over 78,117 participants. Moreover, since 2021, ARCC grants have supported the implementation of 17 innovative programs. These programs include virtual training for family caregivers, in-home activities that promote sustainability and independence in daily living for those with dementia, and technology that helps locate and safely return those with dementia who may have wandered from home.

During the FY25 grant period (July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025), a total of 10 ARCC grants were awarded, providing services across 14 counties. 

The Wellness Within Reach initiative aims to bring high-quality, face-to-face healthcare directly to rural South Carolina communities through mobile units, crisis response teams, and community-based care sites This grant opportunity seeks proposals from eligible organizations to strengthen South Carolina’s mobile crisis response and expand community care sites.

The Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), established under the Working Families Tax Cuts Act signed into law on July 4, 2025, is a federal initiative led by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This program is designed to help state governments strengthen healthcare access, quality, and outcomes in rural communities by transforming the healthcare delivery ecosystem. Through a focus on innovation, strategic partnerships, infrastructure development, and workforce investment, the RHTP aims to create sustainable improvements in rural health systems across the United States. The Shoring Up to Sustainability initiative aims to strengthen the operational and financial resilience of rural healthcare systems in South Carolina by investing in critical facility enhancements and delivering targeted masterclass training for rural providers.

The Mark Mayden Scholarship, established in 2006 by the Community Foundation of Dickinson County, honors the legacy of Mark Mayden, a devoted supporter of agribusiness. This $700 scholarship aims to assist hardworking students from Dickinson County in pursuing technical or vocational education, fostering opportunities for future generations. By rewarding initiative and talent, the scholarship reflects Mark's belief in the transformative power of education and hard work, ensuring that deserving students have the support they need to succeed.