Best Food Grants for Nonprofits in South Carolina

State and local agencies, local governing boards, nonprofits, tribes, and higher education institutions in eligible Appalachian counties in South Carolina can apply for Appalachian Regional Commission’s Area Development grants to fund critical infrastructure and workforce or business development projects. Organizations whose food access or hunger programs intersect with water, wastewater, transportation, broadband, or workforce initiatives may be eligible.

Nonprofit organizations in South Carolina that are 501(c)(3)s and run programs for children, education, or health and human services may be eligible for monetary support that could complement food access and hunger initiatives. Grants from Costco Foundation help community-focused nonprofits serving local residents in areas where Costco does business.

Early-stage, impact-first nonprofits and mission-driven for-profits working on food access and hunger in South Carolina can apply for up to US $300,000 over three years to scale proven solutions. Grants from Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation support scalable social impact ventures serving underserved communities across priority regions, including the U.S.

Nonprofit and NGO programs using technology to improve food security and other basic needs in South Carolina and beyond can apply for Global Impact Cash Grants, with awards up to US $100,000. Cisco Systems Foundation supports innovative, tech-enabled crisis response, education, and economic empowerment efforts serving predominantly economically underserved communities.

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.

South Carolina nonprofits addressing food access, hunger, health, education, or community services can access funding via Labcorp Charitable Foundation to support programs like food pantries, meal services, and related community initiatives. The foundation supports U.S.-based 501(c)(3) and equivalent organizations working in health and welfare, education, and community, with requests reviewed in March and September.

Nonprofits, social enterprises, schools, and other eligible organizations in South Carolina working on education, child health, or family economic stability for urban low-income youth can apply for Michael & Susan Dell Foundation grants; awards more than US $50,000 for project support or scaling. Programs must operate in the U.S. and align with the foundation’s mission and values.

Nonprofit and humanitarian organizations addressing food access, hunger, health care, and disaster relief can seek support, including work in South Carolina. Semnani Family Foundation provides global marginalized communities with funding for health, education, and emergency aid projects, and may support programs improving food security and related human services in eligible countries and the U.S.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations addressing food access and hunger in South Carolina can seek sponsorship support for community-focused programs. Bank of America Foundation supports initiatives that preserve neighborhoods, provide basic needs like food and emergency shelter, and advance workforce development and community development, with grants made at the foundation’s discretion under its housing, jobs, and hunger strategies.

South Carolina 501(c)(3) organizations serving food access, poverty relief, or related community needs in the Southern region can access funding through the Robinson Foundation for single-year program support. Eligible nonprofits must be at least three years old and work in areas such as children and families, disaster relief, medical assistance, or other humanitarian services.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

Charitable 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and qualified local government entities in South Carolina can apply for Georgia-Pacific Foundation’s grants to support education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, environment, and human services programs. Eligible applicants must be located within 30 miles of a Georgia-Pacific manufacturing community and serving communities where the company operates; food access initiatives may be included.

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.

South Carolina 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on food access, hunger, community health, education, environment, agriculture, poverty services, or public safety can apply for up to US $1,000 in corporate giving support. The Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation requires nonprofit, tax-exempt status and a Perdue associate endorsement for all requests.

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.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

South Carolina 501(c)(3) nonprofits addressing food access and hunger, along with related community needs, can seek more than US $1,000 to support programs and events. Focused on agriculture, environment, education, poverty, health, and public safety, the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation prioritizes communities near its facilities and where associates are involved.

Nonprofit organizations in Beaufort and Charleston counties preserving Jewish identity and culture or offering STEM education for youth can apply for approximately US $7,500 from Coastal Community Foundation. This invitation-only program supports community-strengthening initiatives and may benefit South Carolina nonprofits whose food or hunger work intersects with Jewish life or youth education.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in South Carolina can seek project funding in education, social services, health care, civic and cultural, or environmental programs through the Dr Scholl Foundation, with awards from US $5,000 - US $25,000. Grants from Dr Scholl Foundation help organizations that may include food access and hunger work within these broad categories.

With a mission to fight hunger, this program provides South Carolina 501(c)(3) nonprofits with funding strictly for purchasing food for hunger-relief efforts. Grants from the Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation are available bi-annually to organizations operating within 20 miles of a Food Lion store in eligible states, including South Carolina.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and tax-exempt organizations improving quality of life, educational achievement, or economic mobility for Spartanburg County residents can apply for Spartanburg County Foundation’s Continuous Improvement Grants, offering up to US $35,000. Programs that expand food access, reduce hunger, and support household stability in South Carolina may benefit from this one-year funding opportunity.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in South Carolina working on food security, education, health, or mental health can seek large grants of more than US $10,000. Focused on community well-being, Spinks Family Foundation invites groups serving the Upstate, Midlands, and Lowcountry with strong volunteer engagement to apply during its annual March cycle.

Eastern Carolina Community Foundation

Eastern Carolina Community Foundation, founded in 2006, is the newest community foundation in South Carolina. We have a permanent endowment to meet the changing needs of the Pee Dee.

Eastern Carolina Community Foundation improves the quality of life in our area of South Carolina through inspired philanthropy and innovative community programs. We serve Chesterfield, Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Marion, Marlboro, and Williamsburg Counties.

Community Impact Grants

Grantmaking at Eastern Carolina Community Foundation promotes partnerships with communities – its nonprofits, workers, families, and leaders – to cultivate thriving communities.

An annual community impact grant cycle exists to advance the missions of local nonprofits through a competitive grant process. Relying on a trust-based philanthropy model, ECCF intentionally focuses on receiving applications to support capacity building and operational support to assist nonprofit organizations in strengthening operations and infrastructure, enhancing organizational stability, planning for strategic growth, and/or making critical improvements to their facilities.

Proposals to be considered might include (but are not limited to):

• Staff training and development
• Operational support
• Facilities expansion or improvement
• Equipment
• Technology expenses
• Strategic planning

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing basic human needs and human services, including food assistance, in Eastern Massachusetts and Georgetown County, South Carolina can seek up to US $100,000 for program or small capital needs. Grants from Yawkey Foundation help South Carolina food access and hunger nonprofits fund timebound projects, equipment, or other non-salary program costs.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

Nonprofit organizations working on poverty, hunger, disability services, or humanitarian relief in South Carolina and other eligible countries can seek support for programs that help disadvantaged people become self-reliant. With a mission to uplift disadvantaged individuals, Gupta Family Foundation provides annual and multi-year grants ranging from US $5,000 - US $250,000 to smaller, non-sectarian organizations worldwide.