Best Grants for Journalism in South Carolina

Educational and nonprofit institutions in South Carolina conducting bird research, monitoring, or education can seek funding from the Carolina Bird Club for tangible, measurable bird conservation activities. Focused on ornithology and conservation in the Carolinas, eligible costs include lab and field supplies and limited travel to research sites; checks are paid to institutions, not individuals.

South Carolina 501(c)(3) nonprofits with innovative approaches to human services and other social issues can seek funding to develop or expand their programs. Focused on new solutions to existing or emerging societal problems, Creag Foundation invites eligible organizations to submit a letter of inquiry for potential support, which may include journalism-related initiatives.

501(c)(3) organizations supporting youth health, education, development, or welfare can apply for Dan Paul Foundation grants, with awards up to US $15,000. South Carolina journalism or media nonprofits may be eligible if their projects address child advocacy, poverty, homelessness, environmental education, or related youth-focused issues through reporting, education, or public engagement.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

Nonprofits and NGOs using technology to tackle education, crisis response, economic empowerment, or climate resilience challenges in South Carolina and worldwide can seek Global Impact Cash Grants, up to US $100,000. Cisco Systems Foundation supports innovative, early-stage, tech-enabled programs serving predominantly economically underserved communities, with applications accepted year-round via an initial LOI.

South Carolina cultural nonprofits offering arts or science programming can access funding through the William Randolph Hearst Foundation for program, capital, and limited general or endowment support. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations with audited expenses of at least $2 million, especially museums, performing arts institutions, and arts education or STEAM initiatives, may be competitive for awards over US $100,000.

South Carolina 501(c)(3) and equivalent charitable organizations can seek funding for health, education, or community programs that expand equitable care and education. Labcorp Charitable Foundation provides support for initiatives like food pantries, healthcare for underserved populations, STEM programming, and healthy lifestyle research, which may benefit journalism projects covering these community health and welfare issues.

Organizations supporting education, health, or family economic stability for urban low-income children and youth can apply for Michael & Susan Dell Foundation grants of more than US $50,000 for project support or scaling. Eligible entities in South Carolina and other U.S. locations, as well as India and South Africa, may benefit, including journalism initiatives within these focus areas.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on early childhood education or community economic development can apply for funding from PNC Foundation in South Carolina communities where PNC has a significant presence. Programs serving low- and moderate-income families, including education, housing, small business support, arts, and neighborhood revitalization, may be eligible and could include journalism-related community initiatives.

Focused on community development and social impact, accredited charities in South Carolina and worldwide can apply for Roche funding to support humanitarian, education, environmental, and arts initiatives. Journalism or media-related nonprofits may be eligible when projects advance social development, science education, or community engagement in line with Roche’s philanthropic priorities.

Nonprofits providing health, education, or humanitarian services to marginalized communities can seek support for medical care, disaster relief, literacy, and social services projects. Semnani Family Foundation provides South Carolina journalism and media organizations with potential funding if their work advances these human welfare priorities, alongside organizations in the U.S. and other countries worldwide.

With a mission to strengthen charitable, scientific, medical, and educational work, Sidney Stern Memorial Trust provides South Carolina 501(c)(3) organizations with support for programs serving the general welfare. Nonprofits whose journalism or media initiatives fit within these charitable purposes, and that use funds within the U.S., may be eligible.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and aligned for-profits can seek the J.W. Couch Foundation Storytelling Grant to fund communications projects that showcase their impact across preservation, education, or wellness programs, including wildlife conservation. Focused on narrative-driven media, the foundation invites South Carolina journalism and media-focused organizations working within these pillars to apply for awards of more than US $50,000.

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.

South Carolina 501(c)(3) organizations serving communities in areas like education, poverty relief, health, or family and youth services can access funding through Robinson Foundation for single-year projects in the Southern region. Journalism or media nonprofits may be eligible if their work advances these priorities and demonstrates tangible, meaningful impact and fiscal responsibility.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding in South Carolina may be eligible for support from the Dudley T Dougherty Foundation. Focused on broad social and environmental impact, this funding could help journalism initiatives that address these issues through reporting, storytelling, or public awareness projects.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and eligible government entities supporting education, environment, entrepreneurship, or community enrichment in South Carolina communities near Georgia-Pacific facilities can apply for Georgia-Pacific Foundation’s grants. Journalism or media organizations that qualify as charitable nonprofits and serve these local communities may be eligible if their work fits these focus areas.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations near TJX locations that provide basic needs, youth enrichment, workforce readiness, or domestic violence safety services in South Carolina can seek funding to support their programs. The TJX Foundation supports these community-focused efforts, and journalism organizations with related outreach or youth programs may be eligible if they meet the mission and distance requirements.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation provides South Carolina nonprofit organizations with US $1,000 - US $20,000 to support museums, cultural and performing arts, education, health facilities, environmental and wildlife protection, and other community-based programs. Journalism or media organizations that are IRS-qualified nonprofits may be eligible if their work fits these community-focused priorities.

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.

Independent nonprofit literary publishers and small presses in South Carolina can receive project funding for contemporary writing, including poetry, fiction, drama, and creative nonfiction. South Arts supports creation, publishing, and community engagement projects that feature Southern writers and literary arts, offering up to US $5,000 for eligible organizations in the South Arts region.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in South Carolina working on basic needs, community vitality, or volunteer-driven programs may be eligible for Ameriprise Financial Community Grants. Focus areas include hunger relief, shelter and supportive housing, adult self-sufficiency, community development, small business support, and cultural enrichment, with priority for sites engaging Ameriprise volunteers or serving key employee centers.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in South Carolina can seek funding for education, social services, health care, civic and cultural, or environmental projects through the Dr Scholl Foundation, with awards ranging from US $5,000 - US $25,000. Grants from Dr Scholl Foundation help journalism and other community-focused organizations support innovative, practical solutions, primarily within the U.S.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

Non-sectarian human and social services nonprofits working to help disadvantaged people become self-reliant, including those in South Carolina, can seek US $5,000 - US $250,000 for focused interventions or disaster relief. With a mission to support the disadvantaged, Gupta Family Foundation provides smaller organizations worldwide with annual or multi-year grants when at least 90% of funds reach beneficiaries.