Best Small Grants for Nonprofits in South Carolina

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

South Carolina cultural nonprofits with U.S.-focused programs in the arts and sciences can access funding through the Hearst Foundation for program, capital, and limited general or endowment support. Eligible 501(c)(3) institutions include arts schools, museums, ballets, operas, symphonies, theaters, and arts education or STEAM initiatives, with awards typically more than US $100,000 and a preference for large, established organizations.

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 PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.