Best Workforce Grants 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 initiatives. Awards support projects like water and wastewater systems, transportation, broadband, entrepreneurship, worker training, and other business and human capital development efforts.

South Carolina and regional nonprofits offering education, workforce development, youth enrichment, or community well-being programs can access funding through Triangle Community Foundation’s Clancy & Theys 1949 Fund. Grants up to US $10,000 support initiatives that deliver measurable, lasting community impact, including job readiness, youth programming, and access to healthcare, housing, and essential social services.

501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting youth development, education, or welfare, including in South Carolina, can apply for the Dan Paul Foundation’s grants of up to US $15,000 for programs serving children and young people. Funding may support early childhood development, scholarships, child advocacy, homelessness and poverty services, refugee enrichment, and related youth-focused initiatives worldwide.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and government entities in South Carolina can seek up to US $20,000 for workforce development, economic mobility, and related community programs. Grants from Duke Energy Foundation help workforce preparation and job readiness initiatives, especially those tied to the energy economy and underserved communities, on a rolling basis in eligible counties.

South Carolina workforce and job readiness organizations, schools, government programs, and eligible nonprofits can access funding for safety, education, and community development initiatives. Grants from State Farm Companies Foundation support efforts like job training, financial literacy, STEM and K–12 education, affordable housing, disaster preparedness, and community revitalization across the U.S.

South Carolina nonprofits and other eligible charitable organizations can receive funding for health, education, and community programs that improve people’s well-being. Labcorp Charitable Foundation provides support for initiatives such as healthcare access for underserved populations, STEM education, food pantries, and healthy lifestyle programs, which may include workforce preparation and job readiness components.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

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.

Healthcare divisions and community organizations in South Carolina’s Spartanburg, Cherokee, Union, and Greenville counties can apply for Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Foundation grants to support workforce development and related health initiatives. Funding prioritizes projects improving community health, including behavioral health, maternal health, adolescents, and uninsured or underinsured populations in partnership with Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System.

South Carolina health-focused nonprofits, government agencies, and tax-exempt educational or research institutions can seek funding to improve health outcomes and expand access to care, especially for economically vulnerable residents. South Carolina workforce and job-readiness programs that address oral health, mental health, or broader community health needs may be eligible for support from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of South Carolina Foundation.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

Organizations and academic institutions improving education, career readiness, or workforce development for South Carolina residents can apply for South Carolina Student Loan’s Power: Ed Grant, awarding US $25,000 - US $100,000 for programs serving middle school students through adults. Workforce preparation and job readiness initiatives in South Carolina may be especially competitive.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

Insperity's Corporate Contributions program emphasizes community involvement and corporate citizenship, providing philanthropic grants and event sponsorships to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Eligible organizations must engage Insperity employees or contribute to the communities where they operate. The program aims to support nonprofits in achieving their service goals and enhancing community welfare. Applications must be submitted 90 days prior to events, and funding requests can be made once a year.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing workforce readiness training for at-risk youth near South Carolina TJX locations can seek support for job readiness and related services. The TJX Foundation also funds programs addressing basic needs, academic enrichment, and safety from domestic violence for vulnerable families and children within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office.

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.

South Carolina workforce and job-readiness programs focused on manufacturing careers can apply for funding to train a future-ready workforce, including technical skills, data analytics, and automation. Focused on manufacturing workforce development, American Honda Motor invites U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations and eligible schools serving Honda communities to request US $25,000 - US $100,000 for hands-on education initiatives.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

South Carolina workforce preparation and job readiness nonprofits serving underserved youth and families can access funding for education, leadership development, housing, food security, and environmental stewardship projects. Through the True Inspiration Awards, Chick Fil A Foundation offers US $30,000 - US $350,000 to 501(c)(3) organizations in the U.S., plus equivalent charities in Canada, the United Kingdom, and Singapore.

New or early-stage charter schools in South Carolina can seek funding to plan, launch, and initially operate high-quality public charter schools, with awards ranging from US $850,000 - US $1,000,000. The South Carolina Department of Education supports planning, curriculum, materials, equipment, professional development, and outreach, prioritizing strong models that address achievement gaps and underserved students.

South Carolina workforce and housing organizations with ready-to-scale affordable housing innovations can seek US $2,000,000 grants to expand proven models. South Carolina workforce preparation programs that improve housing access may be eligible for Enterprise Community Partners’ national Housing Affordability Breakthrough Challenge, which supports design and construction, finance, and service delivery solutions for low- and moderate-income residents.

State government agencies in South Carolina can access funding to strengthen rural health care systems, including facility improvements and workforce training. South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services provides US $500,000 - US $3,000,000 awards to support operational and financial resilience, which may benefit workforce preparation and job readiness efforts within rural healthcare settings.

Public school districts and schools in South Carolina can seek funding to pilot innovative programs that boost student achievement and readiness for college, careers, the military, and civic life. Grants from South Carolina Department of Education may benefit workforce preparation efforts through applied learning, workforce development, STEM/STEAM, literacy, and closing achievement gaps, especially in high-poverty, low-achieving schools.

2026-27 Career Cluster Partnership Program

Description

The South Carolina General Assembly has provided funds to the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) through a legislative proviso (H. 5126 General Appropriations Bill, Proviso 1A.27) for one year to award grants on a competitive basis to private-sector statewide trade associations that provide nationally certified programs in career and technical education representing the automotive, construction, engineering, healthcare, mechanical contracting/construction, and hospitality and tourism career clusters. The purpose of this program is to support instructor/student training and student testing in industry clusters to increase the state’s skilled workforce. The SCDE administers the program through its Office of Career Readiness (OCR).

Eligible 501(c)(3) charities, houses of worship, government entities, and fiscally sponsored programs in South Carolina can apply for Frances P. Bunnelle Foundation’s fall Grants for the Common Good, awarding US $2,500 - US $15,000 for general operating or special projects. Georgetown County organizations focused on workforce preparation, poverty, basic needs, or environmental preservation may benefit.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing workforce preparation, job readiness, and career pathways programming for adult workers can apply for US $10,000 - US $250,000 in Inspire Awards funding. Truist Foundation provides South Carolina and other eligible state nonprofits with support for training, upskilling, AI literacy, wraparound services, and career navigation in the evolving AI-driven economy.