Best Large Grants for Nonprofit Organizations in South Carolina

The Kroger Foundation is dedicated to uplifting communities through significant charitable contributions, having donated over $1.9 billion in the past six years. Their focus on combating hunger through the Zero Hunger | Zero Waste initiative exemplifies their commitment to social impact. Annually, they provide over $300 million to nonprofit organizations aligned with their mission, promoting health, education, and disaster relief while fostering diversity and inclusion. This initiative reflects Kroger's belief that strong communities are a shared responsibility.

The Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation, established in 2001, has awarded over $17.5 million to combat hunger in its operating areas. This foundation focuses on supporting children at risk of hunger and enhancing the capacity of feeding agencies to provide nutritious meals. They also emphasize nutrition education to mitigate health risks associated with hunger. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits located within 20 miles of a Food Lion store, with applications accepted annually.

About

Central Carolina Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that helps generous people give back to the Midlands of South Carolina in ways that matter. Since 1984, we’ve been a trusted partner, helping individuals, families, and businesses make smart, meaningful contributions that support local nonprofits, scholarships, and community projects.

Benny and Eleanor Clark Scholarship ($2,200)

This renewable scholarship is available to the following (1) residents of South Carolina attending a Historically Black College or University that is located in South Carolina. 

About

Central Carolina Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that helps generous people give back to the Midlands of South Carolina in ways that matter. Since 1984, we’ve been a trusted partner, helping individuals, families, and businesses make smart, meaningful contributions that support local nonprofits, scholarships, and community projects.

Dinkins Family Scholarship ($2,000)

This renewable scholarship is available for graduating high school seniors whose permanent address is in the Community Foundation’s 11-county service area (Calhoun, Clarendon, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lee, Lexington, Newberry, Orangeburg, Richland, Saluda, and Sumter). 

About

The Costume Society of America (CSA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded on March 23, 1973, and incorporated in the state of New York on September 12, 1973. CSA serves it members, and promotes its goals with national symposia and publications including the journal Dress and its monthly electronic newsletter CSA e-News.

The organization began forming regional groups in 1978. There are six regional groups in the United States and Canada, and one international group. Individual regions hold annual meetings, sponsor programs and publish newsletters.

Our Mission

The Costume Society of America fosters an understanding of appearance and dress practices of people across the globe through research, education, preservation, and design. Our network of members studies the past, examines the present, and anticipates the future of clothing and fashion.

Colleen Callahan Professional Development Award

Members are invited to apply for the Professional Development Grant offered by Southeastern Region of the Costume Society of America. Awards will be made at a minimum of $250 with the total award not to exceed $1000. Your project may be on any aspect of costume, any technical skill, or any administrative expertise which will further the mission and purposes of the Costume Society of America. The grant money may be applied to research, a course, workshop fees, or travel.

Entergy’s Open Grants Program aims to enhance community well-being through funding initiatives in arts, education, social services, and community improvement. The program prioritizes support for organizations that serve diverse populations, including children and low-income communities. Eligible entities must have 501(c)(3) status or equivalent nonprofit recognition. Applications should be submitted three months in advance, allowing ample time for review. Entergy focuses on projects that foster self-sufficiency and enrich local neighborhoods.

The Growing Tribal Economies Through Forest Market Innovations grant program, initiated by First Nations Development Institute, aims to empower Tribes and Alaska Native Villages to engage in emerging markets that enhance forest health and resilience. With funding of $200,000 to $500,000 per grant, this initiative supports projects focusing on sustainability, innovation, and traditional knowledge. Eligible applicants are encouraged to develop forest products, certifications, and practices that contribute positively to biodiversity and ecosystem management.

The Stimulating Hematology Investigation: New Endeavors (SHINE) program aims to enhance nonmalignant hematology research aligned with the goals of the NIDDK, NIA, and NHLBI. It invites R01 grant applications focused on innovative and early translational hematology topics, fostering growth in this critical research area. Key deadlines for applications span from February 2025 to October 2027, allowing for both standard and renewal submissions.

The Asian Cultural Council's New York Fellowship offers a transformative six-month program for artists, scholars, and arts professionals from Asia. Participants engage deeply with New York City's vibrant cultural landscape, attending performances, exhibitions, and workshops while building networks with local communities. This unique opportunity fosters peer-learning and individual artistic development, encouraging fellows to incorporate their experiences into their practices and contribute to their home cultures. The fellowship emphasizes exploration, exchange, and support, culminating in a rich cultural immersion.

The Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation supports nonprofits focused on alleviating poverty and promoting social justice in the South. It seeks organizations with strong ties to low-wealth communities, clear strategies for addressing systemic issues, and a long-term vision for change. Eligible applicants should demonstrate accountability, strategic networking, and a commitment to racial equity. The Foundation is open to innovative approaches and encourages submissions from groups aligned with its mission, fostering impactful community partnerships.

The ReFED Catalytic Grant Fund, managed by Refed Inc., supports innovative solutions to minimize food waste and reduce methane emissions, a cost-effective strategy for climate action. This fund prioritizes initiatives that enhance food recycling and improve supply chain efficiency in the beef and dairy sectors. By focusing on proven methods, the grant aims to accelerate impactful changes in the food system, ultimately fostering sustainable practices and collaborative efforts to combat food waste.

The Strategic Alliance Matching Grant - Division II offers financial support to enhance ethnic minority and gender representation in mid- to senior-level athletics administration roles across NCAA Division II institutions. With an annual budget of $860,000, the grant aims to fund up to 20 schools and conferences each year. Eligible applicants must be active Division II members and are encouraged to collaborate with their human resources departments during the proposal process, ensuring compliance with grant requirements.

The Coaching Enhancement Grant - Division II aims to enhance diversity in NCAA coaching by providing financial support for new assistant coaching positions. This grant specifically targets increased representation of ethnic minorities and women in athletics. Selected schools receive funding for three years to cover salaries and benefits, totaling $370,000 annually for up to 21 institutions. Eligible schools must be active NCAA Division II members committed to these diversity efforts.

The Asian Cultural Council's Individual Fellowship provides artists, scholars, and arts professionals from Asia and the United States with opportunities for self-directed cultural exchange and research in unfamiliar regions. This program supports activities such as interviews, workshops, and archival research, fostering cultural immersion and collaboration. With a funding limit of $35,000, the fellowship encourages innovative proposals that enhance creative perspectives and relationships among peers, while also ensuring strong eligibility criteria for applicants.

The Gridiron Veterans Scholarship, provided by the Bob Woodruff Foundation, offers essential financial support for military veterans and first responders. This initiative focuses on wellness, rehabilitation, and recovery programs, ensuring participants can access mental health services, physical therapy, and holistic resources. The foundation prioritizes those facing emotional and physical challenges, empowering them to overcome barriers and improve their quality of life through customized, evidence-based support.

The Health Center Program assists health centers in FEMA-declared disaster areas, specifically Hurricane Helene, by allowing them to request an advance of up to 25% of their FY 2025 award. This funding aims to cover unforeseen costs related to maintaining access to essential primary care services. However, it's important to note that the final award will be reduced by the requested advance amount.

Senior Centers and Permanent Improvement Project Grant

The Older Americans Act identifies the South Carolina Department on Aging (SCDOA) as a leader in the development of multipurpose senior centers. Currently, the state has three nationally certified senior centers. Several additional centers are fully operational but have not yet achieved certification, while others operate solely as group dining sites.

Senior Center Permanent Improvement Project (PIP) Grant Program

 It is the intent of the South Carolina Department on Aging for all multipurpose senior centers to be focal points in their respective communities. The Older Americans Act (OAA) defines a focal point as a facility established to encourage the maximum collocation and coordination of services for older individuals.

A focal point is a facility established to provide local leadership on aging issues, to provide older adults access to services at a central location with customer-oriented staff, and to assist those in the community who have an interest in, or need for, information, resources, or services. All Permanent Improvement Program (PIP) funded Multipurpose Senior Centers shall be focal points of their respective communities.

In 1991, the South Carolina State Legislature established the Senior Center Permanent Improvement Project (PIP) grant program and appropriated $948,000 per year from State Bingo tax ($79,000 monthly) and licensing fee revenues to fund a list of 74 specifically identified capital improvement projects. The total amount of funding required to complete these projects was reached in the year 2000.

The original legislation was amended by the General Assembly in 1997 to continue the program beyond the original list and the State Unit on Aging (hereafter called the SC Department on Aging or SCDOA), was given responsibility for developing an ongoing process to select and fund applications for senior center capital improvement projects. The resulting procedures created a competitive grant process for securing Senior Center PIP funds.

The Destination Specific Tourism Marketing Grant, administered by the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism, aims to promote tourism through recurring and potential nonrecurring funding. This grant supports local initiatives to enhance the state's tourism industry, which is vital to South Carolina's economy. Applications will be accepted quarterly starting December 2025, with funds typically released at the time of award or by October 31 for nonrecurring allocations.

The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Subgrant Program aims to enhance the health of elementary school students by providing free fresh fruits and vegetables throughout the school day. This initiative encourages healthier eating habits, increases fruit and vegetable consumption, and fosters partnerships among schools and local organizations. With funding available for the 2025–26 school year, schools with a high percentage of students qualifying for free or reduced-price meals will receive $50 per student to support this vital program.

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

The Southeastern Branch John Henry Comstock Award recognizes outstanding Ph.D. students in entomology, promoting interest in the field and supporting attendance at the ESA annual meeting. Awardees receive an all-expenses-paid trip, a $100 cash prize, and a certificate, with additional cash prizes presented by the Southeastern Branch. Eligibility includes being a current member and demonstrating excellence in graduate studies. This award fosters professional development and engagement within the entomology community.

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.

Scholarships

Eastern Carolina Community Foundation partners with donors to administer 12 scholarship funds for the benefit of students in the Pee Dee. All scholarship opportunities are established through specific funds established at ECCF with criteria determined by the donor. 

Christine Sides Fisher Arts and Music Education Scholarship

The Christine Sides Fisher Arts and Music Education Scholarship has been established by Christine and Tim Fisher in support of students who are seeking higher education in the field of performing arts and music education.

The fund provides up to a $10,000 4-year scholarship, awarded as a $2,500 multi-year scholarship to a Florence 1 Schools student or alumni pursuing an education degree in the field of performing arts education.

Students will receive a $2,500 award in their 2nd, 3rd, and 4th years of enrollment as long as proof of passing grades and enrollment in the performing arts department of the South Carolina educational institution or the University of North Carolina at Pembroke are submitted to Eastern Carolina Community Foundation by July 1 of each subsequent year.

The Title I, Part C Migrant Education Program in South Carolina aims to enhance educational opportunities for migratory children and youth. This initiative supports their success in meeting state academic standards and graduating high school. The program addresses unique challenges faced by these students, including educational disruptions and cultural barriers. Approximately $250,000 is available for subgrants, with the SC Department of Education planning to award four grants based on application quality.

The Mazamas is committed to exploring and preserving mountain environments in the Pacific Northwest through research grants. These grants support nonprofit research that aligns with the Mazamas’ mission, encouraging proposals from graduate and undergraduate students. Successful applicants often conduct field studies that enhance understanding of the region's natural features. Notably, the Mazamas also welcome innovative research ideas that may fall outside traditional grant guidelines, promoting a diverse range of scientific inquiry.

The Delta Dental of South Carolina Oral Health Grant Program aims to enhance oral health across all ages, particularly focusing on underserved populations. The program seeks to reduce oral diseases through education and ensure access to quality dental care. Grants ranging from over $5,000 to $100,000 are available for projects that demonstrate measurable impacts on oral health, especially in rural areas. Eligible organizations include public charities and governmental entities serving South Carolinians.

The Tourism Advertising Grant Program, administered by the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism, aims to enhance tourism across the state by offering competitive matching grants. These funds support qualified partners in executing direct advertising strategies that promote tourism, with a focus on increasing visitor interest and spending. Eligible applicants include tourism organizations and local government entities. The program features various funding caps based on the type of event or destination, ensuring broad participation and impactful marketing initiatives.

The Anderson-Rogers Foundation Grant supports U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations focused on environmental protection, animal welfare, climate change mitigation, and social support. Established in 2001, this family foundation prioritizes innovative projects and general operating support for small organizations facing financial constraints. Note that applicants must first submit a letter of inquiry, as the foundation does not fund scholarships or grants to individuals or religious organizations, nor does it support organizations outside the U.S.