Best Large Grants for Nonprofit Organizations in South Carolina

The Dr. Carolyn Ghazal Dental Assistant Scholarships, offered by the Pacific Dental Services Foundation, provide financial aid of up to $5,000 for eligible dental assistant students. Applicants must be over 18, U.S. citizens or legal residents, and enrolled in a qualifying program. The scholarship emphasizes mentorship and training, supporting the next generation of dental assistants. Awards are based on financial need and application quality, with multiple cycles each year to support aspiring professionals.

The Thomas Webster Hardwick Jr. Scholarship, offered by the Hampton Wildlife Fund, provides a $5,000 annual award for four years to deserving students. This scholarship is aimed at South Carolina seniors in public or private high schools who plan to pursue higher education in natural resource disciplines. It honors Mr. Hardwick's legacy, promoting conservation and environmental education, ensuring that future generations appreciate the state's wildlife and natural landscapes.

The Harry Hampton Fund Scholarship, established by the Hampton Wildlife Fund, provides a $5,000 scholarship annually to support South Carolina residents pursuing higher education in natural resource-related fields. Eligible applicants must be seniors in high school, maintain a GPA of 2.5 or above, and select a major in disciplines such as wildlife biology, forestry, or environmental science. This initiative promotes academic growth while fostering a deeper appreciation for the state's wildlife and natural resources.

The MagMutual Foundation Grant supports 501(c)(3) organizations dedicated to enhancing healthcare access and diversity. It funds initiatives like pro-bono medical care for underserved populations, scholarships for minority medical students, and support for healthcare workers facing challenges. The foundation aims to maximize its positive influence in communities by advocating for policyholders and promoting meaningful changes in medical practices. Eligible applicants must have a policyholder's recommendation and be a registered non-profit.

For 30 years, the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation has served as a partner in philanthropy to credit unions, with a mission to empower and inspire credit unions in the Carolinas through collaborative opportunities to enrich our communities. A great example of this collaborative philanthropy is our scholarship program. 

More than 20 credit unions in North Carolina and South Carolina have active managed funds at the Foundation. The generosity of these credit unions helps hundreds of high school seniors as well as undergraduate and graduate students receive scholarship funds each year.

As a member of any of the following credit unions, you may apply for a scholarship. 

Revity Federal Credit Union Scholarship Fund

Revity FCU awards two $5,000 scholarships every year to two outstanding high school seniors to help them achieve their college education.

All applications and related information will be reviewed by the Scholarship Review Committee appointed by the Board. 

Additionally, applying for the Revity FCU Scholarship above will also apply you for the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation Scholarship. The CCUF Scholarship is open to anyone seeking higher education in North Carolina or South Carolina.

The David M. Cline Scholarship, established by the Hampton Wildlife Fund in 2011, honors a dedicated board member who supported wildlife conservation in South Carolina. This scholarship is available to seniors in South Carolina high schools pursuing higher education in law enforcement, criminal justice, or forensic science. By fostering education in these fields, the scholarship aims to continue Mr. Cline's legacy of promoting wildlife and environmental stewardship in the Palmetto State.

Gilead North America Grants support community-informed programs that enhance healthcare for vulnerable populations. Grants are available for innovative projects addressing HIV, liver diseases, oncology, and inflammatory diseases. Applications are invited from tax-exempt nonprofits based in the U.S. who focus on health equity and community engagement. Gilead prioritizes funding for projects that demonstrate a strong capability to deliver impactful outcomes, helping to eliminate barriers to healthcare and improve access to essential services.

About The Hospital Auxiliary

The Hospital Auxiliary has been a cornerstone of support and service in Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, and the surrounding areas since 1974. As one of the first service organizations on the island, our mission has always been to assist local hospitals and the community through dedicated volunteer efforts and impactful programs. Together, we strive to make a difference in the lives of those most in need.

Scholarships in Healthcare

The Hospital Auxiliary is proud to support healthcare in our community through our scholarship program. Our goal is to provide financial assistance to individuals seeking advanced education in healthcare fields with an emphasis on those studying nursing in the Lowcountry. Scholarships are funded from a variety of sources including our annual Invitational Golf Tournament, grants from organizations like Power:Ed, a Philanthropy of SC Lends, and donations from individuals. In 2025, the Hospital Auxiliary provided scholarship funding to more than 30 students of diverse backgrounds in nursing and other healthcare fields.

Our scholarships are currently designated for:

• Students at the Technical College of the Lowcountry in nursing and allied health programs
• Students at the University of South Carolina Bluffton in nursing programs
• Employees of Novant and eligible dependent children or spouses pursuing degrees in healthcare

The Hospital Auxiliary Healthcare Scholarship

We are pleased to announce that we are once again offering the Hospital Auxiliary Healthcare Scholarship for the 2026-2027 academic year. All full and part-time employees of Novant in the Low Country are eligible, including employees of Hilton Head Medical Center, Coastal Carolina Medical Center, Belfair Medical Campus, Tidewatch Emergency Department, and all Novant Low Country urgent care locations, clinics and practices. Children and spouses of employees are also eligible. 

The E.B. Henderson Award, presented by SHAPE America, honors minority members who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to scholarship, mentorship, and advocacy for ethnic minorities within health and physical education. Established in 1885, SHAPE America serves over 200,000 professionals, promoting high-quality education standards. The award recognizes individuals who have significantly contributed to increasing the participation of underserved populations in the field. Limited to two awards annually, it highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion in health education.

The Hospital Auxiliary Power: Ed Scholarship provides financial assistance to South Carolina residents pursuing advanced education in healthcare, particularly nursing. Established in 1974, the Auxiliary has supported over 30 diverse students each year through funding from events like the Invitational Golf Tournament and grants from organizations such as Power:Ed. This initiative aims to improve access to nursing programs and address the nursing shortage in the state, thereby strengthening the local healthcare community.

The EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement-Focused Collaborations Program (RII-FEC) aims to enhance research capabilities in eligible jurisdictions by fostering partnerships among government, higher education, and industry. This program supports interdisciplinary teams of researchers to tackle significant challenges in STEM fields, promoting diversity and broadening participation. By integrating Minority-Serving Institutions and early-career faculty from underrepresented backgrounds, RII-FEC seeks to build sustainable STEM capacity and drive impactful discoveries across regions.

2027-2028 Community Mental Health Services Block Grant

The BHDD federal fiscal year 2027-2028 Community Mental Health Services Block Grant Application was available for review and public comment from August 24-31, 2026.

Please note that this application serves as the Agency’s Community Mental Health Services Block Grant State Plan, required by Public Law 102-321, for providing comprehensive community mental health services to adults with a serious mental illness (SMI) and to children with a serious emotional disturbance (SED). The Block Grant is a noncompetitive formula grant that is provided to BHDD Office of Mental Health by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

Community Mental Health Services Block Grant (MHBG)

Each year, BHDD receives a two-year grant from SAMHSA. This grant is called the Community Mental Health Services Block Grant (MHBG). It is a noncompetitive grant based on a formula; funding is provided by SAMHSA to 59 recipients. The funding must be used to provide “comprehensive, community-based mental health services” to two types of people: adults with serious mental illnesses (SMI) and children with serious emotional disturbances (SED). Additionally, the funding can be used to help people who are having mental health crises, even if they have not been diagnosed with SMI or SED. Learn more about the block grant here.

There are many different services and programs that can be funded by the block grant – as long as the services fall into the category of “comprehensive, community-based mental health services” for the two types of people listed above, or the services are for people in crisis. This includes services like individual counseling, family counseling, group counseling, psychiatric services, medication management, transitional services, care coordination and crisis interventions.

BHDD provides block grant funding to each of its 16 community mental health centers (CMHCs) and several central administration programs. These CMHCs and programs provide a wide variety of services to patients and people in crisis.

BHDD also allocates block grant funding to nonprofit organizations through a competitive solicitation process. The next available solicitation will fund nonprofits from July 2026 – June 2029. Nonprofit organizations that are interested in applying for block grant funding should check this webpage in the summer of 2025 for more information about the next solicitation.

A Mental Health Planning Council is a required activity for this grant. The purpose of the Planning Council is to ensure collaboration among various state agencies and provide opportunities for people with lived experiences with mental illness to give feedback and input to BHDD. Specific state agencies are required to participate on the council. A minimum of 51% of the Planning Council members must be people with lived experiences with mental illness or family members of people with mental illnesses. 

Margaret and Jack Paylor Family Scholarship Fund

The Margaret and Jack Paylor Family Scholarship Fund was created to provide financial assistance for higher education attainment to economically disadvantaged students residing in Greenville County and planning to be attending a South Carolina public college/university. 

Funding

• $5,000 per academic year.
• The goal of this fund is to award four $5,000 scholarships annually for a total annual distribution of $20,000.
• The number of annual awards is limited to the fund’s distributable amount based on the terms outlined in the Fund Agreement.
• All award distributions will be made by the Community Foundation on the recommendation of the Scholarship Advisory Committee and will be paid in two installments ($2,500 per semester) to an approved educational institution in the name of the recipient.
• Scholarship recipients must maintain a 2.5 GPA. If scholarship eligibility is lost during the first semester of an academic year, the second installment of $2,500 will not be issued.
• Scholarship funds are awarded for one academic year. 

The SCAC District Arts Support Grants provide essential funding of up to $25,000 per year for two years to South Carolina school districts. These grants aim to promote standards-based arts education, ensuring that creative writing, dance, music, theatre, media arts, and visual arts are integral to daily instruction. Priority is given to districts with fewer ABC schools and those without ABC grant recipients, fostering an inclusive arts curriculum across the state.

The Charles B. Keesee Educational Fund Scholarship offers financial support for students pursuing eligible Master's and Doctoral degrees at various Baptist seminaries. Grants range from $3,100 to $8,800 annually, depending on the program and applicant status. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and residents of specific states, have a minimum GPA of 2.5, and demonstrate intent to enter Baptist ministry. This fund has assisted thousands of students since its establishment in 1941.

The Diesel Emissions Reduction Act Program was created under the Energy Policy Act of 2005. This act gave EPA new grant and loan authority for promoting diesel emission reductions and authorized appropriations to the Agency of up to $200 million per year through FY2011. Congress appropriated funds for the first time under this program in FY2008. 

In 2020, DERA was reauthorized under Division S – Innovation for the Environment section of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 for up to $100 million annually through 2024. The program will continue to award grants and rebates to achieve diesel emissions reduction.

The DERA State Grant is intended for county, city, or other local government entities, private businesses, colleges and universities, and non-profit organizations. DERA grants are awarded to eligible applicants for the implementation of diesel emissions reduction projects which will positively impact air quality and public health. Projects should be cost-effective, easily feasible, and reduce emissions through engine repowers, equipment and exhaust retrofits, or equipment replacements. DERA grants typically cover 25% of eligible costs; however, the award can be more dependent on the type of project. The applicant is responsible for the remaining costs.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers Adult Literacy Grants to support organizations providing essential literacy services to adults. Grants of up to $10,000 are available for programs in Adult Basic Education, GED preparation, and English language acquisition. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and libraries located within 15 miles of a Dollar General store. The foundation aims to enhance educational opportunities and foster personal growth through literacy.

The Queer Mobilization Fund (QMF) supports community-led projects that advance Queer and Trans liberation, particularly for BIPOC individuals in the Southeastern US. Established in 2016, QMF prioritizes grassroots organizations with budgets under $300,000. The fund emphasizes rapid response funding and capacity building, aiming to empower marginalized communities often excluded from financial support. QMF does not fund groups outside the Southeast or for-profit activities, ensuring resources are directed towards those leading efforts for LGBTQ+ rights.

Relentless Challenge Grants

The Relentless Challenge is a statewide competitive grant program and is South Carolina’s call to action for innovative problem-solving and entrepreneurial impact. Aligned with the Launch to Legacy brand, S.C. Commerce’s vision to support businesses at every stage and position the state as the new home for American innovation, the 2026 Relentless Challenge supports two complementary tracks: traditional small business and innovation.

While distinct in focus, both tracks share a common thread: empowering South Carolina’s businesses to launch, grow and innovate for long-term success. Traditional small businesses form the backbone of local economies and play a vital role in sustained economic growth. Innovation-driven companies, whether new or well-established, contribute to future advancement through R&D and product innovation. Together, they create a balanced ecosystem where stability and disruption coexist, enabling businesses to thrive and fueling statewide prosperity.

Track One: Traditional Small Business

Every business has the potential to innovate. This track funds creative, actionable solutions to the challenges facing South Carolina’s traditional small businesses. The goal is to spark the development of new ventures, strengthen existing ones, and improve access to capital through targeted funding and financial education resources — ultimately helping traditional small businesses grow, flourish, and contribute to the state’s economic vitality.

Track Two: Innovation

Designed to advance South Carolina’s innovation economy, this track supports projects that foster a resilient ecosystem for innovation. Emphasis is specifically placed on catalyzing high-growth entrepreneurship, expanding access to risk capital, and deepening collaboration between higher education institutions and companies of all sizes — laying the foundation for next-generation industries and long-term economic impact.

Secretary's Intent

The Department's Purpose

The South Carolina Department of Veterans' Affairs exists to serve this state's Veterans, service members, and their families and to promote the value Veterans bring to their communities and their fellow citizens.

Veterans' Homelessness and Transition Grant

The Veterans’ Homelessness and Transition Grant was established on October 16, 2023, to provide funding to organizations that serve homeless Veterans or Veterans at imminent risk of being homeless with resources to obtain permanent housing. The Veterans Homelessness and Transition Grant Program is funded through an appropriation by the South Carolina General Assembly and managed by the South Carolina Department of Veterans’ Affairs (SCDVA).

The grant aims to enhance nonprofit organizations and state agencies' housing assistance programs for Veterans. The South Carolina Department of Veterans' Affairs will award a grant to nonprofit groups and state governmental agencies that assist eligible South Carolina Veterans with housing assistance, utility assistance, rental assistance, or drug addiction treatment and transitional housing programs.

The minimum grant award is $50,000, and the maximum grant award amount is $250,000 per grant cycle. Veteran eligibility is defined by Title 38 of the Code of Federal Regulations, as “a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service and who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable.”

The Bonnie Cardone Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Women Divers Hall of Fame, awards $1,500 to a woman diver enrolled in a U.S. or Canada degree program in journalism, graphic arts, photography, or videography. This scholarship aims to support those committed to using their education to benefit the ocean environment and community, promoting greater awareness and conservation efforts. Eligible applicants must demonstrate their dedication to these fields and their potential impact on marine ecosystems.

The SFS Fellows Grant, awarded by the Society for Freshwater Science, recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to freshwater science research, policy, or management. Each year, up to four fellows are selected based on their sustained excellence and leadership within the field. This initiative also encourages diversity by promoting nominations from underrepresented groups and mid-career professionals. The grant fosters collaboration and participation in SFS activities, enhancing the impact of freshwater science.

The AFFA Small Grants Program supports nonprofit organizations in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia that address the needs of LGBTQ+ youth. Grants range from $500 to $4,000 and prioritize projects promoting long-term social change and emotional health. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits and demonstrate a commitment to social justice. Projects can include training events, community workshops, and collaborative initiatives aimed at improving the lives of LGBTQ+ youth.

The Indian Environmental General Assistance Program (GAP), administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), provides crucial funding to tribal governments and intertribal consortia for developing environmental protection programs. Since 1992, GAP has focused on remediation of pollutants and, more recently, supports climate adaptation initiatives. The program emphasizes tribal sovereignty while aiding in capacity building, policymaking, and establishing joint EPA-Tribal Environmental Plans to effectively address environmental challenges faced by tribal communities.

The California Casualty Music & Arts Grant supports K-12 public schools facing budget cuts that threaten their music and arts programs. Eligible applicants, who must be active employees of public K-12 schools and members of specified educator associations, can request grants of $250 for music or arts needs. This initiative aims to enhance creative education across the states, excluding AK, HI, MA, MI, NY, and WI. Applications received by July 15 will be notified by November 30.

The Starseed Foundation Grant offers support to 501(c)(3) organizations focused on enhancing the arts, environmental protection, literacy, and social services. Grants are available to organizations throughout the United States, with a specific emphasis on programs based in Oregon. Interested parties must first submit a Letter of Inquiry to be considered for funding. This initiative aims to improve the quality of life for underserved communities through cultural and educational enrichment.

The Summer Arts Education Project Grants, provided by the South Carolina Arts Commission, aim to enhance arts education for K-12 students during summer breaks in 2022 and 2023. Grants of up to $50,000 are available, encouraging collaborations between various organizations to expand access to arts education. Priority is given to projects that serve rural or high-poverty areas and address learning loss from COVID-19. Eligible applicants include universities, government units, and registered nonprofits.