Best Large Grants for Nonprofit Organizations in South Carolina

The Ellie and Michael Agresta Scholarship, established in 2010 by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, supports motivated students from Hilton Head Island who demonstrate financial need. This scholarship aims to provide post-secondary educational opportunities for those who may not otherwise afford college. Eligible applicants must be high school seniors with a GPA of 2.75 or higher and plan to attend a public college or university in South Carolina. Recipients may reapply for continued support.

The Carolina Panthers offer complimentary tickets to non-profit organizations serving youth and military troops in the Carolinas. These tickets are generously donated by PSL Owners who cannot attend games. Organizations defined as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) may apply, but only one request per year is allowed. Due to limited ticket availability, flexibility with game selections is necessary. Please note, these tickets are not for resale or fundraising events.

The South Carolina Department of Public Safety's Office of Highway Safety and Justice Programs (OHSJP) is charged with the responsibility of the administration of the federally-funded State and Community Highway Safety (Section 402) Program and coordination of highway safety activities throughout the state on behalf of the Office of the Governor.  Highway Safety grant funds are awarded to qualified applicants to create new or expand existing highway safety programs, with the intention that such initiatives continue when grant funding is discontinued.  Applications must address at least one of the following priority emphasis areas, and/or support strategies found in South Carolina’s Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP), or other traffic safety program areas that are identified and supported by data. 

• Police Traffic Services
• Impaired Driving Countermeasures
• Highway Safety Education

The Sports Tourism Advertising and Recruitment Grant aims to enhance South Carolina's tourism economy by financially assisting nonprofit organizations in recruiting new sporting events. This initiative not only generates immediate revenue through visitor spending but also promotes long-term tourism growth. With a 1:1 match up to $50,000 available for event-related costs, the grant encourages innovative sporting events that can significantly benefit local communities, creating a vibrant sports tourism landscape in the state.

The Anchor QEA Scholarship supports graduate students pursuing degrees in engineering, environmental sciences, or related fields, with awards between $1,000 and $10,000. This program emphasizes helping those in financial need, particularly focusing on BIPOC students to address inequities in STEM. Eligible candidates must demonstrate a commitment to community service and possess an inclusive mindset. This initiative reflects Anchor QEA's dedication to fostering a diverse and equitable educational environment.

The Jay L. Smith Family Foundation provides grants to tax-exempt non-profit organizations in the United States, primarily focusing on healthcare, family values, and supporting the disadvantaged. With a strong commitment to Alzheimer's research, the foundation has funded various initiatives including elderly care, domestic violence prevention, and cancer research. Their mission is to enhance the quality of life for individuals and communities through meaningful contributions, aiming to address critical social issues and promote well-being.

The Dollar General School Library Relief Grant Program, managed by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, provides crucial support to K-12 public school libraries that face significant damage due to disasters such as fires or federally recognized acts of terrorism. This grant aims to restore essential library resources, ensuring that affected communities can continue to access vital educational materials and support. Libraries must be within 15 miles of a Dollar General store and meet specific eligibility criteria.

The Honda USA Foundation provides funding to support mobility initiatives that empower individuals, particularly those facing disabilities, by removing barriers and expanding opportunities. Focused on sustainable change in underserved communities, the Foundation encourages applications for programs in education, infrastructure, and technology that align with its commitment to accessibility and inclusion. Eligible organizations must be based in the U.S. with appropriate tax-exempt status and can apply for multiple funding opportunities while adhering to specific eligibility criteria.

The Von Voigtlander Family Foundation Grant, though currently closed, aims to support 501(c)(3) charitable organizations, primarily in Michigan. The foundation emphasizes animal welfare, parks preservation, veteran support, and youth empowerment. Their mission is to enhance lives through community-focused initiatives that foster resilience, education, and well-being. They prioritize charities that promote responsible pet ownership, outdoor recreation, and provide resources for veterans and youth, ensuring a positive impact across multiple sectors.

The Barrier-Free Arts SC Grants aim to empower arts organizations in South Carolina to enhance accessibility for artists and constituents with disabilities. Over three years, grantees will receive tailored professional development and support to create and implement accessibility plans. Funding includes up to $3,500 in the first year and $5,000 in subsequent years, with a matching requirement in years two and three. Eligible organizations must be in good standing and possess the authority to modify their facilities.

The SC Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, funded by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, aims to support organizations involved with specialty crops in enhancing their competitiveness. Eligible applicants must present a project proposal focused on activities that benefit the specialty crop industry in South Carolina. Grants are not awarded to projects that profit a single organization or individual, ensuring that support is directed towards community-enhancing initiatives.

Who We Are

For nearly 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. The results of our work are visible across North and South Carolina, proving that by leveraging our cooperative spirit, we can change our communities.

Hero Awards

Each year, the Foundation honors people and organizations who have made or continue to make a transformational impact on the credit union movement. Hero Award winners are honored at the Foundation’s Awards Gala each year. 

Nominations for the following awards categories are accepted: The Lifetime Achievement Award, The Individual Achievement Award, The Partner in Philanthropy Award and The Advancing Equity Award.

The Lifetime Achievement Award

Honors one professional or one volunteer who has dedicated their life to promoting the credit union philosophy, created innovative concepts and exhibited leadership that has made a significant and lasting impact in the credit union movement on a local, national and/or international stage. This is traditionally awarded to an individual who has retired or has announced their retirement.

Who We Are

For nearly 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. The results of our work are visible across North and South Carolina, proving that by leveraging our cooperative spirit, we can change our communities.

Hero Awards

Each year, the Foundation honors people and organizations who have made or continue to make a transformational impact on the credit union movement. Hero Award winners are honored at the Foundation’s Awards Gala each year. 

Nominations for the following awards categories are accepted: The Lifetime Achievement Award, The Individual Achievement Award, The Partner in Philanthropy Award and The Advancing Equity Award.

The Individual Achievement Award

Honors one professional or one volunteer for their innovative concepts and/or accomplishments in the past three to five years that continue to contribute to the credit union community.

The Clancy & Theys 1949 Fund, managed by the Triangle Community Foundation, supports nonprofits in Central Florida, North Carolina, Upstate South Carolina, and Virginia. This donor-advised fund prioritizes initiatives in education, workforce development, youth programming, and community well-being, focusing on measurable impacts. The Foundation seeks to strengthen community ties and enhance quality of life by connecting donors with local organizations that address pressing needs. Both established partners and new applicants are encouraged to apply.

Foothills Community Foundation

In 1999, the founding members of Foothills Community Foundation shared a vision for our community. They focused their time, resources, and mission to promote philanthropy and provide a catalyst for giving in Anderson, Oconee, and Pickens Counties.

Today, our leaders share the same vision. We work to inspire participation in philanthropy and retain the charitable wealth in our community to positively impact lives now and for future generations.

Scholarships

Several different scholarship funds have been established by individuals, companies, and organizations wanting to assist individuals with furthering their education. All qualified applicants will be graduating high school seniors except for renewal options specifically noted. Qualifying criteria are specific to each individual scholarship.

Irvin Cauthen Scholarship

Seniors from Anderson, Oconee, or Pickens County who plan to major in business or engineering at Anderson University, Florida State University, Clemson University or Georgia Tech are qualified. This scholarship is renewable.

Scholarship funds are awarded for one academic year. A renewal application is required for each academic year with demonstration of being in good standing at their school of choice.

The Alleghany Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) organization in Virginia, focuses on enhancing the quality of life in the Alleghany Highlands through strategic funding initiatives. It seeks grant applications that address key areas such as economic transformation, educational excellence, health and wellness, community capacity, and civic leadership. By prioritizing innovative projects and supporting local organizations, the Foundation aims to foster sustainable growth and community engagement, ensuring a vibrant future for the region.

The Sea Pines Resort Community Fund aims to strengthen the Lowcountry through impactful charitable investments. This fund focuses on addressing community needs, promoting sustainability, and enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors. In 2025, special emphasis is placed on initiatives that significantly benefit Sea Pines Resort employees and their families, particularly in Beaufort, Colleton, and Jasper counties, through programs related to workforce development, housing access, and health services.

CSX Charitable Investments provide essential in-kind donations to nonprofit organizations focused on supporting military members and community first responders. Through intermodal transportation services, CSX offers equipment and rail services to help reduce transportation costs for eligible organizations. The program also includes occasional donations of railroad materials and equipment based on availability. CSX prioritizes support for organizations operating within its service areas, promoting community betterment and development.

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.

Alpha Iota Boulé – Matthew J. Perry, Jr. Scholarship ($8,300)

This renewable scholarship is for current or incoming postgraduate students at a law school located in South Carolina that is accredited by the American Bar Association. 

Who We Are

For nearly 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. The results of our work are visible across North and South Carolina, proving that by leveraging our cooperative spirit, we can change our communities.

Hero Awards

Each year, the Foundation honors people and organizations who have made or continue to make a transformational impact on the credit union movement. Hero Award winners are honored at the Foundation’s Awards Gala each year. 

Nominations for the following awards categories are accepted: The Lifetime Achievement Award, The Individual Achievement Award, The Partner in Philanthropy Award and The Advancing Equity Award.

The Partner in Philanthropy Award

Honors a business partner, service provider, chapter or credit union for its commitment and practices that exude philanthropic character and affirms the people helping people philosophy.

The NIDCD is offering funding to advance HIV/AIDS research, particularly focusing on areas related to communication disorders. This initiative supports low-risk clinical trials and encourages researchers to align their proposals with high priority topics identified by the NIH Office of AIDS Research. Applications must be submitted by the local deadline, with optional Letters of Intent due 30 days prior to the proposal deadline. This opportunity aims to enhance understanding and treatment in this crucial health area.

South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism

SCPRT operates state parks, markets the state as a tourist destination and provides grants for parks, recreation and tourism development.

Land and Water Conservation Fund

The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) is a Federal program that provides matching grants for the acquisition or development of outdoor recreation areas and facilities. This is a reimbursable grant program requiring a 50% match. Only state agencies and local governments may apply.

South Carolina has invested more than $67 million of Land & Water Conservation Funds in approximately 1,200 land acquisition and recreation facilities projects since the program began in 1965. The LWCF program has always required that any property acquired or developed with its funds be maintained in perpetuity as an active and viable outdoor recreation venue.

As in previous years, revitalizing existing LWCF properties will remain a topline priority; however, the 2026 round will also be open to new park projects, especially those that address capacity issues. For a new project to qualify for funding, the local government will have to prove, during an on-site inspection, that all of their existing LWCF properties are in good shape and are being used appropriately. If there are issues with any LWCF properties, we will request that you apply instead for LWCF to correct those problems.

The Food and Agricultural Sciences National Needs Graduate and Postgraduate Fellowships program, managed by the USDA's NIFA, aims to enhance the training of new graduate students in food and agricultural sciences. It provides essential funding for master's, DVM, and doctoral students, focusing on developing the next generation of experts to address critical needs in agricultural sciences. This initiative supports U.S. citizens and residents in achieving their educational goals and contributing to the USDA's mission.

The Rural Business Development Grants in South Carolina aim to provide technical assistance and training for small rural businesses, defined as those with fewer than 50 workers and less than $1 million in revenue. While there is no maximum grant amount, smaller requests are prioritized. Grant funds can be used for various projects, including training, land acquisition, pollution control, and community development, benefiting rural areas and enhancing economic growth.

Folklife & Traditional Arts Project Grants

Purpose

To ensure that South Carolina's diverse living traditions remain vibrant and visible parts of community life.

Traditional arts are expressions of shared identity that are learned as a part of the cultural life of a particular group. This shared identity may be rooted in family, geographic, tribal, occupational, religious, or ethnic connections, among others. As expressions of a living culture, traditional arts have been handed down from one generation to the next and reflect the shared experience, aesthetics, and values of a group. Traditional arts are dynamic, reflecting change and individual innovation over generations of practitioners.

This grant ensures that South Carolina’s many living traditions remain vibrant, visible parts of community life by supporting nonprofit organizations and units of government seeking to promote and sustain the traditional arts practiced across the state. South Carolina’s cultural landscape encompasses diverse artistic traditions and practitioners, including indigenous, longstanding, and more recently-arrived art forms and communities.

Funding

• Up to $6,000

Matching Requirement

• 1:1 (grantee:SCAC)

South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association

The South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association was founded in 1905 by a group of determined fire service leaders committed to strengthening the fire service through education, training, benefit provision, and legislative representation. Today, our mission stands: to serve the membership as the leader in fire service advocacy, benefits, education, and safety, while acting as the steward of the Firemen’s Insurance and Inspection Fund.

To fulfill this mission, the Association is supported by a family of programs and organizations that extend our reach and impact. These include the South Carolina Firefighters Foundation, the South Carolina Burned Children’s Fund (operating under the Foundation), the South Carolina Firefighters Insurance Services, and the South Carolina Firefighters Assistance Team.

Chief Jim Stone Scholarship

Chief James Casper Stone Jr., a 50-year veteran, joined the Darlington Fire Department in 1962. In 1984, he was promoted as the City of Darlington's first full-time Fire Chief fulfilling and living his dream every day until his retirement in 2012. Chief Stone led his department with dedication, determination, drive, and a kind spirit that reached deep into his community. He was instrumental in preserving the town’s first horse-drawn fire engine for perpetual display the community continues to enjoy. In addition to his tenure with the fire service, Stone was an active, lifetime member of his church, and served on numerous community boards including Darlington County Council.

The Stone family has established an annual scholarship in remembrance of Chief Jim Stone's dedication and passion for the citizens of the City of Darlington, Darlington County, and South Carolina’s Fire Service.  

Applicants must complete the application, offer a letter of support from the applicant’s Fire Chief, and provide a general reference letter of support from a person of the applicant’s choosing. 

The Patterson Foundation offers Assistance Dog Program Grants to support organizations providing service animals to veterans and individuals with disabilities. Funding is available for projects that expand capacity, personnel costs related to puppy training, and program support aimed at improving client experiences. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) non-profits and can request grants up to $35,000 for capital projects or $10,000 for program support. Applications are accepted through a two-step process.