Best Large Grants for Nonprofit Organizations in South Carolina

The Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Assistance Fund offers crucial financial support and counseling for individuals in the theatrical exhibition and distribution sectors facing health-related challenges. This fund assists with medical expenses, housing emergencies, and essential services like vocational rehabilitation and equipment aid. Eligible applicants must have a minimum of three years in exhibition or five years in distribution. The fund aims to provide a safety net for those impacted by illness, injury, or significant life changes.

The Norfolk Southern Corporate Giving: Safety First Grant Program aims to enhance community safety across its 22-state network. With grants ranging from $1,000 to $15,000, it supports organizations that provide safety services or promote safe behavior. This program reflects Norfolk Southern's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, empowering employees to engage locally. By investing in safety and workforce development, Norfolk Southern fosters thriving communities, demonstrating its dedication to social responsibility and community well-being.

The Christine Brice Stevenson Community Charitable Trust Grant supports medical, educational, and religious organizations in South Carolina, especially in Abbeville County, Anderson County, and Due West. Grants, averaging $1,000, aim to enrich the lives of local residents. Eligibility is limited to 501(c)(3) organizations, excluding Erskine College and Erskine Seminary. The trust prioritizes initiatives that align with its mission, providing approximately four grants annually with a total giving of around $5,000.

The South Carolina Department of Education offers the Public Charter Schools Program Discretionary Subgrant to foster the development and initial operation of new charter schools. This competitive grant, funded by the U.S. Department of Education, aims to enhance access to quality education by supporting innovative educational models and addressing achievement gaps. Eligible new charter schools can apply for funding to cover planning and implementation costs, ensuring they are effectively launched to benefit underserved student populations.

The Arts Project Support Grants by the South Carolina Arts Commission aim to fund quality arts projects and programs for artists and organizations. Eligible applicants include artists, nonprofit organizations, and government units, with funds supporting project costs such as technical capacity building and professional development. Priority is given to projects in specific counties within South Carolina. Applications should be submitted at least five weeks prior to project commencement, with all activities funded to occur between August 11, 2025, and May 31, 2026.

The Sprouting School Gardens Grant, provided by the Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation, supports school-based gardening and cooking programs to foster healthy eating habits in children. Grants between $5,000 and $10,000 help cover program operations, supplies, and educator stipends. Eligible applicants include schools and 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas served by Sprouts Farmers Market, promoting meaningful connections between local teams and school gardening initiatives.

The Van Metre Companies Foundation Grants support 501(c)(3) charitable organizations in education, medical, and human welfare services. With a legacy of nearly 70 years, Van Metre prioritizes innovation and community involvement, ensuring financial stability while delivering exceptional value through technology. Recognized as a Best Place to Work, their culture empowers employees and fosters a collaborative environment, reflecting a commitment to excellence and strategic growth in the Northern Virginia market.

The Pipeline Grants Competition by the Russell Sage Foundation aims to bolster early-career scholars and enhance diversity in the social sciences. It supports innovative research focusing on economic mobility and systemic inequalities in the U.S. Eligible applicants can receive up to $35,000 individually or $50,000 in teams. The foundation emphasizes methodological diversity and interdisciplinary collaboration, encouraging novel data usage. Projects should align with RSF's mission to improve social conditions, prioritizing underrepresented scholars from under-resourced institutions.

The NCDDG program supports innovative research aiming to discover and develop new treatments for mental disorders, including substance use and alcohol use disorders. This initiative encourages collaborations between academic and industry partners to advance neurostimulation techniques and drug/device development. Applicants are invited to submit proposals that focus on specific projects utilizing the U01 mechanism, with a clear emphasis on rationally designed candidate agents and cutting-edge technologies. Letters of Intent are encouraged 30 days prior to the submission deadline.

The National Cooperative Drug/Device Discovery/Development Groups (NCDDG) program invites applications to foster innovative research in treating mental disorders and substance use issues. This initiative promotes collaboration between academia and industry, supporting diverse, multidisciplinary projects aimed at developing rational therapies and neurostimulation techniques. Applicants are encouraged to submit Letters of Intent 30 days before the proposal deadline to enhance project alignment with funding goals.

South Carolina Research Authority

SCRA is a public, non-profit corporation chartered in 1983 by the State of South Carolina. Its mission is to fuel South Carolina’s innovation economy by accelerating technology-enabled growth of academia, entrepreneurship, and industry. SCRA's vision is focused in becoming a leading catalyst in making South Carolina the top choice for technology-focused industry, entrepreneurs, investors, and academics.

SCRA supports its stakeholders in key technology sectors, which include but are not limited to, Advanced Materials/ Manufacturing; Life Sciences; Clean Tech, Sustainability, and Resilience, and Information Technology. SCRA grant funding is made possible, in part, by Industry Partnership Fund (IPF) contributions. Contributors receive a dollar-for-dollar South Carolina income tax credit, making it a no-cost way to create a direct, positive economic effect and job creation. 

Academic Matching Grant 

Managed by the Academic Innovations team, the objective of the Academic Matching Grant is to expand academic engagement in research and development by validating and advancing technology concepts towards the potential of a license opportunity, and/or company formation. Key milestones include: market opportunity and technical feasibility, in the IDEATION stage of startup development. 

Qualifying technologies are recommended by the institution’s Technology Transfer Office, or equivalent; Institutions are responsible for the technical review and prioritization of applications, and review opportunities with the Academic Innovations team. Based upon the review, SCRA will provide application materials and instructions. 

The SC Bar Foundation Grant Program aims to enhance justice in South Carolina by funding legal access and education initiatives. Eligible non-profit organizations can apply for grants to provide civil legal services, law-related education, or improve justice administration. Priority is given to programs demonstrating effective client representation and innovative service delivery. Applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations and comply with specific guidelines. The program emphasizes collaboration and leveraging additional funding sources for maximum impact.

The Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence: Development Phase (COBRE-D) program aims to enhance biomedical research capacity in IDeA states, which historically receive low NIH funding. By providing critical support for early-career investigators and essential infrastructure, COBRE-D facilitates a long-term vision for institutions. This initiative not only supplements start-up packages for new hires but also establishes research facilities and improves administrative services, paving the way for less-resourced institutions to transition into the COBRE E/S program.

The HDR Foundation Grant Cycle supports community organizations aligned with HDR's values, focusing on education, healthy communities, and environmental stewardship. This employee-funded initiative emphasizes the importance of employee engagement in grant proposals, requiring a clear scope of work and completion within a year. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based nonprofits, educational institutions, and tribal governments, while grants are not provided for faith-based organizations or individual support.

The PPC Foundation Grants support charitable organizations with 501(c)(3) status, distributing 10% of pre-tax profits annually. Grants range from under $500 to over $2,500, with varying documentation requirements. The foundation emphasizes community involvement and prefers charities in areas where they operate. They do not fund political, religious entities without separate social service programs, or organizations primarily funded by public tax support. This initiative reflects their commitment to compassionate service and community prosperity.

The California Casualty Thomas R. Brown Athletics Grant aims to support public middle and high school sports programs facing funding challenges due to budget cuts. Established by California Casualty, this grant provides financial assistance for purchasing equipment and covering travel costs for competitions. Eligible applicants must be active employees of public schools and members of affiliated education associations. Awards cannot be used for individual student recognition or fundraising projects.

South Arts, Inc. offers Literary Arts Grants to support Southern independent publishers and small presses with funding up to $5,000. These grants aim to amplify contemporary literary arts and foster community engagement through projects like reading series and festivals. Eligible applicants must be based in the South Arts Region and demonstrate a commitment to advancing literary traditions. This initiative enhances access to the arts and promotes cultural vitality across the Southern states.

South Arts Inc. is offering Literary Arts Grants to support writers, independent publishers, and literary organizations focusing on contemporary literature in the Southern U.S. Grants of up to $5,000 will fund projects in poetry, fiction, and other genres. Eligible applicants must be full-time residents of the South Arts region. The initiative aims to amplify the literary traditions of the American South, fostering creativity and community engagement through diverse literary projects.

Barry and Elaine Nocks Scholarship

Barry and Elaine Nocks established this scholarship fund to provide educational scholarships to first generation college students who reside in Greenville County, SC.

Amount

• Award amount and number of awards are determined annually based on the Community Foundation of Greenville’s Spending Policy for Endowment Funds.
• Scholarship funds are paid to an approved educational institution in the name of the student.
• Scholarship funds are awarded for one academic year and are not subject to automatic renewal.
• Prior recipients may apply for subsequent awards not to exceed four academic years.

The Jack and Anne Glenn Foundation, established in 2004, aims to support disadvantaged youth and their families through program and project grants. With a grant range of $5,000 to $25,000, the foundation focuses on organizations that are 501(c)(3) exempt. The foundation prioritizes applicants providing guidance to those at risk of poor educational and social outcomes in communities including Metro Atlanta, GA, and Charleston, SC.

The Southern SARE: On-Farm Research Grant supports agricultural professionals in collaborating with farmers to conduct innovative on-farm research projects focused on sustainable agriculture. This initiative emphasizes building strong relationships between researchers and farmers while addressing agricultural production challenges. By fostering new practices in production and marketing, it aims to enhance sustainability in the agricultural sector, thereby benefiting local communities and the environment.

The S.C. Arts Commission's Folklife & Traditional Arts Project Grants support non-profit organizations and government units in preserving and promoting South Carolina's traditional arts. This program aims to keep living cultural traditions vibrant through various projects, including workshops, festivals, and documentation efforts. Eligible applicants must be non-profit organizations with a valid DUNS number or government units. The grant encourages community engagement and the celebration of cultural heritage across the state.

The Tree Campus Higher Education Program in South Carolina, led by the National Arbor Day Foundation, encourages colleges to cultivate community forests and enhance campus greenery. By meeting five key standards, institutions can gain recognition for their commitment to sustainability. This initiative not only beautifies campuses but also promotes mental health and environmental stewardship among students and staff, making it a vital part of the educational experience.

SC Historic Preservation State Grant Fund 

The purpose of the State Grant Fund is to support historic preservation projects that benefit local communities and the public through the physical repair and rehabilitation of South Carolina’s historic buildings. 

Historic buildings, for the purposes of the grant, are buildings that are listed as a contributing resource in a National Register of Historic Places district, or listed individually in the National Register, or determined by the SHPO to be individually eligible for listing in the National Register. The historic building must be located in South Carolina.

Planning Grants

Planning Grants are awarded to assist applicants in the development of conditions assessments and/or “bid-ready” plans and specifications that meet the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation. Reimbursable planning grants up to $50,000 will be awarded. No cash match is required. 

Awarded funds are provided only as a reimbursement. SCDAH contributes its share and repays the grant recipient for eligible expenses through a reimbursement process. Applicants must document that they have a minimum of 50% of the Total Project Costs on hand designated specifically for the project and should be prepared to make whatever financial arrangements are necessary to ensure that project work is not delayed during the reimbursement process, which may take six (6) weeks. No work completed prior to the execution of the grant funding agreement will be eligible for reimbursement.

SC Federal Historic Preservation Grants

Historic Preservation Grants are federal funds from the US Department of the Interior, National Park Service, and administered by the South Carolina Department of Archives and History, State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). Funds for the grant program are derived from Outer Continental Shelf mineral receipts. Each year the NPS allocates funds to the SHPO to help cover the cost of its operations, salaries and grants. Ten percent of those grant funds awarded to the SHPO must be passed through to Certified Local Governments (CLGs) per federal regulations.

Amounts available

Grant awards usually range from $5,000 to $35,000. The maximum amount awarded is $40,000. The SHPO anticipates that approximately $200,000 will be available for all grants. 

The Truliant Foundation Scholarships, established in 1996, have awarded over $265,000 to more than 250 high school seniors pursuing higher education. The Clyde Padgett Scholarship specifically offers $2,500 to eligible applicants who are members of a North or South Carolina credit union, maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and enroll as full-time students in the 2025-2026 academic year. This initiative supports first-time college students, including dependents of Truliant employees.

Stabilization Grants are awarded for “bid-ready projects” for the stabilization and weatherization of historic buildings. Stabilization and weatherization, as a treatment, is the act or process of applying measures designed to reestablish the structural stability of an unsafe or deteriorated property and a weather resistant enclosure while maintaining the essential form as it exists at present. The stabilization and weatherization must meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation.