Best Large Grants for Nonprofit Organizations in South Carolina

The South Arts Southern Prize provides a unique opportunity for individual artists in the Southern region of the U.S. to showcase their scriptwriting talents. With a total of $35,000 in grants available, including a $25,000 Southern Prize and a $10,000 runner-up prize, this program supports artistic excellence and offers a two-week residency at The Hambidge Center. Eligible applicants must be legal residents of the Southern states and adhere to specific requirements. The program celebrates the rich cultural diversity of the American South.

The South Arts State Fellowship offers a $5,000 grant to artists reflecting the rich visual arts culture of the Southern U.S. It aims to support individual artists or collaborative teams creating original works. Each state will select one awardee based on artistic excellence. Applicants must be legal U.S. residents and provide proof of residency. The application deadline is December 10, 2025, and awardees must attend an awards ceremony in summer 2026.

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.

The SCAC Term Arts Education Project Grants support quality arts education for preschool and K-12 students during the 2025-2026 academic year. The grants aim to enhance access to arts education, integrate arts with school curricula, and address South Carolina’s educational standards. Eligible applicants include colleges, local governments, and nonprofit organizations. Priority is given to projects serving underserved communities and addressing learning loss caused by COVID-19, ensuring a broad impact on students' educational development.

The NRP Young Investigator Award is designed to support research on optimizing newborn care during delivery using Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) techniques. This grant encourages innovative projects addressing gaps in transitional physiology and resuscitation practices. Eligible applicants include researchers from Canadian and US institutions, particularly those in training or within four years of completing medical training. Awardees may receive up to $15,000 to enhance their skills and knowledge, ultimately improving neonatal outcomes.

The McKesson Foundation Grant provides funding above $25,000 to support health equity initiatives across North America. Founded in 1943, its mission focuses on removing barriers to quality healthcare for vulnerable communities. The foundation prioritizes projects that align with strategic pillars: reducing cancer burdens, preparing the healthcare workforce, and enhancing crisis response. Eligible organizations include national and local nonprofits. Funding is limited to specific regions and assessed based on demonstrated need and expected impact.

The SPC Cares Foundation

The SPC Cares Foundation was established in 2024 as a way for SPC Credit Union to strategically support four key development issues identified within our community: Hunger, Housing, Employment, & Education. The Foundation supports our local communities through monetary donations, in-kind donation drives, and volunteerism.

General Fund Scholarships

These funds are provided by the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation. Scholarships are available to Members of any credit union in North and South Carolina. Both academic and need-based scholarships for all levels of higher education are awarded, including technical and community college scholarships.

The Pratt Family Foundation Grant, established in 1999, supports initiatives in education, healthcare, and community welfare. It prioritizes organizations that aid housing assistance, support for women in crisis, and disadvantaged youth programs, particularly in North Carolina. The Foundation favors established religious and charitable organizations that are tax-exempt and have a local presence. Preference is given to areas connected to the Pratt family, such as Texas and Florida, ensuring impactful contributions to community development.

The Litter Enforcement Grant, funded by PalmettoPride, has been pivotal in South Carolina for 20 years, providing up to $5,000 for equipment and resources to support litter control efforts. This competitive grant encourages law enforcement and code enforcement agencies to actively engage in litter prevention initiatives, bolstered by community support. Priority is given to groups without recent funding and those collaborating with volunteer organizations focused on litter reduction and beautification.

Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation Inc supports independent medical education to enhance healthcare professional competence and improve patient health outcomes. Their mission is to be a global leader in innovative medical education, focusing on evidence-based activities that address critical gaps in knowledge. By fostering excellence in healthcare, they aim to ensure measurable improvements in performance and patient outcomes across various disease areas.

The Day-End Dough-Nation® Program by Panera Bread exemplifies community generosity through the donation of unsold bakery products to local charities. This impactful initiative supports various organizations that distribute food to those in need, including shelters, health centers, and youth programs. By partnering with thousands of non-profits nationwide, Panera Bread not only reduces food waste but also plays a crucial role in addressing hunger and promoting equality within communities.

The Dominion Energy Educational Equity Scholarship Program aims to support students from specific states pursuing higher education. With awards of $5,000 for 2-year programs and $10,000 for 4-year degrees, this program emphasizes both need and merit in its selection process. Administered by Scholarship America®, it is open to high school seniors and undergraduates maintaining a GPA of 3.0. Awards may be renewed for up to three years or until a bachelor's degree is obtained.

The Arts Curricular Innovation Grants -- Arts Teacher Institutes program aims to enhance the professional development of South Carolina arts teachers by offering tuition-free graduate courses and quality arts education programs. Through collaboration with accredited colleges, participants can earn graduate credits or educator certificate renewal credits. The program emphasizes standards-based arts curricula and assessment, ensuring a significant impact on student achievement in the arts.

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.

The SCAC Emerging Artist Grants aim to support emerging artists in South Carolina through funding of up to $1,800, along with mentorship and professional development. This initiative is designed for artists active for one to five years across various disciplines, including visual arts, music, and theatre. Priority is given to projects in designated Opportunity Initiative Counties, ensuring a focus on local artistic growth and sustainability.

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.

The Truliant Foundation Scholarships, established in 1996, have awarded over $265,000 to more than 250 high school seniors pursuing higher education. These scholarships, funded by the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation, are open to members of any credit union in North and South Carolina, supporting both academic and needs-based candidates, including first-time college students and high school seniors. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher and enroll as full-time students.

The Toy Foundation Program offers a unique opportunity for nonprofit organizations to apply for toy donations to support children in need. The application period runs from January to June, with approved applicants receiving toys by the end of the year. This initiative, part of the Toy Chest program, has positively impacted over 35 million children since 2003, promoting play as essential for emotional and educational development.

The Bonnycastle Fellowship for Wetland and Waterfowl Research supports graduate students in advancing conservation efforts. Offered by Ducks Unlimited, this fellowship provides up to $17,000 annually for research and personal support. The fellowship emphasizes the importance of research originality, ecological contributions, and feasibility. It is open to all North American graduate students, with a preference for doctoral candidates. The award is renewable for PhD students up to two years, and once for Master's students, contingent on satisfactory progress.

The McKesson Foundation Grant provides funding up to $25,000 for organizations focused on improving health outcomes in underserved communities. Established in 1943, the foundation prioritizes health equity through strategic partnerships aimed at reducing cancer burdens, preparing healthcare professionals, and enhancing crisis response efforts. Eligible applicants include national and local nonprofits targeting specific regions in the U.S. and Canada. The foundation emphasizes projects that align with its mission and demonstrate significant community impact.

The High Priority HIV and Substance Use Research funding opportunity aims to support innovative research that addresses the intersection of HIV and substance use. Researchers are encouraged to submit proposals that include a detailed research plan and preliminary data, exploring new avenues for prevention, treatment, and potential cures for HIV among people who use drugs. Applications are due by 5 PM local time, with optional Letters of Intent recommended 30 days prior.

Dabo's All in Team Foundation Grant Program aims to support local South Carolina organizations in need of financial assistance for projects that align with its mission to address critical education and health issues. By providing funding opportunities, the program seeks to empower organizations with innovative solutions that can positively impact their communities. This initiative fosters collaboration among groups dedicated to improving lives across the state, ensuring that valuable ideas receive the support they deserve.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers the DGLF Summer Reading Grants, which support the development and expansion of summer reading programs aimed at Pre-K to 12th grade students, particularly new and below-grade-level readers, including those with learning disabilities. Eligible organizations, such as nonprofits, schools, and libraries within 15 miles of a Dollar General store, can apply for grants up to $3,000 to foster literacy and education initiatives.

The DGLF Youth Literacy Grants, established by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, aim to enhance literacy among underperforming students in K-12. Organizations such as schools and libraries can apply for funding to implement or expand literacy programs, purchase necessary materials, and acquire technology. With over $159 million awarded to date, the foundation supports efforts that provide equitable education opportunities, ensuring every child has the chance to learn and succeed, regardless of their background.

The Corning Nonprofit Grants program supports community-based initiatives in education, human services, and culture. Eligible nonprofits that align with our criteria may apply for funding on a rolling basis. The application window for invited organizations runs from February 10 to September 15. We emphasize local impact within a 20-mile radius of Corning, NY, ensuring that our contributions foster collective growth and engagement in the community.

The Dunkin' Joyful Spaces Grant supports children's hospitals and community health centers in creating joyful environments for pediatric patients. Launched in 2022, this initiative helps fund play areas, healing gardens, and other kid-friendly spaces, enhancing the hospital experience. Grants typically range from $25,000 to $65,000 annually, with a maximum of $150,000 over three years. This opportunity encourages creativity in designing spaces that provide comfort and joy to children and their families during hospital stays.

The South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) will award Gifted and Talented (GT) Graduate Course Program grants to institutions of higher education (IHEs) that offer tuition-free graduate courses for teachers who are pursuing either endorsement or certification in GT education. These courses will be designed for the following topics:

• Nature and Needs of Gifted and Talented Students
• Introduction to Curriculum and Instruction for Gifted and Talented Students
• Advanced Curriculum for Gifted and Talented Students
• Student Identification, Current Trends, and Issues in Gifted and Talented Education
• Social and Emotional Needs of Gifted Learners
• Special Topic Seminars in Gifted and Talented Education; and
• Other topics applicable to gifted education.