Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits in South Carolina

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 LFF: Nature-Based Climate Action Grant aims to support initiatives that leverage natural systems to combat climate change. By funding projects focused on tree planting, prairie restoration, and carbon sequestration, the program seeks to engage communities and enhance understanding of climate challenges. Ideal applicants include rural organizations working to create measurable environmental impacts while fostering collaboration and policy change. This grant represents an opportunity for organizations ready to take significant strides in addressing the climate crisis.

About SCRA

The South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA) was chartered in 1983 by the State of South Carolina as a public, non-profit organization. The mission of SCRA is to fuel South Carolina’s Innovation Economy by accelerating technology-enabled growth in research, academia, entrepreneurship, and industry. 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

Mission

Fuel South Carolina’s innovation economy by accelerating technology-enabled growth of academia, entrepreneurship, and industry.

Vision

SCRA will be a leading catalyst in making South Carolina the top choice for technology-focused industry, entrepreneurs, investors, and academics.

Federal Matching Grant (formerly SBIR/STTR Phase I)

Managed by the Academic Innovations Team, the objective of the Federal Matching Grant is further federal funds received by small businesses in South Carolina to advance translational research in support of one or more critical milestones towards commercialization. Other Federal matches will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Key milestones include developing the technology past the minimum viable product (MVP) and demonstrating product-market fit, in the DEVELOP stage of startup development. In the ACCELERATE stage of startup development, key milestones include enabling product execution through testing and demonstrations.

The Call for Kindness Grant, offered by Riley's Way Foundation, empowers young leaders aged 13-23 to launch impactful social projects focused on kindness and community connection. With grants up to $5,000, recipients receive essential mentorship, coaching, and community support. This initiative has already benefited over 3,500 youth nationwide, promoting values of empathy and social change. Applicants can pursue projects in diverse areas, including environmental justice, ensuring a broad impact in their communities.

The NRA Foundation offers grants in South Carolina aimed at promoting charitable purposes, including education about firearms and hunting safety. Eligible organizations must have a Federal Employer Identification Number and can be IRS 501(c)(3) entities, government entities, or recognized nonprofits. The foundation prioritizes activities that support the shooting sports and firearms safety, while excluding labor organizations, private businesses, and individuals from eligibility. The grant helps foster a safer and more educated community.

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant opportunity for schools across the US to implement the PLTW Gateway program for the first time. With total funding of $9,100, the grant covers participation fees and training registration costs. Schools, including public, private, and charter, are encouraged to apply, particularly those serving low-income and minority majority populations. This initiative aims to enhance educational pathways in STEM for diverse student groups.

The Carolyn L. Kuckein Student Research Fellowship, awarded by Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, supports first and second-year medical students conducting research over 2 to 12 months. With a total funding of $7,000, students can receive reimbursement for travel expenses up to $1,000 for presenting their findings at national conferences. Eligibility requires enrollment in schools with active AΩA chapters, while those taking a year off for research or holding a PhD are ineligible.

The FY26 Defense Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (DEPSCoR) Capacity Building opportunity aims to enhance the capabilities of university researchers in eligible states. Managed by the DoD, this initiative focuses on increasing the number of researchers capable of conducting relevant science and engineering research. The program also seeks to strengthen institutions of higher education and improve their competitiveness for federal research funding, ultimately fostering long-term growth in financial assistance for scientific research.

The Encova Foundation of West Virginia is dedicated to improving communities by supporting local causes that align with the values of its associates and policyholders. They focus on health, education, and wellness, emphasizing the importance of children's success. Organizations applying for grants must be U.S.-based and verified as charitable. Preference is given to initiatives impacting health and education, especially those involving Encova associates as active participants.

The Frankenmuth Insurance Foundation Charitable Grant supports qualified charities focused on community betterment and basic human needs. Founded in 2016, it aims to enhance lives through initiatives such as affordable housing, health programs, and the arts. Organizations eligible for funding must be tax-exempt and serve areas where Frankenmuth Insurance operates. Notably, the foundation excludes support for individuals, political groups, and projects typically financed by governments, ensuring its resources benefit the wider community.

Navigant Credit Union 

Navigant Credit Union is the longest-operating, member-owned credit union in Rhode Island. Since its founding in 1915, Navigant Credit Union has been dedicated to providing its members with unparalleled financial products and services, while working every day to stay committed to the financial well-being of the families, businesses and communities we serve. 

Navigant Credit Union Charitable Foundation Grant

For over a century, Navigant Credit Union has been committed to making a meaningful difference in the community. In 2017, we established the Navigant Credit Union Charitable Foundation to further amplify our impact in five strategic areas:

• Education & Financial Literacy: Organizational and capital support for programs, supplies, building products, sports facilities and teams.
• Social Services: Financial support for programs and organizations for children, veterans, hunger and housing.
• Public Health, Safety & Well-Being: Support for programs addressing public safety, emergency care and eradication of disease.

Creative West

Established in 1974 as a nonprofit U.S. Regional Arts Organization (USRAO), Creative West was founded on the belief that place matters to the creative process. Fifty years later, communities of place, practice, experience, and identity remain fundamental to our work, framing our understanding of how culture is creatively produced and collectively experienced.

Creative West empowers artists and culture-makers with direct, practical resources, delivered regionally.

We offer practical, equity-centered learning experiences and funding opportunities that connect and inspire artists, culture-bearers and communities to build a more inclusive sector, strengthen the arts field, and catalyze change.

National Arts Futures Fellowship

The National Arts Futures Fellowship (NAFF) is a six-month virtual leadership development program rooted in democracy, wellness, and belonging. It calls on early and mid-career arts and culture professionals from all backgrounds to step into their power as civic leaders and cultural innovators—building the skills, networks, and vision needed to shape a future where creativity drives justice, care, and connection.

Fellows join a national network committed to strengthening public life, nurturing collective wellness, and fostering deep belonging across communities. Together, they learn, experiment, and act—advancing a shared vision of leadership that is sustainable, community-rooted, and future-focused.

Each fellow enters NAFF with a Personal Action Project (PAP)—a concrete idea they will develop and implement with support from peers, coaches, guest experts, and flexible seed funding of $250–$1,000. Projects may include launching a cultural initiative, organizing a community campaign, supporting artist-led advocacy, seeking a public leadership role, or piloting another form of civic or community action. Throughout the fellowship, each project evolves through coaching, peer feedback, strategy sessions, and real-world experimentation. Fellows conclude the program by sharing their project, leadership growth, and next steps at the National Fellows Summit.

What’s New in Cohort Two?

• Cohort Two expands NAFF from six to seven monthly sessions and adds two new elements that support fellows in moving their Personal Action Projects from development into implementation:
• Seed Funding: Fellows may request $250–$1,000 in flexible funding to test, pilot, or implement their projects during the fellowship.
• Artists Thrive Framework: Fellows will use the framework to assess their work, identify opportunities for growth, and strengthen artist-led advocacy, collaboration, and community impact.

Guiding Principles

• Democracy — Use the arts to strengthen civic participation, expand public trust, and make decision-making more accessible and inclusive.
• Wellness — Treat care, rest, and healing as strategic leadership tools for sustaining movements and communities.
• Belonging — Create spaces where leaders can thrive together across differences, build trust, and celebrate shared humanity.

What kinds of projects are supported?

Examples: Running for office, launching cultural programs, organizing campaigns, supporting policies. Projects can be local, regional, or national in scope.

The Park Foundation Grants for Animal Welfare focus on advancing the protection and conservation of wildlife, particularly through policy and advocacy efforts for threatened species. The foundation supports innovative, solution-oriented models that foster systemic change and compassion. Key areas include organizing for endangered wildlife, indigenous management practices, and supporting sanctuaries for great apes. Additionally, the foundation is committed to local efforts, including support for the Tompkins County SPCA, ensuring a compassionate society for all living beings.

The Kalliopeia Foundation Grant focuses on supporting projects that foster cultural and ecological renewal through a deep reverence for the Earth. By prioritizing US-based organizations that demonstrate strong community relationships and intergenerational leadership, the foundation seeks to empower marginalized voices and traditional practices. With an emphasis on land care and Indigenous leadership, Kalliopeia aims to cultivate a resilient future where diverse ways of knowing and being thrive harmoniously with nature.

Wegmans Family Foundation Inc focuses on cultivating healthy communities through support for hunger relief, health initiatives, education, and youth programs. They prioritize collaborations with local nonprofits to enhance community well-being, offering assistance in key areas like economic mobility and youth engagement. Despite their wide-ranging support, they have specific ineligibility criteria, such as not accommodating personal requests or solicitation on their property, aiming to direct resources effectively where they are needed most.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW)

Our Mission: Empower Students to Thrive in an Evolving World

Our Philosophy for Education: We believe all students – beginning at a young age – need access to real-world, applied learning experiences that empower them to gain the skills they need to thrive in college, career, and beyond.

We believe teachers play an immeasurable role in empowering students, and our programs provide teachers with the support and resources they need to devote more time to inspiring students.

PLTW Engineering - New Program In Partnership With Ardagh Group

Ardagh Group has partnered with PLTW to support education in its local communities where Ardagh employees live and work. This partnership recognizes the critical role education, and access to education, plays in ensuring equal opportunities and in building successful, vibrant communities. It is expected that over the next 10 years, Ardagh sponsored education programs will benefit more than 500,000 PreK-12 students as well as delivering best-in-class teacher training to more than 5,000 teachers across 2,000 schools in Ardagh's U.S. communities.

Ardagh is a global supplier of sustainable packaging solutions with 16,000+ employees worldwide, and proud local employer.

Program Requirements

The purpose of this grant is to assist the grantee's implementation of the PLTW Engineering program. Grantee must offer the PLTW Engineering program for three academic years. Grantee must offer at least one PLTW Engineering course in the 2027-2028 academic year and must offer one additional course in the 2028-2029 academic year (two different courses in two years). Grantee may implement any PLTW Engineering courses of their choosing. Grantee must complete three years of grant reporting.

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.

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. 

AATCC Foundation

Established in 1997, AATCC Foundation, Inc. operates to further the charitable mission of the Association, promoting the science and knowledge of textile design, coloration, materials, processing, and testing through research and education.

Connelly/Perkins Graduate Fellowship

The $7,000 AATCC Foundation Connelly/Perkins Graduate Fellowship supports students pursuing a PhD in fibrous and polymeric materials at Clemson University’s Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE).

In the event that the nominated recipient decides not to pursue his/her degree, the Foundation Board may approve another eligible recipient as an alternate. The fellowship is intended to assist students for one academic year.

Background

This fellowship honors two individuals who were graduates of Clemson University and instrumental in the continued success of the AATCC Foundation. Roland Connelly is well-known for his work as an Industrial Color Scientist and as a consultant to the color, retail, and lighting industries. Connelly served as president of AATCC 2003-2004. Warren Perkins, Alumni Professor Emeritus at Auburn University, and retired Georgia Power Company Professor of Textiles at University of Georgia, also served as Treasurer of AATCC and the AATCC Foundation. Perkins was president of AATCC 1991-1992. Charles E Gavin III, retired chair and CEO of MFG Chemical, also served as president of AATCC 1999-2000, treasurer 2003-2012. Gavin was instrumental in forming AATCC Foundation Inc and was the first contributor to the Foundation. Over the years, Gavin has made many additional donations in support of numerous named scholarships, including the establishment of the AATCC Foundation Connelly/Perkins Graduate Fellowship.

The FDC Foundation, established in 2008, is a private non-profit dedicated to providing grants to 501(c)(3) public charities across three main areas: Health & Nutrition, Education, and Housing. The foundation supports initiatives that improve nutrition, assist diabetic individuals, enhance early childhood development, and promote housing opportunities for those in need. However, it does not fund for-profit entities or international organizations, nor does it provide grants for specific excluded purposes.

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.

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 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 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

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.

The Hollingsworth Funds Grant aims to support nonprofit organizations in Greenville County that work towards removing systemic barriers based on race, place, and socioeconomic status. The grants focus on strengthening pathways to career opportunities, enhancing educational outcomes, and improving access to essential services like affordable housing and transportation. With a commitment to equity, the fund encourages proposals that align with its vision of creating a just and inclusive community where all individuals can thrive.

The Southern SARE: Producer Grant supports farmers in conducting their own research projects to develop sustainable agricultural practices. Established in 1994, the program aims to enhance farmer profitability, promote responsible land use, and improve community quality of life. By focusing on areas like organic agriculture, sustainable marketing, and alternative crops, the grant empowers farmers to address production challenges and share valuable insights with others in the farming community, fostering a culture of sustainability and innovation.