Best Sustainability Grants in South Carolina

State and local agencies, local governing boards, nonprofits, tribes, and higher education institutions in eligible Appalachian counties of South Carolina can apply for Appalachian Regional Commission’s Area Development grants to support critical infrastructure and workforce or business development projects. Funding may benefit sustainability efforts through water and wastewater systems, transportation networks, broadband, and related public infrastructure improvements.

South Carolina nonprofits focused on community well-being, youth enrichment, or education can access funding through the Triangle Community Foundation’s Clancy & Theys 1949 Fund. Eligible organizations in regions where Clancy & Theys operates may receive up to US $10,000 for programs that strengthen workforce development, youth programming, and access to healthcare, housing, and essential social services.

Nonprofit organizations working on environmental sustainability and related community programs in select South Carolina counties can apply for grants supporting arts and culture, education, environmental initiatives, financial literacy, and health and human services. Focused on long-term community well-being, First Horizon Foundation funds eligible groups in Charleston, Greenville, Columbia, Spartanburg, and surrounding areas.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Anderson, Oconee, and Pickens Counties can seek Foothills Community Foundation’s unrestricted grants for one-time, high-impact projects. These South Carolina grants support pilot or catalytic efforts that address community problems, promote volunteer involvement, and can be sustained beyond the grant, and may benefit environmental conservation or sustainability initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charities with at least $500,000 in contributed revenue serving Carolinians can seek funding for education, healthcare, human services, and Jewish values programs. With a mission to foster lasting impact, Leon Levine Foundation provides support to organizations in South Carolina and North Carolina; sustainability-focused initiatives within these areas may be eligible.

With a mission to advance Southern vitality through the arts, South Arts provides South Carolina arts organizations with up to US $1,000 for professional development. Eligible small nonprofit arts groups and government or tribal arts units can fund conferences, workshops, staff training, and related travel or consultant costs that build organizational sustainability and capacity.

South Carolina environmental and sustainability-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits and eligible schools can access funding through American Honda Motor for programs advancing decarbonization, clean energy, and efficient use of natural resources. Grants from US $25,000 - US $100,000 support initiatives like energy efficiency upgrades, solar or wind installations, recycling, composting, and other green infrastructure in Honda communities.

Small 501(c)(3) nonprofits and local or state government units in South Carolina can seek funding for humanitarian, educational, health, and spiritual programs or projects. With a mission to improve lives, Brown Family Foundation provides $5,000 - $50,000 to initiatives with strong community engagement, measurable outcomes, and potential for lasting impact, which may include sustainability-related efforts.

Eligible 501(c)(3) not-for-profit hospitals, academic health centers, area health education centers, inpatient facilities, and select organizations in counties without an eligible hospital in South Carolina can apply for health care funding to improve access and outcomes. The Duke Endowment supports projects in areas like access to care, maternal and infant health, mental health, oral health, and population health, which may benefit sustainability-focused community health initiatives.

Nonprofit child- and family-serving agencies in South Carolina can seek funding to implement and sustain evidence-based programs that prevent or treat child abuse and neglect. With a mission to strengthen child and family well-being, The Duke Endowment provides support for implementation, innovation, and advocacy efforts serving children, youth, and families at risk.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations running youth baseball or softball programs and services in Georgetown County, South Carolina can receive up to US $100,000 for discrete program, small capital, or equipment needs. Yawkey Foundation provides South Carolina environmental conservation groups with opportunities when they also deliver direct youth and amateur athletics programming in its priority area.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations planning strategic growth or regional expansion, including those serving Georgetown County in South Carolina, can seek US $250,000 - US $1,000,000 to implement board-approved strategic initiatives. Yawkey Foundation supports high-impact work in conservation and wildlife, health, education, human services, youth athletics, and arts and culture through these multi-year Strategic Investment Grants.

South Carolina 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on arts, education, environment, health, or human services can seek project and capital funding that addresses poverty and discrimination. Focused on systemic, sustainable community change, the Jolley Foundation prioritizes Greenville County and upstate organizations, with awards of more than US $100,000 requiring a preliminary letter of inquiry.

Graduating high school seniors in rural North and South Carolina planning to attend college can receive $500 to $1,000 for tuition and related educational costs. Grants from Foundation for Rural Service help students who are U.S. citizens, sponsored by an NTCA member, and interested in returning to a rural community after graduation.

Faculty researchers at South Carolina Sea Grant Consortium member institutions in South Carolina can seek US $30,000 - US $80,000 for one- to two-year projects advancing coastal conservation, resilience, and sustainable development. With a mission to support environmental conservation, South Carolina Sea Grant funds work on fisheries, aquaculture, marine biology, oceanography, and related coastal sustainability topics.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations focused on environmental conservation and wildlife management in Georgetown County, South Carolina can seek Program and Small Capital Grants to support discrete, timebound program, project, or equipment needs. With a mission to invest in impactful nonprofits, Yawkey Foundation provides up to US $100,000 for work in its Conservation & Wildlife area of giving.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting college success and educational access for underserved young adults in Georgetown County, South Carolina can seek up to US $100,000 for timebound program or small capital needs. Focused on higher education access and persistence, Yawkey Foundation invites proposals for discrete projects, equipment, or program needs aligned with its education mission.

Arts and cultural 501(c)(3) organizations or fiscally sponsored groups in South Carolina’s Lowcountry can receive multi-year general operating, capacity-building, and reserve challenge support for artistic work and organizational sustainability. Gaylord & Dorothy Donnelley Foundation funds artistically vital groups in Horry, Georgetown, Berkeley, Dorchester, Charleston, Colleton, Hampton, Jasper, and Beaufort counties that support professional and local artists.

Grants from F. W. Symmes Foundation help South Carolina 501(c)(3) organizations fund capital and program needs that benefit Greenville County residents, with awards of more than US $20,000. Environmental and conservation nonprofits working on sustainability, as well as groups in health, education, human services, arts, religion, and public benefit, may be eligible.

The Gambrill Foundation provides grants to 501(c)(3) organizations for religious, charitable, scientific, literary, or educational purposes, primarily within Anderson County, South Carolina. Eligible applicants must align with the Foundation's mission and demonstrate measurable community impact. Preference is given to libraries, churches, and educational institutions, particularly for capital projects. The Foundation does not fund annual appeals, endowments, or operating expenses. Grants are awarded at the discretion of the Co-Trustees.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on sustainability and environmental conservation in South Carolina’s Charleston County can receive up to US $50,000 to support community-focused programs. BECU Foundation’s People Helping People Awards fund work such as conservation, stewardship, and broader efforts that strengthen local communities within BECU’s service areas.

Eligible 501(c) tourism marketing nonprofits in South Carolina can receive US $100,000 - US $200,000 to fund out-of-state advertising and promotional campaigns. South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism provides these reimbursable matching grants to highly developed emerging destinations, which may benefit communities working to grow sustainable, conservation-minded tourism and enhance local quality of life.

The Yawkey Foundation offers Program and Small Capital Grants to nonprofit organizations making meaningful impacts in Health Care, Education, Human Services, Youth and Amateur Athletics, Arts and Culture, and Conservation and Wildlife. Grants can be up to $100,000 and support projects aligned with the nonprofit’s mission. Organizations are encouraged to submit Initial Proposals during designated periods, demonstrating strong leadership and community impact, particularly in underserved regions of Eastern Massachusetts.

The Investing in Artists: Tools & Equipment Grant, offered by the Center for Cultural Innovation, provides funding between $1,000 and $5,000 for individual craft artists in the U.S. to purchase essential tools and equipment. This program aims to enhance the creative support system, enabling artists to produce object-based work and meet safety standards. Eligible applicants must demonstrate a commitment to their craft and have presented public artistic work within the last three years.

South Carolina environmental and community nonprofits can access funding through Community Foundation for the Central Savannah River Area to support programs in conservation, health, education, arts, and human services. Eligible 501(c)(3)s and public entities serving Aiken and Edgefield counties may request up to US $15,000 for local projects addressing people in need, youth enrichment, or environmental initiatives.

The W. W. Burgiss Charities Grant supports initiatives focused on religion, education, and assistance for the needy in Greenville County, South Carolina. Established by W. W. Burgiss in 1925, the foundation prioritizes capital needs and one-time special projects, aiming to create measurable impacts. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt and demonstrate financial sustainability. With an average grant size of $12,000, the foundation aims to uplift the sick and underprivileged, ensuring local community enhancement through targeted funding.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing arts and culture programs in Georgetown County, South Carolina can apply for Yawkey Foundation Program and Small Capital Grants, with awards up to US $100,000 for discrete, timebound projects or equipment. Organizations working to enrich community culture and expand arts access may be eligible under the foundation’s priority areas.