Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits in South Carolina

The Southeastern Branch John Henry Comstock Award recognizes outstanding Ph.D. students in entomology, promoting interest in the field and supporting attendance at the ESA annual meeting. Awardees receive an all-expenses-paid trip, a $100 cash prize, and a certificate, with additional cash prizes presented by the Southeastern Branch. Eligibility includes being a current member and demonstrating excellence in graduate studies. This award fosters professional development and engagement within the entomology community.

The Albert G. and Olive H. Schlink Foundation, established in 1966, has significantly impacted Ohio's nonprofit sector by increasing its annual grant distribution from an initial $500 to over $1.4 million in 2023. The Foundation prioritizes organizations with ties to Erie and Huron Counties and emphasizes thoughtful evaluation of all grant applications. With a focus on community needs, it continues to honor the founders' legacy while adapting to the evolving demands of local nonprofits.

The ASP Conservation Small Grants program is dedicated to supporting primate conservation efforts. It invites proposals for conservation research or related projects, including education, with awards up to $3500. This initiative encourages ASP members, especially those in habitat countries, to submit impactful projects that contribute to broader conservation goals. The program emphasizes funding for local salaries, research supplies, and educational materials, ensuring the sustainability of primate conservation efforts.

The Coaching Enhancement Grant - Division II aims to enhance diversity in NCAA coaching by providing financial support for new assistant coaching positions. This grant specifically targets increased representation of ethnic minorities and women in athletics. Selected schools receive funding for three years to cover salaries and benefits, totaling $370,000 annually for up to 21 institutions. Eligible schools must be active NCAA Division II members committed to these diversity efforts.

The Strategic Alliance Matching Grant - Division II offers financial support to enhance ethnic minority and gender representation in mid- to senior-level athletics administration roles across NCAA Division II institutions. With an annual budget of $860,000, the grant aims to fund up to 20 schools and conferences each year. Eligible applicants must be active Division II members and are encouraged to collaborate with their human resources departments during the proposal process, ensuring compliance with grant requirements.

Eastern Carolina Community Foundation

Eastern Carolina Community Foundation, founded in 2006, is the newest community foundation in South Carolina. We have a permanent endowment to meet the changing needs of the Pee Dee.

Eastern Carolina Community Foundation improves the quality of life in our area of South Carolina through inspired philanthropy and innovative community programs. We serve Chesterfield, Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Marion, Marlboro, and Williamsburg Counties.

Community Impact Grants

Grantmaking at Eastern Carolina Community Foundation promotes partnerships with communities – its nonprofits, workers, families, and leaders – to cultivate thriving communities.

An annual community impact grant cycle exists to advance the missions of local nonprofits through a competitive grant process. Relying on a trust-based philanthropy model, ECCF intentionally focuses on receiving applications to support capacity building and operational support to assist nonprofit organizations in strengthening operations and infrastructure, enhancing organizational stability, planning for strategic growth, and/or making critical improvements to their facilities.

Proposals to be considered might include (but are not limited to):

• Staff training and development
• Operational support
• Facilities expansion or improvement
• Equipment
• Technology expenses
• Strategic planning

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.

Benny and Eleanor Clark Scholarship ($2,200)

This renewable scholarship is available to the following (1) residents of South Carolina attending a Historically Black College or University that is located in South Carolina. 

Eastern Carolina Community Foundation

Eastern Carolina Community Foundation, founded in 2006, is the newest community foundation in South Carolina. We have a permanent endowment to meet the changing needs of the Pee Dee.

Eastern Carolina Community Foundation improves the quality of life in our area of South Carolina through inspired philanthropy and innovative community programs. We serve Chesterfield, Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Marion, Marlboro, and Williamsburg Counties.

Scholarships

Eastern Carolina Community Foundation partners with donors to administer 12 scholarship funds for the benefit of students in the Pee Dee. All scholarship opportunities are established through specific funds established at ECCF with criteria determined by the donor. 

Christine Sides Fisher Arts and Music Education Scholarship

The Christine Sides Fisher Arts and Music Education Scholarship has been established by Christine and Tim Fisher in support of students who are seeking higher education in the field of performing arts and music education.

The fund provides up to a $10,000 4-year scholarship, awarded as a $2,500 multi-year scholarship to a Florence 1 Schools student or alumni pursuing an education degree in the field of performing arts education.

Students will receive a $2,500 award in their 2nd, 3rd, and 4th years of enrollment as long as proof of passing grades and enrollment in the performing arts department of the South Carolina educational institution or the University of North Carolina at Pembroke are submitted to Eastern Carolina Community Foundation by July 1 of each subsequent year.

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.

Dinkins Family Scholarship ($2,000)

This renewable scholarship is available for graduating high school seniors whose permanent address is in the Community Foundation’s 11-county service area (Calhoun, Clarendon, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lee, Lexington, Newberry, Orangeburg, Richland, Saluda, and Sumter). 

The Asian Cultural Council's New York Fellowship offers a transformative six-month program for artists, scholars, and arts professionals from Asia. Participants engage deeply with New York City's vibrant cultural landscape, attending performances, exhibitions, and workshops while building networks with local communities. This unique opportunity fosters peer-learning and individual artistic development, encouraging fellows to incorporate their experiences into their practices and contribute to their home cultures. The fellowship emphasizes exploration, exchange, and support, culminating in a rich cultural immersion.

The Asian Cultural Council's Individual Fellowship provides artists, scholars, and arts professionals from Asia and the United States with opportunities for self-directed cultural exchange and research in unfamiliar regions. This program supports activities such as interviews, workshops, and archival research, fostering cultural immersion and collaboration. With a funding limit of $35,000, the fellowship encourages innovative proposals that enhance creative perspectives and relationships among peers, while also ensuring strong eligibility criteria for applicants.

The Anderson-Rogers Foundation Grant supports U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations focused on environmental protection, animal welfare, climate change mitigation, and social support. Established in 2001, this family foundation prioritizes innovative projects and general operating support for small organizations facing financial constraints. Note that applicants must first submit a letter of inquiry, as the foundation does not fund scholarships or grants to individuals or religious organizations, nor does it support organizations outside the U.S.

The Stimulating Hematology Investigation: New Endeavors (SHINE) program aims to enhance nonmalignant hematology research aligned with the goals of the NIDDK, NIA, and NHLBI. It invites R01 grant applications focused on innovative and early translational hematology topics, fostering growth in this critical research area. Key deadlines for applications span from February 2025 to October 2027, allowing for both standard and renewal submissions.

The Gridiron Veterans Scholarship, provided by the Bob Woodruff Foundation, offers essential financial support for military veterans and first responders. This initiative focuses on wellness, rehabilitation, and recovery programs, ensuring participants can access mental health services, physical therapy, and holistic resources. The foundation prioritizes those facing emotional and physical challenges, empowering them to overcome barriers and improve their quality of life through customized, evidence-based support.

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.

The Mazamas is committed to exploring and preserving mountain environments in the Pacific Northwest through research grants. These grants support nonprofit research that aligns with the Mazamas’ mission, encouraging proposals from graduate and undergraduate students. Successful applicants often conduct field studies that enhance understanding of the region's natural features. Notably, the Mazamas also welcome innovative research ideas that may fall outside traditional grant guidelines, promoting a diverse range of scientific inquiry.

The Health Center Program assists health centers in FEMA-declared disaster areas, specifically Hurricane Helene, by allowing them to request an advance of up to 25% of their FY 2025 award. This funding aims to cover unforeseen costs related to maintaining access to essential primary care services. However, it's important to note that the final award will be reduced by the requested advance amount.

Watersheds Program

SCDES’s Watersheds Program supports the goals of the Clean Water Act in the state’s eight major river basins: Savannah, Saluda, Edisto, Salkehatchie, Broad, Catawba, Santee, and Pee Dee. Through a non-regulatory approach, the program serves as a water quality information and watershed planning resource to stakeholders, provides technical support to the Section 319 Nonpoint Source (NPS) Grants program, and manages the SC Watershed Atlas.

The South Carolina Nonpoint Source (NPS) Program strives to address nonpoint sources of pollution to help restore and maintain water quality throughout the state. To achieve this goal, the objectives of the program are to focus on voluntary measures to reduce and prevent NPS; promote locally driven NPS reduction and prevention; develop collaboration and partnerships; carry out statewide programs and on-the-ground projects to achieve measurable water quality improvements; and provide NPS project and program funding.

Watershed Plan Development Grant

The Drinking Water State Revolving Fund provides set-aside funds for the development of watershed plans to address surface water pollutants impacting source water for drinking water systems. A watershed plan can enhance or augment a source water protection (SWP) plan in that it encompasses the entire watershed that impacts the supply source, as well as the delineated source water protection area. Once a watershed plan is in place, it becomes the guidance and framework for any water quality improvement activities in that watershed. Having a watershed plan in place opens up additional funding opportunities for Section 319 grants to implement nonpoint source-reduction projects identified in the watershed plan.

Selected projects will be funded 100% by monies provided to SCDES by USEPA’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund set-aside for Source Water Protection. However, additional consideration will be given to proposals which show supplementary funds leveraged for watershed plan development.

The ReFED Catalytic Grant Fund, managed by Refed Inc., supports innovative solutions to minimize food waste and reduce methane emissions, a cost-effective strategy for climate action. This fund prioritizes initiatives that enhance food recycling and improve supply chain efficiency in the beef and dairy sectors. By focusing on proven methods, the grant aims to accelerate impactful changes in the food system, ultimately fostering sustainable practices and collaborative efforts to combat food waste.

The Southern Documentary Fund (SDF) offers a Production Grant aimed at supporting Southern documentary filmmakers. With funding made possible by the MacArthur Foundation, SDF prioritizes nonfiction projects in production that showcase the rich tapestry of Southern stories. Up to seven grants of $15,000 each will be awarded to help elevate underrepresented voices and narratives. Applicants must have ties to Southern states and meet specific eligibility criteria to apply.

The Waste Management Charitable Contributions Program supports initiatives that enhance environmental stewardship, sustainability education, and community vitality. With a commitment to civic pride and economic development, the program prioritizes organizations that address local needs and promote sustainable practices. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations that focus on public purposes, while ineligible requests include funding for operating costs and individual fundraising events. This initiative fosters a collaborative approach to community betterment.

The Promise of the Lowcountry Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, aims to support high school seniors from Beaufort, Jasper, Hampton, or Colleton counties with financial need. This scholarship provides opportunities for students pursuing post-secondary education at accredited institutions. With a commitment to enhancing community welfare, the foundation has invested over $125 million since its inception, fostering educational growth and empowerment in the Lowcountry region.

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.

Community Impact Fund

Community Impact funds are available to support nonprofit organizations that are strengthening and improving communities where SPC Members live, work, or attend school. Preference is given to organizations that address our four funding areas (hunger, housing, employment, & education). Education-related projects or initiatives must promote finance, employment, workforce readiness, or leadership.

Applications for funding are reviewed quarterly by the SPC Cares Foundation Advisory Board.

Vizo Financial Empowerment Grant

Through the generosity of Vizo Financial Corporate Credit Union, credit unions of all asset sizes can apply for grants that will fund financial education projects or programs to empower members to reach financial goals and establish a better quality of life. Up to $50,000 annually will be allocated to each of the state’s Foundations each year. 

Credit unions are encouraged to submit grant applications to implement programs or undertake projects in collaboration with other credit unions and/or community organizations, enriching financial literacy offerings for members and the communities credit unions serve. Greater consideration will be applied to grant applications when budget limitations act as a barrier to community outreach initiatives. Grants can be requested for up to a maximum of $10,000.

The Foundation will review grant requests for credit union initiatives that offer:

• Affordable options to costly financial products and services
• Lesser dependency on predatory financial providers
• Expanded financial education and literacy
• Enhanced personal financial management and planning for the future
• Increased individual savings and wealth-building
• Strengthened credit worthiness
• Improved financial wellbeing of local people and communities

The Delta Dental of South Carolina Oral Health Grant Program aims to enhance oral health across all ages, particularly focusing on underserved populations. The program seeks to reduce oral diseases through education and ensure access to quality dental care. Grants ranging from over $5,000 to $100,000 are available for projects that demonstrate measurable impacts on oral health, especially in rural areas. Eligible organizations include public charities and governmental entities serving South Carolinians.

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 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.