Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits in South Carolina

The Douglas K. Fletcher Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, aims to support students in their pursuit of higher education by providing funding for essential supplies, equipment, and textbooks. Eligible applicants must be first-generation college students residing in Beaufort, Hampton, Jasper, or Colleton counties, enrolled full-time at designated local institutions, and maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.0. This scholarship fosters educational opportunities and community growth.

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.

About The Hospital Auxiliary

The Hospital Auxiliary has been a cornerstone of support and service in Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, and the surrounding areas since 1974. As one of the first service organizations on the island, our mission has always been to assist local hospitals and the community through dedicated volunteer efforts and impactful programs. Together, we strive to make a difference in the lives of those most in need.

Scholarships in Healthcare

The Hospital Auxiliary is proud to support healthcare in our community through our scholarship program. Our goal is to provide financial assistance to individuals seeking advanced education in healthcare fields with an emphasis on those studying nursing in the Lowcountry. Scholarships are funded from a variety of sources including our annual Invitational Golf Tournament, grants from organizations like Power:Ed, a Philanthropy of SC Lends, and donations from individuals. In 2025, the Hospital Auxiliary provided scholarship funding to more than 30 students of diverse backgrounds in nursing and other healthcare fields.

Our scholarships are currently designated for:

• Students at the Technical College of the Lowcountry in nursing and allied health programs
• Students at the University of South Carolina Bluffton in nursing programs
• Employees of Novant and eligible dependent children or spouses pursuing degrees in healthcare

The Hospital Auxiliary Healthcare Scholarship

We are pleased to announce that we are once again offering the Hospital Auxiliary Healthcare Scholarship for the 2026-2027 academic year. All full and part-time employees of Novant in the Low Country are eligible, including employees of Hilton Head Medical Center, Coastal Carolina Medical Center, Belfair Medical Campus, Tidewatch Emergency Department, and all Novant Low Country urgent care locations, clinics and practices. Children and spouses of employees are also eligible. 

The Bonnie Cardone Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Women Divers Hall of Fame, awards $1,500 to a woman diver enrolled in a U.S. or Canada degree program in journalism, graphic arts, photography, or videography. This scholarship aims to support those committed to using their education to benefit the ocean environment and community, promoting greater awareness and conservation efforts. Eligible applicants must demonstrate their dedication to these fields and their potential impact on marine ecosystems.

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 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 Dogs for Joy Grant, funded by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, supports the integration of trained facility dogs in pediatric hospitals. These dogs provide emotional support, help children cope with medical procedures, and enhance overall well-being. The program aims to increase the presence of in-residence dogs, as research highlights their positive impact on reducing anxiety and improving patient outcomes. Grants typically cover multi-year funding, promoting innovative animal-assisted therapy approaches in healthcare settings.

The Carolina Panthers offer complimentary tickets to non-profit organizations serving youth and military troops in the Carolinas. These tickets are generously donated by PSL Owners who cannot attend games. Organizations defined as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) may apply, but only one request per year is allowed. Due to limited ticket availability, flexibility with game selections is necessary. Please note, these tickets are not for resale or fundraising events.

The Charles B. Keesee Educational Fund Scholarship offers financial support for students pursuing eligible Master's and Doctoral degrees at various Baptist seminaries. Grants range from $3,100 to $8,800 annually, depending on the program and applicant status. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and residents of specific states, have a minimum GPA of 2.5, and demonstrate intent to enter Baptist ministry. This fund has assisted thousands of students since its establishment in 1941.

The Summer Arts Education Project Grants, provided by the South Carolina Arts Commission, aim to enhance arts education for K-12 students during summer breaks in 2022 and 2023. Grants of up to $50,000 are available, encouraging collaborations between various organizations to expand access to arts education. Priority is given to projects that serve rural or high-poverty areas and address learning loss from COVID-19. Eligible applicants include universities, government units, and registered nonprofits.

The SFS Fellows Grant, awarded by the Society for Freshwater Science, recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to freshwater science research, policy, or management. Each year, up to four fellows are selected based on their sustained excellence and leadership within the field. This initiative also encourages diversity by promoting nominations from underrepresented groups and mid-career professionals. The grant fosters collaboration and participation in SFS activities, enhancing the impact of freshwater science.

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.

The South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association’s awards are meant to recognize instructors and firefighters from all stages of their careers for their courageous acts of valor or outstanding leadership skills. Please note that not all awards are presented annually but on basis of merit.Fitness in Action Award

The Fitness in Action Awards are presented to fire departments –career, volunteer, and combination – that have made significant contributions in improving the wellbeing of its members. The criteria are multidimensional and include components such as safety, physical fitness, nutrition, and behavioral health. The award recognizes departments that have successfully implemented programs that promote the overall health of their firefighters.Nominee Criteria

Health and Wellness is a broad and multidimensional concept that includes many components such as: Safety, Medical, Physical Fitness, Nutrition, and Behavioral Health. For example, an individual can be very physically fit, but may be struggling with depression or be experiencing other stressors. While your program may not include all components listed above, if you can demonstrate an interactive process where your program promotes medical screenings, physical fitness, good nutrition, and/or addresses such issues as emotional health, suicide prevention, substance abuse, etc. and you have a success story of how this/these programs enhanced an individual(s) or your overall department, then we want to hear from you.

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.

Secretary's Intent

The Department's Purpose

The South Carolina Department of Veterans' Affairs exists to serve this state's Veterans, service members, and their families and to promote the value Veterans bring to their communities and their fellow citizens.

Veterans' Homelessness and Transition Grant

The Veterans’ Homelessness and Transition Grant was established on October 16, 2023, to provide funding to organizations that serve homeless Veterans or Veterans at imminent risk of being homeless with resources to obtain permanent housing. The Veterans Homelessness and Transition Grant Program is funded through an appropriation by the South Carolina General Assembly and managed by the South Carolina Department of Veterans’ Affairs (SCDVA).

The grant aims to enhance nonprofit organizations and state agencies' housing assistance programs for Veterans. The South Carolina Department of Veterans' Affairs will award a grant to nonprofit groups and state governmental agencies that assist eligible South Carolina Veterans with housing assistance, utility assistance, rental assistance, or drug addiction treatment and transitional housing programs.

The minimum grant award is $50,000, and the maximum grant award amount is $250,000 per grant cycle. Veteran eligibility is defined by Title 38 of the Code of Federal Regulations, as “a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service and who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable.”

Margaret and Jack Paylor Family Scholarship Fund

The Margaret and Jack Paylor Family Scholarship Fund was created to provide financial assistance for higher education attainment to economically disadvantaged students residing in Greenville County and planning to be attending a South Carolina public college/university. 

Funding

• $5,000 per academic year.
• The goal of this fund is to award four $5,000 scholarships annually for a total annual distribution of $20,000.
• The number of annual awards is limited to the fund’s distributable amount based on the terms outlined in the Fund Agreement.
• All award distributions will be made by the Community Foundation on the recommendation of the Scholarship Advisory Committee and will be paid in two installments ($2,500 per semester) to an approved educational institution in the name of the recipient.
• Scholarship recipients must maintain a 2.5 GPA. If scholarship eligibility is lost during the first semester of an academic year, the second installment of $2,500 will not be issued.
• Scholarship funds are awarded for one academic year. 

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.

The MagMutual Foundation Grant supports 501(c)(3) organizations dedicated to enhancing healthcare access and diversity. It funds initiatives like pro-bono medical care for underserved populations, scholarships for minority medical students, and support for healthcare workers facing challenges. The foundation aims to maximize its positive influence in communities by advocating for policyholders and promoting meaningful changes in medical practices. Eligible applicants must have a policyholder's recommendation and be a registered non-profit.

The Dr. Carolyn Ghazal Dental Assistant Scholarships, offered by the Pacific Dental Services Foundation, provide financial aid of up to $5,000 for eligible dental assistant students. Applicants must be over 18, U.S. citizens or legal residents, and enrolled in a qualifying program. The scholarship emphasizes mentorship and training, supporting the next generation of dental assistants. Awards are based on financial need and application quality, with multiple cycles each year to support aspiring professionals.

For 30 years, the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation has served as a partner in philanthropy to credit unions, with a mission to empower and inspire credit unions in the Carolinas through collaborative opportunities to enrich our communities. A great example of this collaborative philanthropy is our scholarship program. 

More than 20 credit unions in North Carolina and South Carolina have active managed funds at the Foundation. The generosity of these credit unions helps hundreds of high school seniors as well as undergraduate and graduate students receive scholarship funds each year.

As a member of any of the following credit unions, you may apply for a scholarship. 

Revity Federal Credit Union Scholarship Fund

Revity FCU awards two $5,000 scholarships every year to two outstanding high school seniors to help them achieve their college education.

All applications and related information will be reviewed by the Scholarship Review Committee appointed by the Board. 

Additionally, applying for the Revity FCU Scholarship above will also apply you for the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation Scholarship. The CCUF Scholarship is open to anyone seeking higher education in North Carolina or South Carolina.

The Sports Tourism Advertising and Recruitment Grant aims to enhance South Carolina's tourism economy by financially assisting nonprofit organizations in recruiting new sporting events. This initiative not only generates immediate revenue through visitor spending but also promotes long-term tourism growth. With a 1:1 match up to $50,000 available for event-related costs, the grant encourages innovative sporting events that can significantly benefit local communities, creating a vibrant sports tourism landscape in the 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 Anchor QEA Scholarship supports graduate students pursuing degrees in engineering, environmental sciences, or related fields, with awards between $1,000 and $10,000. This program emphasizes helping those in financial need, particularly focusing on BIPOC students to address inequities in STEM. Eligible candidates must demonstrate a commitment to community service and possess an inclusive mindset. This initiative reflects Anchor QEA's dedication to fostering a diverse and equitable educational environment.

The Dollar General School Library Relief Grant Program, managed by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, provides crucial support to K-12 public school libraries that face significant damage due to disasters such as fires or federally recognized acts of terrorism. This grant aims to restore essential library resources, ensuring that affected communities can continue to access vital educational materials and support. Libraries must be within 15 miles of a Dollar General store and meet specific eligibility criteria.

The Honda USA Foundation provides funding to support mobility initiatives that empower individuals, particularly those facing disabilities, by removing barriers and expanding opportunities. Focused on sustainable change in underserved communities, the Foundation encourages applications for programs in education, infrastructure, and technology that align with its commitment to accessibility and inclusion. Eligible organizations must be based in the U.S. with appropriate tax-exempt status and can apply for multiple funding opportunities while adhering to specific eligibility criteria.

The Von Voigtlander Family Foundation Grant, though currently closed, aims to support 501(c)(3) charitable organizations, primarily in Michigan. The foundation emphasizes animal welfare, parks preservation, veteran support, and youth empowerment. Their mission is to enhance lives through community-focused initiatives that foster resilience, education, and well-being. They prioritize charities that promote responsible pet ownership, outdoor recreation, and provide resources for veterans and youth, ensuring a positive impact across multiple sectors.

The Jay L. Smith Family Foundation provides grants to tax-exempt non-profit organizations in the United States, primarily focusing on healthcare, family values, and supporting the disadvantaged. With a strong commitment to Alzheimer's research, the foundation has funded various initiatives including elderly care, domestic violence prevention, and cancer research. Their mission is to enhance the quality of life for individuals and communities through meaningful contributions, aiming to address critical social issues and promote well-being.