Best Volunteer Grants in South Carolina

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

The Foothills Community Foundation Grant supports 501(C)(3) non-profit organizations within Anderson, Oconee, and Pickens Counties, South Carolina. This grant focuses on projects that cannot proceed without foundation assistance, promote volunteer involvement, and demonstrate sustainability. Organizations are encouraged to collaborate to eliminate service duplication and must propose practical solutions to community challenges. Grants are limited and primarily aim to improve the quality of life for local residents.

Honda’s Community Event Sponsorship aims to support local, regional, and national events that enhance community engagement and celebrate diverse cultures. Organizations must be U.S.-based and tax-exempt, focusing on projects that serve communities where Honda associates are active. Eligible events include parades, festivals, and educational initiatives. Honda evaluates requests based on community needs and available funding, reinforcing its commitment to social responsibility and community enhancement.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

The Spinks Family Foundation offers small grants to support non-profit organizations dedicated to improving community life in South Carolina. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) certified, with a focus on volunteer engagement and community services. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed quarterly, providing essential funding for initiatives in education, health, and food security. This philanthropic effort aims to foster strong, healthy communities and enhance the well-being of residents.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

Our Vision for Land Conservation

Protected, restored, and sustainably managed lands and natural resources are essential for both nature and humans to thrive.

Land conservation protects biodiversity, addresses climate change, and supports diverse communities and economies. From natural areas to working lands, our approach to land conservation emphasizes climate resilience, inclusivity, and effective advocacy. We offer a wide array of support, including multiyear general operating grants, project grants, and technical assistance.

South Carolina Lowcountry Land Conservation Grants

We offer a suite of philanthropic resources to support the stewardship of natural and working lands, with an increased focus on climate resilience, inclusion, and advocacy. ​

How We Work

Relationships are at the core of our grantmaking process. Each grant starts with a conversation with a program officer so we can get to know you and your work.

Lowcountry Land Conservation Strategy

• Land Conservation through a Climate Resilience Lens: The impacts of climate change in the region, including sea level rise, warmer temperatures, and extreme weather, make a focus on resilient climate corridors is a priority. This is imperative to both coastal lands and inland areas where habitats will migrate as impacts continue. We support land conservation organizations that demonstrate strategic protection with a resilience lens as part of their program work, including mapping and research that identifies resilience priorities; organizations working in vulnerable communities to address climate impacts using land conservation strategies; and advocacy organizations working at the federal, state, and local levels to increase public awareness and funding for mitigation and adaptation in the Lowcountry

• Advocacy to Augment Conservation Efforts: Some land conservation outcomes happen with easements or fee-simple transactions. Some with teams of volunteer stewards. Some occur at the policy level. There are opportunities to advocate for the application of current and the development of future public programs at the state and local level to support conservation-focused regional planning, working lands, habitat connectivity, floodwater storage, and other resilience-related efforts. We provide resources to help augment the land conservation field’s efforts to weave a cohesive narrative around the benefits of land conservation and influence public policy on land use and resilience, including general operating and project support to land conservation advocacy efforts.

• Land Conservation That Is Inclusive of All People: Land conservation is most successful when both humans and nature are in balance, which requires the support and engagement of all communities throughout the Lowcountry. We want to increase the relevance and reach of land conservation work by supporting inclusive efforts that provide both biodiversity and human quality of life benefits for the diverse communities across the region. Examples include direct support of or meaningful engagement with community-based organizations to ensure that land conservation and resilience efforts serve the needs of historically disinvested communities.

The Lowcountry Land Conservation Grant, offered by the Gaylord & Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, focuses on enhancing land conservation efforts in the Lowcountry region through a climate resiliency, diversity, equity, and inclusion lens. This grant supports non-profit organizations in their general operations and projects aimed at protecting natural and working lands, fostering collaboration among diverse communities, and advocating for sustainable policies. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations with a connection to land conservation.

The Corporate Giving Program by the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation focuses on supporting nonprofit organizations within specific states. They prioritize initiatives that enhance community welfare, especially in agriculture, education, health, and environmental sustainability. Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status to apply, and preference is given to those involving Perdue associates. Ineligible requests include those from religious, political, or individual-focused groups. This program emphasizes broad community benefits over organizational affiliations.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.

The Baltimore Life Community Grants Program, established by the Baltimore Life Foundation, awards grants of up to $500 to nonprofit organizations in various states, including Maryland and Virginia. This initiative aims to enhance community quality of life through projects that focus on family safety and community enhancement. Eligible applicants must be IRS-certified 501(c)(3) organizations, with priority given to those with volunteer support. This program reflects Baltimore Life's commitment to corporate citizenship and community involvement.

The Aflac Charitable Fund Competitive Grant supports local nonprofit organizations in South Carolina, focusing on health and education. Priority is given to programs aiding pediatric cancer patients and their families, as well as life skills initiatives. Organizations must comply with state regulations and can only submit one application per cycle. Previous applicants can reapply in future cycles, but declined applications do not carry over automatically. This initiative is managed by the Central Carolina Community Foundation.

Who We Are

For nearly 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. The results of our work are visible across North and South Carolina, proving that by leveraging our cooperative spirit, we can change our communities.

Hero Awards

Each year, the Foundation honors people and organizations who have made or continue to make a transformational impact on the credit union movement. Hero Award winners are honored at the Foundation’s Awards Gala each year. 

Nominations for the following awards categories are accepted: The Lifetime Achievement Award, The Individual Achievement Award, The Partner in Philanthropy Award and The Advancing Equity Award.

The Individual Achievement Award

Honors one professional or one volunteer for their innovative concepts and/or accomplishments in the past three to five years that continue to contribute to the credit union community.

Who We Are

For nearly 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. The results of our work are visible across North and South Carolina, proving that by leveraging our cooperative spirit, we can change our communities.

Hero Awards

Each year, the Foundation honors people and organizations who have made or continue to make a transformational impact on the credit union movement. Hero Award winners are honored at the Foundation’s Awards Gala each year. 

Nominations for the following awards categories are accepted: The Lifetime Achievement Award, The Individual Achievement Award, The Partner in Philanthropy Award and The Advancing Equity Award.

The Lifetime Achievement Award

Honors one professional or one volunteer who has dedicated their life to promoting the credit union philosophy, created innovative concepts and exhibited leadership that has made a significant and lasting impact in the credit union movement on a local, national and/or international stage. This is traditionally awarded to an individual who has retired or has announced their retirement.

The Hospital Auxiliary Power: Ed Scholarship provides financial assistance to South Carolina residents pursuing advanced education in healthcare, particularly nursing. Established in 1974, the Auxiliary has supported over 30 diverse students each year through funding from events like the Invitational Golf Tournament and grants from organizations such as Power:Ed. This initiative aims to improve access to nursing programs and address the nursing shortage in the state, thereby strengthening the local healthcare community.

The Programmatic Support - Education Pillar Award by Honda aims to enhance workforce readiness in the manufacturing sector. It supports nonprofit organizations and schools focused on hands-on programs in design, software/data analytics, and AI/machine learning. Eligible applicants must be US-based and have 501(c)(3) status. The initiative prioritizes projects that train individuals for manufacturing roles, develop technical skills, and introduce automation to prepare for evolving industry demands, ultimately fostering economic prosperity in local communities.

The Environment Pillar Award by Honda supports nonprofit organizations and schools in the U.S. focused on sustainability. Grants aim to reduce environmental impact through programs in decarbonization, clean energy, and efficient resource use. Eligible projects must align with Honda's mission and primarily benefit communities where Honda associates live and work. Organizations can apply for up to two grants, provided they meet specific eligibility criteria, including tax-exempt status under the IRS.

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.

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. 

Palmetto Citizens Scholarship Fund

At Palmetto Citizens, we're committed to giving back to our members and community, beyond just providing low-cost financial services. We're excited to partner with the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation to award TWENTY individual members with a $1,000 Pametto Citizens Scholarship!

The Carolinas Credit Union Foundation offers a General Fund Scholarship if you are not chosen, or are not eligible, to receive a Palmetto Citizens Scholarship. You are automatically entered into this General Fund Scholarship by submitting an application for the Palmetto Citizens Scholarship (cannot be awarded both). 

The Pat Brady Community Service Scholarship, established by the Saginaw Community Foundation, honors the legacy of Pat Brady, a dedicated athlete and educator. Awarded annually to a deserving student-athlete from Saginaw County, this scholarship recognizes those who have demonstrated a commitment to their community while excelling in both athletics and academics. With a focus on supporting high school seniors pursuing higher education or vocational training, this scholarship fosters the development of future leaders in the community.

The AABE National & Regional Scholarship, awarded by the American Association of Blacks in Energy, supports students pursuing careers in the energy sector. Annually, over $350,000 is distributed through multiple scholarships, including six regional awards of $3,000 and one national award of $5,000, renewable for up to four years. Applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 and demonstrate commitment to energy-related fields, promoting diversity and equity in education.

The Cato Excellence in Teaching Awards celebrate innovative Pre-K to 12th grade teachers in the Arts, Sciences, or History from various counties in North and South Carolina. Six awards of $1,500 each will be granted to educators who demonstrate exceptional teaching practices and community leadership. Nominations are open to those who have not received this award in the past three years, showcasing ASC's commitment to cultural equity and educational excellence.

The Palmetto Dunes Cares Scholarship, established in 2022 by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, aims to provide higher education opportunities for qualified high school seniors in Hilton Head Island. This scholarship supports students demonstrating financial need and academic achievement, encouraging them to pursue higher education at accredited South Carolina colleges or universities. The foundation plays a crucial role in connecting community resources to enhance educational outcomes and empower future leaders.

The Charleston First Responders Scholarship, established by the Coastal Community Foundation of South Carolina, honors the bravery of first responders and their families. It provides financial support to first responders or their dependents who have served for at least one year in fire, police, or EMS units in Berkeley, Charleston, or Dorchester counties. This initiative recognizes the sacrifices made by these individuals in their commitment to public safety and community well-being.

The Spinks Family Foundation provides large grants of $10,000 and above annually to support non-profit organizations focused on education, food security, health, and mental health initiatives. Organizations must be 501(c)3 certified and demonstrate community impact with at least 500 volunteer hours. Applications are accepted from March 1 to March 30, and awards are announced by September 15. This initiative aims to empower nonprofits to effectively address pressing community needs.

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.