Empower Charleston Investment Grant

Empower Charleston’s Investment Grant Cycle is a biennial opportunity designed to strengthen the capacity and impact of nonprofit organizations serving the communities of Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester Counties in South Carolina. The grant is structured to provide not only financial support but also strategic partnership and professional expertise to help organizations scale their work in key focus areas: education, mental health and wellness, and economic mobility. This investment opportunity is open to registered 501(c)(3) public charities that operate within or serve residents of the designated counties. The program prioritizes organizations with annual operating budgets between $100,000 and $1 million. Empower Charleston seeks to support nonprofits whose missions align with its strategic objectives and who can benefit substantially from a combination of financial investment and pro bono strategic support. Grants awarded under this program range from $20,000 to $50,000 per year and are distributed over a two-year period. A total of two grants are expected to be awarded per cycle. Continued funding in the second year is contingent upon the grantee meeting pre-established goals and objectives in the first year. The program also allows for potential co-investment opportunities, enhancing the reach and impact of funded initiatives. A unique aspect of the program is its emphasis on collaboration and experiential engagement. Successful applicants must demonstrate the capacity for meaningful interaction between Empower Charleston’s partners and both organizational leadership and the board. This includes openness to receiving guidance and intellectual contributions in areas such as strategic planning, governance, and operational improvement. The 2026 Investment Cycle application window is currently open, and submissions must be completed by 5:00 PM on March 13, 2026. Applications are submitted online using a designated code. Organizations are encouraged to clearly articulate the need for both funding and strategic support, as well as how their programs align with Empower Charleston’s targeted impact areas. For additional information or assistance, applicants can contact Empower Charleston via email at [email protected]. The organization emphasizes a collaborative approach to philanthropy, seeking long-term relationships with grantees that can demonstrate innovation, mission alignment, and a commitment to community transformation.

Clearly demonstrate project need and capacity for partnership; emphasize both financial and intellectual capital use.