Foothills Community Foundation Unrestricted Grants

Foothills Community Foundation (FCF) is a private philanthropic institution committed to enhancing the quality of life for residents in the tri-county area of Anderson, Oconee, and Pickens Counties in South Carolina. With a longstanding mission to foster community vitality, FCF leverages its resources to support local nonprofit initiatives that reflect innovative solutions to community challenges. Through its unrestricted grantmaking program, the Foundation offers support to eligible 501(c)(3) organizations that align with its values and demonstrate measurable potential to improve community well-being. The Foundation's unrestricted grants are designed to support projects where its involvement is catalytic and essential to the project's success. These grants are typically awarded on a one-time basis and are well-suited for pilot programs or initiatives that offer replicable models or respond to gaps in existing funding streams. Preference is given to proposals where FCF’s funding plays a vital role in launching or sustaining a project that would otherwise be infeasible without its support. The Foundation places emphasis on projects that mobilize volunteers, demonstrate long-term sustainability, and engage in collaborative efforts that reduce duplication of services within the region. Eligibility for this grant program is restricted to nonprofit organizations with official 501(c)(3) status that are both located in and primarily serve residents of the Foundation’s three-county service area. FCF does not award unrestricted grants directly to individuals or entities outside this regional scope. Applicants must also be able to demonstrate that their proposed initiatives directly address community needs through practical and preventive strategies that yield tangible outcomes for a significant segment of the population. Grant applications are reviewed semi-annually. Proposals are first assessed by Foundation staff and then submitted to the Grants Review Committee. Final funding decisions are made by the full Board of Directors. FCF does not utilize an online portal for application submissions; instead, applicants must send a brief proposal with supporting documentation either via email to [email protected] or by mail to P.O. Box 1228, Anderson, SC 29622. There is no stated application form or due date, but due to the semi-annual review cycle, applicants are encouraged to submit in time for review by the staff and committee. Key considerations during the evaluation process include the project's potential to generate matching funds, its preventative nature, and its potential to serve as a model for other initiatives. While the Foundation does not require a match as a condition for all grants, proposals that can leverage additional funding are viewed favorably. Projects that demonstrate practical, community-driven solutions and foster volunteer engagement are especially competitive in the selection process. Potential applicants with questions or those wishing to discuss the alignment of their proposal with FCF guidelines are encouraged to contact the Foundation office directly at 864-222-9096. The guidelines currently in use were last edited in 2021, indicating their continued relevance, but also suggesting that applicants may benefit from confirming that no interim changes have occurred.