The Abney Foundation is a private grantmaking organization based in Anderson, South Carolina. Established in 1957, the foundation aims to support innovative and creative projects as well as programs that respond to evolving community needs. The Foundation provides funding across the fields of education, health, social service, and cultural affairs. A major emphasis is placed on higher education, which receives approximately 75–80% of the foundation’s annual funding. The remaining funds are generally allocated to local organizations serving South Carolina communities.
Grants are available to qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. The foundation does not fund individuals. Agencies applying for funds must be serving citizens of South Carolina. While organizations may submit a Letter of Intent to gauge project alignment before submitting a full proposal, it is not a required step. Final grant proposals must be received by the foundation’s office no later than 4:00 PM on the first Monday in November. Proposals received after this deadline will not be considered until the following year.
Applicants are required to include a summary statement, project purpose, needs statement, personnel qualifications, and the amount requested. Budgets must clearly detail how funds will be spent, along with the organization’s latest operating budget and statement of assets. Evaluation plans, prior and pending grants, board member details, IRS determination letters, and board-approved minutes are also mandatory. Only one complete copy of the application package is required, and applicants may be contacted for a site visit if their proposal is selected for further consideration.
The Abney Foundation emphasizes that it generally does not fund operating expenses. Instead, it looks for projects that demonstrate creativity, innovation, and responsiveness to South Carolina’s evolving community priorities. Contact and submission details, including physical and electronic addresses, are provided to ensure proper delivery of application materials.
Correspondence should be directed to The Abney Foundation at 100 Vine Street, Anderson, SC 29621. Applicants may also contact the foundation by phone at 864-964-9201 or email at info@abneyfoundation.org for inquiries.
Focus on innovative and creative project design; avoid requesting general operating funds; ensure proposal demonstrates local impact in South Carolina.
