South Carolina Private Grants

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is seeking proposals for its Southeast Aquatics Fund to voluntarily conserve aquatic habitats in the southeastern United States and Texas. This grant program directly aligns with NFWF's mission to sustain, restore, and enhance the nation's fish, wildlife, and plants. The fund's priorities are informed by the Longleaf Forests and Rivers Business Plan, adopted in 2018 and updated in 2023, which aims to conserve the extraordinary biodiversity across the Southeast. The primary target beneficiaries of this program are aquatic ecosystems and the diverse array of species that inhabit them, particularly those identified as focal species in the Conasauga River (GA) and Middle Coosa (AL) watersheds. These include various endemic and native fishes like the Alabama shiner, banded sculpin, blue shiner, and trispot darter. The impact goal is to advance specific goals and objectives of the Longleaf Forests and Rivers Business Plan and other relevant conservation plans, ultimately leading to healthier aquatic habitats. The program prioritizes work in northern Alabama and Georgia due to measurement and monitoring constraints, with funding available for a wide range of activities in the Conasauga River (GA) and Locust Fork and Middle Coosa (AL) watersheds. Projects benefiting the focal species in these areas will receive priority. The strategic priorities of the NFWF, as evidenced by the Longleaf Forests and Rivers Business Plan, emphasize a suite of aquatic species as indicators of healthy aquatic habitats in prioritized watersheds, reflecting a theory of change that by protecting these indicator species, the broader ecosystem health will improve. Expected outcomes include the conservation of aquatic habitat, the advancement of specific goals outlined in the Longleaf Forests and Rivers Business Plan, and positive impacts on focal species populations. While not explicitly detailed as "measurable results" in the provided text, the focus on indicator species suggests that the health and population trends of these species would serve as key metrics for success. Projects are anticipated to have a completion time of 24–36 months, with grant awards ranging from $150,000 to $500,000 from approximately $8.45 million available in 2024.

The Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (SSARE) Education Grants program is designed to fund education and outreach activities that benefit the sustainable agriculture community. This grant directly aligns with SSARE's mission to promote efforts in farmer innovations, community resilience, business success, agricultural diversification, and best management practices. The core objective is to support projects that develop sustainable agriculture systems or move existing systems towards sustainability. The primary beneficiaries of these grants are farmers and farming communities, including those involved in indigenous agriculture producing for community food systems. Academic institutions, non-profits, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), 1890 land-grant university faculty/extension cooperators, 1862 land-grant universities, other colleges and universities, and government agencies are eligible to apply, acting as facilitators for these educational initiatives. The impact goals are centered on fostering a more sustainable, resilient, and economically viable agricultural sector through knowledge dissemination and practical application. Education Grants prioritize projects that clearly articulate what is being taught, to whom, and how the goals will be accomplished. Focus areas include experiential learning (demonstrations, on-farm tours, field days, workshops), integrative approaches (conferences, seminars, course curriculum), and reinforcement methods (fact sheets, bulletins, videos, online technologies). SSARE also encourages proposals on quality of life topics, such as heirs property, farmers’ markets, food hubs, local/regional processing, and urban agriculture systems, emphasizing the social health of farming systems. Expected outcomes include the adoption of sustainable agriculture practices, enhanced farmer innovation, increased community resilience, improved business success for agricultural enterprises, and greater agricultural diversification. Projects should yield results that are realistic, acceptable to farmers, logical, and capable of leading to tangible actions and benefits described in the proposal. The grant projects are strictly focused on education and outreach, with no research component, and are paid by reimbursement of allowable expenses. The foundation's strategic priorities are evident in the grant requirements, which mandate that project outcomes focus on sustainable agriculture systems and clearly demonstrate how education and outreach efforts will be implemented and evaluated. The theory of change underpinning this program is that by providing targeted education and outreach, knowledge and best practices will be transferred to farmers and communities, leading to the development and widespread adoption of sustainable agricultural methods and improved quality of life within farming systems. Project maximums are $50,000, with a duration limited to two years. Applicants from the Southern region, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, are eligible. Farmers involved in these projects must have farming/ranching as their primary occupation or part-time farming with at least $1,000 of documented annual income from their operation, with exceptions for indigenous agriculture.

This funding opportunity supports 4K preschool providers in South Carolina to create arts-integrated learning experiences for young students and provide professional development for teachers, particularly in designated counties.

Women in Philanthropy (WiP) is the Giving Circle Fund of the Eastern Carolina Community Foundation, offering an annual grant opportunity to nonprofit organizations. This program directly aligns with the foundation's broader mission by empowering WiP to support initiatives that improve lives across specific communities. The grants are designed to address critical needs within the foundation's service area, which includes Chesterfield, Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Marion, Marlboro, and Williamsburg counties in South Carolina. The grant program targets organizations focused on improving lives by addressing health, nutrition, and prevention/care needs for victims of violence, neglect, and poverty. The primary beneficiaries are individuals and families residing in the specified counties who are experiencing these challenges. The overarching impact goal is to foster healthier, more secure, and stable communities by supporting the essential work of local nonprofits dedicated to these causes. The program's priorities are clearly defined, centering on health, nutrition, and support for vulnerable populations. This includes preventing and caring for victims of violence, neglect, and poverty. The focus areas are integral to the foundation's strategic priorities, likely stemming from a theory of change that posits that by investing in these areas, systemic improvements in community well-being can be achieved. The grants are intended to be a catalyst for positive change in the lives of those most in need. Expected outcomes include tangible improvements in the health and nutritional status of beneficiaries, increased access to preventative care, and enhanced support systems for victims of violence, neglect, and poverty. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided text, the requirement for grants to be utilized fully within one year suggests an emphasis on timely and impactful implementation. The maximum grant amount of $7,000 per grant further indicates a focus on supporting a range of projects that can demonstrate clear, achievable results within a defined timeframe, contributing to the foundation's overall strategic objectives.

The 2025 Community Grants program, offered by the Community Foundation for the CSRA, invites applications from organizations dedicated to serving individuals in specific counties of Georgia and South Carolina. This program directly aligns with the Foundation's mission to support various community needs, encompassing arts/culture/history, education/youth enrichment, health/environmental, and people in need. The Foundation seeks to foster innovative and high-quality programs that deliver positive, tangible impacts within these strategic areas, ultimately aiming for community betterment and individual empowerment. The target beneficiaries for this grant program are individuals residing in Aiken and Edgefield counties in South Carolina, and Burke, Columbia, Richmond, and McDuffie counties in Georgia. The Foundation aims to achieve significant impact goals, such as enhancing cultural and historical engagement, providing educational and enrichment opportunities for disadvantaged children, youth, and adults, improving health and environmental outcomes, and offering essential human services to vulnerable populations. Through these grants, the Foundation intends to address critical community challenges and improve the quality of life for residents in its service area. The program prioritizes several key areas. In arts, culture, and history, it encourages innovative and high-quality initiatives. For education and youth enrichment, the focus is on programs that provide educational opportunities and skills training for disadvantaged individuals, including job skill training, after-school programs, leadership development, tutoring, GED, and literacy initiatives. Within health and environmental, the Foundation supports areas such as environmental research, animal services, sustainable gardens, medical clinics, drug rehabilitation, and programs for individuals with disabilities and mental illness. Finally, the "People in Need" category broadly supports human service programs, including those addressing hunger, housing insecurity, financial assistance, homelessness, and re-entry programs for recently incarcerated individuals. The expected outcomes of the Community Grants program include a measurable increase in access to educational resources, improved health indicators, enhanced cultural participation, and greater support for vulnerable populations. For instance, educational programs are expected to lead to improved literacy rates or job placement success. Health initiatives anticipate better access to medical services or environmental conservation efforts. Programs for people in need are expected to provide stable housing, food security, or financial independence. The Foundation's theory of change posits that by investing in these critical areas through local organizations, it can foster a stronger, more resilient, and equitable community for all residents within its geographic focus. Requests for funding should not exceed $15,000 to maximize the reach of the grants.

The Riverton Charitable Fund (RCF) has announced a new 2024 grant opportunity, established in 2021 in collaboration with the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry. RCF's mission is to foster charitable interests among Riverton Pointe residents, members, and friends to enhance community spirit and leverage resources for greater impact. This grant program directly aligns with the foundation's mission by providing a structured avenue for giving that benefits the local community, specifically Jasper County. The program's purpose is to provide grants that assist neighbors in Jasper County, respond to those in need, and offer resources to improve residents' lives, reflecting a clear commitment to local well-being and community development. The target beneficiaries for this grant program are families and individuals in Jasper County who are affected by poverty. The impact goals are to address the challenges of poverty by focusing on critical areas such as food insecurity, education, and community support. By providing grants to qualified area non-profits, RCF aims to create tangible improvements in the lives of these residents. The program is designed to be a direct response to identified community needs, with a clear intention to uplift and support the most vulnerable populations within Jasper County. The priorities and focuses of these grants are specifically directed towards interventions that address the effects of poverty. This includes initiatives combating food insecurity, programs enhancing educational opportunities, and efforts that build and strengthen community support networks. RCF’s theory of change appears to be that by strategically funding non-profits working in these critical areas, they can catalyze positive change, reduce the burdens of poverty, and ultimately improve the quality of life for families in Jasper County. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in terms of quantifiable outcomes, the program emphasizes providing grants up to $5,000 to non-profits that can demonstrate an ability to address the stated needs. The expected outcomes include a reduction in food insecurity, improved educational access and attainment, and a more robust community support system for those experiencing poverty. The foundation's strategic priorities are evident in its exclusion criteria, which clearly define what it will not fund (e.g., fellowships, scholarships, religious/political programs, individual grants, overhead costs), thereby ensuring resources are directed towards direct community benefit and program implementation rather than administrative or non-charitable endeavors.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations that provide stable housing and empower low- and moderate-income communities, focusing on vulnerable populations such as working families, youth, seniors, and veterans.

The South Carolina Arts Commission is offering the ArtsNOW Schools Advancement Grants of $10,000 to $100,000 over three years to ArtsNOW Partner Schools in South Carolina, to support arts integration, professional learning, curriculum mapping, and planning through innovative practices.

The Opportunity Grants by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, offering up to $10,000 for a 12-month period, are designed to stimulate and support new or existing programs, projects, or capital investments of nonprofit organizations serving Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton, and Jasper Counties in South Carolina, excluding general operating support, religious, political activities, and scholarships among others.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and government agencies focused on improving health and well-being for families, particularly children and their caregivers, in Spartanburg County, South Carolina.

This funding supports Southern nonprofit organizations and government entities in enhancing their artistic programming and professional development through travel and training opportunities.

The Central Carolina Community Foundation is offering a grant to charitable, educational, or faith-based organizations serving the Greater Chapin area in South Carolina, aimed at addressing critical needs, developing skills, leveraging funding, providing opportunities for underserved populations, and building community strengths, with applications due by 09/30/2024.

This funding program provides financial support to community-based organizations that empower youth aged 12 to 20 through established, youth-led urban greening initiatives focused on social and environmental justice in select states.

The Greenville Zoo Conservation Grants program is designed to support and promote conservation efforts that enhance the quality of life for all living things, directly aligning with the foundation's mission of promoting conservation and sustainability, seeking knowledge through science, and collaborating to maximize impact. This program is funded through the “Quarters for Conservation” initiative and supports both local conservation projects in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, as well as national and international endeavors. The target beneficiaries are free-ranging wildlife and their habitats, as well as communities and individuals who can be educated or empowered in conservation. The program aims for several impact goals, including the long-term survival of species in natural ecosystems, increased public awareness and appreciation of wildlife conservation issues, and the transfer of conservation skills and technology. Expected outcomes include a reduction in human-wildlife conflict, successful reintroduction programs, improved water quality, and the creation of new conservation leaders. The program prioritizes projects focusing on Field Conservation, Conservation Research, and Conservation Education. Local projects receive preferred funding, and greater weight is given to applications addressing species and habitats at risk. This strategic focus ensures that resources are directed to areas with the most urgent needs and potential for significant impact, reflecting the zoo's commitment to protecting vulnerable ecosystems and species. The funding structure includes a New Grants Program for first-time applicants, offering $300 to $1,500, and a Continuing Grants Program for established partners, providing up to $3,500. This tiered approach supports both emerging and ongoing conservation initiatives, fostering long-term relationships with successful grantees. The overall theory of change is that by investing in scientific research, education, and direct field action, the program can collectively contribute to a more sustainable future for wildlife and natural habitats.

The Gambrill Foundation focuses on supporting charitable causes that uplift and positively impact residents of Anderson County, South Carolina. Its mission aligns with organizations pursuing religious, charitable, scientific, literary, or educational purposes as defined by Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. This broad scope allows the foundation to address a variety of community needs, with a clear geographic and impact-driven approach. The target beneficiaries are residents of Anderson County, South Carolina, with an emphasis on those served by libraries, churches, universities, and colleges. The foundation aims for a measurable impact within this area, benefiting a substantial number of residents. Grantmaking priorities reflect a strategic approach, favoring capital or special projects over general operational use, and prioritizing grants that can be matched by other funding sources. This indicates a desire for sustainable and leveraged impact. The foundation's program areas are diverse, encompassing arts, culture, and humanities, education, environment, animals, health, human services, public/society benefit, and religion. This wide array demonstrates a commitment to holistic community development. The average grant size ranges from $5,000 to $15,000, with an average total annual giving of $175,000, suggesting a focus on supporting multiple impactful initiatives rather than a few large-scale projects. Expected outcomes include the measurable improvement of the lives of Anderson County residents through supported programs and services. The foundation's theory of change appears to be rooted in empowering local organizations that are well-aligned with its mission and values, and that possess the financial ability to sustain funded programs. By prioritizing matched funds and capital projects, the foundation aims to maximize the long-term effectiveness and reach of its grants, thereby fostering a stronger, more vibrant community in Anderson County.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in specific eastern U.S. states for projects that focus on human needs, environmental stewardship, education, and community vitality.

The MetLife Foundation is offering the Community Impact Grant Program, designed to bolster local grassroots organizations actively addressing the urgent needs of low-income individuals and communities heavily affected by the widening income and wealth gap. This grant program is deeply aligned with the Foundation’s overarching mission to drive inclusive economic mobility. By supporting organizations on the front lines, the program directly contributes to the Foundation's strategic priority of fostering equitable opportunities and outcomes for those most vulnerable to economic disparities. The primary beneficiaries of this program are people with low incomes and communities significantly impacted by the growing income and wealth divide. The program's core impact goal is to provide essential support and resources to these populations, helping to alleviate immediate emergencies and build long-term resilience. Through programmatic support, the Foundation aims to empower grassroots organizations to create tangible improvements in the lives of individuals and the well-being of their communities. The Community Impact Grant Program focuses on several key areas: Hunger Relief and Nutrition, Physical and Mental Well-Being, Environmental Sustainability, and Quality of Life. These focus areas reflect the Foundation's comprehensive approach to promoting holistic community health and stability. Organizations are encouraged to submit proposals that align with these areas, ensuring that the grant funding addresses critical needs and contributes to the overall theory of change, which posits that by investing in these fundamental aspects, communities can achieve greater economic mobility and improved quality of life. Expected outcomes include improved access to vital resources for low-income individuals, enhanced community well-being across the specified focus areas, and a strengthening of local non-profit infrastructures. While specific measurable results are not detailed, the grants, ranging from $5,000 to $50,000, are intended to facilitate impactful programming that addresses emergency needs and contributes to sustainable community development. The program encourages applications from organizations with authentic relationships with low-income populations, suggesting a commitment to community-led solutions and a desire for meaningful, localized impact.

This funding opportunity provides up to $5,000 to South Carolina law enforcement and code enforcement agencies to improve litter prevention and enforcement efforts.

This program provides funding for public humanities projects that engage diverse audiences across South Carolina, including urban, rural, and small-town communities.

This funding opportunity supports educators in Lancaster County, Fort Lawn, and Great Falls, South Carolina, by providing financial resources for innovative and collaborative projects that enhance student learning.