Together SC celebrates the legacy of Madeleine McGee: A Champion of the SC Nonprofit Sector

After nearly 14 years of service as President & CEO of Together SC, Madeleine McGee will step down on September 26th. Together SC celebrates her leadership and the collective impact she fostered within South Carolina’s nonprofit sector, its 900+ members, and the many partners who have been part of this journey. Madeleine’s tenure has marked a period of growth and transformation, establishing a legacy that will inspire the sector for years to come.

A Legacy of Growth and Collaboration

Under Madeleine’s leadership, Together SC experienced significant growth, expanding from 300 members in 2011 to over 900 nonprofit, philanthropic, and corporate sector members by 2024. The organization’s budget grew from $433,000 in 2011 to over $1 million today, with a staff of six dedicated to providing support, advocacy, and resources to its members.

Madeleine’s success was built on the principle of collaboration. Together SC, alongside its philanthropic partners, corporate allies, and nonprofit members, worked to advance the sector in meaningful ways.

Recognizing the importance of competitive wages and benefits in attracting and retaining talent, Together SC, in collaboration with numerous philanthropic partners, conducted the 2022 Nonprofit Compensation and Benefits Study, the first such study in a decade. Nearly 500 organizations participated, providing invaluable data on wages and benefits across the sector. The results revealed significant disparities, highlighting the need for ongoing investment in nonprofit staff and ensuring the sector remains competitive in the workforce.

One of Madeleine’s proudest achievements was the creation of the Association Healthcare Plan, a partnership with Marsh McLennan Agency and BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina. This plan now covers over 500 lives, ensuring that nonprofits across the state can provide critical healthcare benefits to their employees.

Equally important was the launch of the Carolina Leadership Seminars (CLS) in 2016, a leadership development program for executive directors. With support from the Sisters of Charity Foundation of SC. In its 8th year CLS has served over 150 South Carolina leaders, helping them build their capacity to lead with confidence and clarity. This program has become a trusted resource for nonprofit executives across the state.

“Madeleine McGee’s visionary leadership has transformed South Carolina’s nonprofit sector, elevating it as a vital force for positive change,” said Paige Stephenson President and CEO of United Way of the Piedmont.

Elevating the Sector Through Partnership and Advocacy

Madeleine’s work to elevate South Carolina’s nonprofit sector extended beyond her own leadership to the collective efforts of Together SC’s members and partners. Through events like the South Carolina Nonprofit Summit, the largest nonprofit gathering in the state, Together SC has brought together leaders, funders, and experts to address key issues, share best practices, and strengthen the sector’s capacity. This annual conference has grown in impact and influence, reflecting the increasing professionalism and systemic change focus within the sector.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Madeleine worked alongside funders, corporate allies, and nonprofit leaders to secure critical support for South Carolina’s charitable organizations. Together SC played a key role in advocating for the SC CARES Act Nonprofit Relief Grant Program, which provided $25 million in grant funding to 686 organizations across the state. This collaborative effort ensured that nonprofits could continue serving their communities during a time of unprecedented need.

“Madeleine has been a force for good in South Carolina in so many ways, not the least of which has been her commitment to amplifying the collective voice of South Carolina’s non-profit sector through advocacy. Seeing that South Carolina lacked a statewide infrastructure for collaborating on advocacy across sectors, Madeleine convened the state’s advocacy leaders; invested in building the capacity of emerging non-profit advocates; and developed productive relationships with state policymakers that are yielding great results for the sector,” said Ann Warner, Interim CEO, International Center for Research on Women.

A Vision Fulfilled: Growing Together

Looking back on her tenure, Madeleine reflects, “I’ve witnessed a powerful transformation in the nonprofit sector. Today, individuals with lived experience are driving the work of nonprofits, leading to more profound and meaningful impacts on our communities.”

Her vision of a connected, collaborative nonprofit sector has been realized through strong partnerships with funders, corporate supporters, and peer networks. Together, they have advanced critical issues, including leadership development, employee benefits, and advocacy for nonprofit rights. Madeleine is particularly proud of the strategic plan and core values that have guided Together SC’s work, ensuring that the organization remains a vital resource for South Carolina’s nonprofits.

Honoring Madeleine’s Legacy – Allies For Good

As Madeleine McGee steps down, Together SC’s Board of Directors invites community members, nonprofit leaders, corporate partners, and philanthropic allies to honor her legacy by donating unrestricted funds to Together SC. These contributions will help sustain the work that Madeleine and her team have championed, ensuring that South Carolina’s nonprofit sector continues to grow and thrive.

About Together SC

Together SC is South Carolina’s only statewide association dedicated to supporting, strengthening, and uniting the nonprofit and philanthropic sector. With over 900 members, Together SC provides resources, advocacy, and a platform for collaboration among organizations working to improve their communities. Under Madeleine McGee’s leadership, Together SC has become a vital force for good in South Carolina. For more information on how to contribute, please visit Together SC’s website.