Central Carolina Community Foundation surpasses $1 million invested in flexible funding for Midlands nonprofits

Central Carolina Community Foundation has surpassed $1 million invested through its General Operating Support grant program, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to strengthening nonprofit organizations across the Midlands. Since launching the program in 2021, the Foundation has awarded more than $1.02 million in flexible funding that nonprofits can use where it is needed most, from retaining staff and improving technology to planning for the future and expanding their impact.

The milestone includes this year’s $300,000 investment in 10 nonprofit organizations creating opportunities, enriching lives, and strengthening communities across the Midlands. Each organization will receive $30,000 over three years, along with opportunities to learn alongside fellow nonprofit leaders.

“Every day, these organizations are helping families find housing, improving health, expanding educational opportunities, protecting the environment, and enriching our communities through the arts,” said Trimease Carter, Director of Community Impact at Central Carolina Community Foundation. “When nonprofit leaders have the flexibility to invest in their organizations, they’re better equipped to grow, adapt, and focus on the people and communities they serve.”

For organizations like Orangeburg County Community of Character, the investment provides much needed flexibility.

“This support allows us to invest not only in the programs we offer today, but in the long-term future of our organization,” said Candace Berry-Vaughn, Executive Director. “By strengthening our organization, we can continue helping young people develop the character, leadership, and sense of responsibility that will shape Orangeburg County for generations to come.”

This year’s General Operating Support grant recipients are:

• ColaJazz Foundation (Richland County)
• Dyslexia Resource Center (Richland County)
• Family Promise of the Midlands (Richland County)
• Good Samaritan Clinic (Richland County)
• Habitat for Humanity of Kershaw County (Kershaw County)
• Justice 360 (Richland County)
• Keep the Midlands Beautiful (Lexington County)
• Orangeburg County Community of Character (Orangeburg County)
• Power In Changing (Richland County)
• Shiloh Project-LIFT, Inc. (Sumter County)

These grants are made possible through the Community Impact Endowment, built over more than 40 years through the generosity of individuals, families, and businesses who have chosen to invest in the future of our region. From everyday gifts to transformative legacy donations, generations of donors have created a lasting resource that enables the Foundation to invest where it is needed most, strengthen nonprofit organizations, and respond to the evolving opportunities and challenges facing our communities.

To learn more about how to apply for grants or to make a gift to the Community Impact Endowment, visit YourFoundation.org.