Elevate Upstate grant applications now open for Upstate community projects
August 15, 2026
Ten at the Top has opened the 2026 application cycle for its Hughes Investments Elevate Upstate grants, giving neighborhood groups, nonprofits, civic organizations and local governments across the region a chance at seed money for projects that build local vibrancy.
Three grants of up to $5,000 each will be awarded this year. At least one is designated for a project taking place at Bridgeway Station in Mauldin. Completed applications are due to Ten at the Top by Friday, Sept. 11.
The grants are funded through a commitment from Phil Hughes and Hughes Investments Inc. and are intended to spark community-led work that strengthens a town’s sense of place. Past awards have supported public murals and sculptures, park improvements, festivals and the launch of new recurring events and programs.
To be eligible, an organization must be located in and do its work within one of the 10 Upstate counties: Abbeville, Anderson, Cherokee, Greenville, Greenwood, Laurens, Oconee, Pickens, Spartanburg or Union. Past applicants and past winners may apply again, but the proposed project must be new and different from one previously funded or submitted.
Ten at the Top has adjusted the process this year, and organizations that have applied before are encouraged to review the current guidelines. Applications are now submitted through an online form on the organization’s website, with all supporting documents uploaded there. Applicants receive confirmation once materials are received.
The review committee weighs several factors, including whether a project addresses a long-term community need, how it will be carried out and whether the organization has the staff, volunteers, partners and time to see it through. Committee members also look for projects that are interactive, open to the public, sustainable beyond the first year and able to be completed within 12 months. Projects needing more time may be extended to 18 months if the committee agrees.
Applicants will be notified whether they have advanced as finalists. Finalists must submit a presentation of no more than five slides by Wednesday, Nov. 4, and present their projects at Ten at the Top’s annual Celebrating Successes event on Nov. 18.
Ten at the Top was formed in 2009 to encourage collaboration across the 10-county Upstate region on issues such as economic growth, transportation and quality of life. The 2025 grants went to Porchfest Abbeville through the Abbeville County Chamber of Commerce, the Pacolet Landing Kayak Launch in the town of Pacolet and Bridgeway Beckons, a community gathering organized by Walt’s Waltz.
The application, the full FAQ and descriptions of past recipients are available here. Questions may be directed to [email protected].
