ECCO announces Stephanie M. Kelley Legacy Fund to honor former director’s impact and leadership
September 2, 2026
East Cooper Community Outreach (ECCO) announced the establishment of the Stephanie M. Kelley Legacy Fund, created to honor former Executive Director Stephanie Kelley’s nine years of extraordinary leadership, vision and dedication to ECCO and the neighbors it serves.
The fund is designed to carry Kelley’s impact forward by creating a consistent, sustainable source of income to strengthen ECCO for generations to come. Gifts to the fund will be invested and allowed to grow, generating earnings that can support ECCO’s programs, projects, equipment, infrastructure and other evolving organizational needs.
“Stephanie dedicated herself to helping our neighbors weather life’s challenges with dignity, hope and compassion,” said Danny Rowland, Past President of ECCO’s Board of Directors. “Under her leadership, ECCO expanded its impact, strengthened its foundation and changed countless lives. This fund gives us an opportunity to ensure that the spirit of service she embodied continues to support our community for generations to come.”
Kelley’s tenure marked one of the most significant and impactful periods in ECCO’s history. The Stephanie M. Kelley Legacy Fund recognizes her service while investing in the organization’s future. During her nine years of leadership, Kelley:
Led the Beyond Our Walls Campaign, which included a complete renovation of ECCO’s facility and strengthened the organization’s ability to serve its neighbors.
Championed the addition of mental health services, expanding ECCO’s ability to address the whole-person needs of the community.
Spearheaded the creation of ECCO’s Mobile Office, extending the organization’s reach and creating stronger connections with neighbors in rural communities.
Increased the number of new ECCO neighbors served by 128%, significantly expanding the organization’s reach and impact in the community.
Established and overseen by ECCO’s Board of Directors, the fund is unrestricted, giving the organization the flexibility to plan strategically, build reserves and respond to evolving needs. The fund will remain open year-round, allowing donors to make gifts in Kelley’s honor at any time.
To launch the fund, ECCO has secured a dollar-for-dollar matching gift opportunity of up to $1 million through Oct. 2, 2026. During the matching period, every gift made to the Stephanie M. Kelley Legacy Fund will have twice the impact toward building this permanent source of support for ECCO.
“No gift is too small or large,” Rowland said. “What matters is ensuring that the spirit of service Stephanie embodied continues to strengthen our community for generations to come.”
The Stephanie M. Kelley Legacy Fund is ultimately an investment in ECCO’s mission and the neighbors it serves, helping ensure that individuals and families facing life’s challenges can continue to access assistance and resources at no cost to them when they need them most, both now and for years to come.
To learn more about the Stephanie M. Kelley Legacy Fund or to make a gift and take advantage of the $1 million matching opportunity, visit ECCOcharleston.org/smklegacyfund(opens in new tab).
ABOUT ECCO
Founded as an emergency relief effort in 1989 after the devastation from Hurricane Hugo, East Cooper Community Outreach (ECCO) has since grown into a permanent resource for the community with three main service areas: Assistance, Guidance, and Resources. Nearly two thousand families receive help through ECCO’s Wellness Pantry, Financial Assistance, Dental & Medical Clinics, Prescription Assistance, Clothing Closet, Asset Development Program, and more each year. Enhanced through personal interactions with staff who provide individualized support and coaching for each client, ECCO meets each client where they are and helps them navigate the challenges they are facing with care and compassion. ECCO is also a place where people who want to help their neighbors in need can find meaningful ways to share their time, talent, and treasure. Each year, over 1,000 neighbors give their time volunteering at ECCO. For more information about how to receive help or provide help, visit www.eccocharleston.org(opens in new tab). Follow ECCO on social media @eccocharleston for updates, photos, and more ways to get involved.
