Annual grant cycle open: Chapin Community Foundation shares thousands

The Greater Chapin Community Foundation is calling on residents to help shape the future of our community by nominating local nonprofits for grant funding. Since its founding in 2003, the Foundation has built a legacy of generosity, raising and investing more than $770,000 to strengthen the work of local organizations. To date, over $293,000 in grants have been awarded to 47+ nonprofits tackling the community’s most pressing needs.

There is no maximum grant request amount; however, the average grant awarded in the previous year was over $950. Recent grant recipients were recently celebrated with an awards reception hosted by Chapin Mayor Al Koon.  Some of the groups the foundation has benefited from include the Free Medical Clinic of Newberry, American Legion Post 193, Chapin Community Theatre, Chapin We Care Center, Boys Farm, Crooked Creek Art League, and Screaming Eagles. To receive funding, organizations must serve the Greater Chapin area of Ballentine, Chapin, Little Mountain, Peak, Prosperity, or White Rock, complete the online application, and be recognized as 501(c)(3) charitable organizations. Grant recipients were recently celebrated with an awards reception hosted by Chapin Mayor Al Koon.

Recipients develop the competencies and skills of individuals to live fuller, more productive lives in the community and provide opportunities for underserved populations. “Our goal is to support nonprofits that are building on the strengths of individuals, families, and the community as a whole. Through this grant cycle, we look forward to empowering even more people and expanding the positive impact across Greater Chapin,” said board member Paul Sadler, who is also the President and CEO of the Greater Chapin Chamber of Commerce.

The annual grant cycle is now open through September 30. “Our grants address a wide spectrum of charitable needs, providing resources to uplift and strengthen meaningful causes. Chapin has a long tradition of neighbors helping neighbors, and this program is a powerful way to extend that generosity and make a lasting difference for many,” said board chairman Joe Perrit. Other active board members include Scott Hanners, Ashley Summers, Harry Cromer, Christy Todd, vice-chair Daniel Rendelman,  Gene Robertson, Jaclynn Goings, and secretary Beth Geirhart.  The grant applications will be vetted and reviewed through mid-November and then awarded on December 11.  “The goal of the grants is to uplift and strengthen organizations that are addressing critical needs within the Greater Chapin area,” explained Chairman Perritt.

Those who wish to leave an unending legacy of generosity often consider donating to the Greater Chapin Community Foundation, an endowment publicly funded by and for residents. Each year, the foundation holds the Groundhog Ball in February, hosts an awards ceremony, acknowledges local leaders with the Bud Lewandowski Youth Philanthropist of the Year and the Louetta Slice Philanthropist of the Year Awards, and participates in the Midlands Gives drive in May.

“Donating to the Foundation is investing in the future of Chapin. Each gift received is invested and multiplied over the years so we can award more grants and help more people,” said Chairman Perritt. Learn about how to nominate a group or donate at the website at yourfoundation.org. Alternatively, you can send a recommendation for a grant to [email protected].