Circle 555 women’s giving initiative presents $228K to ministries statewide

Pictured (top to bottom, left to right): Circle 555 members and grant recipients from Circle 555 Spartanburg, Circle 555 York, Circle 555 Grand Strand, Circle 555 Greenville

Circle 555, a special initiative of South Carolina Christian Foundation (SCCF), presented grants throughout the month of March to 36 ministries across the state totaling $227,927. Ministries receiving grants serve women, children, and families and support areas such as homelessness, at-risk youth, addiction recovery, foster care, adoption, school, campus ministry, and more. Counties impacted include Greenville, Spartanburg, York, Georgetown, and Horry.

Founded in 2008, Circle 555 unites women to give collectively to ministries that change hearts and lives for Christ. Currently, there are four Circle 555 giving circles statewide. Some of the ministries receiving grants this year include:

• Bel-Aire Community Partners (Greenville), a ministry that exists to know, love, and partner with neighbors by sharing the Gospel through summer camps, after-school programs, and community events.
• Camp Canaan (York), a ministry that provides specialized outdoor experiences that encourage growth in faith, including a deeper relationship with Christ and others in the environments of summer camps, retreats, and adventure programs.
• Coastal School Ministries (Grand Strand), a ministry that works in partnership with Horry County Public Schools to expose youth to Biblical principles through Released-Time Bible Education.
• FACES of Total Victory (Spartanburg), a ministry whose mission is to equip female coaches and athletes emotionally, mentally, physically, socially, and spiritually by providing specific events and resources designed to meet those needs.
• GirlUp GVL (Greenville), a ministry whose mission is to initiate early, life-changing success by empowering girls to reach their highest potential, rooted in their God-given worth and value.
• Grounds of Grace (York), a ministry that provides a safe, Christ-centered environment that encourages spiritual, professional, and personal growth to transform the lives of women.
• The Life House Women’s Shelter (York), a ministry that provides a safe shelter, a warm meal, fellowship, and a starting point on the continuum of care for homeless women and their children.
• Martha’s House (Grand Strand), a Christian transition home where formerly incarcerated women focus on recovering from drug and alcohol abuse through faith-based activities.
• Servants for Sight (Greenville), a ministry whose mission is to bring hope and healing to local and international communities through preventative and restorative eye care.
• Sidewalk Hope (Spartanburg), a mobile children’s church making weekly, year-round visits to low-income housing developments within the inner city.
• SonShine Club (Spartanburg), a ministry whose sole purpose is to share the love of Jesus Christ with adults with special needs and their caregivers
• Students in the Word (Grand Strand), a ministry whose mission is to provide an opportunity for public school students to hear the Word of Jesus Christ, to come into relationship with Him and to become disciples of Jesus.

Since its founding, Circle 555 members have gifted $1,254,313 to ministries across the state. Members donate $555 or more annually ($155 annually for women 35 years and younger). Donations are combined and members determine by vote which Christian ministries serving women, children, and families will receive a grant award each year. Circle 555 members also champion the LOOP, a Christian Giving Circle for girls in grades one – 12. Young girls donate $5.55 annually and at year-end vote to determine which ministry will receive a grant.

Circle 555 is an initiative of South Carolina Christian Foundation (SCCF). To learn more about SCCF, visit www.sccfonline.org. To learn more about Circle 555, visit www.circle555.org.

About South Carolina Christian Foundation
Established in 1997, South Carolina Christian Foundation (SCCF) was founded by a group of Spartanburg businessmen who envisioned philanthropy based on a Biblical view of generosity and raising awareness of local ministries. Staying true to its original mission, the Foundation exists to disciple the hearts of individuals through educating, advising, and connecting givers with like-minded people to transform communities and advance the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Its special initiatives include Circle 555, a Christian women’s giving circle, and Ministry to Ministries, an initiative that addresses the spiritual and emotional needs that come with ministry leadership.

Headquartered in Spartanburg, SC, South Carolina Christian Foundation has locations in Greenville and York counties, and the Grand Strand area. To learn more about the Foundation, visit www.sccfonline.org and follow us on LinkedIn or Facebook.