Daniel Island Community Fund awards grant to maintain essential programs and services
December 16, 2025
Mount Pleasant, South Carolina: East Cooper Community Outreach (ECCO) announces an awarded grant of $75,000 from the Daniel Island Community Fund for for direct assistance to ECCO’s essential services and guidance for local neighbors facing financial hardship.
The Daniel Island Community Fund (DICF) was established as a means for supporting community enhancement projects and philanthropic initiatives on Daniel Island and in the surrounding Cainhoy peninsula communities. This private 501 (c) 4 organization is financially supported by a Community Enhancement Fee on all resale transactions on the island. The structure of the DICF allows its financial resources to grow as the island grows, creating a legacy for the community for generations to come.
Founded as an emergency relief effort in 1989 after Hurricane Hugo’s devastation, East Cooper Community Outreach (ECCO) has since grown into a permanent resource providing assistance, guidance, and resources to help our neighbors navigate through life’s challenges. All programs and services strive to help neighbors find a path toward opportunity. ECCO’s ministry of “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” aims to improve the quality of life in our community in a compassionate way that respects the dignity and worth of every person.
With this grant funding from the Daniel Island Community Fund, ECCO will be able to maintain their comprehensive programs and services. This includes the assistance, essential services, and guidance for local neighbors facing financial hardship. With this funding, local neighbors can continue to receive food, financial assistance, medical and dental services, and client navigation to help move their family to a place of safety, stability and assist them in finding a path of opportunity.
“The need in our community continues to rise, with more families turning to ECCO for help each month. Thanks to this grant, we can continue expanding essential services — from food and clothing to medical and dental care — for hundreds of neighbors in Daniel Island, Huger, Wando, and Cainhoy. Our goal is not just to respond to crises, but to walk alongside each family on their journey to long-term stability. We are deeply grateful for the Daniel Island Community Fund for the opportunity to continue being a trusted source of hope and support for many in our community.” – Stephanie Kelley, Executive Director
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 four hundred local neighbors give their time volunteering at ECCO. For more information about how to receive help or provide help, visit www.eccocharleston.org. Follow ECCO on social media @eccocharleston for updates, photos, and more ways to get involved.
About Daniel Island Community Foundation
The Daniel Island Community Foundation is a nonprofit corporation duly organized under the laws of the State of South Carolina. This private 501 (c) 3 organization is financially supported by donations from Daniel Island Residents, businesses, and employees.
The Daniel Island Community Foundation was set up as a vehicle for Daniel Island Residents and Businesses to fund non-profit initiatives. A resident advisory committee has been established to assist in identifying charitable causes and organizations important to Daniel Island residents.
To learn more, visit https://dicommunity.org/
