Google contributes over $2.5M to local and state organizations in 2024

Google and Google.org awarded nearly $2.5 million in grants to 11 local and state community organizations in South Carolina in 2024. The grants are part of the company’s commitment to advancing technology, STEM education and sustainability efforts.

The recipients of last year’s grants include:

• Berkeley County Chamber Rural Community Centers
• Berkeley County School District Schools
• Communities in Schools of South Carolina
• Community Resource Center, Summerville
• Dorchester County School District Four Schools
• Dorchester County School District Two Schools
• Lowcountry Land Trust
• South Carolina Office of Resilience Hurricane Helene Disaster Relief
• The South Carolina Aquarium
• Trident Technical College
• Voorhees University/Denmark Technical College

“We believe local organizations play a pivotal role in enhancing the lives of the community members they serve,” said Amber Tillman, Head of Google Data Centers Public Affairs. “Google has called South Carolina home since 2007 and we are proud to support those driving positive change. These recipients align with Google’s commitment to advance critical initiatives and we are excited to see the positive impacts of these grants.”

The Berkeley and Dorchester County School Districts along with the Communities in Schools of South Carolina were among this year’s grant recipients. Through Google’s support, they will have better access to technology and professional development opportunities for teachers.

“We are incredibly grateful for Google’s investment in South Carolina’s future. By supporting Communities In Schools of South Carolina (CISSC), Google demonstrates the power of being present for public school students in Berkeley County,” said Jamie Cooper, CISSC President & CEO. “In addition to their financial support, volunteers have consistently shown up for students on ‘Club Days’ – and led activities like STEM Club, Spanish Club and Running Club, helping to foster meaningful connections and engagement. These efforts boost student attendance on early release days and spark curiosity and growth. By prioritizing equitable education and hands-on involvement, Google creates opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom, empowering the next generation of leaders.”

Google also aims to preserve the natural environment in communities where it operates and the Lowcountry Land Trust received grant money for the Angel Oak Preserve.

“The Angel Oak preserve is a true community effort to preserve 35 acres of land once threatened by development around Charleston’s beloved Angel Oak Tree,” said Ashley Demosthenes, Executive Director, Lowcountry Land Trust. “The expanded park will feature boardwalk trails, a nature play area for children, and educational information about the tree and native people that have held the Angel Oak sacred. We are extremely grateful for Google’s contribution to this effort to create a space that is protected from development and accessible for future generations to come.”

Google has a long-standing relationship with the state of South Carolina and is proud to support so many organizations across the state.

About Google in South Carolina

Google has called South Carolina home since 2007 when the Berkeley County Data Center was built. In 2024, Google announced the expansion of that data center and the construction of an additional data center in Dorchester County. Google data centers help power popular digital services — like Google Cloud, Workspace (which includes Gmail, Docs, Sheets and more), Search and Maps — for people and organizations worldwide. As a pioneer in computing infrastructure, Google’s data centers are some of the most efficient in the world. Google has invested more than $7.3 billion in South Carolina and supports more than 1,000 operational jobs.