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The Spartanburg County Foundation awarded $149,150 in grants to 14 nonprofit organizations working to improve the overall well-being of Spartanburg County residents. The grantees address five of the seven Spartanburg Community Indicator Areas: Cultural Vitality, Economy, Education, Public Health, and Social Environment.

Each year, The Spartanburg County Foundation Trustees set an unrestricted budget from the Community Fund and a partnership of other funds to award grants to nonprofit organizations and institutions providing services to the residents of Spartanburg County.

“Unrestricted funding is derived from the generosity of our donors. The Spartanburg County Foundation would not be able to provide financial assistance to area nonprofits without the support of the community,” said Troy Hanna, president & CEO of The Spartanburg County Foundation. “We are proud to partner with these fourteen grantee organizations that are creating positive change in Spartanburg County.”

1. BirthMatters
BirthMatters is the recipient of a $10,000 challenge grant to expand the service capacity of their community-based doulas (health workers) serving young mothers and their infant children. Two doulas will move from part-time to full-time, doubling the number of families they are able to serve. BirthMatters is an innovative home visiting model that bridges the gap between healthcare and social services to provide continuity of care for underserved women and children during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.

2. Boys and Girls Clubs of the Upstate
Boys and Girls Clubs of the Upstate is the recipient of a $15,000 challenge grant to establish two new Boys & Girls Clubs in Spartanburg District 2 schools – Mayo Elementary and Cooley Springs-Fingerville Elementary. Each after-school Club will serve up to 100 students and focus on enabling students to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens. The Boys and Girls Clubs of the Upstate is currently in 14 Spartanburg County schools.

3. Christmas in Action
Christmas in Action is the recipient of an $ 8,657 grant to assist with the Love Your Neighbor Rebuild, a program that will repair approximately 10 homes for elderly homeowners in the Whitney Heights, Southern Shops, and Willow Wood areas. Celebrating 20 years of service to the Spartanburg County community, Christmas in Action rehabilitates the houses of low-income, elderly, disabled, and otherwise disadvantaged homeowners to provide for their continued safety and independence.

4. Girls on the Run Spartanburg
Girls on the Run Spartanburg is the recipient of a $7,500 grant to establish new Girls on the Run after-school programs at High Point Academy, McCracken Middle School, and Carver Middle School. Girls on the Run inspires girls, ages 8-13 years old, to be joyful, healthy, and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running. Programs develop self-esteem, self-reliance, and decision-making skills.
5. Junior Achievement of Upstate SC
Junior Achievement of Upstate SC is the recipient of a $4,889 challenge grant to provide program materials for students, teachers, and volunteers at Meeting Street Academy, Carver Middle School, and Spartanburg Early College High School. Junior Achievement inspires and prepares young people to succeed in a global economy. Programs focus on knowledge and skills leading to economic success.

6. Northside Development Corporation
Northside Development Corporation is the recipient of a $10,000 grant to provide loan capital for the START ME Entrepreneur Program. Northside Development Corporation is striving to create a safe and strong Northside community by expanding the economic, educational, and recreational health and social opportunities for residents. The goal of START ME is to connect Northside residents to the larger Spartanburg area entrepreneurial resources with an intentional approach to uncover local entrepreneurs and give access to knowledge, mentors, and capital.

7. Project HOPE Foundation
Project HOPE Foundation is the recipient of a $15,000 grant to assist in renovating their 12,000+ square foot therapeutic clinic for children in downtown Spartanburg. Project HOPE Foundation has served the Upstate of South Carolina for nearly 20 years and strives to lead the way in providing a lifespan of services for individuals living with autism. Evidence-based treatment, behaviorally-based group sessions, and training workshops for families and professionals will be provided in the new facility.

8. Spartanburg County Historical Association
Spartanburg County Historical Association is the recipient of a $10,000 challenge grant to replace the wood shingle roof of Walnut Grove Plantation, a circa 1767 landmark of the American Revolutionary War. This project is part of a larger restoration designed to provide a holistic approach to the visitor experience at Walnut Grove Planation; from entry, through the guided tour, and in self-exploration.

9. Spartanburg Juneteenth, Inc.
Spartanburg Juneteenth, Inc., is the recipient of a $10,000 grant to assist in expanding the 2017 Spartanburg Juneteenth celebration Saturday, June 17th, at Stewart Park. The celebration educates the Spartanburg community about African American history and encourages self-development and respect for all cultures. The event is family-friendly and includes a BBQ competition, historical presentations regarding emancipation and the Civil Rights Movement, a gospel choir competition, and children’s activities.

10. SWITCH
SWITCH is the recipient of a $15,000 grant to hire a care coordinator that will aid in reducing the recidivism rates of incarcerated women that have a history or current charges of prostitution or know sexual exploitation. SWITCH’s mission is to end human trafficking and sexual exploitation in the Upstate of South Carolina through awareness, prevention, demand, intervention, and restoration. SWITCH is partnering with the Spartanburg County Detention Center to provide education on available resources and holistic case management opportunities for incarcerated women.

11. The Children’s Security Blanket
The Children’s Security Blanket is the recipient of a $13,216 grant to supplement treatment expenses, offer family support programs, and provide counseling to 10 to 15 Spartanburg County families during their child’s battle with cancer. The Children’s Security Blanket provides financial support and delivers hope to families whose children are facing cancer by connecting those in need with those who can assist.

12. United Way of the Piedmont
United Way of the Piedmont is the recipient of an $8,170 grant to expand services of the Financial Stability Initiative. The Financial Stability Initiative works to break the cycle of poverty by ensuring families have the skills and assets needed for long-term self-sufficiency. Through the Initiative’s expansion, new Benefit Banks will be opened to provide a centralized online application process for Spartanburg County residents to access programs and resources such as food assistance, health coverage, home energy assistance, and much more.

13. Upstate Family Resource Center
Upstate Family Resource Center is the recipient of a $10,820 grant to expand its Family Solutions Program that delivers early behavioral intervention to youth and families. The program provides skills to help reduce truancy, improve communication, reduce problem behaviors, and help youth to realize the importance of education. This multiple family group model enables families to work through problems together.

14. Urban League of the Upstate
Urban League of the Upstate is the recipient of a $10,900 grant to provide student incentives for its Level Up program. Level Up provides comprehensive services to foster care youth, Medicaid clients, and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) in order to prepare them for a transition out of the welfare system and into an independent and economically sustainable lifestyle. By providing structure, mentoring, job training, and other support, Level Up empowers youth to overcome barriers and build their capacity for the future.
These grants are made possible in partnership with The Spartanburg County Foundation Community Fund; William Stuart Allen Memorial Fund; Bain Foundation Trustee Initiated Fund; The Balmer Foundation, Inc. Trustee Initiated Fund; Lucile M. Cart Cancer Fund; A.K. and Louis H. Caughman Fund; Georgia Cleveland Memorial Fund; Stanley W. Converse Fund; Frank H. and Rosie C. Cunningham Fund; John and Kate Dargan Trustee Initiated Fund; Erwin N. Darrin Fund; Founder’s Fund; Alma and T. R. Garrison Fund; Harriet Smith Harris, Philip Guy Harris, and Philip Guy Harris, Jr. Memorial Fund; The Donald C. Johnston Trustee Initiated Fund; Fred Nash Fund; The Powell Family Fund; Virginia U. Russell Fund; Harry W. Sanders Fund; The Reverend Clay Turner Trustee Initiated Fund; The Emery L. Williams Memorial Fund; and the Arthur Frederick Willis Children’s Fund.