In recognition of its 75th Anniversary, The Spartanburg County Foundation and its donors awarded $75,000 in surprise grants to 23 local nonprofit organizations working to improve lives throughout Spartanburg County as a part of a special Just Because event. This act of “ambush philanthropy” not only provides assistance to nonprofit organizations, but also brings awareness to critical needs in the Spartanburg County community.
The following organizations each received a $7,500 Just Because grant from The Spartanburg County Foundation:
- Children’s Advocacy Center
- Emerge Family Therapy Center and Teaching Clinic
- Habitat for Humanity
- Hospice and Palliative Care Foundation
- Middle Tyger Community Center
- SC School for the Deaf and the Blind Foundation
- The First Tee of the Upstate
- Upstate Workforce Futures Corporation
Additionally, 15 organizations each received a $1,000 Just Because grant in honor of each graduating class of the Grassroots Leadership Development Institute (GLDI). This seven-month leadership training program is designed to equip participants with the knowledge, skill-set, and resources to be effective in leading change throughout the greater Spartanburg County community and beyond. This year marks the 15th year of GLDI, which has graduated over 350 leaders who serve the community across many Indicator Areas. In honor of this significant milestone, the Foundation awarded a grant to a nonprofit organization where a GLDI graduate has served or currently serves.
“We are honored to be able to award $75,000 back to deserving organizations that serve the Spartanburg County community as well as recognize the significant accomplishments of GLDI graduates,” said Mary Thomas, Chief Operating Officer of The Spartanburg County Foundation. “Providing organizations with these surprise grants allows them to address current needs so they can better fulfill their missions and maximize their service to the people of Spartanburg.”
“For 75 years, the Foundation has partnered with donors, corporations, organizations, and many others to make a significant impact. This Just Because event is no different. We thank the donors, corporate partners, the City, and fundholders for contributing to this day and for helping us bring awareness to the needs of Spartanburg County,” states Troy Hanna, President and CEO of The Spartanburg County Foundation.
The Spartanburg County Foundation created Just Because grantmaking in 2014 as an opportunity to proactively address issues throughout Spartanburg County and to bring awareness to nonprofit organizations that are working diligently within the community to meet pressing needs. Just Because is unsolicited. The Foundation leverages numerous resources in order to surprise nonprofit agencies with unbudgeted grant funds, bringing awareness to their mission county-wide. If you are interested in donating to Just Because Ambush Philanthropy, visit our website at www.spcf.org or contact the Foundation (864) 582.0138.
Click here to view all photos from the special 75th Anniversary Just Because event!
Confirmed in compliance with National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations.