Responding to community needs is a keystone for our work to improve the lives of Spartanburg County residents. The Foundation does this in many ways. Our grantmaking provides financial support for nonprofit organizations providing direct services needed in our community. We provide several services to nonprofit organizations, helping them strengthen their ability to meet the needs of individuals and families across Spartanburg County. We also facilitate broader community efforts to meet specific needs.
2023 Grantmaking
The Foundation’s Community Impact Fund grantmaking extensively supported nonprofit organizations county-wide. Thirty-three organizations received grants during our competitive grant cycles. The Gallery of Philanthropy in the Robert Hett Chapman III Center for Philanthropy hosted an exhibit of grantee spotlights from December 12-22. If you missed it, click to view the first half of the exhibit, and click here to view the second half.
The digital exhibit spotlight is also an opportunity to highlight the work of the Foundation’s interns as Nathaly Hansana, a senior at Converse University who will graduate in May, created our Grantee Spotlight social media campaign and converted into our interactive digital exhibit. Nathaly has provided excellent support for our team, building our communications strategies and helping our finance team with record-keeping duties.
Tanya Velichko is also a senior and will finish her Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Western Governors University this month. She has provided multiple levels of support to our Finance Team, processing scholarships, grant requests from fundholders, and inter-fund transfers.
These interns have brought strong skills, a willingness to learn, and great work ethics to their positions with us. The Foundation’s internship program continues to provide real-world experience for students and capacity support for multiple areas of our operations.
This year, the Foundation and donors to our Just Because Fund provided grants to ten organizations during Just Because Day events, where donors participated in grant distributions while learning more about the recipient organizations and their local impact.
Just Because grants were also awarded during our annual Thankful For You breakfast. Dr. Chandra Hopkins provided an inspirational message and words of thanks to those who help meet the needs of Spartanburg County residents every day.
2023 NONPROFIT SERVICES
The Foundation provides a variety of services to local nonprofits. Free and reduced-fee use of facilities in the Center for Philanthropy is just one.
The Robert Hett Chapman III Center for Philanthropy on the Spartanburg County Foundation campus is a resource for all. When it was finished in 2021, it provided much need space for Foundation staff and began providing meeting space for nonprofits. Now, six staff members are located in the Center along with Upstate Warrior Solution, Strategic Spartanburg, Beauty Marks for Girls, Liberty Fellowship, and Project Hope Foundation as full-time tenants.
The Gallery of Philanthropy is where the public is invited to learn more about our community through interactive kiosks and information unavailable elsewhere.
Several unique gallery exhibits drew many new visitors to the Center in 2023. The Educators Appreciation Exhibit held in September was a way to acknowledge the extraordinary work of our teachers and educators. If you missed it, click here or on the image above.
The Center and gallery are open from 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM throughout the year. Though you may visit any time, we encourage you to call before coming to explore the kiosks (864-582-0138), as we may move them while events are held in the gallery.
Did you know? Nearly 3,000 people visited the Center this year. More than 50 different nonprofits have used the Center this year and over 30 have used it multiple times.
Nonprofit Connect is the monthly lunch-and-learn session provided by the Foundation to give nonprofit organizations an opportunity to receive valuable training, discuss local and national trends, share organizational updates, and network. Participants receive techniques and information that will further assist them in fulfilling their mission and identify possible collaborations.
Coming Soon – Our next Nonprofit Connect will be held January 26th in our Center for Philanthropy! Register now for Tips & Tools for the New Year.
MEETING COMMUNITY NEEDS TOGETHER
A joint effort with community members making gifts and grants to the effort, the Foundation’s work, and funding support from the State of South Carolina and a grant from the SC Department of Archives and History has met the phase one funding need for the Save Walnut Grove Campaign.
Phase 1 of the Save Walnut Grove Campaign successfully met its $1.5 million goal. We expect work to start on the Manor House in early 2024. We have entered Phase 2 of our fundraising goal to build the endowment for the historic site. We encourage you to consider a gift to the maintenance fund endowment.
The Foundation was delighted that The Post and Courier covered the Massey/Foster family reunion at the historic site, bringing attention to the unique and special relationship between the Moore and Foster families. Read more about it here.
Each year, the Foundation highlights opportunities for donors to support the work of the Spartanburg County Foundation by sharing Donor Opportunities. We are committed to improving the lives of Spartanburg County residents by promoting philanthropy, encouraging community engagement, and responding to community needs. Established in 1943, the Spartanburg County Foundation is the oldest community foundation in South Carolina. If you have not yet responded to our mailing, you can learn more about ways to support our work by clicking here.
Through grantmaking, providing services to nonprofit organizations, and facilitating collective efforts when community needs are identified, the Spartanburg County Foundation continues its 80 year history of responding to community needs to improve the lives of Spartanburg County residents.
Confirmed in compliance with National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations.