CELEBRATING 5 Years … a time to celebrate!

building

In 2019, as part of its 75th anniversary, the Foundation announced plans to build The Robert Hett Chapman III Center for Philanthropy and to establish a collaborative, shared space that enhances the Foundation’s role as convener and thought leader in the community. By combining convening facilities, state-of-the-art technology, and data-driven decision-making, the Center was to be a hub for individuals and organizations to gain knowledge and leadership tools to create transformative change.

This summer, we celebrate the 5th anniversary of the Center for Philanthropy’s opening.

Founded in 1943 as South Carolina’s first community foundation, the Spartanburg County Foundation has long been a pioneer in philanthropic leadership. It is only fitting that the Foundation continues to push the boundaries of what a community foundation can achieve, and the lasting impact it can have on the community it serves. As founder Walter S. Montgomery, Sr. stated, “little drops of water make a big pond.” The Foundation has become more than a big pond – it has become a reservoir of resources flowing across Spartanburg County. With the creation of the Center for Philanthropy, the Foundation enriched the resources that strengthen the community.

The original purpose of the Robert Hett Chapman III Center for Philanthropy was to serve as a hub for innovative data-driven solutions, thought leadership, and civic engagement that connects donors, nonprofit organizations, and all individuals of Spartanburg County with the resources and tools needed to bring about transformative change. Today, we celebrate how the Center has been fulfilling that mission.

a group of people cutting a ribbon in front of a building

The Foundation hosted the ribbon-cutting ceremony in celebration of the opening of the Center for Philanthropy in June of 2021. However, COVID-19 limited the Center’s use. We are thankful that now thousands of community members have been able to attend meetings, events, and engage with unique exhibits at the Center. We invite all community members to enjoy our beautiful Center for Philanthropy during our upcoming celebration.

If you only look at the financial statements for a Community Foundation, you’re missing about 70% of its work and value. While our 2025 year-end total assets of $345 million and the work to facilitate the flow of millions of dollars into our community each year are powerful, the presence of the Center for Philanthropy has significantly enhanced all that the Foundation offers. Since its opening in 2021, the Center has become a hub for nonprofits, whether they rent an Incubator Office in the building, attend training or special events, or use our free nonprofit meeting spaces. Nonprofit leaders are gathering in the Center, strengthening their capacity to improve our community and the quality of life for all Spartanburg County residents. Additionally, the Center has been a space for the broader community. Visitors have come to the Center for a variety of unique exhibits and outreach events, like our Community Corner chats, Estate Planning sessions, and to launch their own philanthropic activities.

In 2025, the Center welcomed more than 3,100 visitors. In the first half of 2026, we have already exceeded that number of visitors!

Join us for a drop-in community celebration on August 10th from 4:30 to 6:30 pm. Enjoy refreshments and sweet treats, guided behind-the-scenes tours, giveaways, and explore our Gallery of Philanthropy.

Please RSVP by Friday, July 31st, so that we can plan our refreshments!

Come see our center and learn more about the work the Foundation and the Center for Philanthropy are doing in the county. We love being your community foundation, Spartanburg County, and are thankful for your support. 

Learn more about the Center for Philanthropy facilities here.

Here’s a quick look at some of the many ways our community has been using the Center for Philanthropy!
people standing in front of a building with a mural on one wall
The Robert Hett Chapman III Center for Phlanthropy has become a gathering place for the community and nonprofit leaders building a brighter future for Spartanburg County
a group of people sitting in a training session
The CFP Innovation lab provides lecture-style and flexible seating for training sessions and presentations.
Community members enjoy the comfortable conversation in the CFP’s Community Corner.
The Foundation hosted a game night in the Gallery of Philanthropy.
Technology and flexibility make the CFP’s meeting rooms ideal for strategic planning.
The meeting rooms in the CFP are used regularly by Spartanburg County Foundation staff for training and planning sessions.
The Gallery of Philanthropy hosted a Revolutionary 250 exhibit and reception.
Exhibits, such as our annual Celebrating Spartanburg County Educators exhibit, build awareness about community members making a difference.
The Foundation provides networking and educational events for its fundholders in the Gallery of Philanthropy.
The CFP’s Collaboratory provided office and work space for Strategic Spartanburg during the nonprofit’s early development.
Community members received expert guidance during the free Wills Clinic, provided at the CFP in partnership with the Center for Heirs Property.
Convening – local, regional, and national leaders have come to the CFP bringing knowledge to help strengthen our community.,
Nonprofit organizations have hosted multimedia exhibits in the Gallery of Philanthropy.
The team from PROJECT R.E.S.T. worked on strategic planning in the CFP
a man making a presentation in front of a crowd
Representatives from The Post and Courier shared about their plans for expanding services to Spartanburg County residents.
GLAA members gather at the holidays to prepare gift bags and boxes for low-income elderly community members.
two women standing beside a table
Nonprofit leaders shared their information in the CFP as part of the Women Giving for Spartanburg Grants showcase
Six people standing together with one holding a certificate
Team members from World Relief graduated from Nonprofit Capacity Building Bootcamp.
Two women standing beside a digital screen
Freddie Smith was recognized in SCF’s Celebrating Black Philanthropists exhibit, nominated by Dr. Alysa Handlesman.
Traci Kennedy, Executive Director of TOTAL Ministries, , provided a status update on the work with Second Harvest to bring pallets of food boxes to Spartanburg.
a woman stands at a table with materials displayed on it
Nonprofit leaders shared their information in the CFP as part of the Women Giving for Spartanburg Grants showcase

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