About SCF
We partner with individuals, families, businesses and corporations, nonprofit organizations, community groups, and professional advisors who share our commitment to improving the lives of Spartanburg County residents.
The Foundation manages, preserves, protects and grows over 1,100 philanthropic funds for individuals, families, nonprofit organizations and community groups. We also provide opportunities for nonprofits and community groups to strengthen their impact.
Together, we share knowledge, convene around important issues, and maximize resources available for our community.
Our Vision
All Spartanburg County residents achieve their human potential through continuous improvement in quality of life, educational achievement, and economic mobility.
Our Mission
The Spartanburg County Foundation is committed to improving the lives of Spartanburg County residents by promoting philanthropy, encouraging community engagement, and responding to community needs.
Our Latest Annual Report
Cultivating Innovation has been part of the Foundation’s work since it was founded in 1943. Read more about our efforts to nurture innovation here.
Click below to learn more about how we accomplish our mission or view our 2024-2026 Executive Summary.
Our Values
Stewardship
We value stewardship embodied in donor philanthropy, disciplined fiscal management, and respect for tradition.
Community
We value a county-wide sense of community and enhance our pivotal roles as leader, convener, knowledge source, and advocate.
Innovation
We value innovation as strategic in our work and fundamental in leveraging our local, regional, and national reputation.
Impact
We value making an impact where data illustrates need and verifies transformative change.
Equity
We value candor in addressing issues of equity and economic mobility, building a community where everyone can reach their human potential.
Staff
Our professional staff is happy to assist you with your philanthropic giving and charitable goals.
Board
The Board of Trustees consists of community members who possess diverse skills and perspectives.
Trustees Emeriti
The Foundaton honors its Trustees Emeriti, each of whom has contributed to the Foundation’s impact.
Our History
The Spartanburg County Foundation has a rich heritage of service to residents across Spartanburg County. You can learn more about this history by clicking on the images below to learn more about some of our community involvement over the last 80 years!
1943
• 1943 – Walter Scott Montgomery— founded the Spartanburg County Foundation (Foundation) • The Foundation awards scholars for a four-year scholarship for a male Spartanburg County student to attend Wofford and for a female student to attend Converse College and similar scholarship to students of the Spartanburg County Negro High School • SCF purchases Camp Croft at the request of the Spartanburg Community • The Foundation funds traffic, recreation and county school surveys, housing for veterans, and community swimming pool
1950’s and 60’s
• The Foundation hosts its first annual dinner meeting — Cleveland Hotel Governor James Byrnes guest speaker • The Foundation sponsors care packages and newsletters to soldiers in Korea (through Korean armistice), reading material to service men inducted through Selective Service • The Foundation in partnership with the Girl Scouts of the Piedmont Area Council provides funding for the cooperative development of Camp Mary Elizabeth • The Foundation provides Bibles to the graduating class of Spartanburg High School The Foundation makes grants to the arts – Festival of Christmas Music, the Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium, the Music Foundation of Spartanburg • Grants made to area high schools and colleges.
1970’s
• The Spartanburg County Foundation agreed to underwrite the cost of a preliminary survey and study of downtown Spartanburg • Westgate Mall opened on former Camp Wadsworth soil • 1975 – Vietnam conflict officially ends • 1979- The Clock Tower dedication • Scholarship awards continue • Grantmaking continues
1980’s and 90’s
• 1993 – SCF celebrates 50th Anniversary • SCF establishes Citizen Scholar Program • SCF makes largest grant for Extended Day Academic Program in School Districts • Scholarship awards continue • Grantmaking continues
2000’s
• The Foundation partners with United Way and local funders to launch what has now become Strategic Spartanburg • The Foundation invests in downtown development • The Foundation establishes Spartanburg County Out-of-School-Time Initiative • The Foundation makes second largest grant in its history to Arts Partnership. • The Foundation partners with Clemson University and the Center for Grassroots Leadership for the SC rural communities Compassion Project • The Foundation develops Strengthening Voices Initiative: Grassroots Leadership Development Institute • Mary L. Thomas awarded the Scrivner Award; First Mary L Thomas Award for Civic Leadership and Community Change awarded to Mary Ann Deku • Grassroots Leadership Development Institute Launched
2010’s
• The Spartanburg County Foundation hosts prayer vigil honor the memory of trusted community leader Emery Lorenzo Williams. • The Foundation launches Nonprofit Connect educational series for Nonprofit leaders. • The Foundation receives The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) award for Public-Philanthropic Partnerships for work with the Northside Initiative. • The Foundation celebrates its 75th Anniversary in 2018. • The Foundation provides $75,000 in funding for The Franklin School. • The Foundation expands its campus; opens the first Center for Philanthropy in South Carolina
2020’s
The Foundations provides fiduciary services to support launch of Movement 2030 which brings $100 million investment to Spartanburg County • The Foundation partners with Abundance Capital to provide donors with venture capital opportunities.