Organizational Effectiveness

GRANTMAKING

The Foundation offers a broad grantmaking program that supports a wide variety of projects that clearly provide innovative responses to address the goals and priorities set forth by the Spartanburg Community Indicators Project with a particular emphasis in the areas of education and social environment. Each year, the Foundation sets an unrestricted grant budget to award funding to nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations and institutions that provide services to the residents of Spartanburg County.

NONPROFIT CONNECT

Nonprofit Connect provides 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.

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

In addition to providing workshops and networking opportunities for nonprofits, the Foundation provides technical assistance to nonprofit organizations serving Spartanburg County. From assisting in the creation of a request for proposal to providing knowledge and expertise in planning an event to convening individuals together around a specific issue or need, the Foundation’s staff work diligently to assist nonprofits to increase their reach and impact.

NONPROFIT CAPACITY BUILDING BOOT CAMP

The Spartanburg County Foundation and Spartanburg County Government to provide a capacity building opportunity for emerging nonprofit organizations and leaders. Through instruction, peer learning, and problem solving, leaders will be exposed to solid, practical concepts that build a foundation for a healthy, sustainable organization. Selected nonprofit organizations represented by their Executive Director and a Board Member receive training and technical Assistance in a four week program that meets once per week for an intensive look at mission, organizational structure, programming, data, stakeholder engagement, messaging and marketing, and sound financial practices.

Applications will open in the Spring of 2024.

DATA COLLECTION AND FOCUS GROUPS

The Spartanburg County Foundation created Critical Indicators in 1987, under the board leadership of John Wardlaw, to measure the quality of life in Spartanburg County. Known today as Strategic Spartanburg, this county-wide initiative presents data and engages the community in dialogue and strategy leading to positive change. Additionally, there are times when the Foundation will commission a study or hold listening sessions/focus groups to gather feedback from the nonprofits to help guide the Foundation’s work.

KNOWLEDGE SOURCE AND COMMUNITY CONNECTOR

The Foundation serves as a knowledge source and connector to nonprofits, providing nonprofits with access to additional funding opportunities, potential board members, networking opportunities, donations of in-kind office supplies/computers, potential partnership opportunities, access to national best practices, and knowledge of issues. Additionally, there are times when the Foundation assists a nonprofit in bringing people and resources together to build awareness about an issue and gather feedback.