Opportunity Grants are Community Impact Grants with a grant request budget under $10,000. These grants are designed to stimulate and help launch new programs and projects; or to help focus, enhance, and/or expand an organization’s existing programs and services; or as an investment in a capital project which is a critical enhancement to the mission of the nonprofit organization.

These grants focus on community impact.

There will be a preference for projects or programs that support marginalized members of the communities we serve.

Opportunity Grants are available to nonprofit organizations throughout the Community Foundation’s four-county service area of Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper Counties. The grant term is typically 12 months and grants are made up to $10,000.

Eligibility

To be eligible for funding an organization must:

  • Be a nonprofit organization with a tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue code, and are not classified as a private foundation;
  • Serve the people who live and/or work in the Foundation’s four-county service area: Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper;
  • Attend an Impact Information Session at the Community Foundation (within 12 months of application due date);
  • Have a current, up-to-date profile on GuideStar or The Giving Marketplace;
  • Have a social justice statement in place.
  • Receive an Access Code with application instructions from Community Investment staff.

Additional eligibility requirements may apply.

Limitations

We generally will not consider requests for the following:

  • General operating support
  • Sectarian or religious activities
  • Political activities or organizations
  • Grants directly to individuals
  • Endowments
  • Annual fundraising campaigns
  • Special events or fundraisers
  • Scholarships for students of any age
  • Staff positions

Deadlines to Apply

The first step in the application process is to attend an Impact Information Session to learn more about our grantmaking process and determine which programs would be suitable for your organization. 

Applications deadline dates for FY 2026 are:

  • Cycle 1 - September 15, 2025 (LOI due 9/3/25)
  • Cycle 2 - March 10, 2026 (LOI due 3/3/26)

If you are interested in applying for an Opportunity Grant, please contact Debbie Cahoon at dcahoon@cf-lowcountry.org for additional information.