Opportunity Grants are available to nonprofits organizations throughout our four-county service area and have a grant amount under $10,000.

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

How 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 2025 are:

  • Cycle 1 - October 10, 2024 (LOI due 10/3/24)
  • Cycle 2 - March 10, 2025 (LOI due 3/3/25)

  • * Cycle 3 - June 10, 2025 (LOI due 6/3/25)

    * Pending Fund Availability

Impact Information Session

Selection Process

These grants are considered on an ongoing basis and do not follow a fixed review schedule. The Grant Advisory Committee meets on an as-needed basis, and typically makes a determination on a complete grant request in about four to six weeks. We encourage organizations to plan accordingly.

If you are interested in applying for an Opportunity Grant, please contact Jill Dawson for additional information.