Central Carolina Community Foundation

History

Central Carolina Community Foundation was officially incorporated on September 25, 1984, to provide stewardship for permanent endowments that enhance the lives of citizens in the Midlands. Many business leaders were involved in the process of establishing the Foundation including Arthur M. Bjontegard, John G. Boatwright, J. Willis Cantey, John L. Heins, Charles W. Knowlton, David W. Robinson, Marshall A. Shearouse and G. Cameron Todd.

G. Cameron Todd, the Foundation's first president, asked Marshall Shearouse to serve as the Foundation's volunteer executive director. Marshall brought his extensive experience as a bank trust officer and trustee of other foundations to the Community Foundation.

The Foundation began in 1984 with minimal assets, a voluntary staff and a great vision.

By 1987, the board determined that a full-time, paid executive director was needed to ensure that the Foundation met its growth potential, and Jo Mengedoht Cox was hired. In 1988, Evan and Cindy Nord made a $1 million challenge gift to the Foundation to encourage others in the community to give. The Nord’s challenge helped raise an additional million dollars which served as an early catalyst to growth. As we look back over the last 25 years, we reflect on the growth of the Community Foundation.

The first grants were awarded from the Foundation in 1989 —17 grants totaling $100,000. Today the Foundation oversees more than $79 million in assets, allowing us to distribute over $5.1 million through almost 900 grants and scholarships in fiscal year 2010.  Over the last quarter century, the Foundation has invested more than $61 million into the community thanks to the generosity and trust of our donors.

The Community Foundation has been blessed to have many talented people working with us over the years. This partnership has allowed us to create a sustainable impact through responsible giving. The Foundation measures its success in terms of the many individuals, families and corporations who have entrusted us to be stewards of their charitable interests and the many grantees we are able to support as a result of that stewardship.

Milestones 

• 1984    Central Carolina Community Foundation formed with $25,000 seed money.
• 1987    First full-time, paid executive director is hired.
• 1989    Assets surpassed $1 million and first grants are awarded.
• 1990    The Nord $1 million challenge is met.
• 1993    Assets surpassed $10 million.
• 1994    The David W. Robinson Catalyst Award is established.
• 1995    The first International Festival of Wines and Food is held.  
• 1997    Assets surpassed $25 million.
• 1998    The Kershaw County Endowment and Sumter Community Foundation funds 
               are established to serve their respective counties.
• 1999    Total funds established surpassed 100.
• 2001    The Orangeburg Calhoun Community Foundation is established to serve the two
                counties.
• 2003    The Greater Chapin Community Endowment Fund is established to serve the 
                Chapin area.
• 2004    Governor Sanford and Mayor Coble request the Foundation coordinate
                the development of a master plan for the Dept. of Mental Health Bull Street Campus.
• 2007    Foundation received largest unrestricted gift in history from the estate of
               Mary Averill Stanton Stanton. 
• 2008    Targeted our competitive grantmaking dollars to focus on three key areas: 
                Dropout Prevention, Homelessness Prevention and Illiteracy Reduction.
• 2008     Selected as one of 21 winners nation-wide in the Knight Community Information 
                Challenge.
• 2009    Selected as the first AIDS United Partner in South Carolina.
• 2010    Selected as local host organization for the national event AmericaSpeaks: Our
                Budget, Our Economy.