Connected Communities Grants

What We Fund

Connected Communities projects should increase the quality of life, community attachment and satisfaction by increasing Midlands residents’ easy access to:

• Safe places to live and work
• Healthcare facilities and services
• Quality job opportunities
• Affordable housing
• Safe, proximal, high-quality recreational areas
• Quality arts and cultural events

Priority will be given to projects that promote equity, and incorporate policy, advocacy, institutional/systems change and/or social justice (equal rights, opportunity, and treatment for all). Central Carolina Community Foundation will continue to prioritize organizations outside Richland County and/or led by Black, Indigenous and people of color.

We Are Looking for Ideas That …

• Enhance community connections in the Midlands.
• Incorporate novel approaches to creating a vibrant, connected community.
• Raise public awareness of the area/region.
• Provide a measurable level of community involvement (volunteers or participants).
• Are new or expansion projects. Current programs from organizations will not be considered.
• Promote philanthropy across our region.

If your project/program relates to our criteria, we encourage you to apply.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to thoroughly review the Grant Guidelines prior to applying.

CONNECTED COMMUNITIES GRANT GUIDELINES

Eligibility Requirements

• Organizations must be determined as a charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, public entities or other charitable, educational or faith-based organizations.
• Organizations must be physically located in one of the following 11 counties in the Midlands: Calhoun, Clarendon, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lee, Lexington, Newberry, Orangeburg, Richland, Saluda and Sumter
• Organizations must register for and participate in Midlands Gives

Grant Amount

Applicants may request up to $50,000.

Funds are only available in the form of challenge grants. The challenge portion must generate an additional 30% of the award from the Community Foundation. The Foundation will not accept a transfer of internal funds or non-tangible  in-kind contributions. In addition, the challenge funds must be raised after the project starts. Participation in Midlands Gives can be used to assist in meeting the match goal.

Note: The Community Foundation acknowledges general costs are associated with operating a nonprofit. As such, grantees may allocate up to 15% of their grant award for general and administrative costs (i.e. overhead or indirect costs).

CONNECTED COMMUNITIES GRANT FAQS

Grant Process Timeline

• September 1 – September 30 — Round #1 application Open
• October 15 – November 15 — Round #2 applications open (by invitation)
•  January 10 & 11 — Round #3 Finalist Presentation (by invitation)
• February 7 – Organizations notified of application status
• Project Timeline March 1, 2023 – February 28, 2024

DOWNLOAD GRANT GUIDELINES

APPLY

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