Connected Communities Grants support innovative projects that strengthen community connections and improve quality of life across the Midlands. We invest in ideas that make our region more vibrant, welcoming and connected by creating places and opportunities where people want to live, work and thrive.
Projects should increase community attachment, satisfaction and access to:
Safe places to live and work
Health care facilities and services
Quality job opportunities
Affordable housing
Safe, accessible, high-quality recreational areas
Quality arts and cultural experiences
Strong proposals introduce creative approaches, increase community engagement, demonstrate measurable impact, expand or launch new initiatives and inspire philanthropy across the Midlands.
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
Have a physical location (based on EIN address) in CCCF’s 11 county service area (Calhoun, Clarendon, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lee, Lexington, Newberry, Orangeburg, Richland, Saluda, and Sumter)
Organizations must register for and participate in Midlands Gives
Organizations can only apply for a new or expansion project at their organization
Current Connected Communities grantees can apply; the same project can only be funded a maximum of three times. If a program/project is funded more than once, the grantee matching requirement will increase annually: 1st – 20%, 2nd – 30%, and 3rd – 40%
Connected Communities Grant FAQs
Applicants may request $10,000 to $60,000 for projects completed during a one-year grant period.
Connected Communities awards are challenge grants and require matching funds from outside the applicant organization.
First consecutive year: 20 percent match
Second consecutive year: 30 percent match
Third consecutive year: 40 percent match
Up to 15 percent of the grant award may be used for general operating expenses.
September 1: Round One opens
September 30: Round One closes
Late October: Round Two opens by invitation
Mid-November: Round Two closes
January: Finalist presentations
Late January: Award notifications
March: Grant period begins
The application process includes two rounds followed by finalist presentations.
Ready to apply? Review our Before You Start page for grant requirements and application guidance. When Connected Communities Grants are open, you can access the application through our online grant portal.