General Operating Support Grants

GRANT PORTAL

At a Glance

Central Carolina Community Foundation recognizes that to cultivate a community full of vitality and opportunity, nonprofits that work tirelessly to advocate for our diverse residents must be sustained. Our general operating grants support this work by investing in these nonprofits to increase their capacity to carry out their mission. In 2021, CCCF began providing multi-year General Operating Support (GOS) grants and has continued to explore ways to promote, facilitate, and increase philanthropy to create sustainable impact within our community.

WHAT WE FUND

GOS grants fund Midlands-based nonprofits from the following categories:

Black-led and Black-benefiting nonprofits located in the CCCF 11-county service area and working within the areas of arts & culture, education, or human services (food, clothing, toiletries, shelter, safety, and security).

1. Black-led and Black-benefiting is defined as follows:

1. 1. At least 50% of the population the organization serves identifies as Black/African descent AND
   2. At least 50% of the Board of Directors identifies as Black/African descent, AND
   3. The organization’s Executive Director identifies as Black/African descent OR at least 50% of the organization’s Leadership Team (senior management level) identifies as Black/African descent.

 2. Midlands-based nonprofits located in the CCCF 11-county service area with a clearly stated organization mission to serve women and girls.

1. 1. Organization’s primary programs and services should focus on building a healthy mind, body and spirit for women and girls.
   2. The organization’s mission statement must clearly state their purpose to serve women and girls.

3. Midlands-based nonprofits located in the following nine SC counties: Calhoun, Clarendon, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lee, Newberry, Orangeburg, Saluda, and Sumter.

ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

To be eligible to apply for a General Operating Support grant, nonprofits must:

1. Be determined as a charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
2. Have an annual organization budget under $750,000.
3. Have at least one person who dedicates a minimum of 20 hours a week to the organization (paid).
4. Have 501(c)3 nonprofit status for at least one year (based on date application submitted).
5. Have a physical location (based on EIN address) in CCCF’s nine priority counties (Calhoun, Clarendon, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lee, Newberry, Orangeburg, Saluda, and Sumter) OR if in Richland or Lexington Counties, the organization has a mission to serve women and girls OR is Black-led and Black-benefiting.
6. Be registered on MidlandsGives.org.
7. If funded, agree to ongoing communication with CCCF staff, completion of annual reports and assessment, and expensing all grant funds annually. There are no other restrictions placed on grant funds.

Grants Guidelines

Nonprofits are encouraged to review the grant guidelines prior to applying.

DOWNLOAD GRANT GUIDELINES

Grant Amount

$10,000 per year for up to three years ($30,000 total)

How to Apply

Application will open February 1. Prior to completing the application, please determine if your organization aligns with funding priorities and eligibility.

If eligible, organizations must complete a two-step application process which includes a Round 1 online application and Round 2 interview (by invitation).

APPLY

Timeline 

• February 1- February 28- Applications accepted
• February 2, at 11am – Register here!
• April 7 – Applicants notified of Round 1 status
• April 11, at 11am- Round 2 info session
• April 17 (9am-3pm) – Hold for Round 2 interviews
• April 28 – Applicants notified of application status
• Project Timeline – June 1, 2023- May 31, 2026

For further information, please contact Trimease Carter at 803-254-5601 x315 or by email.

These grants are made possible through funding from:

• CCCF Community Impact Fund: to support CCCF community impact grants.
• CCCF Field of Interest for the Arts: to support the arts.
• Milford H. Wessinger Building Better Tomorrows Fund: health & human services for the needy in Lexington and Richland Co.
• Key and Penny Powell Endowment Fund: for the benefit of outreach programs to underserved children or adults in the Metropolitan Columbia area offered by Christian organizations.
•  Nell V. Mellichamp Fund: to promote music education and youth.
• Pierrine and Hootie Johnson Field of Interest Fund: for the benefit of art, music, dance, and youth
• Pied Piper Fund: for the benefit of art, music, dance, and youth
• M.B. Kahn Construction Company Fund: for the benefit of general philanthropy in the field of education
• Lester L. Bates Fund: to benefit education.
• Dove Fund for Women and Children:  to support nonprofits in the 11-county service area of CCCF that support women and children.
• Palmetto Center for Women Foundation: Support organizations that reflect the mission of Palmetto Center for Women and to put Christian principles into practice through programs that focus on building a healthy mind, body, and spirit for women & girls.