Granting Guidelines

  • Grants are for organizations whose proposed programs or projects provide direct benefit to residents of Greenwood County.
  • Grants are awarded to organizations with 501(c)(3) or other tax-exempt status. GCCF does not offer loans or grants to individuals.
  • No more than one grant may be received by an organization within each calendar year. Grant awards (per organization) of up to $5,000 are considered. Currently the Foundation does not consider multi-year grants. (Innovation Grants are exceptions to these qualifications.)
  • Grants are made to specific programs and projects and are not for endowment, sponsorships, or fundraising events.  Grants may be made to existing programs or start-up programs. Proposals demonstrating collaboration with other organizations or unique community value are strongly encouraged. Duplication of existing services is to be avoided.
  • Expenses charged against this grant may not be incurred prior to the start date of the grant.
  • The grantee shall return to the Foundation any unused funds at the end of the grant period. If the Foundation determines the grantee has not performed as set forth in the Terms of Grant agreement or if the grantee organization loses its status as a public charity, funds shall be returned to GCCF.
  • Future funding is conditional upon the grantee providing a final report within six months of grant acceptance or within 30 days of the completion of the program or project, whichever occurs later.
  • Funding provided by the Foundation may not be used to participate or intervene in political campaigns or to support an attempt to influence legislation except to the extent that such activities are permissible under IRS rules for 501(c)(3) charitable organizations.
  • GCCF Grant Applications must be submitted using this link to create an account and complete an application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
  • All applicant organizations must confirm compliance with the Greenwood County Community Foundation’s Non-Discrimination Policy: “… the Foundation will consider applications from organizations that do not discriminate in their delivery of programs or services on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, ancestry, age, medical condition, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law.  It is not the intent of this policy to deny support for programs that serve specifically defined populations”.