Best Columbia Grants for Nonprofits in South Carolina

Nonprofit, public, and faith-based organizations in the Midlands improving community livability and resident attachment can apply for US $10,000 - US $60,000 challenge grants to launch new or expanded projects. Focus areas include safe housing and workplaces, healthcare access, jobs, recreation, and arts, with priority for equity-focused efforts and BIPOC-led groups.

Columbia, South Carolina nonprofits and other charitable or faith-based organizations serving the Greater Chapin area can access funding through Central Carolina Community Foundation to address community service and other charitable needs. Grants of approximately US $1,000 support programs in Ballentine, Chapin, Little Mountain, Peak, Prosperity, White Rock, and nearby communities that build skills, expand opportunities, and strengthen local residents.

The Aflac Charitable Fund Competitive Grant supports local nonprofit organizations in South Carolina, focusing on health and education. Priority is given to programs aiding pediatric cancer patients and their families, as well as life skills initiatives. Organizations must comply with state regulations and can only submit one application per cycle. Previous applicants can reapply in future cycles, but declined applications do not carry over automatically. This initiative is managed by the Central Carolina Community Foundation.

The Nord Family Foundation Grant Program focuses on supporting a variety of initiatives in the areas of arts and culture, civic affairs, education, and health and social services. The foundation prioritizes projects that engage youth, strengthen communities, and address basic human needs, particularly in Lorain County, Ohio. Grants are awarded to nonprofit organizations and selected public sector activities that can demonstrate a significant impact and engagement with disadvantaged populations.

Nonprofit organizations improving health, community services, financial security, or the environment in Columbia, South Carolina can apply for regional grants of more than US $5,000. With a mission to support quality of life, TD Charitable Foundation prioritizes inclusive programs serving diverse, historically underserved, and low-to-moderate income communities in Richland and Lexington Counties.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Columbia, South Carolina working in communities where International Paper operates can seek $2,500 - $10,000 for education, hunger relief, health and wellness, disaster relief, and critical community needs. With a mission to strengthen communities, International Paper Company Foundation provides nonprofits with support for literacy, food security, environmental stewardship, and disaster preparedness projects.

Grants from TD Charitable Foundation help Columbia, South Carolina community and environmental organizations fund events and activities that positively support the community while building visibility and engagement opportunities. Eligible for-profit and nonprofit applicants in Lexington and Richland Counties can seek sponsorships that create connections with TD Bank and offer participation opportunities for bank colleagues.

Nonprofit and other charitable organizations in Columbia, South Carolina and the Midlands seeking capacity-building support for planning, governance, or infrastructure may be eligible for up to US $5,000. Central Carolina Community Foundation supports activities like strategic planning, board development, technology planning, and IDEA efforts to strengthen organizational and financial stability and long-term effectiveness.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on affordable housing, skilled trades, clean water, sanitation, or community development can access funding through grants from Ferguson in Columbia, South Carolina. Eligible applicants must be within Ferguson’s geographic footprint and based in the U.S., serving communities in its listed operating counties and parishes.

Grants from National Fish and Wildlife Foundation help Columbia, South Carolina forestry and habitat restoration projects voluntarily restore, enhance, and conserve longleaf pine and bottomland hardwood forests. Eligible on-the-ground conservation efforts in Richland or Lexington counties can apply for US $250,000 - US $3,000,000 to advance landscape-scale forest and ecosystem stewardship within the historic longleaf pine range.

Lexington Medical Center Foundation Inc

Since 1971, Lexington Health has grown and expanded to meet the needs of our community. The Lexington Health Foundation Remains Committed to Quality Care. Foundation-funded programs aim to enhance patient experiences and touch the various areas of care at Lexington Health — Patient, Employee, and Community Care.

Event and Project Sponsorship

Lexington Medical Center supports local organizations and nonprofits throughout the Midlands.

We support local events and causes that enhance the health and vibrance of our community. You can request sponsorship or other assistance for a project or event based in the South Carolina Midlands community.

The Stantec Community Engagement Grant is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in communities where Stantec operates. Focused on arts, education, environment, and health and wellness, the grant supports initiatives that foster sustainable development and responsible practices. Organizations seeking funding must align with Stantec's values, emphasizing ethical practices and community impact. Preference is given to projects located near Stantec offices, ensuring a more significant local impact through their contributions.

The Brinker International Charitable Giving Program focuses on giving back to communities through support for kids, hunger, and education. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501c(3) non-profits and submit requests at least six weeks prior to events. The program does not support individuals, political or religious organizations, or explicit discrimination policies. Funding is provided through monetary donations or in-kind contributions like dining certificates.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Columbia, South Carolina that run digital literacy or broadband education programs for families or seniors can apply for US $2,500 - US $50,000 to expand their impact. Charter Communications supports existing programs in Spectrum service areas that address the digital divide and can report clear participation and demographic metrics.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and eligible schools in Columbia, South Carolina can seek funding for STEM education, environmental sustainability, or community safety and wellness projects. Grants from Westinghouse help Lexington and Richland County groups improve STEM literacy, protect land, air, and water, and enhance overall community safety and vitality near Westinghouse sites.

Columbia, South Carolina nonprofits focused on eviction prevention and housing stability can access funding through TD Charitable Foundation’s Housing for Everyone Competition. Grants of US $1,000,000 - US $2,000,000 support innovative early-intervention programs that help low- to moderate-income renters avoid eviction, displacement, and housing loss in eligible counties including Richland and Lexington.

Columbia, South Carolina 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on economic mobility, workforce readiness, entrepreneurship, or affordable housing can access funding through Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s Neighborhood Builders Program. Selected organizations join a two-year leadership development program and receive capacity-building support if they serve eligible markets and meet revenue, stability, and leadership tenure requirements.

About

Central Carolina Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that helps generous people give back to the Midlands of South Carolina in ways that matter. Since 1984, we’ve been a trusted partner, helping individuals, families, and businesses make smart, meaningful contributions that support local nonprofits, scholarships, and community projects.

Central Carolina Community Foundation Opportunity Scholarship ($2,000)

This renewable scholarship is available for graduating high school seniors or current undergraduate students whose permanent address is in the Community Foundation’s 11-county service area (Calhoun, Clarendon, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lee, Lexington, Newberry, Orangeburg, Richland, Saluda, and Sumter). 

501(c)(3) organizations serving youth under 19 in South Carolina’s Midlands, including the Columbia area, can apply for Lipscomb Family Foundation grants to support positive youth development programs. Funding supports efforts that help young people in Calhoun, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lexington, Orangeburg, Richland, Saluda, and Sumter counties grow into healthy, responsible adults.

Nonprofit organizations in Columbia, South Carolina working on arts and culture, education, environmental sustainability, financial literacy, or health and human services may be eligible for program support or projects. Grants from First Horizon Foundation help Columbia-area 501(c)(3)s serving Lexington and Richland Counties strengthen long-term community well-being.

Qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations improving community life in Columbia, South Carolina can apply for Eastman Foundation funding to advance economic success, social well-being, and environmental integrity. Programs in Lexington and Richland Counties that provide sustainable community improvements and align with Eastman’s Code of Business Conduct may be prioritized, including efforts in basic needs, community services, and local economic development.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and qualified local government entities supporting education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, or the environment in Columbia, South Carolina may be eligible for funding that benefits Georgia-Pacific communities. Georgia-Pacific Foundation supports projects within 30 miles of its manufacturing facilities, which can include programs serving Lexington and Richland counties.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and qualified local governments in Columbia, South Carolina can use this grant to fund job-related classes and certification courses for their employees. Grants from TD Charitable Foundation help organizations serving low- to moderate-income, diverse, and historically underserved communities strengthen staff capacity in areas like financial literacy, housing, business development, and education.

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Columbia and the Midlands seeking multi-year general operating support can apply for Central Carolina Community Foundation’s General Operating Support Grants, offering up to US $30,000 for organizational needs. Organizations must have budgets under $450,000, a local physical address, prior CCCF funding, and be registered on Midlands Gives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Columbia, South Carolina seeking more than US $10,000 for education, food security, health, or mental health projects may be eligible for this annual large grant program. Grants from Spinks Family Foundation help groups serving the Upstate, Midlands, and Lowcountry regions of South Carolina with strong volunteer engagement and local facilities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations improving community life in Columbia, South Carolina can request small cash or in-kind grants for education, health, food security, addiction prevention, and other community services. With a mission to grow strong, healthy communities, Spinks Family Foundation accepts rolling applications reviewed quarterly, awarding up to US $5,000 once per organization per year.

The Knight Foundation Advised Fund supports innovative projects that enhance democracy and community engagement in Columbia, SC. With grant amounts typically not exceeding $75,000, it focuses on revitalizing downtown areas and riverfront development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) charities or similar entities serving Columbia or Richland County. The foundation prioritizes civic engagement, smart design, and the arts to foster inclusive public life, while avoiding funding for debt reduction, capital campaigns, or projects with discriminatory practices.