Best Grants for Rural Development in South Carolina

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

South Carolina cultural nonprofits with audited expenses over $2 million can access funding through the William Randolph Hearst Foundation for arts and science programs, capital projects, and limited general or endowment support. U.S.-based museums, performing arts organizations, arts schools, and STEAM education programs serving large or underserved populations may be eligible, including those supporting rural development efforts.

South Carolina nonprofits focused on health, education, or community services can access funding through Labcorp Charitable Foundation to expand programs and services. The foundation supports efforts such as food pantries, healthcare for underserved populations, STEM education, and healthy lifestyle initiatives, with requests reviewed twice yearly in March and September.

Focused on community and environmental initiatives, this program invites accredited charities in South Carolina to seek support for humanitarian, social development, science education, and arts projects. Local organizations working on rural development, health, youth services, or disaster relief may be eligible through Roche affiliate offices managing in-country donations and partnerships.

Nonprofit and humanitarian organizations working on health, education, and disaster relief for marginalized communities, including those serving rural South Carolina, can seek support for programs improving human welfare. Semnani Family Foundation provides flexible funding for healthcare access, child and women’s health, food security, homelessness, and related social services in the U.S. and internationally.

With a mission to support charitable, scientific, medical, and educational work, Sidney Stern Memorial Trust provides South Carolina 501(c)(3) organizations with funding for programs that advance general welfare. Eligible nonprofits must use awarded funds within the U.S., which may include rural development efforts that fit these broad priorities.

Rural community groups in South Carolina working on grassroots organizing for social, economic, or environmental justice can access funding through Southern Partners Fund for small projects, capacity building, and travel. Eligible groups are self-governed by the rural population they serve and may focus on education reform, immigration rights, or voter engagement; awards are up to US $3,500.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community development, basic needs, workforce readiness, arts, environment, or inclusion in South Carolina may be eligible for sponsorship support to strengthen local communities. Bank of America Foundation supports initiatives that preserve neighborhoods, address hunger and shelter, and enhance the economic, social, and cultural life of rural and urban areas across the U.S.

Public bodies, community-based nonprofits, and Federally Recognized Tribes in South Carolina rural areas can apply for USDA Rural Development’s Community Facilities funding to develop essential community facilities. Support can cover purchasing, constructing, or improving facilities and equipment for health care, public safety, community services, education, utilities, and local food systems in eligible small communities.

Eligible rural local governments, nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes in South Carolina can obtain up to US $1,000,000 to construct or repair drinking water sources, intakes, treatment facilities, and transmission lines after emergencies. With a mission to support rural development, USDA Rural Development provides funding to communities facing droughts, floods, disease outbreaks, and other disasters.

Rural development and entrepreneurship organizations in South Carolina can receive up to US $500,000 to capitalize rural microloan revolving funds and provide training and technical assistance to microentrepreneurs. Focused on rural development, the United States Department of Agriculture invites eligible Microenterprise Development Organizations to support startup and growth for local microenterprises.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

Not-for-profit hospitals, academic health centers, area health education centers, select organizations in counties without an eligible hospital, and not-for-profit inpatient facilities in South Carolina can seek Health Care grants to improve access and outcomes. The Duke Endowment supports projects for vulnerable rural populations, including maternal and infant health, mental health, oral health, population health, and workforce development.

Nonprofit organizations, colleges, universities, and government units in South Carolina can receive support for summer K-12 arts education projects, including camps, workshops, residencies, and public art. South Carolina Arts Commission provides up to US $15,000 for programs that expand arts access, address learning loss, and may especially benefit rural or high-poverty communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on hunger, shelter, adult self-sufficiency, or community vitality programs in the U.S., including South Carolina, may be eligible for Ameriprise Community Grants. Focused on basic needs, economic and cultural development, and volunteer-driven causes, Ameriprise Financial prioritizes measurable outcomes and strong volunteer engagement, which can include rural development initiatives.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

Grants from Spartanburg County Foundation help South Carolina rural development nonprofits and tax-exempt entities strengthen quality of life, educational achievement, and economic mobility for Spartanburg County residents. Eligible 501(c)(3) and tax-exempt organizations may receive up to US $35,000 for programs like health and wellness, adult education, job training, transportation access, and household stability services.

Eligible South Carolina colleges, universities, government units, public libraries, and qualifying nonprofits in rural communities can apply for South Carolina Arts Commission’s Art of Community: Rural SC Grants, awarding up to US $5,000 for arts-based projects. Funding supports rural development through public arts engagement, skill-building, and creative projects across diverse artistic disciplines.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

Rural, community-based 501(c)(3) organizations using grassroots organizing strategies for social, economic, or environmental justice in South Carolina and other Southeastern states can seek general or project support through this grant cycle. Southern Partners Fund backs small-budget groups building local leadership, strengthening rural communities, and advancing justice-focused campaigns rather than direct services or capital projects.

South Carolina rural development and housing organizations with proven, ready-to-scale affordable housing innovations can access funding through Enterprise Community Partners and Wells Fargo’s Housing Affordability Breakthrough Challenge. Eligible nonprofits, mission-oriented for-profits, and qualified public or tribal housing entities nationwide compete for US $2,000,000 grants to expand design and construction, finance, or service delivery solutions for affordable homes.

State and territorial health agencies working on rural health care in South Carolina can access substantial federal support to strengthen rural healthcare systems through this initiative. South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services provides US $500,000 - US $3,000,000 for facility enhancements, workforce investment, and training that bolster rural health infrastructure and resilience.

Rural public entities and nonprofit organizations in South Carolina can seek funding to provide technical assistance, training, and infrastructure support for small rural businesses. With a mission to strengthen rural economies, USDA Rural Development provides grants of US $10,000 - US $500,000 for projects like business counseling, facilities, revolving loan funds, incubators, and community or technology-based economic development.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

Non-sectarian human and social service nonprofits working to help disadvantaged people become self-reliant can apply for Gupta Family Foundation support, with awards from US $5,000 - US $250,000. With a mission to empower disadvantaged individuals, Gupta Family Foundation provides smaller organizations in the U.S., including South Carolina, funding that may benefit rural development efforts.