Community Foundation of the Lowcountry
Community Foundation of the Lowcountry is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the largest source of unrestricted philanthropic resources dedicated to South Carolina's Lowcountry region. Established in 1983 as the Hilton Head Island Foundation, it was converted to a community foundation in 1994 following the sale of Hilton Head Hospital. The organization strengthens community by connecting people, resources, and needs through grantmaking, fund management, and community leadership initiatives.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$89.9M
+12.0% YoY
Annual Giving
$7.8M
-2.1% YoY
Grant Count
132
-58.9% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$59K
+138.0% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
Mission: Strengthening community by connecting people, resources and needs.
The foundation works to enhance the quality of life for citizens in the South Carolina Lowcountry through multiple focus areas:
- Academic achievement
- Economic prosperity
- Healthy ecosystems
- Healthy people
- Social enrichment
- Vibrant neighborhoods
The organization provides community leadership through information sharing, organization development, networking, and convenings in support of the nonprofit sector in its region.
Grantmaking
Community Foundation of the Lowcountry manages over 400 charitable funds and has distributed more than $125 million in grants since 1994.
Grant Range
$1,000 to $125,000+
Review Cycle
- Pre-application support available through program staff
Grant Types
How to Apply
**
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
Community Foundation of the Lowcountry serves:
- Beaufort County
- Colleton County
- Hampton County
- Jasper County
The organization expanded its service area in 2001 from its original Hilton Head Island base to include northern Beaufort County and the additional counties listed above.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of June 2024:
- Total assets: $89,904,103
- Total revenues: $16,716,723
- Total expenses: $14,202,912
- Annual grantmaking: approximately $11 million
Historical Impact:
- Over $125 million invested in the Lowcountry area since 1994
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $89,904,103 | $80,288,803 | $75,355,203 |
| Revenue | $16,716,723 | $13,824,137 | $27,760,510 |
| Expenses | $14,202,912 | $15,079,799 | $12,116,291 |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | $1,269,222 | $1,118,351 | $2,246,267 |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
200 grants across all recorded years
Open Grants
43 open opportunities from Community Foundation of the Lowcountry
Alliance Global Partners Scholarship Grant
Community Foundation of the Lowcountry
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Scholarship Grant
Community Foundation of the Lowcountry
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Amazing Grace Sulak Scholarship Grant
Community Foundation of the Lowcountry
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for .
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
President and CEO: Aaron Falk (assumed role January 2026)
- Previously served as CEO & President of Kern Community Foundation in Bakersfield, California for four years
- Hired following a nationwide search led by the Kittleman executive search firm
Staff: The organization employs 16 staff members as of 2024.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Judi Levy | Secretary | 2 | — |
| Lynn Jennings Taylor | Board Chair | 5 | — |
| Paul Moeri | Treasurer | 2 | — |
| Tray Hunter | Vice Chair | 2 | — |
| Arno Dimmling | Director | 2 | — |
| Dafina Ward | Director | 2 | — |
| Doug Wetmore | Director | 2 | — |
| Faye Gooding | Director | 2 | — |
| Jim Wagner | Director | 2 | — |
| John C Levy | Director | 2 | — |
| Laura Bush | Director | 2 | — |
| Lloyd Feg Newtoj | Director | 2 | — |
| Stephan Evans | Director | 2 | — |
| Steve Fanelli | Director | 2 | — |
| Tom Moore | Director | 2 | — |
| Yolanda Branche | Director | 2 | — |
| Nicole Charles | Vice President for Finance | 40 | $108,650 |
| Scott Wierman | President and CEO | 40 | $276,850 |
| Mary Rooney | Vice President for Development and Donor Services | 40 | $112,650 |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
**2026 Joan and Wade Webster Community Impact Award:** Craig Ostergard named as the 2026 award winner for his volunteer work with Operation Patriots Forward Operating Base (OPFOB), a nonprofit supporting veterans, first responders, active military, and their families.
CFL Awards $506500 in Impact Grants to Eight Local ...**Leadership Transition:** Aaron Falk hired as new President and CEO, effective January 2026, following the departure of previous leadership.
**Current Hiring:** The organization is actively recruiting for a Vice President of Finance and Administration position to lead financial operations and core administrative functions.
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Data last updated April 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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