Eastern Carolina Community Foundation
Eastern Carolina Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) community foundation established in 2006, headquartered in Florence, South Carolina. The organization operates as a public charity with a permanent endowment designed to meet current and future philanthropic needs across its service region. The foundation establishes and manages charitable funds that are pooled and invested to support community initiatives.
Key facts about Eastern Carolina Community Foundation
- EIN
- 20-4654550
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024
- Annual giving (2024)
- $564,727
- Grants made (2024)
- 35
- Average grant
- $16,135
- Median grant
- $15,000
- New grantees (estimate)
- 43% first-time grantees (15 of 35, 2024)
- Total assets
- $24,095,027
- Primary geography
- South Carolina (98% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to apply
- The foundation operates on an invitation-only, relationship-based model and does not accept unsolicited proposals. Full details ↓
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology). Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Eastern Carolina Community Foundation funds
By grant dollars, the top recipient states for Eastern Carolina Community Foundation's 35 itemized 2024 grants were South Carolina (98%). The most frequent recipient cities were Florence, SC (17 grants), Dillon, SC (2 grants), Columbia, SC (2 grants) and Kingstree, SC (2 grants). None of its 35 grants with a stated purpose were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Ministry" (6 grants).
Is Eastern Carolina Community Foundation open to new grantees?
43%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 15 of 35 grantees (43%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $16K; repeat grants $16K. How we count
Medians: $10K first-time, $15K repeat.
Estimate from itemized IRS Form 990-PF grant lists (2020–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Next steps with Eastern Carolina Community Foundation
- How to evaluate Eastern Carolina Community Foundation as a funder
Our grant prospecting guide: read the 990-PF, check fit, and decide whether to apply.
- Draft an LOI to Eastern Carolina Community Foundation with AI
AI grant writing that drafts from your organization’s own materials, in your voice.
- Track this opportunity in a free grant tracker
A free Google Sheets or Excel template for deadlines, award terms, and reports due.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$24.1M
+8.0% YoY
Annual Giving
$565K
-57.2% YoY
Grant Count
35
-20.5% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$16K
-46.2% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
Mission: Eastern Carolina Community Foundation improves the quality of life in its area of South Carolina through inspired philanthropy and innovative community programs.
Funding Priorities for Community Impact Grants include:
- Early Childhood & Youth Development
- Mental Health & Behavioral Health
- Violence Prevention & Victim Services
- Food Security & Nutrition
- Housing & Homelessness
- Children & Families
- Seniors & Aging Services
The foundation also administers gifts, grants, and bequests to nonprofit organizations in the Pee Dee region.
Grantmaking
Review Cycle
runs March 2 – April 17 annually.
Grant Types
How to Apply
**
Ready to take the next step with Eastern Carolina Community Foundation?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation serves seven South Carolina counties:
- Chesterfield County
- Darlington County
- Dillon County
- Florence County
- Marion County
- Marlboro County
- Williamsburg County
Grant Distribution by State
Share of all 35 itemized 2024 grant dollars.
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of December 31, 2024:
- Net Assets: $10,641,575
- Total Revenue: $2,863,575
- Total Expenses: $1,038,970
- Net Income: $1,824,605
Revenue Composition (2024):
- Contributions: $634,650 (22.2%)
- Investment Income: $292,547 (10.2%)
- Sales of Assets: $1,805,209 (63.0%)
- Program Services: $131,169 (4.6%)
The foundation maintains audited financial statements and files Form 990 annually with the IRS.
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $24,095,027 | $22,303,512 | $16,875,107 |
| Revenue | $2,863,575 | $4,526,468 | $853,373 |
| Expenses | $1,038,970 | $1,574,802 | $707,993 |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | $2,097,756 | $255,683 | $159,319 |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
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
141 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest recipients include St John's United Methodist Church ($50,000), First Presbyterian Church of Florence ($42,500), Florence County Museum Foundation ($39,250).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| ST JOHN'S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Lake City, SC | MINISTRY | $50,000 |
| FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF FLORENCE Florence, SC | MINISTRY | $42,500 |
| FLORENCE COUNTY MUSEUM FOUNDATION Florence, SC | PROVIDE PRESERVATION, INTERPRETATION, & EXHIBITION OF SCIENTIFIC, HISTORIC, & ARTISTIC SIGNIFICANCE | $39,250 |
| PEE DEE COALITION AGAINST DOMESTIC AND SEXUAL ASSAULT Florence, SC | ASSIST VICTIMS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT, FAMILY VIOLENCE, AND CHILD ABUSE AND STRIVE TO MAKE THE LOCAL AREA SAFER | $35,750 |
| THE NAOMI PROJECT Florence, SC | PROVIDE A SAFE LIVING ENVIRONMENT FOR VICTIMS OF ABUSE AND THEIR CHILDREN | $22,000 |
| HOUSE OF HOPE OF THE PEE DEE Florence, SC | CHRIST CENTERED COMMUNITY PROVIDING HOPE & SERVING THE NEEDS OF THE HOMELESS | $21,400 |
| ANGLICAN DIOCESE OF SOUTH CAROLINA Charleston, SC | MINISTRY | $20,000 |
| TRENT HILL CENTER Hartsville, SC | YOUTH DEVELOPMENT IN DILLON COUNTY PROVIDING SERVICE AND ACTVITIES TO HELP THE YOUTH REACH THEIR FULL POTENTIAL | $20,000 |
| MCLEOD MEDICAL CENTER FOUNDATION Florence, SC | PROVIDE HEALTHCARE SERVICES TO THOSE MOST IN NEED | $19,402 |
| THE CARE HOUSE OF THE PEE DEE INC Florence, SC | A CHILDS ADVOCACY CENTER THAT IS CHILD FOCUSED TO CONDUCT INTERVIEWS & MAKE TEAM DECISIONS ABOUT INVESTIGATION, MANAGEMENT, TREATMENT, AND PROSECUTION OF CHILD ABUSE CASES | $18,000 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Executive Director: Belle Zeigler
Finance and Investment Committee:
- Conrad Seastrunk, CFP (Committee Chair) – Seastrunk Financial Management
- Charlie Abbott – Carolina Bank
- Reginald A.T. Armstrong, CPWA® – Armstrong Wealth Management
- Ed Love – King, Love, & Hupfer LLC
- David Mullins – First Reliance Bank
- John M. Scott III – Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd P.A.
- Robert M. Tilton, CPA – WebsterRogers LLP
- Caroline Jones Toniolo, CRPC – Ensemble Wealth Planning
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 IRS filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thomas Kennedy | Chair | 1 | — |
| Caroline Toniolo | Vice Chair | 1 | — |
| Conrad Seastrunk | Treasurer | 1 | — |
| Tamara Kirven | Secretary | 1 | — |
| Ricky Coxe | Trustee | 1 | — |
| Edwin Dargan | Trustee | 1 | — |
| Paul Demarco | Trustee | 1 | — |
| Brian Fast | Trustee | 1 | — |
| Luke Powers | Trustee | 1 | — |
| Julie Scott | Trustee | 1 | — |
| Dan McNiel | Trustee | 1 | — |
| Sarah Spruill | Trustee | 1 | — |
| Charisse Reichenbach | Trustee | 1 | — |
| Carrington Wingard | Trustee | 1 | — |
| Mary Finklea | Trustee | 1 | — |
| Mike Miller | Past Chair | 1 | — |
| Belle Zeigler | Current Executive Director | 40 | $90,000 |
Contact Information
Address: 154 West Evans Street Florence, SC 29501
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1615 Florence, SC 29503
Phone: (843) 667-1131
Email: info@easterncarolinacf.org
Website: easterncarolinacf.org
EIN: 20-4654550
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Eastern Carolina Community Foundation fund?
**Mission:** Eastern Carolina Community Foundation improves the quality of life in its area of South Carolina through inspired philanthropy and innovative community programs. **Funding Priorities** for Community Impact Grants include: • Early Childhood & Youth Development • Mental Health & Behavioral Health • Violence Prevention & Victim Services • Food Security & Nutrition • Housing & Homelessness • Children & Families • Seniors & Aging Services The foundation also administers gifts, grants, a…
How do I apply for a grant from Eastern Carolina Community Foundation?
The foundation operates on an invitation-only, relationship-based model and does not accept unsolicited proposals. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
Where does Eastern Carolina Community Foundation make grants?
The foundation serves seven South Carolina counties: • Chesterfield County • Darlington County • Dillon County • Florence County • Marion County • Marlboro County • Williamsburg County
What size grants does Eastern Carolina Community Foundation award?
In 2024, Eastern Carolina Community Foundation awarded 35 grants totaling $565K — an average of about $16K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
What is Eastern Carolina Community Foundation's EIN?
Eastern Carolina Community Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 20-4654550. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Does Eastern Carolina Community Foundation accept unsolicited proposals?
No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Eastern Carolina Community Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Duke Energy Foundation
Charlotte, NC
Assets
$1.9M
Grants
41
Total Given
$25.6M
Central Carolina Community
Columbia, SC
Assets
$229.7M
Grants
481
Total Given
$21.0M
Assurant Foundation
Atlanta, GA
Assets
$11.6M
Grants
1,710
Total Given
$4.0M
Betty S Campbell Charitable
Florence, SC
Assets
—
Grants
35
Total Given
$129K
Aiken Foundation Inc
Wilson, NC
Assets
—
Grants
27
Total Given
$1.9M
Foundation for the Carolinas
Charlotte, NC
Assets
$3.9B
Grants
1,605
Total Given
$609.1M
DRS Bruce & Lee Foundation
Florence, SC
Assets
$255.4M
Grants
20
Total Given
$8.4M
Spartanburg County Foundation
Spartanburg, SC
Assets
$247.9M
Grants
283
Total Given
$25.6M
Coastal Community Foundation of South
N Charleston, SC
Assets
$435.6M
Grants
459
Total Given
$26.0M
Community Foundation of
Greenville, SC
Assets
$118.8M
Grants
346
Total Given
$26.4M
South Carolina Christian Foundation
Spartanburg, SC
Assets
$45.4M
Grants
285
Total Given
$11.6M
Enterprise Holdings Foundation
Saint Louis, MO
Assets
—
Grants
9,499
Total Given
$73.1M
More Funders in South Carolina
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.