Eastern Carolina Community Foundation
Eastern Carolina Community Foundation is a public charity based in Florence, South Carolina. Founded in 2006, it serves seven counties in the Pee Dee region and supports local communities through grants, scholarships, and other charitable distributions.
Eastern Carolina Community Foundation at a glance
In short: Eastern Carolina Community Foundation gave $565K across 35 grants in 2024 (avg $16K), mostly in South Carolina. 43% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $564,727
- -57.2% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 35
- -20.5% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $16,135
- -46.2% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $15,000
- Total assets
- $24,095,027
- +8.0% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 43% first-time grantees (15 of 35, 2024)
- Primary geography
- South Carolina (98% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Eastern Carolina Community Foundation
- Review Cycle
- The 2026 Community Impact Grants deadline is April 17, 2026. The 2026 Women in Philanthropy Grants deadline is June 29, 2026.
- Deadline
- The 2026 Community Impact Grants deadline is April 17, 2026.
- Contact
Mailing address: 154 W Evans St, Florence, SC 29501
Phone: (843) 667-1131
Website: https://easterncarolinacf.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Eastern Carolina Community Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was St John's United Methodist Church ($50K). Together the top 10 received $288K.
Grant Size Distribution
141 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 132 grants of 141 (94%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation serves Chesterfield, Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Marion, Marlboro, and Williamsburg counties in South Carolina. In 2024, 98% of grant dollars went to recipients in South Carolina and 2% to recipients in North Carolina.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 35 itemized grants.
States
Cities
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 grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2020–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $176K (2020) to $1.3M (2023). In 2024 it made 35 grants totaling $565K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| 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 |
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Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $24,095,027 | $2,863,575 | $1,038,970 | $564,727 | 35 | $2,097,756 |
| 2023 | $22,303,512 | $4,526,468 | $1,574,802 | $1,318,720 | 44 | $255,683 |
| 2022 | $16,875,107 | $853,373 | $707,993 | $391,313 | 26 | $159,319 |
| 2021 | $17,714,699 | $1,240,315 | $799,726 | $360,598 | 21 | $352,333 |
| 2020 | $13,316,625 | $1,900,473 | $429,884 | $175,845 | 15 | $101,434 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation’s mission is to improve quality of life in its area of South Carolina through inspired philanthropy and innovative community programs. Its Community Impact Grants support local nonprofits with capacity building and operational needs, with stated priorities including youth development, mental and behavioral health, violence prevention and victim services, food security, housing, children and families, and services for seniors.
Examples of grantees’ work include Florence County Museum Foundation, whose stated mission is to support fine arts for the Florence County Museum; The Naomi Project, which works with women experiencing domestic abuse; and House of Hope of the Pee Dee, which states that it provides food, shelter, clothing, and other assistance to people experiencing homelessness or low income. The Care House of the Pee Dee states that it supports child abuse victims and their families through services and prevention.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, the foundation reported 35 grants totaling $564,727. Grants ranged from $5,200 to $50,000, with a median of $15,000. The largest grants included $50,000 to St. John’s United Methodist Church for ministry, $42,500 to First Presbyterian Church of Florence for ministry, and $39,250 to Florence County Museum Foundation. Other notable awards included $35,750 to Pee Dee Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Assault and $22,000 to The Naomi Project.
The Community Impact Grants are awarded through an annual competitive process. Applications of up to $10,000 may support activities such as staff training, operational support, facility improvements, equipment, technology, and strategic planning. Marketing, fundraising, endowment, sponsorships, start-up expenses, and debt reduction are listed as ineligible. Women in Philanthropy is a giving circle whose members pool resources and decide together which charities to support; awards are up to $7,000 per submission and must align with its stated priorities of health, nutrition, and prevention or care for victims of violence, neglect, or poverty.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Thomas Kennedy as chair; Caroline Toniolo as vice chair; Conrad Seastrunk as treasurer; and Tamara Kirven as secretary. Trustees listed are Ricky Coxe, Edwin Dargan, Paul DeMarco, Brian Fast, Luke Powers, and Julie Scott.
Eastern Carolina Community Foundation is led by Belle Zeigler, Current Executive Director on every filing since 2020; 1 of 17 officers listed in 2024 is compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Belle Zeigler
Current Executive Director
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$43K (2020) → $90K (2024)
Thomas Kennedy
Chair
Secretary → Vice Chair, 2022
Vice Chair → Chair, 2024
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Brian Fast
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Charisse Reichenbach
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Dan McNiel
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Edwin Dargan
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Mary Finklea
Trustee
Chair → Past Chair, 2022
Past Chair → Trustee, 2024
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Paul Demarco
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Ricky Coxe
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Sarah Spruill
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Julie Scott
Trustee
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Carrington Wingard
Trustee
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Luke Powers
Trustee
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Caroline Toniolo
Vice Chair
Trustee → Vice Chair, 2024
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Conrad Seastrunk
Treasurer
Trustee → Treasurer, 2022
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Mike Miller
Past Chair
Vice Chair → Chair, 2022
Chair → Past Chair, 2024
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Tamara Kirven
Secretary
Trustee → Secretary, 2024
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (10)
- Former: Glenn Greene (2020–2023) — Trustee
- Former: Kyle Gunter (2020–2023) — Trustee
- Former: Lane Gilpin (2020–2023) — Secretary
- Former: Tiffany Straus (2022–2023) — Trustee
- Former: Greg Hendrick (2020–2022) — Trustee
- Former: William Joe McMillan Jr. (2020–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Elizabeth Kahn (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Floyd L. Keels (2020–2021) — Treasurer
- Former: Sarah Shelley (2020) — Former Executive Director
- Former: William Bridges III (2020) — Former Executive Director
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $90K, to Belle Zeigler (Current Executive Director).
Frequently asked questions about Eastern Carolina Community Foundation
How much does Eastern Carolina Community Foundation give each year?
Eastern Carolina Community Foundation gave $565K across 35 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $1.3M across 44 grants.
What is Eastern Carolina Community Foundation's typical grant size?
Eastern Carolina Community Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $15,000, and its average grant was $16,135, across 35 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from Eastern Carolina Community Foundation that year got $16K on average.
Where does Eastern Carolina Community Foundation give grants?
Eastern Carolina Community Foundation gives mostly in South Carolina: 98% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Florence, SC (17 grants), Dillon, SC (2 grants), Columbia, SC (2 grants) and Kingstree, SC (2 grants).
Does Eastern Carolina Community Foundation give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 35 grants with a stated purpose on Eastern Carolina Community Foundation's 2024 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Ministry" (6 grants).
Who are Eastern Carolina Community Foundation's largest grantees?
Eastern Carolina Community Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include St John's United Methodist Church ($50,000), First Presbyterian Church of Florence ($42,500) and Florence County Museum Foundation ($39,250), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. Together they received 23% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Eastern Carolina Community Foundation?
Eastern Carolina Community Foundation reported $24.1M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $2.9M.
What does Eastern Carolina Community Foundation fund?
The foundation’s mission is to improve quality of life in its area of South Carolina through inspired philanthropy and innovative community programs. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Eastern Carolina Community Foundation?
Eastern Carolina Community Foundation has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check easterncarolinacf.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
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.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS November 15, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS February 15, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 15, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 15, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 17, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Live grants for the work Eastern Carolina Community Foundation funds
Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Eastern Carolina Community Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Eastern Carolina Community Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 18, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/eastern-carolina-community-foundation-morg_516e789afec74237ab10856e5a52cfea
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_204654550_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Eastern Carolina Community Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/eastern-carolina-community-foundation-morg_516e789afec74237ab10856e5a52cfea},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-18. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Eastern Carolina Community Foundation's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
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