University of South Carolina Upstate Foundation
Organization established to operate as a permanent foundation to accept gifts for charitable, benevolent, cultural, and educational purposed for the exclusive use and benefit of the university of South Carolina upstate.
Key facts about University of South Carolina Upstate Foundation
In short: University of South Carolina Upstate Foundation gave $2.6M across 1 grant in 2025 (avg $2.6M), mostly in South Carolina. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- EIN
- 57-0555699
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025
- Annual giving (2025)
- $2,647,924
- Grants made (2025)
- 1
- Average grant
- $2,647,924
- Median grant
- $2,647,924
- Total assets
- $23,512,973
- Primary geography
- South Carolina (100% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated September 2026.
Financial Overview
From 2025 IRS Form 990 · View filing
Total Assets
$23.5M
+22.6% YoY
Annual Giving
$2.6M
+23.0% YoY
Grant Count
1
+0.0% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$2.6M
+23.0% YoY
How University of South Carolina Upstate Foundation gives
- Giving grew 136% from 2022 to 2025. Method
From the foundation's IRS Form 990 filings. Methodology.
About University of South Carolina Upstate Foundation
Based on IRS filings
University of South Carolina Upstate Foundation is a public charity focused on Academics, based in Spartanburg, SC. IRS filing data is available from 2020 through 2025. As of 2025, the organization holds $23.5M in total assets. In 2025, it awarded 1 grant totaling $2.6M. Net investment income was $759K.
Focus Areas
Ready to take the next step with University of South Carolina Upstate Foundation?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
Grant Distribution by State
Share of the 2025 grant dollars on its one itemized grant.
States
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $516K (2021) to $2.6M (2025). In 2025 it made 1 grant totaling $2.6M.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top recipient in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was University of South Carolina Upstate ($2.6M).
Grant Size Distribution
5 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was in the $1–5M range: 4 grants of 5 (80%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| University of South Carolina Upstate Spartanburg, SC | Educational and Athletic Support | $2,647,924 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $23,512,973 | $19,186,364 | $17,481,798 |
| Revenue | $5,262,784 | $2,111,002 | $1,158,455 |
| Expenses | $3,194,538 | $2,657,394 | $1,886,937 |
| Net Investment Income | $758,701 | $163,430 | $-167,095 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS May 5, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 5, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS February 1, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS March 12, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS May 13, 2025)
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS May 12, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Leadership & Key People
Officers and directors from IRS filings
University of South Carolina Upstate Foundation is led by RJ Gimbl, Executive Director on every filing since 2022; none of the 18 officers listed in 2025 report compensation.
Officers on the 2025 filing
RJ Gimbl
Executive Director
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Cole Suzy
Chair
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Leopard Ken
Cive Chair
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Aldrich Steve
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Brown Jeff
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Bynum Judy
Secretary
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Hannon Linda
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Hodge Jakie
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jane Jennings Mary
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Johnston Scott
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kelly Cindy
Treasurer
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
McGee Terence
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Merhib Vanessa
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Randall Gary Dr
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Ruffin Claudia
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Tam Kelly
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Thompson Beth
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Young IV Thomas
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (39)
- Former: Avi Lawrence (2020–2024) — Treasurer
- Former: Craig Haydamack (2020–2024) — Board Member
- Former: Irv Wellig (2020–2024) — Board Member
- Former: Phil Feisal (2020–2024) — Board Member
- Former: Todd Horne (2020–2024) — Chair
- Former: Vanessa Merhib (2022–2024) — Board Member
- Former: Claudia Ruffin (2023–2024) — Board Member
- Former: Judy Bynum (2023–2024) — Board Member
- Former: Suzy Cole (2023–2024) — Vice Chair
- Former: Cindy Kelly (2024) — Secretary
- Former: Jakie Hodge (2024) — Board Member
- Former: Jeff Brown (2024) — Board Member
- Former: Kelly Tam (2024) — Board Member
- Former: Ken Leopard (2024) — Board Member
- Former: Linda Hannon (2024) — Board Member
- Former: Randall Gary (2024) — Board Member
- Former: Steve Aldrich (2024) — Board Member
- Former: Thomas Young IV (2024) — Board Member
- Former: Ann Angermeier (2020–2023) — Vice Chair
- Former: Charles Hodge (2020–2023) — Board Member
- Former: David Miller (2020–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Karen Calhoun (2020–2023) — Board Member
- Former: C. Todd Horne (2023) — Chair
- Former: Jeffrey Brown (2023) — Board Member
- Former: Tom Young (2023) — Board Member
- Former: Erica Brown (2020–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Garth Warner (2020–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Jay Kaplan (2020–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Joanne Labounty (2020–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Kenneth Darr (2020–2022) — Vice Chair
- Former: Kimberly Jolley (2020–2022) — Executive Director
- Former: Ralph Brendle (2020–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Tina Stevens (2020–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Louise Connell (2022) — Board Member
- Former: Chris Dorrance (2020–2021) — Board Member
- Former: Landon Cohen (2020–2021) — Board Member
- Former: Marion Crawford (2020–2021) — Board Member
- Former: Max Metcalf (2020–2021) — Board Member
- Former: Meredith N. Brunen (2020) — Executive Director
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Frequently asked questions about University of South Carolina Upstate Foundation
How much does University of South Carolina Upstate Foundation give each year?
University of South Carolina Upstate Foundation gave $2.6M across 1 grant in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $2.2M across 1 grant.
How large is University of South Carolina Upstate Foundation?
University of South Carolina Upstate Foundation reported $23.5M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $5.3M.
What is University of South Carolina Upstate Foundation?
University of South Carolina Upstate Foundation is a public charity focused on Academics, based in Spartanburg, SC. It holds $23.5M in total assets as of 2025.
Where does University of South Carolina Upstate Foundation operate?
University of South Carolina Upstate Foundation has awarded grants in South Carolina.
What is University of South Carolina Upstate Foundation's EIN?
University of South Carolina Upstate Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 57-0555699. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings.
Here's the math on researching University of South Carolina Upstate Foundation by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in University of South Carolina Upstate Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Similar funders in South Carolina
Central Carolina Community Foundation
Columbia, SC
Central Carolina Community Foundation funds education, human services, health, arts and culture, community development, disaster relief, and related community initiatives through specific grant programs. Its 2025 grants had a median of $20,000, and it primarily serves 11 Midlands counties while also funding statewide and nationally. It accepts applications through its online portal during published grant periods for specific opportunities; some programs are invitation-only.
Assets
$264.3M
Grants
488
Total Given
$26.5M
Coastal Community Foundation of South Carolina Inc
N Charleston, SC
Coastal Community Foundation of South Carolina supports nonprofits and community initiatives in education, health, human services, the environment, arts, social justice, and community development across nine coastal South Carolina counties. Its 2024 itemized grants ranged from $5,057 to $2.3 million, with a median of $16,500; competitive programs accept applications through its online portal.
Assets
$435.6M
Grants
459
Total Given
$26.0M
Community Foundation of Greenville Inc
Greenville, SC
Community Foundation of Greenville funds nonprofits and projects in arts, education, environment, health, and human services, with a focus on Greenville County, South Carolina. Its 2026 Capacity Building Grants award $5,000–$12,500; 2024 grants had a median of $23,900. It accepts unsolicited requests through its Capacity Building Grants program.
Assets
$118.8M
Grants
346
Total Given
$26.4M
South Carolina Christian Foundation
Spartanburg, SC
The foundation funds Christian ministries, churches, and quality-of-life organizations, with particular attention through its Community Trust Grants to Christian nonprofits in five South Carolina counties. Its 2024 grants had a median of $15,000, though awards varied widely; most grant dollars went to South Carolina, with additional funding in other states. Community Trust applicants must submit a Ministry Introduction Form and be invited to apply; the profile does not state whether other requests are unsolicited.
Assets
$45.4M
Grants
285
Total Given
$11.6M
Spartanburg County Foundation
Spartanburg, SC
The Spartanburg County Foundation funds nonprofits and community groups serving Spartanburg County residents, with priorities including quality of life, education, economic mobility, and organizational capacity. Its itemized 2025 grants had a median of $15,500; listed programs offer awards of up to $10,000–$35,000.
Assets
$280.4M
Grants
227
Total Given
$19.0M
United Community Bank Foundation
Greenville, SC
United Community Bank Foundation funds economic empowerment, arts, housing and youth development in communities served across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. Its 2025 grants ranged from $250 to $16,000, with a median of $2,000. It does not accept unsolicited requests; grants go to preselected organizations.
Assets
$12.6M
Grants
235
Total Given
$505K
Milliken & Company Charitable Foundation
Spartanburg, SC
The Milliken & Company Charitable Foundation supports arts and economic development, inclusion, health and sustainability, and education and STEAM, in communities where Milliken operates. Most community grants are $10,000–$15,000, though reported 2025 grants ranged widely; applications are submitted online during its stated annual cycle.
Assets
$15.6M
Grants
44
Total Given
$2.8M
Community Foundation of the Lowcountry
Hilton Head Island, SC
The Community Foundation of the Lowcountry funds nonprofits working in areas such as education, health, human services, community development, arts, and the environment. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,000 to $1,234,463, with a median of $15,000; its service area covers Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton, and Jasper counties in South Carolina, with some grants limited to Hilton Head, Daufuskie, and Greater Bluffton. For competitive grants, organizations are directed to submit a Grant Inquiry Form; donor-advised fund grants are donor-recommended and have no application process.
Assets
$99.7M
Grants
193
Total Given
$9.4M
Comporium Foundation Inc
Rock Hill, SC
Comporium Foundation supports education, community welfare, civic activity, health, economic development, trails, and religious organizations, primarily in South Carolina and North Carolina. Its 2024 grants ranged from $100 to $70,000, with a median of $3,625. It does not accept unsolicited requests and contributes only to preselected charitable organizations.
Assets
$20.6M
Grants
122
Total Given
$1.1M
J M Smith Foundation
Spartanburg, SC
The J M Smith Foundation supports a range of charitable organizations, including churches, human services, education, arts, and animal welfare groups, primarily in South Carolina, with some grants in nearby states. In 2026, grants ranged from $200 to $28,200, with a median of $2,000. It funds only preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$908K
Grants
102
Total Given
$539K
The Sunshine Foundation Inc
Barnwell, SC
The foundation supports organizations working in health, education, economic activity, and the environment, with most funding going to South Carolina. Its 2024 grants had a median of $1,000, though amounts ranged from $25 to $165,126. It funds only preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$13.2M
Grants
104
Total Given
$724K
Gods Goods Mt Pleasant
Mt Pleasant, SC
GODS GOODS MT PLEASANT supports preselected charities working in areas such as Christian education and ministry, community development, and services for people facing poverty or abuse. Its 2025 grants ranged from $750 to $10,000, with a median of $5,000; most funding went to South Carolina, with smaller amounts awarded in several other states. It does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$201K
Grants
105
Total Given
$467K
More Funders in South Carolina
University of South Carolina Upstate Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?