Breaking the Cycle Grants

_NOTE: In deference to our strategic planning process, we will not be accepting any new grant inquiries or applications in 2025. We expect to conclude our planning process in June 2025 and release information regarding our future funding priorities on our website in October 2025. Current 2024 grantee partners will be eligible to renew their funding in 2025 based on meeting reporting milestones._

Breaking the Cycle grants are designed for organizations creating and sustaining pathways to economic mobility and self-sufficiency. Eligible organizations deliver proven programs that disrupt the cycle of poverty and support long-term, sustainable economic change for individuals, families and/or communities.

Funding Parameters

Organizations should request the amount that meets their needs and will make the most impact on the proposed program, taking into consideration the median grant size for grants in this focus area is typically $25,000. Staff will work with eligible applicants to determine the best request amount.

Criteria for Organizations

• A deep understanding of the complex, multi-faceted issues that surround poverty in the community they serve is reflected in the organization’s values, practices and programming.
• Programming is comprehensive and multi-layered in its approach to breaking the cycle of poverty.
  • Examples include integrated services and two-generation approaches for families.
• Programs have clear short and long-term goals, distinct indicators for success, and can clearly show how participants are moving out of poverty.
• Program is informed by research — using long-term data gathered from successful internal implementation and/or based on emerging/best practice models.
• Organization carries out effective, ongoing program evaluation and adapts based on lessons learned and participant feedback.
• Organization demonstrates effective collaboration and partnerships (both formal and informal) with other organizations.

Eligibility

_You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website._

• We provide grants to nonprofit organizations that work to reduce poverty in South Carolina.
• What we do fund.
• General operating expenses
• Program-specific expenses
• Capacity- building costs

Ineligibility

• What we do not fund.
• Organizations that do not address poverty
• Programs outside of South Carolina
• Organizations that have been operating for less than one year
• Capital campaigns
• Individuals
• Scholarships