Connected Communities Grants

The Connected Communities Grants aim to enhance the quality of life in the Midlands by funding innovative projects that foster community attachment and satisfaction. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) registered and located in specified counties. Grants range from $10,000 to $60,000, requiring a challenge match of funds raised. Priority is given to projects promoting equity and community involvement, making it vital for applicants to present novel ideas that strengthen local connections and address community needs.

NOTE: If the LOI is approved, you will be invited to complete a full proposal that will be due at the second deadline.
Love Where You Live
What makes residents love where they live? What draws people to a place and keeps them there?
Central Carolina Community Foundation is working to make the Midlands more connected, vibrant, compassionate, and engaged. Connected Communities grants support this work through funding innovative ideas from nonprofit organizations that will further knit our community together. The Foundation aims to inspire organizations to engage and invest in our community and build on the community’s existing assets.
Connected Communities is a challenge grant for interesting and engaging ideas to improve the community’s quality of life and livability and increase residents’ satisfaction and community attachment. More specifically, Connected Communities grants will fund the most important elements of an attractive community as identified by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Gallup, and On the Table community surveys.
What We Fund
Connected Communities projects should increase the quality of life, community attachment and satisfaction by increasing Midlands residents’ easy access to:
Safe places to live and workHealthcare facilities and servicesQuality job opportunitiesAffordable housingSafe, proximal, high-quality recreational areasQuality arts and cultural events
We Are Looking for Ideas That …
Enhance community connections in the Midlands.Incorporate novel approaches to creating a vibrant, connected community.Raise public awareness of the area/region.Provide a measurable level of community involvement (volunteers or participants).Are new or expansion projects. Current programs from organizations will not be considered.Promote philanthropy across our region.
Challenge Grant
Applicants may request $10,000-$60,000.
Funds are only available in the form of challenge grants. The challenge portion must generate an additional 20% of the award from the Community Foundation (30% for year two projects and 40% for year three projects). The Foundation will not accept a transfer of internal funds or non-tangible in-kind contributions. In addition, the challenge funds must be raised after the project starts. Participation in Midlands Gives can be used to assist in meeting the match goal.

Eligibility

Organizations must be determined as a charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, public entities or other charitable, educational or faith-based organizations.Organizations must be physically located in one of the following 11 counties in the Midlands: Calhoun, Clarendon, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lee, Lexington, Newberry, Orangeburg, Richland, Saluda and SumterOrganizations must register for and participate in Midlands GivesThe Community Foundation acknowledges general costs are associated with operating a nonprofit. As such, grantees may allocate up to 15% of their grant award for general and administrative costs (i.e. overhead or indirect costs).

Ineligibility

Current Connected Communities grantees are not eligible to apply.Current programs from organizations will not be considered.What we will not fund:Routine operating expenses of the organizationFundraising projects—including eventsDebt reductionEndowment or capital campaignsMedical researchConference travel, underwriting or sponsorshipThe Foundation will not accept a transfer of internal funds or non-tangible in-kind contributions.