GCCF: Community Impact Grants - Innovation

The GCCF Community Impact Grants - Innovation supports groundbreaking initiatives that drive significant change in Greenwood County. With funding of up to $50,000, this competitive grant encourages collaboration and creativity to tackle systemic challenges or enhance community well-being. Proposals should demonstrate a unique value and the potential for lasting impact, making this opportunity ideal for organizations that align with the foundation's mission to foster a thriving community.

NOTE: The Innovation Grant cycle occurs biennially and was offered in 2025. This grant cycle will open again in 2027.
The Innovation Grant supports creative ideas that foster strategic change within the Greenwood County community. This Grant generates collective excitement due to its originality and courageous approach to addressing root causes of systemic problems or deficiencies, or by contributing to a healthy, thriving community. Successful proposals will stretch the imagination and enrich lives. Collaboration and partnerships among organizations are expected and essential to assure lasting impact and success.
Innovation Grants are unique among those awarded by GCCF. Awards are for larger amounts and are more competitive than in our annual Community Impact grant cycles. Proposals will be considered for awards up to $50,000 total, to be disbursed within a single year or as a multi-year commitment, in this biennial grant cycle.

Eligibility

Grants are for organizations located in Greenwood County or for direct benefit to residents of Greenwood County.Grants are awarded to organizations with 501(c)(3) or other tax-exempt status. Grants are made to specific programs and projects.Grants may be made to existing programs or start-up programs.All applicant organizations must confirm compliance with the Greenwood County Community Foundation’s Non-Discrimination Policy: “… the Foundation will consider applications from organizations that do not discriminate in their delivery of programs or services on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, ancestry, age, medical condition, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law.  It is not the intent of this policy to deny support for programs that serve specifically defined populations”.Expenses charged against this grant may not be incurred prior to the start date of the grant

Ineligibility

GCCF does not offer loans or grants to individuals.Grants are not for endowment, sponsorships, or fundraising events. Duplication of existing services is to be avoided.Funding provided by the Foundation may not be used to participate or intervene in political campaigns or to support an attempt to influence legislation except to the extent that such activities are permissible under IRS rules for 501(c)(3) charitable organizations.