Lancaster County Community Foundation Grant Cycle

The Lancaster County Community Foundation Grant Cycle supports local initiatives that enhance the community through strategic grantmaking. With grants ranging from $1,000 to $3,500, priority is given to projects in arts, education, health, housing, and human services. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and governmental entities serving Lancaster County residents. The Foundation emphasizes measurable results and effective use of funds, while avoiding projects that fall outside their defined funding priorities.

The mission of the Lancaster County Community Foundation is to inspire philanthropy and strengthen our community by supporting initiatives that address local needs and providing quality services to donors and constituents.
The Board of Trustees supports their mission through the annual competitive grantmaking program. The Foundation is an investor in the community and is interested in creating the highest possible levels of community gain, focused on improving the lives of Lancaster County citizens.
Community Investment Guidelines:
To decide how to invest the limited dollars of the Foundation, the Board will look for effective programs and strategies that strive to support the Investment Areas listed below. Programs that are capable of attaining measurable results receive higher consideration. Grant requests are reviewed with the following questions in mind:

• What results are we investing in?What are the chances we will get results?Is this the best possible use of money?
• Result and Investment Areas

Grants will be awarded to benefit a broad range of charitable purposes with an anticipated award range of $1,000-$3,500 per grant. Priority will be given to requests for projects and programs that address:

• Arts & Culture.Education: Higher Education & Workforce Development.Education: K-12.Health - including mental health.Housing.Human Services.Environment.

Eligibility

Grants must be awarded to eligible organizations including 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, congregations, governmental and educational institutions for projects that will serve the residents of Lancaster County, SC. If the organization conducting the project is not an eligible organization, a grant can be applied for under the fiscal sponsorship of an eligible organization.

Ineligibility

The following areas do not fall within Lancaster County Community Foundation’s current funding priorities:Capital campaign requests.Debt retirement/deficit funding or expenses incurred prior to grant award decisions.Direct support of individuals (e.g. scholarships, hardship).Endowment funds.Travel and conferences.Publication of books.Projects that are typically the funding responsibility of federal, state or local government.Sponsorships or fundraisers.Please note, the following areas are ineligible for funding:Projects that promote political or religious views.Political or lobbying activities.