Lowcountry Ministries Fund

Geographic Scope: Allendale, Hampton, Colleton, Jasper, rural parts of Beaufort, and Charleston counties in South Carolina

Background: The Lowcountry Ministries Fund was created in response to the fatal attack on a Bible study class at Charleston's Emanuel AME Church on June 17, 2015.

Purpose: Address issues of social justice and economic empowerment in mostly underserved areas of the six-county region.

Focus Areas: Grants will give priority to eligible applicants that address the following:

• Children, youth, and schools
• Health and access to care
• Economic empowerment
• Food and nutrition

Managed by: The Palmetto Project in cooperation with The Honorable Rev. Clementa C. Pinckney Foundation

Funding Type: One-time grants to eligible organizations

Eligible Applicants

• Tax-exempt organizations: 501(c)(3) organizations, religious entities, or public agencies currently operating in the six-county service area
• 501(c)(3) organizations must include a copy of their IRS letter indicating non-profit status and financial statements for the two most recently completed fiscal years
• Previously funded applicants may apply
• Single lead organization must apply on behalf of coalitions or partnerships

Eligibility Restrictions

Not eligible:

• Individual grants
• Scholarship funds
• Foundations
• Applicants not currently operating in the designated service area

Religious organizations: Grants cannot be used for worship or normal church operation purposes. Funds can be used for activities that a religious organization sponsors that directly benefit the wider community and do not generate profit for the religious activities of the church.

Governmental agencies and schools: Costs associated with ongoing administration, programming, or normal operations cannot be funded. However, activities that benefit the community and do not generate operating income are acceptable. Public school or classroom applications should come through the school district.

Priority considerations:

• Start-up projects or programs can be considered, but may not receive the same priority as existing ones
• Activities that increase the capacity of a community to address the four focus areas are most likely to be funded

Contact Information

Community Liaison: Chris Williams

• Phone: 843-266-5690
• Email: LMFund@palmettoproject.org

Charleston Office:

• 6296 Rivers Avenue, Suite 100
• North Charleston, SC 29406
• Tel: (843) 577-4122
• Fax: (843) 723-0521
• charleston@palmettoproject.org

Columbia Office:

• 4500 Fort Jackson Blvd. Suite 150
• Columbia, SC 29209
• Tel: (803) 779-4875
• columbia@palmettoproject.org

How to Apply

Step 1: Submit Letter of Intent (LOI)

• Deadline: March 31, 2023 (postmarked)
• Submission method: Email to LMFund@palmettoproject.org or mail to Chris Williams at the Charleston office address
• Contact: Chris Williams, cwilliams@palmettoproject.org, 843-266-5690

Step 2: Staff Review

• The Palmetto Project staff will review your LOI to ensure compliance with instructions, including financial health and track record of applicant organization
• If everything is in order, no further action needed; LOI automatically becomes an application
• If LOI does not adequately comply, it will not be forwarded to the task force

Step 3: Task Force Evaluation

• Your application will be submitted to an independent task force of volunteer evaluators with ties to the six-county service area

Step 4: Notification and Additional Materials

• If your LOI is accepted, you will be notified by Wednesday, April 10th to submit additional information and materials

Step 5: Award Decision

• Funds will be allocated in the summer
• Award Deadline: May 31, 2023
• Expenditure Deadline: Funds must be expended within 12 months of award date (no later than June 30, 2024)

Letter of Intent (LOI) Requirements

Format:

• Length: Up to 5 pages (excluding budget and financial statements)
• Font: Times New Roman, 12-point
• Margins: 1 inch
• Line spacing: 1.15 or higher

Required Sections: