Systems Change Grants

Through our grantmaking, we support nonprofits that serve South Carolina at local, regional and state levels to address root causes of poverty while honoring the dignity of every South Carolinian.
Starting in 2026, our grants focus primarily on systems change in the areas of
economic mobility, housing security and health care (with health care systems change grants by invitation only).
By focusing our efforts and going deeper on these three issues, we aim to have an even greater impact on the nonprofits and communities we serve.
Systems Change Grants fund organizations and coalitions that are working to change the policies, power structures and mindsets that cause and reinforce poverty in South Carolina. These grants specifically fund systems change that supports economic mobility and housing security.
Through these grants, we aim to generate a larger impact through more intentional funding, highly focused work and alignment across our Foundation’s activities.
What Systems Change Grants Support
Organizations that are actively working on systems change that impacts people experiencing poverty and addresses economic mobility or housing security. To see how the Foundation defines these terms, visit our Strategic Plan webpage.Organizations that are seeking to change systems at the local, regional or state level. Systems Change Grants provide up to $75,000 annually for local or regional work. State-level grants have a $100,000 maximum each year. Organizations addressing systems change in at least one of the following ways:Participating in advocacy and lobbyingFocus on changing policies, practices, processes, rules or lawsImpacting resource flows (i.e., reallocated and/or new funding streams)Holding systems accountable to their intended purpose through the above as well as through litigationAddressing unequal powerFocus on changing the distribution and dynamics of privilege, relationships and traditionOrganizing and building connections and coalitions that center community voices and perspectivesCivic engagementAffirming the dignity of people experiencing povertyFocus on changing the narrative around povertyFocus on changing attitudes, mindsets, values, belief systems, norms, mental models and paradigmsImplementing big impact, scalable, or innovative solutionsFocus on changing results, especially for groups experiencing inequitable outcomes as a result of historic and current marginalization
All grants are for one year, with the possibility of renewal up to three years based on meeting reporting requirements and the availability of funding.

Eligibility

Organizations ARE eligible to apply if they have an open 2025 grant from the Foundation.Work impacting any of South Carolina’s 46 counties is eligible.What we do fund.General operating expensesProgram-specific expensesCosts associated with capacity-building (including strategic planning, program evaluation, staff training, board development, etc.)

Ineligibility

Organizations cannot receive both a Systems Change Grant and a Community Engagement Grant from the Foundation in the same year.What we do not fund.Capital campaignsOrganizations that have been operating for less than one (1) yearIndividualsScholarships