Sixth year of the Connected Communities grants will fund innovative projects within the community
Columbia, S.C. — Central Carolina Community Foundation, the Midlands’ local center for philanthropy, is pleased to award $375,100 to 10 Connected Communities grant recipients. In response to two questions, “What makes residents love where they live?” and “What draws them in and keeps them there?” the 10 nonprofits will launch new projects that increase the livability of the Midlands region.
The Community Foundation’s Connected Communities grant initiative helps connect residents to their community and knits the Midlands region together. Since inception, grants totaling $2,060,721 have been awarded to support local projects.
This year’s grant recipients presented innovative ideas that embrace one or more of the following three focus areas identified by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and Gallup as the most important elements of an attractive community: Welcoming Community, which promotes and encourages open and inclusive activities and programs; Vibrant Social Offerings, which supports the availability of community events, arts and culture opportunities; and Superb Public Spaces, which enhances the beauty and physical setting of the Midlands community.
“Through the Connected Communities grant initiative, the Foundation seeks to strengthen our region by investing in our community’s assets. Each selected project encourages citizen involvement and community-wide collaboration,” says JoAnn Turnquist, president and CEO of Central Carolina Community Foundation. “We’re delighted to support creative organizations that are enriching our region.”
Connected Communities grants are funded by the Foundation’s Community Impact Endowment fund and several Field of Interest funds. These funds were established with generous gifts from visionary donors who knew their unrestricted gifts would allow the Foundation to respond to the ever-changing needs and opportunities in our region for generations. This year’s grant awards total $375,100 and will serve Fairfield, Kershaw, Lee, Lexington, Richland, and Sumter counties.
2020 Connected Communities Grant Recipients
The following projects have been approved by the Foundation and will be funded by Connected Communities grants:
For more information about Connected Communities grants, visit www.yourfoundation.org/community-impact/connected-communities or call 803-254-5601.
About Central Carolina Community Foundation:
Central Carolina Community Foundation, the Midlands’ center for philanthropy, is a nonprofit organization serving 11 counties in the Midlands by distributing grants and scholarships and linking the resources of donors, nonprofits and area leaders to communities in need. Major initiatives include the online giving challenge Midlands Gives, On the Table, Connected Communities grants, the One SC Fund, the Best of Philanthropy Awards, and annual scholarships. For more information about the Foundation, visit www.yourfoundation.org or call 803.254.5601
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