Foundation Expands Learning Academy; Partners with Columbia College for Nonprofit Leadership Success

The Foundation has partnered with Columbia College to establish a nonprofit leadership graduate course for this fall semester. This partnership is an expansion of the Foundation’s Learning Academy, which offers free daylong workshops and training to nonprofits addressing poverty across the state. Through capacity building grants, the Foundation will pay tuition, accommodations, off-campus meals and other costs associated with the course for accepted participants.

Leadership Strategies, the graduate course, is designed to build upon an executive leader’s experience and previous learning. The course will challenge leaders to extend their learning in a variety of areas of executive leadership through theory, knowledge, case studies and discussions, and is intended to strengthen their understanding of effective leadership, both personally and professionally.

Classes will be held once a month for two consecutive days for four months, August 12-December 11, 2009. Upon completion, participants will receive three credit hours towards a graduate degree. Completed applications are due to the Foundation by June 30, 2009.
 
For more information and to apply, click here.
 
Pictured: Foundation President Tom Keith and Dr. Caroline Whitson, president of Columbia College, sign the memorandum of agreement June 9, 2009.

Foundation Awards $550,000 in Responsive Grants

Twelve organizations were awarded Responsive Grants at a luncheon on June 4. The Foundation distributed a total of $550,000 to these nonprofit and faith-based organizations addressing poverty in South Carolina.

“These organizations are relentlessly working to address poverty in South Carolina through their programs and services,” said Kevin Hall, board chair of the Foundation. “It is our hope that the funding from the Foundation will help strengthen and build their capacity to serve those in need.”

Responsive Grants are designed to address the root causes of poverty using strategic methods that allow the Foundation to work closely with grantees and develop collaborative relationships by selectively offering focused technical assistance and more intentional monitoring through site visits. Responsive Grants are awarded once a year.

For a listing of grant recipients and awards and to view pictures from the luncheon, click here.

Pictured: 2009 Responsive Grant Recipients

Upcoming Workshops

The Foundation’s Learning Academy is now accepting applications for its Grant Writing and Partnerships and Sustainability workshops, both in July.

The Grant Writing Workshop is scheduled for Wednesday, July 8. This interactive workshop provides individuals with the tools and resources for grant writing. Applications are due June 22, 2009. Apply Now.

On July 15, the Foundation’s Learning Academy will hold a Partnerships and Sustainability Workshop. This workshop will use a variety of techniques to help define partnerships and develop actual plans to use them. Applications are due June 29, 2009. Appy Now.

To learn more about workshops offered through the Learning Academy, visit the Foundation’s Web site.