No. Because of the high volume of inquiries we receive and our efforts to create an equitable process for everyone interested in applying, we are unable to accept requests for phone calls or meetings about potential grant projects.

We would love to have phone conversations with everyone interested in applying. However, we are a small staff that receives a very high volume of inquiries from nonprofits throughout the state. The LOI process for Systems Change Grants and application process for Community Engagement Grants are the most efficient and equitable ways for us to hear from everyone. If we need additional information to help us determine next steps, we will contact you.

You can reach out at any time for 1.) technical support and/or 2) questions about your organization’s alignment with the Moral and Social Teachings of the Catholic Church. We will respond within two business days.

No. Although we are a faith-based organization, we believe it is vital to our mission to collaborate with organizations rooted in justice, courage, respect and compassion — these values are not exclusive to faith-based organizations. Diversity makes us stronger and more effective in our commitment to serving people experiencing poverty in South Carolina.

We recognize and acknowledge that earlier intervention, especially educational attainment among children and young adults, is critical for overall upward mobility. However, in South Carolina, the efforts being poured into our children are being diminished when people enter the workforce and are faced with wages that are too low, benefits that don't meet their needs, affordable housing that is unavailable and health care that is too expensive. For this reason, the Foundation feels called to focus our funding on adult populations.

Note that projects that serve the whole family are eligible to apply. Ineligible projects are ones that only serve children and youth.

Yes! In fact, we encourage organizations to request general operating support if their organization’s mission and work align with the Foundation’s mission and grantmaking criteria. However, if only a portion of your work aligns with our mission, we recommend your application and funding request be specific to how you serve people experiencing poverty.

Yes! You can find webinar recording, slides and Q&A on our website.

Sometimes. Grantee partner organizations can be located outside South Carolina if they are serving South Carolina communities. If an organization serves several states, we can only support the portion of the work happening in South Carolina.

No. As of January 2026, our former funding categories are not available.

Yes. The proposed work needs to be different than the already-funded project, and the fiscal sponsor relationship should be explained in the application.